Joe Beez Deli

In Kingston, Joe Beez is practically synonymous with sandwiches. Inside the yellow-and-black building with the pouty cartoon lips painted on the side, the fun atmosphere continues. Walls are plastered with dozens of handwritten descriptions of sandwiches that combine meats, cheeses, sauces, and other toppings in imaginative ways, many of whichhave been suggested by customers. All in the $5 to $7 range, the sandwiches are large enough to split with a friend so you can really dine on a dime. Kingston High School students flock here every day after school for the student special (though, in fact, you don’t have to be a student to order it): a half-sub and drink for just $5. Perusing the names of the sandwiches—which include whimsical monikers like the Mother Clucker, the Monica Lewinsky, the Peter Rabbit, and the Herman Muenster—is almost as much fun as eating them. The most ordered item on the menu is the Prodigy: a footlong spicy chicken-and-bacon combo that kicks up the flavor with a cheddar-blue-cheese mix. The Redneck — a grilled burger with an almost obscene amount of roast beef, bacon, sauces, and pepperjack and cheddar cheeses — is another mighty mouthful. For a taste of the ’70s (only better and not from a can!) try the Manwich, a thick hot sub that combines chicken with capicola (“gabbagool”) and roast beef, plus veggies, cheeses, and hot sauce. Thankfully, vegetarian subs are on offer, too, such as the Chong, a hummus/spring mix wrap with crunchy cucumbers and black olives. Owned by Joe Baganz, this community-minded business is also involved in sponsoring sports teams to raise money for charity. Look for their booth at Hooley on the Hudson, the Irish-themed Labor Day Weekend fest, when they’ll serve Hooley Burgers (a kind of burger-meets-Reuben). It’s on the menu every day, too, if you can’t wait ’til September. 845-331-2363; www.joebeez.com