Overstuffed sandwiches, buffalo chick’n dip, and slow-roasted BBQ jackfruit. Berben & Wolff’s isn’t your bubbe’s deli—it’s better. The team behind this inventive vegan deli has quickly won over the stomachs of those all across Upstate New York, expanding from its first location in Albany to a second in Troy, NY this summer. While the menu is extensive, from classic deli salad sides to decadent desserts (two words: Cannoli Cake), it is the hefty sandwiches that have made their mark, driving the business’ success and allowing the owners to expand and respond to the increased demand. Check out these 10 mile-high, overstuffed vegan sammies we can’t wait to sink our teeth into.
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1. Reuben
The quality of a deli can generally be surmised by the quality of its reuben, and Berben & Wolff’s executes this deli classic perfectly. Deli purists will delight in this meaty sandwich piled with housemade seitan pastrami, vegan swiss cheese, punchy sauerkraut, and creamy Russian dressing grilled between two slices of local Rock Hill marble rye bread. While you can’t go wrong with any of the menu items, it can be difficult to deviate from this tried-and-true favorite.
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2. Wing Burger
What’s better than vegan buffalo chicken wings? A vegan buffalo chicken sandwich! Enjoy this popular appetizer in handheld form, featuring buffalo (or barbecue) fried chicken-style seitan, freshly shredded carrots, and chopped celery, stacked between two fluffy sesame seed buns slathered with cool vegan Ranch dressing. Bonus: in sandwich form, you’re less likely to get your hands dirty while noshing on saucy vegan wings!
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3. Cubano Panini
The only vegan ingredient in the traditional version of a Cubano is the pickles, but Berben & Wolff’s rendition will satisfy any meat-and-cheese lover. Bite into a hot and melty sandwich comprised of smoked vegan ham, vegan swiss cheese, dill pickles, mayonnaise, and dijon mustard pressed together in complete flavor harmony on a Rock Hill roll.
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4. BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Burger
Juicy, messy, and saucy, this one is the antithesis of first date food, but it is inarguably delicious in all of its sloppy wonder. The dry-rubbed and marinated tender jackfruit is barely contained within its soft sesame seed bun, smothered with an addictive smoky barbecue sauce and topped with grilled pineapple and purple cabbage slaw. If you can comfortably watch your significant other take down this sandwich, it might be time to take that relationship to the next level.
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5. Big Max
The ongoing campaign to convince McDonald’s to carry a vegan burger may drag on for years, but we’ve found Berben & Wolff’s Big Max to be far more satisfying than its Mickey D’s counterpart. The deli introduced this oversized beauty as a secret menu item, but customers raved about it so much, it didn’t remain a secret for long. Just like the fast-food favorite, this burger is layered with two vegan beef patties each topped with melty vegan cheddar cheese, pickles, and onions, all between three sesame seed buns slathered with signature sauce. It might be hard to tackle without utensils, but we encourage you to try!
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6. Popcorn Mushroom Po’ Boy
Put some South in your mouth—even in upstate New York! This New Orleans-inspired sub features crispy yet juicy cornmeal-crusted seasonal mushrooms, fresh lettuce and tomato, and a generous schmear of Old Bay remoulade on a perfectly toasty roll. One bite and you’ll feel like you’re smack dab in the middle of the French Quarter.
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7. BBQuitioner
This sandwich is made for the heat-seekers out there. It starts with a housemade beefless patty topped with spicy pickled jalapeños, gooey vegan cheddar, and whole fried onion rings, doused with a smoky barbecue sauce. It’s essentially an appetizer and entrée in one.
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8. The Italian Mix
Whether you call it a hoagie, a submarine, or a grinder, this meaty vegan sandwich is all good! Sink your teeth into a soft white roll stuffed to capacity with housemade pepperoni, ham, Chao cheese, roasted red peppers, banana peppers, red onion, and lettuce, all drizzled with olive oil and red wine vinegar. This is the epitome of the Italian American sub.
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9. The Breakfast Sandwich
No need to set an alarm—this breakfast sandwich is available all day long. No matter what hour, you can enjoy this savory handheld made with JUST Egg, creamy vegan cheese, thinly sliced smoked vegan grilled ham, spinach, and a spicy sriracha hollandaise sauce on a sturdy Rock Hill roll. Breakfast for dinner should be a weekly occurrence.
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10. California Burrito
Upstate New Yorkers often brace themselves through the harshest of winters, but this San Diego-inspired burrito might just make those single-digit days a bit more bearable. Despite the “healthy” stereotype often associated with Californians, the defining ingredient in this burrito is the French fries. Hello, carbs on carbs! Beyond the spuds, this infant-sized wrap is stuffed with carne asada-style seitan, melted vegan cheddar cheese, cashew sour cream, and of course, multiple scoops of guac—no extra charge!
Stephanie Gravalese is a freelance food and travel writer living in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts and can be found on Instagram at @stephanitaeats.
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Photo credit: Berben & Wolff’s
