Hoboken Deli Fans Line Up 3:30 a.m. Christmas Eve For Mozzarella

HOBOKEN NJ — How far would you go to score fresh mozzarella from a popular Hoboken deli? Apparently, fans of the 106-year-old Fiore's Deli on Adams Street will go pretty far. The deli posted on Instagram on Christmas Eve that there had been a line of 12 people waiting outside the door at 3:30 a.m. that morning. They confirmed later in the week that by the time they opened at 8 a.m. on Dec. 24, the line was down the street.

On Instagram, they wrote, "Is this a line for SNL tickets?!? Nope! These are the 12 people waiting for us to open! The first customer was online at 3:30am! Now that's dedication! ... We wish you and your families a Safe, Happy and delicious Holiday! We're open until 6pm today!"

Apparently they knew the hot item that customers came for. They used the hashtag #freshmozz. Indeed, Fiore's is one of several iconic Italian delis in Hoboken known for its handmade mozzarella, which they make on the premises. Many stop by the store to get it fresh so they can bring it to their Christmas dinners.

But the cheese doesn't stand alone -- the deli is also known for its popular roast beef and mozzarella sandwich, which has been featured on NBC's "30 Rock" and written up in many foodie reviews. In 2017, Conde Nast Traveler mentioned the sandwich on its list of "Five New Jersey sandwiches to eat before you die."

The store was founded in 1913 by Alphonse Fiore, who came from Italy to Hoboken to open his first "milk store," or shop that sold homemade mozzarella and ricotta cheese.

Fiore's is located at 414 Adams St. in the city's southwest corner. It's a few blocks from Frank Sinatra's birthplace of 415 Monroe St.