William Poll

- 1051 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10021

For more than a century, William Poll has been an institution on the Upper East Side, a place where history and gourmet food meet. This isn't your average sandwich shop; it's a legacy brand that has been serving New Yorkers with high-quality, delicious food for generations. While it's rightly famous for its gourmet sandwiches, William Poll is a full-service food purveyor, offering a wide array of prepared foods, from daily soups and fresh entrées to elegant canapés and catering services for every occasion. It's the kind of place that captures the essence of classic New York elegance, providing a taste of the city's rich culinary history in a casual and accessible setting.

The magic of William Poll lies in its unwavering commitment to quality and tradition. The sandwiches are a testament to this, made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and a variety of house-made dips and spreads that have become legendary among regulars. But the offerings extend far beyond a quick lunch. The prepared entrées, like the **Beef Stew** or **Chicken Parmesan**, are made fresh daily in their own kitchen. The wide selection of frozen dinners, vegetables, and gourmet items like **Caviar** and **Truffles** make it a destination for those looking to stock their pantry with high-end, ready-to-eat options. The shop's reputation for quality is so strong that it's a go-to for corporate parties, private gatherings, and even catering for private jets. It's a place that caters to the everyday needs of locals and the sophisticated demands of high-profile events, all with the same commitment to excellence.

The ambiance is casual yet trendy, a reflection of its place in a dynamic and fashionable neighborhood. It’s a popular spot for a solo lunch or a quick bite for locals and tourists alike who are in the know. William Poll’s century-long success is a testament to its consistent quality and its ability to evolve while staying true to its roots. It’s a true New York gem, a place where every item, from a simple sandwich to a complex platter, carries the weight of a long and storied tradition of culinary excellence.

You’ll find William Poll at 1051 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10021, USA. Situated in a prime location on the Upper East Side, the shop is easily accessible from many parts of Manhattan. It is conveniently located near several subway stations, including the 4, 5, and 6 lines at 86th Street, as well as the Q train. This makes it a great spot to stop by on your way to or from Central Park, or during a shopping trip in the area.

The shop has a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring a welcoming environment for all patrons. As is typical for this part of the city, parking is limited to paid street parking, which can be challenging to find. However, the shop’s reputation and convenient location make it a worthwhile destination for a visit. Its presence on a major avenue makes it a recognizable and reliable destination for anyone in the neighborhood seeking a quick and high-quality meal.

William Poll offers a range of services that go beyond a standard sandwich shop, positioning it as a versatile food purveyor for a variety of needs.

• Takeout: The primary service for sandwiches and prepared foods is takeout. You can visit the shop, place your order at the counter, and take your delicious meal to go.
• Delivery: For those who can’t make it to the shop, William Poll offers a delivery service, bringing their gourmet food right to your doorstep.
• Catering: The shop specializes in catering for a variety of events, including corporate parties, private gatherings, social events, and even private jets. They offer a wide range of platters, canapés, and full entrées.
• Onsite Services: While primarily a takeout and delivery business, the shop provides an onsite experience where you can browse their extensive selection of prepared foods, from soups to frozen dinners.

This wide array of services highlights the shop’s versatility and its ability to cater to both individual diners and large-scale events, solidifying its role as a key culinary resource in the community.

William Poll is a unique establishment with several key features that set it apart from other food businesses in the city. Here are some of the things that make it a local favorite:

• Gourmet Sandwiches: The sandwiches are a main highlight, with a wide variety of classic and unique options, including the **Poll Special** and the legendary **Nova Scotia Salmon & Cream Cheese** sandwich.
• Homemade Dips and Spreads: The shop is famous for its delicious, house-made dips, such as the Watercress Dip and the Bacon Horseradish, which are also available for individual purchase.
• Extensive Prepared Foods: Beyond sandwiches, the shop offers a vast selection of homemade soups, fresh entrées, and frozen dinners, providing high-quality, ready-to-eat meals.
• Specialty Foods: William Poll carries high-end gourmet items like **Caviar**, **Foie Gras**, and **Truffles**, making it a destination for luxury food items.
• Custom Catering: The shop is known for its ability to create custom platters and canapés for events, with options like **Papillons** (bite-sized strudel appetizers) and **Tea Sandwiches**.
• Legacy Brand: With over 100 years of history, William Poll is a true New York institution, and its long-standing reputation is a testament to its consistent quality and service.
• Healthy Options: The menu includes a variety of healthy choices, from fresh salads to soups and fresh vegetables, ensuring there’s something for every type of diet.

These features, from its gourmet sandwiches to its high-end catering, all contribute to William Poll’s status as a unique and indispensable part of the Upper East Side food scene.

For inquiries, to place a takeout or delivery order, or to discuss catering options, you can reach William Poll at the following details:

• Address: 1051 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10021, USA
• Phone: (212) 288-0501

Given the shop’s bespoke nature, calling ahead for catering orders or large pickups is highly recommended to ensure a smooth and personalized experience.

Choosing William Poll is about opting for a dining experience that is a step above the ordinary, rooted in quality and tradition. The most compelling reason to visit is the food itself, particularly the sandwiches. While they might appear simple on the menu, each one is crafted with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients that make a significant difference. The **Nova Scotia Salmon & Cream Cheese** sandwich, for example, is a classic done to perfection. The homemade dips, like the Watercress Dip, are another key reason to choose this place. They are so beloved that many customers return just to purchase the dips themselves, a testament to their unique and delicious flavor.

Beyond the sandwiches, William Poll is worth choosing for its incredible versatility as a food source. It's a place where you can grab a quick lunch, but it’s also where you can find a gourmet dinner for a quiet night in or a full catering menu for a lavish party. The prepared entrées and frozen dinners are a lifesaver for busy New Yorkers, offering high-quality, ready-to-eat comfort food. This unique blend of a casual sandwich shop and a high-end gourmet food purveyor is what truly sets it apart. It’s a rare find that combines the convenience of a deli with the quality of a top-tier catering service.

Ultimately, a visit to William Poll is more than just a meal; it's an experience. It’s a chance to taste a piece of New York history and to enjoy food that is made with care and a commitment to excellence that has lasted for over a century. For anyone in the Upper East Side looking for a truly special sandwich, a convenient and delicious prepared meal, or catering that will impress, William Poll is the perfect choice.

William Poll

1051 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10021, USA