New York City is a culinary paradise, and when it comes to iconic comfort food, few places capture the essence of the city quite like a great delicatessen. From the classic pastrami on rye and freshly baked bagels to tuna melts and pastrami, egg and cheeses, NYC’s delis are a celebration of flavors and traditions. We’re rounding up eight of the city’s best delicatessens, each offering their special taste of New York City.
Sarge’s Delicatessen
Sarge’s Delicatessen, a beloved Midtown staple, has been serving up their house cured meats and classic Jewish dishes since 1964. Known for their massive portions & triple decker sandwiches, this is a must-try classic. Whether you're craving a towering pastrami on rye or a comforting bowl of matzo ball soup, Sarge’s delivers old-school deli perfection.
Frankel’s
Blending classic Jewish tradition with a modern Brooklyn twist, Frankel’s is serving up house-cured lox, hand-rolled bagels and an incredible pastrami, egg & cheese sandwich, that will certainly have you coming back. We love its cozy atmosphere and nostalgic flavors, this spot is a Greenpoint gem.
Katz’s Deli
Deemed as the city’s most iconic delicatessen, a true institution, Katz’s Deli has been feeding locals and tourists alike for over 100 years, 24 hours a day. Most famous for its legendary hand-carved pastrami sandwiches and no-frills, old-school charm. If you ask nicely, they’ll even hand you a little sample while you wait for them to meticulously carve your mouthwatering sandwich.
Liebman’s Deli
One of the only Jewish Delis left standing in the Bronx, Liebman’s thinly sliced pastrami, matzo ball soup & unlimited coffee refills are among a few fan favorites. While not as well known as its Manhattan counterparts, this deli has been serving up delicious classics for over 50 years.
S&P Lunch
S&P is a delicatessen newcomer from the Court Street Grocer team. This place is kind of like your old school Jewish Deli, but with a few quirky twists. Of course they are serving up the classics such as a L.E.O, a phenomenal tuna melt, tender pastrami on rye & crispy latkes, but they’re also dishing out some wilder items like ‘The Dinkleburger,’ a sort of pastrami reuben meets cheeseburger, & the olive & cream cheese sandwich.
Pastrami Queen
With a name-sake like this, you know their pastrami is going to be epic. Smokey, perfectly marbled, and melt-in-your-mouth tender, it’s piled sky-high between slices of fresh rye and a slather of dijon. Served with sliced pickles and a Dr. Brown’s soda, this is the perfect lunch.
Edith’s Sandwich Counter
Edith’s is definitely not your traditional delicatessen. Instead, this quaint Brooklyn spot is totally redefining Jewish comfort food with the likes of a cold brew slushie with tahini instead of milk, totkes (latke tater tots) and a pastrami chopped cheese. They also have the classics, and trust us, their 16 day house-smoked pastrami on seeded rye is really amazing.
Second Ave Deli
As soon as you sit down, you are greeted with an assortment of pickles and coleslaw, while you browse the menu. Best known for their hand-sliced pastrami and towering sandwiches, you truly can’t go wrong with any one of the massive triple deckers, a potato knish and matzoh ball soup. With its rich history, 2nd Ave Deli continues to be a go-to spot for classic Jewish comfort food in NYC.
Next up….NYC’s Most Iconic Restaurants That Are Still Worth The Visit
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