“It’s just a darn good sandwich!”

That’s how Reader Burke W. once responded when we asked what inspired his love of the sailor — a Richmond-born deli favorite with a passionate local fanbase. We dove into the history of the dish and its enduring status as a must-have on River City menus.

🥪 What’s in a sailor?

It’s definitely carnivore-friendly. The traditional sailor sandwich has pastrami, grilled knackwurst, Swiss cheese, and hot mustard on rye bread — with some variations. Oftentimes, it is served open-faced.

🥪 The history

New York Deli claims the title of the birthplace of the sailor sandwich. The story goes that from 1943-1945, naval officers undergoing a training program at the University of Richmond would eat lunch at the deli. A hardy new dish joined the menu to curb the trainees' hungry stomachs. It was such a hit that the owner’s wife began shouting to the kitchen for “another sandwich for the sailors.”

The official inventor or namer of the sandwich remains unknown.

Reader J.J. M. told us his love of the sandwich stretches back to when he started eating them at New York Deli in the 1960s. “Went with my grandmother every other Wednesday,” J.J. said. “She would get her hair done at Irvin’s while I cruised Carytown; then we would have lunch.”

While the sailor hasn’t been adopted in many places beyond the 804, its influence has reached around VA. Reader Lisa M. told us about going to lunch with her mother in Sandston. “She always got liver and onions (yeck!) or the sailor sandwich,” Lisa said. “[...] My love for that sandwich has carried me far and wide to duplicate those emotions.”

🥪 Where to try it

We gathered reader suggestions for where to try a sailor if you’re a knackwurst newbie. Here’s where it was recommended:

New York Deli, 2920 W. Cary St. | If you want the historic sailor experience, you may want to head to its original home in Carytown.
Perly’s, 111 E. Grace St. | Perly’s “Jewish Sailor” has pickled red cabbage, red onion, and a schmear of chopped chicken liver in addition to the classic ingredients.
Dot’s Back Inn, 4030 MacArthur Ave. | Readers Lisa M., Lindsay M., and Mayor of Flavortown Guy Fieri all love Dot’s Back Inn.
Coppola’s Deli, 2900 W. Cary St. | Another Carytown favorite, recommended by Reader Burke W.
O’Toole’s, 4800 Forest Hill Ave. and 13919 Midlothian Tpke. | Reader Lisa M. recommends this Southside restaurant dating back to 1966.
Chiocca’s, 425 N. Belmont Ave. | Richmond Magazine added the sailor at this Museum District favorite to its 2015 list of Iconic Eats.
Capital Ale House, multiple locations | Availability in Downtown Richmond, Midlothian, and Glen Allen, this sailor special comes with melted Gruyère cheese, Usinger's knackwurst, and a half-pound of pastrami.
Westbury Deli, 8903 Three Chopt Rd. | This hidden gem operates in Westbury Apothecary and was recommended by Reader Valerie L.
Melito's, 8815 Three Chopt Rd. | You may not see the trademark sailor on the online menu, but we called to double-check it's still available by request, and we trust Reader Louise L.'s recommendation.
Bistro 804, 443 N. Ridge Rd. | Adding to the list, Reader Louise L. recommends ordering the brussel sprouts on the side at Bistro.
The Continental, Westhampton + Manchester locations | Reader Louise L.'s third stellar rec — you can find the sailor on the brunch menu at both locations.

Have another suggestion? Write in with your name so we can update our guide.