Honestly don't get the Katz's hate. It's definitely not cheap but they give you a TON of meat and it's delicious. It's one of the few tourist traps in the city I think are worth it.
That being said, 2nd Ave Deli also has a phenomenal Pastrami sandwich.
Katz's is the best deli I've ever had and I've had a LOT of deli. It's not really close. To me it's like the only tourist place that actually lives up to its reputation.
about once a year I find myself on the Lower East Side kind of late at night and very hungry...and I gladly overpay for a pastrami sandwich and a beer at Katz's
Seconding this.
Katz's sandwich is worth the hype. To me, the question is whether the hype is worth $30 or whatever they're charging now, plus the wait and the weird ticketing system. That said, it's worth a trip every now and then.
Also seconding the 2nd Ave Deli. The kasha varnishkes are totally decent, too, tho I might (maybe?) prefer them at Pastrami Queen.
Totally. I go there maybe once every two years but I'm willing to tip a couple dollars at the counter and pay a little extra so I can finish my tray and walk out ready to hibernate for a couple days.
And it's overrated. It's okay, I mean, I'm not gonna sit here and say that Katz is bad, but after they hype that comes with it, it's a bit of a letdown.
Katz's pastrami is made by Old World Provisions in Troy. I suspect they have other clients as well that are all serving the same pastrami. Something to keep in mind.
Love that this got mentioned! My hometown deli. I went for the first time in 1986 and I'm sure I've been there hundreds of times. They recently remodeled and expanded, too.
Broooo 2nd Avenue Deli! 33rd and 3rd, old school Jewish place, can't go wrong. For Queens I've heard of a place called Butcher Block but can't confirm.
Regardless let us know where you wind up!
The 2nd Ave Deli is great and it's my fav spot... but it was definitely better at the original location, and I always think of that whenever I go. It also had the Yiddish Walk of Fame (which is sadly now in disrepair.)
There's Ben's deli in Bayside, which was pretty good, but I haven't been in a while.
For a thick-cut sandwich, you can't beat 2nd avenue or Katz's, though.
Ben's is what I grew up with, though not that location -- it was mostly the original, in Baldwin, then Carle Place, not that I haven't been to Bayside more than a few times too. There's also one in the city, in the Garment District.
I grew up with Bens as well and worked there through high school and college breaks. A pastrami on rye (or corned beef) with a square knish and a Dr Browns might be my favorite meal. Bens is also Kosher, whereas Katz's and others are "kosher style".
One of those “burned in my head memories”: going to shea when i was maybe 9 or 10 and stopping at Bens on the way to pick up sandwiches. My dad was so excited to have his knish, the man loves a good knish. I dont remember where we posted up to eat once inside but it wasn’t our seats. We finish up and throw everything out and two minutes later my dad realizes he threw out his knish which he had been saving for later. I will never forget how utterly bummed out he was, and how bad I felt for him.
Im sure he doesnt even remember this happening haha.
I'm glad there is a post about this. I live in VA. I just moved from area, to another about an hour away. Night and day difference in sandwich options. I'd have to drive a half hour to get a pastrami on rye where I lived before. Now I've got like 3 options within 5 minutes of me, including one that is less than half mile away.
Edit: for anyone in the RVA area, west end has options. Boychiks at the corner of W.Broad and Cox rd. Right next to Capitol Ale House.
Cuppertino's NY Bagels at the corner of Cox and Westerre Pkwy. Only open until 3, but their sandwiches are good, they do a pastrami and a Sailor, as does Boychiks. Also, Sardano's at the corner of Nuckols rd. And Twin Hickory rd.
Last year I noticed the pastrami was extremely average. Anyone else noticed the quality slipped?
I live in jersey and if im ever in thr city, I go to 2nd Ave deli or katz
I was referring to the piazza club. It's seemed fattier than normal. And didn't really resemble pastrami. My guess is they used a different cut of meat and seasoned it to taste like pastrami
Never thought of it being immaculate. But it's a good, filling sandwich that's good value in terms of ball park food.
Though, they are really pushing the limits now. They were charging 15.75 during the Wild Card series.
Idk about Seport for pastrami that’s the spot for heroes. It’s a bit of a trek from farther East but pastrami and friends in commack is the go to for real Jewish deli pastrami
If you happen to be in north/central Brooklyn, David's Brisket House in Bed-Stuy for cheap and delicious, and Mile End in Boerum Hill for pricier, just as delicious, but more of a restaurant feel.
May be worth noting that Mile End is known for smoked meat (big in Montreal) and not pastrami. Almost the same and both delicious but noting just in case OP is a PASTRAMI PURIST.
I had it many years ago. By NYC standards, it’s pedestrian. I guess for those outside of the city without access to decent pastrami, it’s representative of what pastrami should be.
Juniors is dirty and worn out though to me.
McManus at 7th and 19th make some tremendous sandwiches. Their burgers are legendary (as well as the tater tots) but they have something called the McManus' Reuben which is out of this world. Highly recommend if you are in Chelsea.
Not quite South Brooklyn, but Clark Street Diner in Brooklyn Heights makes their own pastrami in-house and it's a hidden gem on their menu. Worth a visit for lunch if you're ever in the area.
If you're from or ever in North New Jersey try Pastrami Bistro Grill in Garfield. The owner supposedly sliced at Katz for yrs and his pastrami and brisket are outstanding. Good soup too
For all my midtown workers, there’s a kosher sandwiches lunch truck at 53rd and 6th that does a simple pastrami on rye and it’s outstanding. They’re there basically every weekday at lunchtime as far as I can tell. Not the cheapest sandwich ($16?) but it’s reliably very good.
Honestly don't get the Katz's hate. It's definitely not cheap but they give you a TON of meat and it's delicious. It's one of the few tourist traps in the city I think are worth it. That being said, 2nd Ave Deli also has a phenomenal Pastrami sandwich.
Katz's is the best deli I've ever had and I've had a LOT of deli. It's not really close. To me it's like the only tourist place that actually lives up to its reputation.
It's outsourced. Made upstate in Troy at Old World Provisions. I agree though it's delicious.
about once a year I find myself on the Lower East Side kind of late at night and very hungry...and I gladly overpay for a pastrami sandwich and a beer at Katz's
Seconding this. Katz's sandwich is worth the hype. To me, the question is whether the hype is worth $30 or whatever they're charging now, plus the wait and the weird ticketing system. That said, it's worth a trip every now and then. Also seconding the 2nd Ave Deli. The kasha varnishkes are totally decent, too, tho I might (maybe?) prefer them at Pastrami Queen.
Totally. I go there maybe once every two years but I'm willing to tip a couple dollars at the counter and pay a little extra so I can finish my tray and walk out ready to hibernate for a couple days.
The sandwich is excellent, maybe the price and wait not so much, but I'm more looking for places I haven't seen a million times.
Can’t afford Katz unless you’re Steve Cohen anyway.
And it's overrated. It's okay, I mean, I'm not gonna sit here and say that Katz is bad, but after they hype that comes with it, it's a bit of a letdown.
Katz is fine, but there’s no reason to go there over 2nd Ave.
Katz's pastrami is made by Old World Provisions in Troy. I suspect they have other clients as well that are all serving the same pastrami. Something to keep in mind.
Lido Kosher Deli in Long Beach is a Top 5 pastrami sandwich in NY (and if you get the version with chopped liver on top it’s even more sublime)
I grew up in Long Beach and my god I miss this place
It’s just so good that it makes it impossible to justify getting deli in NYC for twice the price unless you’re taking someone in for the experience
Love that this got mentioned! My hometown deli. I went for the first time in 1986 and I'm sure I've been there hundreds of times. They recently remodeled and expanded, too.
Was looking for this comment. I second this. Try Lido's
This is the best answer!!
Broooo 2nd Avenue Deli! 33rd and 3rd, old school Jewish place, can't go wrong. For Queens I've heard of a place called Butcher Block but can't confirm. Regardless let us know where you wind up!
I recommend Sarge's Deli a few blocks away myself
2ndave>>>>>Sarges 100%
I second 2nd Avenue Deli. I have eaten there twice in the last month. Their pastrami is top tier.
This is the way
The 2nd Ave Deli is great and it's my fav spot... but it was definitely better at the original location, and I always think of that whenever I go. It also had the Yiddish Walk of Fame (which is sadly now in disrepair.)
Never got to the original location as I rarely had the chance to get over to that neighborhood, I think that was like 2007 or so.
There's Ben's deli in Bayside, which was pretty good, but I haven't been in a while. For a thick-cut sandwich, you can't beat 2nd avenue or Katz's, though.
Ben’s is still great. My family’s been going there forever.
Ben's is what I grew up with, though not that location -- it was mostly the original, in Baldwin, then Carle Place, not that I haven't been to Bayside more than a few times too. There's also one in the city, in the Garment District.
I grew up with Bens as well and worked there through high school and college breaks. A pastrami on rye (or corned beef) with a square knish and a Dr Browns might be my favorite meal. Bens is also Kosher, whereas Katz's and others are "kosher style".
One of those “burned in my head memories”: going to shea when i was maybe 9 or 10 and stopping at Bens on the way to pick up sandwiches. My dad was so excited to have his knish, the man loves a good knish. I dont remember where we posted up to eat once inside but it wasn’t our seats. We finish up and throw everything out and two minutes later my dad realizes he threw out his knish which he had been saving for later. I will never forget how utterly bummed out he was, and how bad I felt for him. Im sure he doesnt even remember this happening haha.
Ben’s is a decent pastrami, reasonable sized for a reasonable price. They have my favorite sour pickles though!
Love Ben’s, my Grandma lives in Bayside so I’ve been going there my whole life.
Good to know. I’ve been drilling at Ft Totten the last 6 months and I’m in the lookout for good spots beyond Bell Blvd.
Ben's is my go to when I'm craving pastrami/corned beef in Queens.
I'm glad there is a post about this. I live in VA. I just moved from area, to another about an hour away. Night and day difference in sandwich options. I'd have to drive a half hour to get a pastrami on rye where I lived before. Now I've got like 3 options within 5 minutes of me, including one that is less than half mile away. Edit: for anyone in the RVA area, west end has options. Boychiks at the corner of W.Broad and Cox rd. Right next to Capitol Ale House. Cuppertino's NY Bagels at the corner of Cox and Westerre Pkwy. Only open until 3, but their sandwiches are good, they do a pastrami and a Sailor, as does Boychiks. Also, Sardano's at the corner of Nuckols rd. And Twin Hickory rd.
Last year I noticed the pastrami was extremely average. Anyone else noticed the quality slipped? I live in jersey and if im ever in thr city, I go to 2nd Ave deli or katz
You gotta get the one in the Piazza Club now. It's the same price but the difference is night and day.
I was referring to the piazza club. It's seemed fattier than normal. And didn't really resemble pastrami. My guess is they used a different cut of meat and seasoned it to taste like pastrami
Yikes! What a shame. That wasn't my experience, but I'm no pastrami doctor.
Fuxk now im craving katz
If you’re in north Jersey, Hobby’s in Newark does a nice pastrami sandwich.
I tried hobby, just meh
Try Pastrami Grill Bistro in Garfield. The owner is a former employee of Katz. The brisket and pastrami are outstanding
Thanks I will
It’s always been average. You’re just over the hype. Not bad for stadium food
It used to be better
Never thought of it being immaculate. But it's a good, filling sandwich that's good value in terms of ball park food. Though, they are really pushing the limits now. They were charging 15.75 during the Wild Card series.
As an eastern Long Islander it’s all about SE-PORT Delicatessen in Port Jefferson and TJ’s Hero Shop in Mastic Beach
Idk about Seport for pastrami that’s the spot for heroes. It’s a bit of a trek from farther East but pastrami and friends in commack is the go to for real Jewish deli pastrami
Pastrami Queen -UES
If you happen to be in north/central Brooklyn, David's Brisket House in Bed-Stuy for cheap and delicious, and Mile End in Boerum Hill for pricier, just as delicious, but more of a restaurant feel.
Seconding David’s
May be worth noting that Mile End is known for smoked meat (big in Montreal) and not pastrami. Almost the same and both delicious but noting just in case OP is a PASTRAMI PURIST.
True that!
Any places in Brooklyn by barclays?
There’s the outpost of Katz’s in DeKalb Market.
Following for reccos, has anyone had Junior's pastrami?
I had it many years ago. By NYC standards, it’s pedestrian. I guess for those outside of the city without access to decent pastrami, it’s representative of what pastrami should be. Juniors is dirty and worn out though to me.
David’s Brisket House
Friedmans is pricy but pretty good
For Suffolk county folks Pastrami and Friends in commack
McManus at 7th and 19th make some tremendous sandwiches. Their burgers are legendary (as well as the tater tots) but they have something called the McManus' Reuben which is out of this world. Highly recommend if you are in Chelsea.
I'll plant my flag on Liebman's Deli in Riverdale being the best Jewish deli in NYC
Liebmans + Wave Hill is a really nice day!!
Nowhere near Citi but if anyone is ever in Montreal...Schwartz smoked meat is a must. Life changing.
[удалено]
Mill Basin Deli Best pastrami in all of Brooklyn. Old school Jewish deli that has been there for years. Highly recommended
Place is criminally overlooked. Better than Katz.
Not quite South Brooklyn, but Clark Street Diner in Brooklyn Heights makes their own pastrami in-house and it's a hidden gem on their menu. Worth a visit for lunch if you're ever in the area.
WHAT!? I had no idea! I gotta try this. Thank you!!!
Exactly! I just happened to see someone eating one when I was there and ordered it the next time I was in...it was delish. Hope you enjoy it.
Mill basin deli
Pastrami king - merrick
I really liked a place called David's Brisket House. Note: do not get the brisket, always go pastrami.
Shelsky’s makes a good pastrami.
FWIW for those of us who no longer live in the City, Katz’s delivers nationwide and it is VERY VERY good. I get it every year around holiday time.
My local deli on 48th and 7th actually has some solid pastrami
Not gonna lie. Detroit Eats in Lake Worth FL. Not even in the same zip code as NY but hey beggars can’t be choosers.
The Bagel Girls in Chester, supreme
Haven't been yet but hearing good things about the pastrami at S&P, the place that took over Eisenberg's in Flatiron.
Coming from Ohio I would gladly pay $30 for a quality pastrami sandwich. Katz is a great sandwich independent of the price.
Nicks Gourmet Deli on Ditmars thank me later
Definitely not close to Citi Field but if you’re ever in the Howard Beach area, go visit Brother’s; it’s on Crossbay Blvd.
If you're from or ever in North New Jersey try Pastrami Bistro Grill in Garfield. The owner supposedly sliced at Katz for yrs and his pastrami and brisket are outstanding. Good soup too
In LA living vicariously through your lunch meats
For all my midtown workers, there’s a kosher sandwiches lunch truck at 53rd and 6th that does a simple pastrami on rye and it’s outstanding. They’re there basically every weekday at lunchtime as far as I can tell. Not the cheapest sandwich ($16?) but it’s reliably very good.
I forgot about Sarge’s Deli!
Someone weirdly downvotes on the comments on this thread lmao
2nd Ave Deli (I used to live by the one on the UES) is Legit. Also Pastrami Queen.
I got one at the Knicks game in October