Queens is officially a sandwich city and Sunnyside just claimed the crown. After weeks of borough-wide carb-fueled democracy, Empire Shop NYC has been voted the best deli in Queens, topping a lineup of 18 contenders in the inaugural Queens’ Best Deli Competition run by the Queens Chamber of Commerce .

If you’ve ever grabbed a toasty chicken pesto sandwich from Empire on your way to the 7 train or cooled down with one of their fresh juices on a sweltering July afternoon, you already understand the hype. The family-run spot on 39th Place has only been around since 2022, but it’s quickly become a neighborhood staple thanks to a menu that spans classic deli fare, glossy burgers, acai bowls and salads that don’t feel like punishment. Think bodega convenience with café aspirations, plus

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