Corned beef and/or pastrami sandwiches are popular among diners at Gershon’s Deli.
Cindy Schultz/Times Union
For 20 years, we’ve been asking you to name and vote for your favorite sandwich shops in our annual Capital Region Top Readers Poll.
In the category’s first year, 1998, we asked for the best substore, but since then (with the exception of a five-year period beginning in 2002 when the category didn’t exist) we we inquired about all types of sandwiches.
But choosing a sandwich shop is only the first step. At Gershon’s Deli & Caterers, winner 2022, you still have to choose from 20 different sandwiches and 15 breads.
Here’s a look at the top sandwich shop winners, starting with the 2022 finalists.
After: Check out all of the 2022 Best of the Capital Region winners. | Sign up for The Best of the Capital Region newsletter.
THE BEST OF THE CAPITAL REGION
The delicatessen of Gershon
2022: Winner

A corned beef sandwich at Gershon’s Deli.
Michael P. Farrell/Times Union
Best sandwich shop: First place in 2022, 2016, 2014, 2013 and 2012; second place in 2021, 2020, 2018, 2017, 2015 and 2000; third place in 1999
Best caterer: First place in 2017, 2016, 2003 and 2002
Address: 1600 Union Street, Schenectady
Call: 518-393-0617
Website: gershonsdeli.com
THE BEST OF THE CAPITAL REGION
Pellegrino Import Co.
2022: Second place
Best sandwich shop: First place in 2021, 2020 and 2019; second place in 2022; finalist in 2018 and 2017
Best caterer: Third place in 2017 and 2016
Address: 1197 Central Ave, Albany
Call: 518-459-4472
Website: pellegrinoimporting.com
THE BEST OF THE CAPITAL REGION
Italian imports from ragonese
2022: Third place

The Vegan Special sandwich from Ragonese Imports includes roasted red peppers, grilled eggplant, olives and artichoke hearts.
Dragon imports / Supplied
Best sandwich shop: Third place in 2022; finalist in 2021
Best caterer: Finalist in 2017
Address: 409 New Scotland Ave, Albany
Call: 518-482-2358
Website: ragoneseimports.com
THE BEST OF THE CAPITAL REGION
Deli & Brew
2022: finalist

An Italian sandwich, which includes ham, salami, pepperoni from Deli and Brew
Deli and Brew / Provided
Best sandwich shop: Second place in 2019 and 2013; third place in 2014; finalist in 2022, 2021, 2020, 2018, 2017, 2016 and 2015
Address: 64 Vandenburgh Avenue, Troy
Call: 518-274-9525
Website: deliandbrew.com
THE BEST OF THE CAPITAL REGION
Half Moon Sandwich & Salad Shoppe
2022: finalist
Best sandwich shop: First place in 2018, 2017 and 2015; second place in 2016; third place in 2013; finalist in 2022 and 2020
Address: 1613 US 9, half moon
Call: 518-371-2902
Website: halfmoonsandwichshoppe.com
THE BEST OF THE CAPITAL REGION
Cardona Market

Cardona’s Market co-owners Robert, center left, and August Cardona, center right, celebrate the opening of their new store in the former Roma Foods location with the cutting of a giant sandwich on Thursday, September 23 2021, on Cobbee Road in Colonie, NY
Will Waldron/Times Union
Best sandwich shop: Third place in 2020 (Albany site); finalist in 2021 (Albany)
Best caterer: Vice-champion in 2016
Address: 340 Delaware Ave, Albany | 9 Cobbee Road, Latham | 222 Washington Street, Saratoga Springs
Website: cardonasmarket.com
THE BEST OF THE CAPITAL REGION
Andy’s Italian Cuisine and Delicatessen
Best sandwich shop: Third place in 2019
Address: 256 Delaware Ave, Albany
Call: 518-463-2754
Website: andysandsonimports.com
THE BEST OF THE CAPITAL REGION
DiBella’s Subs
Best sandwich shop: Second place in 2014 and 2012 (Albany site); third place in 2018 (Albany) and 2016; finalist in 2015 (Latham)
Address: 1235 Western Avenue, Albany | 2 Wade Road, Latham
Website: dibellas.com
THE BEST OF THE CAPITAL REGION
Genoa import
Best sandwich shop: Third place in 2017, 2015 and 2012; finalist in 2016
Best caterer: Vice-champion in 2016
Address: 435 Loudon Road, Albany
Call: 518-427-0078
Website: genoaimporting.com
THE BEST OF THE CAPITAL REGION
Subway
Best sandwich shop: First place in 2011, 2010, 2009 and 2008; second place in 2007; third place in 2001
Best sub-store: First place in 1998
Address: Multiple locations
Website: metro.com
THE BEST OF THE CAPITAL REGION
panera bread
Best place for a working lunch: First place in 2020, 2019 and 2018
Best chain restaurant: Second place in 2020; finalist in 2018, 2017 and 2016
Best vegetarian restaurant: Second place in 2020
Best place for the fastest sit-down lunch (it’s not fast food): First place in 2017
Best sandwich shop: First place in 2007; second place in 2011, 2010, 2009 and 2008
Best new restaurant: Third place in 2002
Address: Multiple locations
Website: panerabread.com
THE BEST OF THE CAPITAL REGION
Mr. Subb
Best sandwich shop: Third place in 2000
Best sub-store: Second place in 1998
Address: Multiple locations
Website: mrsubb.com
THE BEST OF THE CAPITAL REGION
Sovrana Pizza & Deli
Best Pizza: First place in 1998; second place in 1997; finalist in 2022
Best sub-store: Third place in 1998
Best home delivery pizza: Second place in 1997
Address: 63 N. Lake Ave., Albany
Call: 518-465-0961
Website: sovranapizza.com
Best of the Capital Region 2022

Best of the Capital Region 2022
Union Times
Winners: Find out who won in each category of the Best of the Capital Region 2022 competition. Prefer something for your coffee table or to store in your car for quick reference? Order our 68-page magazine and we’ll send it to you for free.
100 categories: There were 14 new categories in 2022.
Discover how far Best of the Capital Region has come in 25 years: These are the first winners of 1997.
Best of the Hudson Valley: The winners will be announced in August.
Want the latest updates delivered to your inbox? Sign up for our Best of the Capital Region newsletter.
winners 2022