Want Mustard on That? Visit These Iconic New York City Delis Javier Peinado January 27, 2023 Food & Drink, New York Although New York has lost a good number of iconic and beloved delis in recent years — Carnegie Deli, we hardly knew ye — that doesn’t mean that the New York’s Jewish deli scene is dead. Far from it, actually. In fact, some of the most iconic eateries in the country still survive — and even thrive — in Manhattan and beyond. Here are some iconic New York delis where you can go for a nosh the next time you visit the Big Apple. Katz’s Delicatessen Katz’s world-famous pastrami sandwich is an absolute must Founded in 1888, Katz’s is an indisputable favorite of native New Yorkers and tourists alike. This iconic restaurant is known for its hand-sliced deli meats, pictures on the wall of past and present world leaders who came in for a bite over the years, and, of course, as the site of the unforgettable “I’ll have what she’s having” scene in the classic film, “When Harry Met Sally.” The original deli is in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, at the corner of East Houston Street and Ludlow Street. Visiting Brooklyn instead? No problem. You’ll find another – albeit smaller – Katz’s right in downtown. No matter which location you visit, though…you can’t leave without trying their legendary pastrami and/or corned beef sandwiches OR one of their natural casing all-beef hot dogs. 2nd Avenue Deli Although 2nd Avenue Deli is no longer on Second Avenue, one of the last remaining temples of kosher delis in the city — and its well-known sour pickles — lives on in two locations. You’ll find it on the Upper East Side (First Avenue, near 75th Street) and in Murray Hill (East 33rd Street near Third Avenue). Although its famous blintzes and matzo ball soups are usually the talk of the town, some say that the pastrami sandwich you can enjoy here is second to none! Mile End Deli Everyone in New York seems to be moving to Brooklyn these days… unless you’re the awesome Mile End Deli! This restaurant first gained notoriety in the hippest of boroughs before opening up a location in Manhattan…essentially pulling a reverse of the migration of the city’s population. You’ll find it in the Boerum Hill area of Brooklyn (Hoyt Street between Atlantic Avenue and Pacific Street) and in the NoHo neighborhood in Manhattan (Bond Street between Bowery and 2nd Street). Don’t forget to try on of its main specialties: The smoked meat sandwich. Brooklyn Diner Whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you cannot go wrong with the Brooklyn Diner! As the name implies, this diner screams Brooklyn from the menu to the décor. While the menu harkens back to a classic Jewish deli, the décor takes you back to a 1940s diner. What’s more the two locations wouldn’t be more convenient: one is on 43rd street in the heart of Times Square, the other is on 57th, a mere two blocks from Central Park. As for the food, the large all-beef hot dog comes in at nearly a pound, keeping you full and satisfied for hours. Other popular dishes include the traditional matzo ball soup, the noodle kugel, the various omelets and benedicts, and chicken pot pie. As is with all Jewish delis, you will also find the classic pastrami sandwich. Kick it up a notch by adding the homemade juniper sauerkraut to your pastrami on rye bread. Junior’s Junior’s got its start in Brooklyn in 1950, and the landmark restaurant is best known for its dense and creamy cheesecakes. You can visit the original Brooklyn location on Flatbush Avenue or head to one of the two bustling outposts in Times Square. Junior’s is the perfect place to grab a sweet treat after a Broadway show, or a quick nosh before. You will find a number of deli specialties or classic diner fare at any of the locations. Popular menu items include the split pea soup, the chopped chicken liver, and the gigantic fresh salads. Of course, you can’t leave Junior’s without indulging in the famous cheesecake, available in a variety of flavors and creative incarnations. (Try the red velvet version. You’ll thank us if you do.) You may also like: 8 Unexpected Travel Destinations for Foodies Ben’s Kosher Good ol’ Ben’s has been around for over 50 years, serving up some of the city’s finest kosher and eastern European favorites. The family-owned and operated deli operates several convenient locations in the New York City area. While the chain got its start in Long Island, its location in the Garment District is the one that put it on the map. (EDITOR’S NOTE: Ben’s Manhattan location has closed, but there are still Ben’s locations open in Flushing, Queens, in various locations on Long Island, and in Boca Raton, Florida.) Start your meal with the iconic beef tongue polonaise served with the homemade raisin gravy. In addition to a variety of hamburgers and hot dogs, the menu also features classics such as mile-high sandwiches and matzo ball soup. Or go with one of the Eastern European specialties, including the stuffed cabbage or the Hungarian goulash. The vast menu ensures that there is something for everyone in your dining party. Finish the meal with a slice of chocolate babka or assorted mini rugelach, and you can call it a day. Sarge’s Dating back to 1964, this Murray Hill landmark has been serving hordes of satisfied customers for decades. Sarge’s has built a reputation on its overly stuffed sandwiches, guaranteed to fill you up. The stars of the show at Sarge’s are undoubtedly the in-house cured corned beef and pastrami that fill its sandwiches. Bring your appetite if you want to take on the challenge of the legendary sandwich nicknamed “The Monster.” This behemoth is bursting with fresh roast turkey, corned beef, roast beef, salami, lettuce, tomato, coleslaw, and topped with Russian dressing all between three slices of rye bread. You will also find breakfast served all day as well as plenty of diner favorites. Russ & Daughters Lox sandwiches are Russ & Daughter’s specialty. With a focus on preserved fish, Russ & Daughters entices diners to try the restaurant’s amazing lox sandwiches, the whitefish croquettes, and the herring plate. Visitors of this smoked salmon temple will also enjoy potato knishes, chopped liver, matzo ball soup, and beet salad. Add in an enticing assortment of traditional Jewish pastries and treats, and it’s not a surprise that Russ & Daughter’s fanbase keeps growing throughout its various locations across Manhattan and Brooklyn and attracting visitors eager to explore New York‘s vibrant deli scene! Love any other New York deli not featured here? Let us know in our comments section below!
