United States

New York City 

Guarionex Rodriguez, Jr

. And no, not just bagels. All types of delicious combos stuffed between layers of bread/dough in some forms.

Guarionex Rodriguez, Jr. is a Brooklyn-based Dominican-American artist whose work explores themes of community and identity through the lens of diasporic unity and niche musical movements. His passion for storytelling extends beyond art to his appreciation for sandwiches—a universal comfort food.  A DJ, photographer and artist, he's a typically busy New Yorker who depends on grabbing food quickly, depending on where he's at in the city.


"New York City is a melting pot of cultures from all over the world. It’s also one of the busiest cities where quick bites are necessary for the average New Yorker," he tells Trippin. "The evolution of New York deli’s from Italian owners, to the introduction of Puerto Rican bodegas to the shift of Mexican delis and the historical rise of Yemeni owned bodegas, this has given creativity to the New York sandwich scene."

He spends a lot of time on the go, running between photoshoots to DJ gigs, and depends on this sandwich quick pitstops for a worthy bite. "I’ve collected a list of places that captured the heart of my stomach," he says.  

From where to go on your drunken night out to the perfect spot for a breakfast date, he's got you covered. 

I’d come here every day if I lived across the street. Amazing team that works there. I come here for any daily special that’s on the menu, especially if it includes a chicken cutlet or their breaded cauliflower. Seating and the interior design is one of my favourites. Perfect place for any kind of link up for friends, dates, clients or even that random person you met from the night before because their energy was very positive.

Even though this is a pizza shop, I actually come here for their Sicilian Eggplant Parmigiana Sandwich. The pizza is very good, but the sandwich actually slaps. I always pair this with a soda or a light beer.

This place saved me on my most drunken nights. The best is the Italian hero. But really you can’t go wrong with any of the sandwiches there. I’ve watched the sunrise multiple times from their bench. Not on purpose.

A place that WILL sell out midday. When I get a chance I get the dark meat chicken. I always pair it with coconut water. The owner is the sweetest guy you’ll meet. Once all the fresh bread is sold out, he will let you know in the kindest way that the shop is very much closed.

Love their salmon sandwich. I don’t really like anything else in that area so this is a very much my go to place. It's maybe my only time to pretend I live a different kind of New York City life. Pretending I'm a local to West Village. I'll never be a local to the West Village, but if I ever do become one, I'll be here everyday. 

One of the most unique deli sandwiches in NYC. I order anything that has bulgogi in the sandwich. This is the kind of place where I'd split the sandwich with a friend I care about. Block away from Tompkins Park, perfect place to eat the robust sandwich while watching the chaotic energy.

I’ll go with ANY of their Torta selections but my go to is the Torta de Milanesa de Pollo (breaded chicken torta). Aaaaaaaaand there’s fresh juices and smoothies ready to order. A perfect combination to walk two blocks down and enjoy Sunset Park. This is where I try to catch the sunset view at the top of the park while wiping my face from all the crumbs from the torta. 

I come to Norma’s for their Ranchero sandwiches. Usually pulling up after the rave. That 6:30am walk just to get their rrrrright when they open at 7am. The freshest bread to have with any of the sandwiches. The perfect sandwich to reflect on how the night went.

The fried chicken sandwich seasoned with Hawaij takes fried-chicken to another level. Bonus points, the coffee is one of the best out there right now. They are a local and global favorite because they are always supporting good causes. 

I should be gatekeeping this. But their salmon burgers are top tier. TOP TIER. The way they season that salmon makes most deli's look bad. I'm actually here right now ordering one as I finish my list of places to go. Actually, I’m praying that this place is too far for the Trippin audience. If you’re reading this, don’t tell your friends.

Norma's Corner Shoppe

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