Cosmo's Italian Salumeria
About This Spot
Walking into Cosmo’s Italian Salumeria, you immediately sense that you’ve found a genuine neighborhood treasure—a spot where tradition and familiarity mingle in the crisp air. The pace here is unhurried but purposeful, a quiet rhythm marked by the steady hum of sandwiches being crafted with care and the friendly nods exchanged between longtime regulars and the folks behind the counter. There’s no fuss or pretense, just the warm, simple art of making good food that feels like it’s been passed down through the generations.
This is a deli experience steeped in authenticity, where the focus is squarely on quality and the honest pleasures of an Italian sandwich made right. The scent of freshly baked bread mingles with that unmistakable harmony of cured meats, sharp provolone, and sweet peppers—aromas that invite you to pause, savor, and remember why a sandwich can feel like a small, perfect moment in your day.
Cosmo’s atmosphere is subtly alive, built from human moments as much as the ingredients. It’s where stories are quietly shared over a counter piled with classic choices, where you might find yourself chatting with the owner or recalling the best sandwich you ever had here years ago. The lines form not from impatience but from a collective appreciation for a reliably satisfying meal, crafted without flash but with unmistakable love and precision.
Whether you’re drawn by the prospect of a hearty, well-balanced Italian hero or something lighter with fresh mozzarella and sun-dried tomatoes, this is a place that rewards those who appreciate the craft behind every carefully layered bite. It's a simple, sincere corner of Hackensack where food carries both memory and community, inviting you to discover that sometimes the most extraordinary flavor lies in the everyday.
What’s Available Here
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In-store pick-up
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Takeaway
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Wheelchair-accessible car park
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Wheelchair-accessible entrance
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Toilet
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Quick visit
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Cash only
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Free of charge street parking
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Free parking lot
Location & Hours
| Monday | 08:00 AM - 04:00 PM | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 08:00 AM - 04:00 PM | |
| Wednesday | 08:00 AM - 04:00 PM | |
| Thursday | 08:00 AM - 04:00 PM | |
| Friday | 08:00 AM - 04:00 PM | |
| Saturday | 09:00 AM - 03:00 PM | |
| Sunday | 09:00 AM - 01:00 PM |
Bob Blackley 31 Dec 2025
My brother brought me a sandwich, some fresh motz and roasted red peppers in Central Pennsylvania a few days ago and I just finished the last of it. Sandwich was still great after two days and mozzarella was still really fresh this morning. Have eaten from here several times and will continue
Jon Siebert 14 Dec 2025
The best sandwiches around. Period. I moved out of state and have been searching for something comparable down here. One is respectable, most fall short. After 9 years, we finally made our way back to Cosmo's. Just as perfect as I remembered. After a minute, Cos remembered me and we had a nice chat. Old friends meeting again. Genuine. Our party of 4 ordered a #1 for my bride. Of course, a #2 for me. Pud got the #4, and his wife a #6. And 2 potato salads. We walked our treasures down the street to Hackensack Brewing, ordered some pints and were in flavor heaven. A perfect Saturday lunch date.
Robby T 10 Dec 2025
The #1 and the Chicken, Eggplant, or Meatball Parmigiana Sandwiches are literally perfect on every level. Expertly sliced, sized and also very fairly priced. The Daily Homemade soups are great as are the Daily Specials. If I lived closer I'd eat lunch here daily. Cash $$ only.
Tricia Ech 07 Dec 2025
This is your local, authentic Italian Deli with zero frills (don’t plan to eat inside, takeout only/cash only) but the best sandwich you will eat in North Jersey! I ordered a number 5 for a party and it was a HUGE hit! Everyone was asking where it was from. I highly recommend #1 for meat lovers, number #8 if you like turkey. Can’t go wrong with any. Trust me…delicious!!
John B 01 Nov 2025
Compact italian deli in Hackensack.. Cash only.. The line can be crazy.. but quality food and freshly made specials. I had the meatball sub. The meatballs were light and delicate. The bread perfect.. But needed more sauce because the meatballs didn't have a lot of spices. Sliced commercial mozzarella.. Needed more sauce to give it flavor otherwise, delicious
CM L 22 Oct 2025
It's getting harder and harder to find places in NY and NJ where you get a really good Italian sandwich, so it's been a delight to find Cosmo's. I tried three of their cold sandwiches and love them all. Try the #1 to get a general idea of what Cosmo's sandwiches are like. It's full of flavor and punch. The #2 is when you want something a little simple, but equally good. The #4 is a spicy version of #1 and is heavy on the black pepper with even more punches of flavor. All the ingredients are top notch, but the essential component is the fresh mozzarella. It's creamy and soft and brings harmony to the sandwiches. The place has a small parking lot in the back, with a couple of dedicated spots for Cosmo's customers. It's cash only with no seating, but the sandwiches are so large that you'll want to save half for another meal anyway.
Steve Bee 21 Oct 2025
This fine Italian deli has been around since 1996. I used to work up the block and came here regularly for lunch sandwiches or a homemade chicken parmesan or eggplant parmesan. I moved out of the area after retiring, and I was back visiting in Hackensack. We went here for lunch hero sandwiches. We all opted for a number 10, turkey with fresh mozzarella, roasted peppers, and balsamic vinegar. Ooooh, so good! Just like what I remember from 25 years ago. Cosmo looks the same..... just a little older! We washed the sandwiches down with Dr Brown' cream sodas. They also carry Stewart's sodas. Wow! You don't find that delicious soda in a deli often. Cosmo carries the best products! BTW: the sandwiches are loaded up with the ingredients; there's no skimping here. I totally forgot sandwich photos before I ate half, as we all dove in to eat after getting home. Parking is just behind the deli. If you're traveling down Rt 4, get off at either Main St (eastbound) or Kinderkamack Rd (westbound). I highly recommend this excellent Italian deli. It's the real deal!
M B 17 Sep 2025
This place is the real deal. I've been ordering their eggplant parm for years and it's the best. Incredibly fresh mozzarella, lightly breaded thin sliced eggplant and sauce so good that I end up drinking the rest out of the container. Eggplant Parm is Tues and Friday and it sells out early. Today I tried their chicken Parm and it is probably the best chicken Parm sandwich I've had ever in Jersey. The mozzarella is so fresh and the breading on the chicken is light and perfect. The place is cash only and very very reasonably priced for the amazing quality of food they offer here. This place is a gem. Not many old school Italian salumerias left anymore. Wish this place could stay open forever.