Profile

With a half century of serving up sandwiches for Williamsburg locals behind it, Joe’s Busy Corner has had a prime view of the neighborhood’s transition from a working class enclave to a hub for hipsters. But no matter who those locals are, few seem able to resist the shop’s old-world Italian charm—all pack into the long, narrow space for hearty sandwiches that are still priced for a blue-collar budget. The gourmet heroes—with New York-themed names like the Bronx Bomber or the Brooklyn Brewery—are the main draws, thanks to fresh bread fully stuffed with Italian meats and cheeses, including Joe’s homemade mozzarella. And though the menu is heavy on proscuitto and pepperoni, there are a few veggie options, like the Northside, a goat cheese, pesto, and sun-dried tomato combo. Beyond the deli board, Joe’s also offers a decent array of Italian entrée standards, paninis, and salads, and a basic breakfast menu. Seating is limited to a few café tables, but if you’re lucky enough to snag one, the tin paneling overhead and the ceiling fans accented with art-deco glass are enough to take you back in time—at least until you spot the oh-so-trendy haircut on the next passerby. — Kaitlin Jessing-Butz

The North 7th & Driggs, $6.99