Faicco’s Italian Specialties is a legendary destination for food lovers in New York City. Known for its massive sandwiches, authentic cured meats, and old-school atmosphere, this family-owned pork store has been a neighborhood staple since 1900. Whether you are a long-time resident or a first-time visitor, understanding the menu, locations, and hours is essential for a smooth experience.
Overview of Faicco’s Italian Specialties
Faicco’s is often referred to by locals as a “pork store,” a traditional Italian-American butcher shop that specializes in pork products, sausages, and prepared foods. Over the decades, it has evolved into a premier deli where people line up for some of the most substantial hero sandwiches in the city. The shop maintains a commitment to quality, using recipes passed down through generations.
Today, the business operates two main locations: one in the heart of Greenwich Village in Manhattan and another in the Dyker Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn. Each location offers a slightly different neighborhood feel but provides the same high-quality products that have made the brand famous.
Manhattan Location and Hours
The Manhattan storefront is located on Bleecker Street, a historic corridor known for its rich culinary history. This location is particularly popular with tourists and locals looking for a quick, filling lunch while exploring the West Village.
Address and Contact
- Address: 260 Bleecker Street, New York, NY 10014
- Phone: (212) 243-1974
Operating Hours
It is important to note that Faicco’s maintains traditional hours, and they close earlier on Sundays. Always check for holiday adjustments before visiting.
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Brooklyn Location and Hours
The Brooklyn branch serves the Dyker Heights and Bensonhurst communities. This location often feels more like a traditional neighborhood butcher shop and is a go-to for families planning Sunday dinners or holiday feasts.
Address and Contact
- Address: 6511 11th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11219
- Phone: (718) 236-0119
Operating Hours
The Brooklyn hours generally mirror the Manhattan location, but it is wise to call ahead if you are traveling from a long distance.
- Monday – Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
The Famous Sandwich Menu
While Faicco’s is a full-service butcher, most visitors come specifically for the sandwiches. The portions are notoriously large, often enough to feed two people or provide two separate meals.
The Italian Special
This is the signature sandwich of the establishment. It is a massive hero loaded with premium ingredients that represent the best of an Italian deli. It typically includes:
- Prosciutto
- Ham
- Salami
- Hot or Sweet Capicola
- Fresh Mozzarella
- Roasted Peppers or Sun-dried Tomatoes
- Oil and Vinegar
The Chicken Cutlet Hero
Another fan favorite is the chicken cutlet sandwich. The cutlets are breaded and fried in-house, resulting in a crispy, golden exterior and juicy interior. Many customers choose to top this with fresh mozzarella and broccoli rabe or roasted peppers.
Other Menu Highlights
Beyond the heroes, the store offers a variety of prepared foods and specialty items that are perfect for a picnic or a home-cooked meal.
- Arancini (Rice Balls): Large, golden-fried spheres of rice filled with meat sauce, peas, and cheese.
- Homemade Sausage: Available in various styles, including sweet, hot, and parsley/cheese (luganega).
- Fresh Mozzarella: Made daily and often still warm when purchased in the morning.
- Cured Meats: A wide selection of soppressata, pepperoni, and imported prosciuttos.
How to Order at Faicco’s
Visiting Faicco’s can be an intense experience during peak lunch hours. Knowing how the process works will help you get your food faster and more efficiently.
In-Store Ordering
When you enter the Manhattan location, there is usually a line that forms along the side of the shop. You will wait your turn to speak with one of the counter workers. It is helpful to have your order ready before you reach the front.
Be prepared for a “no-frills” environment. The staff is efficient and moves quickly to handle the high volume of customers. Payment is typically handled at a separate register after your sandwich is made or your meats are wrapped.
Online Ordering and Delivery
For those who want to avoid the wait, Faicco’s has embraced modern technology. You can often find them on major delivery platforms such as Caviar or DoorDash. This is a convenient option for residents or office workers in the surrounding neighborhoods.
However, keep in mind that delivery menus may have slightly higher prices to cover platform fees, and some specialty items available in-store might not be listed online.
Tips for a Great Visit
To make the most of your trip to Faicco’s, keep these practical tips in mind:
- Go Early: To get the freshest bread and avoid the longest lines, aim to arrive before the 12:00 PM lunch rush.
- Bring Cash: While they do accept cards, having cash can sometimes speed up the payment process in busy deli environments.
- Plan Your Seating: Faicco’s is a takeout shop. There is no indoor seating. In Manhattan, many people take their sandwiches to nearby Father Demo Square or Washington Square Park to eat.
- Check the Specials: Sometimes there are daily specials or seasonal items like stuffed peppers or specific pasta salads that aren’t on the permanent menu.
Quality and Tradition
What sets Faicco’s apart from a standard deli is the quality of the raw ingredients. Because they are a pork store and butcher shop first, the meats used in the sandwiches are higher grade than what you find in most sandwich shops. The fresh mozzarella is creamy and soft, and the bread is sourced from local bakeries to ensure it can hold up to the weight of the fillings.
The shop represents a disappearing era of New York City culinary history. While many traditional Italian businesses have closed, Faicco’s remains successful by sticking to the same recipes and standards that they used over a century ago.
Conclusion
Faicco’s Italian Specialties offers a true taste of New York’s Italian-American heritage. By visiting during their standard hours and knowing what to order, you can enjoy one of the most iconic meals the city has to offer. Whether you are picking up a massive Italian Special hero for lunch or sourcing high-quality sausages for a family dinner, the quality and tradition at Faicco’s rarely disappoints. If you found this guide helpful, consider exploring our other articles on local NYC dining tips and neighborhood guides to make the most of your time in the city.