The Origin Of Virginia's Hearty Sailor Sandwich

A sailor's lunch during World War II

As per local legends in Richmond, the sailor sandwich was first created by New York Deli in 1943, during a time when American sailors and U.S. Navy officers were deeply engaged in the war effort. Many of these sailors frequented the deli for lunch, and the combination of pastrami and knackwurst quickly became a beloved choice, remaining associated with them long after World War II concluded. While the sandwich may resemble the traditional corned beef or pastrami on rye, the Richmond version features a unique twist with the addition of knackwurst.

The sandwich's hallmark knackwurst is a somewhat less common type of sausage in the United States. It is sometimes referred to as "knockwurst," although "knackwurst" is more aligned with its original German roots—where "knacken" means "to snap" or "to crack," referring to the satisfying sound the sausage makes while grilling and when bitten into. Regardless of the name, it is a beef or pork sausage that is juicier than your typical hot dog and is usually seasoned with garlic for added flavor. Its chewy, "snappy" texture provides a distinctive mouthfeel, and layering sandwiches with various textures is a classic technique to prevent ingredients from slipping out. This makes it ideal for sailors of the past who were often in a rush, as well as for modern diners, whether they sail or not.