Secret Behind the Original Joe Sandwich: Classic Recipe Revealed

Bydenarecipes

The joe sandwich you’ve likely been eating your entire life isn’t the original at all. Surprisingly, the authentic joe sandwich originated in the 1930s at Town Hall Deli in South Orange, New Jersey—not as the ground beef mixture many of us know, but as an impressive triple-decker creation inspired by Sloppy Joe’s Bar in Cuba.

Unlike the tomato-sauced ground beef on a hamburger bun that originated in Sioux City, Iowa, the original sloppy joe sandwich features cold deli meats, Swiss cheese, coleslaw, and Russian dressing layered between three slices of dense rye bread. This regional specialty isn’t commonly found outside northern New Jersey, though we discovered that delis like Town Hall ship approximately 30 sandwiches weekly across the country. If you’re ready to try the sloppy joe recipe at home, be prepared—a single serving of this hearty sandwich contains an impressive 1605 calories, 118g of total fat, and 89g of protein. In this article, we’ll reveal everything about the original joe sandwich recipe and its fascinating history.

The Sloppy Joe You Thought You Knew

When someone mentions a sloppy joe sandwich, most Americans picture a hot sandwich with loose ground beef in tomato sauce served on a hamburger bun. This familiar version originated in Sioux City, Iowa, around the 1930s, reportedly created by a cook named Joe. It became a staple in American households, especially after Hunt’s introduced Manwich Sloppy Joe Sauce in the 1960s.

Why the original Joe sandwich is not ground beef

The iconic loose meat sandwich that dominated school cafeterias across America has little in common with the authentic joe sandwich. In fact, the original version contains no ground beef whatsoever—and certainly no sweet tomato sauce reminiscent of Manwich or Hamburger Helper.

The real joe sandwich that predates the Iowa version is actually a cold sandwich, not a hot one. This deli creation features thinly sliced meats instead of ground beef, and uses Russian dressing rather than tomato sauce. Furthermore, it’s served on rye bread instead of a hamburger bun, making it fundamentally different in both construction and flavor profile.

This distinction creates considerable confusion for travelers. As one writer noted, “The truth—that a Sloppy Joe, according to the rest of the universe, is a sandwich of warm ground beef and tomato sauce—rattled me to my core”. Indeed, ordering a sloppy joe in northern New Jersey will yield something entirely unexpected for most Americans.

How New Jersey redefined the sloppy joe

New Jersey’s interpretation of the joe sandwich revolutionized the concept into something more sophisticated. Their version is a double or triple-decker sandwich constructed on thin-sliced rye bread. The Garden State deli essential typically features:

  • Multiple types of cold deli meat (turkey, ham, roast beef, corned beef, pastrami, or even beef tongue)
  • Swiss cheese (usually two slices)
  • Coleslaw (often specially prepared to avoid sogginess)
  • Russian dressing (housemade at most delis)

What makes the New Jersey joe particularly special is the meticulous construction. At Town Hall Deli, they use long Pullman loaf pans to bake their rye bread, slice it very thin, use two kinds of meat, and apply a swipe of butter on the bread. Additionally, their coleslaw is dry (not mayonnaise-based), and they trim the crust off the bread for precision.

Since the 1930s, this sandwich has remained a beloved staple at celebrations throughout northern New Jersey—from birthday parties to graduations and retirement bashes. Despite its popularity in the Garden State, this interpretation remains largely unknown outside the region, creating a fascinating culinary divide in American sandwich culture.

The Real Origin of the Original Joe Sandwich

The fascinating journey of America’s most misunderstood sandwich begins in an unexpected place—a bar in pre-revolution Cuba. While many assume all sloppy joe sandwiches originated in the American Midwest, historical evidence points to a much more international heritage.

From Havana to South Orange: The Cuba connection

The original joe sandwich traces its roots back to Havana, Cuba, where José Abeal Otero opened a popular bar between 1917 and 1919. This establishment, called “Sloppy Joe’s Bar,” became a hotspot for American tourists, moreover, it attracted famous patrons including Ernest Hemingway, Errol Flynn, and Graham Greene. During Prohibition, thirsty Americans flocked to Cuba where they encountered not just cocktails but also the bar’s signature sandwiches. Initially, the bar served a simple sandwich with ingredients that patrons could assemble themselves.

Town Hall Deli and the 1930s sandwich revolution

Around 1935, Thomas Sweeney, then-Mayor of Maplewood, New Jersey, took a fateful vacation to Cuba. Throughout his stay, he frequently visited Sloppy Joe’s Bar and developed a fondness for their unique sandwich offering. Upon returning to New Jersey, Sweeney had a specific request—he asked Fred Joost and Hans Tiedeman, owners of Town Hall Deli in South Orange (founded in 1927), to recreate the delicious sandwich he had enjoyed in Havana. His initial purpose was simple: he wanted these sandwiches for his weekly poker games.

How the name ‘Joe’ stuck

The “Sloppy Joe” name has multiple origin stories. At the Havana bar, it referred to both the owner José (anglicized to “Joe”) and the supposedly messy condition of his establishment. As one account explains, “Because the floor was always wet with melted ice, his patrons taunted this Spanish Joe with running a ‘sloppy’ place”. Eventually, the sandwich served at the bar adopted this nickname as well.

Following Mayor Sweeney’s request, Town Hall Deli began serving their interpretation of the sandwich, preserving both the structure and the memorable name. As a result, what started as a poker night favorite soon gained widespread popularity throughout northern New Jersey. The deli proudly maintains its claim as “The Birthplace of the Sloppy Joe” and continues to make the sandwich according to the traditional recipe first developed in the 1930s.

What Makes the Original Joe Sandwich Unique

Unlike any other sandwich you’ll encounter outside northern New Jersey, the original joe sandwich stands out for its distinctive construction and carefully balanced flavors. This cold deli creation has specific elements that make it instantly recognizable to those familiar with authentic New Jersey sandwich culture.

The triple-decker rye bread structure

The foundation of a proper joe sandwich begins with its unique bread structure. Authentic versions use three slices of rye bread cut horizontally from a whole Pullman loaf rather than the typical vertical slices. This special cutting technique produces exceptionally thin slices that create the sandwich’s characteristic profile. Town Hall Deli removes the crusts completely, ensuring a uniform appearance. Most importantly, each bread slice gets thoroughly buttered on its interior faces—this acts as a crucial moisture barrier, preventing the sandwich from becoming soggy.

Signature ingredients: meats, Swiss, coleslaw, Russian dressing

The perfect joe sandwich relies on a specific combination of ingredients layered with precision:

  • Cold cuts: Traditional versions feature two types of meat, typically turkey with either roast beef, corned beef, ham, or even beef tongue. Turkey is generally considered the standard meat.
  • Swiss cheese: This mild, nutty cheese is the classic choice, though some variations experiment with cheddar or provolone.
  • Coleslaw: Not just any coleslaw—most authentic delis prepare their cabbage specifically for this sandwich. Town Hall dry-brines their cabbage for three days with no mayo, whereas Millburn Deli uses “extra heavy” mayonnaise in theirs.
  • Russian dressing: Beyond basic mayo and ketchup, authentic versions include pickles or relish, and sometimes chile sauce for heat.

Kosher and deli-style variations

Notably, Jewish delis developed their own kosher-friendly version. Eppes Essen in Livingston substitutes the Swiss cheese with a third meat layer to maintain kosher standards. Their best-selling combination features turkey, corned beef, and roast beef. Additionally, they employ a unique coleslaw method—mixing mayonnaise into four-day brined cabbage, then straining excess liquid.

Every deli has its specific technique: Town Hall butters each bread slice, Millburn uses a rye boule instead of a loaf, and preparation methods for the coleslaw and Russian dressing remain closely guarded secrets among competing establishments.

How to Make the Original Joe Sandwich at Home

Ready to recreate the legendary sandwich at home? Crafting an authentic joe sandwich requires precision, quality ingredients, and a bit of patience. Here’s how to build this impressive triple-decker masterpiece in your own kitchen.

Step-by-step sandwich assembly

Begin with three thin slices of rye bread—ideally Pullman rye cut horizontally. Butter each slice completely on both sides; this crucial step prevents sogginess. Next, layer your first meat choice (approximately two slices) across the entire surface of the bottom bread slice. Subsequently, add a thin layer of coleslaw, followed by Russian dressing and Swiss cheese. Place the middle slice of bread on top and repeat the layering process with your second meat choice. Finally, top with the third slice of bread and cut into squares or rectangles for serving.

Homemade Russian dressing recipe

The authentic dressing combines:

  • 1½ cups mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons pickle relish (optional)
  • 1-2 teaspoons horseradish
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika

Simply whisk all ingredients together in a bowl until thoroughly combined. Adjust with more Worcestershire, ketchup, or hot sauce to taste.

Coleslaw preparation tips

For Town Hall-style coleslaw, dry-brine shredded cabbage for three days, then thoroughly strain excess liquid before using. Alternatively, mix shredded cabbage with a minimal amount of mayonnaise and vinegar, but ensure the mixture isn’t too wet. The coleslaw should be firm enough to stay in place without making the bread soggy.

Best meat combinations to try

Traditional combinations include:

  • Turkey and roast beef (Town Hall’s classic)
  • Turkey and pastrami (a popular modern variation)
  • Roast beef and ham (rich flavor profile)
  • Turkey, corned beef and roast beef (Eppes Essen’s kosher variation)

Whichever combination you choose, remember that thin-slicing is essential for authentic texture and proper layering.

Conclusion

After learning about the authentic joe sandwich, we can certainly appreciate how regional food traditions develop their own unique identities. Undoubtedly, the contrast between the ground beef Manwich-style sandwich many Americans recognize and the sophisticated triple-decker creation from northern New Jersey highlights how culinary history often takes unexpected turns.

Throughout this exploration, we’ve uncovered the fascinating Cuban origins of this iconic sandwich, traced its journey to Town Hall Deli, and examined the meticulous construction that makes it special. Therefore, the next time someone mentions a “sloppy joe,” you’ll know there’s more to the story than most people realize.

Whether you prefer the familiar tomato-sauced ground beef version or feel inspired to try the original cold deli creation, both sandwiches deserve recognition in American food culture. Above all, the original joe sandwich stands as a testament to how international influences shape our local cuisines in unexpected ways.

Ready to impress your friends and family? Give the authentic joe sandwich recipe a try at your next gathering. With its carefully layered meats, Swiss cheese, house-made Russian dressing, and precisely prepared coleslaw, this triple-decker masterpiece will surely become a conversation starter. Most importantly, you’ll be preserving a piece of genuine American sandwich history that began nearly a century ago in a Havana bar and found its true home in New Jersey.

FAQs

Q1. What is the original Joe sandwich? The original Joe sandwich is a triple-decker creation from New Jersey, featuring cold deli meats, Swiss cheese, coleslaw, and Russian dressing layered between three slices of rye bread. It’s different from the ground beef sloppy joe that most people are familiar with.

Q2. Where did the original Joe sandwich come from? The original Joe sandwich was inspired by a sandwich from Sloppy Joe’s Bar in Havana, Cuba. It was introduced to New Jersey in the 1930s when the mayor of Maplewood asked Town Hall Deli in South Orange to recreate the sandwich he had enjoyed in Cuba.

Q3. What are the key ingredients in an authentic Joe sandwich? An authentic Joe sandwich typically includes two types of cold deli meats (often turkey and roast beef), Swiss cheese, coleslaw, and Russian dressing. These ingredients are layered between three slices of thinly-sliced rye bread that has been buttered on both sides.

Q4. How is the coleslaw prepared for a Joe sandwich? The coleslaw for a Joe sandwich is specially prepared to avoid sogginess. Some delis dry-brine the cabbage for several days, while others use a minimal amount of mayonnaise. The key is to ensure the coleslaw is firm enough to stay in place without making the bread soggy.

Q5. Can I make an original Joe sandwich at home? Yes, you can make an original Joe sandwich at home. Start with three thin slices of rye bread, butter them on both sides, and layer with your choice of deli meats, Swiss cheese, homemade Russian dressing, and specially prepared coleslaw. Remember to cut the sandwich into squares or rectangles before serving.