New York City is dubbed home of classic Jewish-style delis as pastrami, corned beef, and other delicacies rose to popularity in this region around the early 1900s. The city has a large Jewish community that is famous all over the world for its Jewish-American cuisine, especially that found in kosher-style delicatessens.
With towering pastrami sandwiches on rye bread to hearty matzo ball soups, these delicatessens offer a variety of delicious kosher-style dishes to New Yorkers. Whether you want an indulgent lunch or a quick snack, you can easily pick something up from a Jewish deli in New York City.
There was a time when there were more than 1500 Jewish delis in New York City, but unfortunately now only a relatively small number remain. Nevertheless, these establishments are integral to New York’s culture and history.
Here Are Some of the Best Jewish Delis in New York City
12. Mill Basin Delicatessen
Most Jewish delis you visit in New York have their own special quirks. However, the most fascinating thing about Mill Basin Delicatessen is the interior décor. Instead of pictures of famous celebrities who have visited the establishment, Mill Basin Delicatessen shows off artwork by Roy Lichtenstein and Marc Chagall.
The delicatessen doubles as an art gallery where you can enjoy unique pieces of art by local artists as well as pastrami, tongue, and brisket prepared by the deli. You can buy art at Mill Basin Delicatessen or take some latke chips home to enjoy later.
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11. Mile End Deli
Eastern European Jewish immigrants did not just travel to the USA in the late 1800s, but some of them also traveled to Canada. Noah Benamoff started a novel first Montreal-style deli in Brooklyn in 2010 and introduced New Yorkers to authentic smoked meat that is spicier and much smokier than pastrami.
At the Mile End Deli, you can find a delightful brunch with salami scrambled eggs and whitefish salad, and for dinner, you can enjoy matzo ball soup and house-made pickles.
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10. Mendy’s Deli
If you are looking for a kosher deli, Mendy’s Deli is an excellent place for foodies who are always in a rush. At Mendy’s, you can find great quality deli food that is filling and comforting.
Unfortunately, Mendy’s is one of the last delis in New York City, serving authentic kosher food instead of kosher-style food.
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9. 2nd Avenue Deli
2nd Avenue Deli is another Jewish deli that is one of the last fully kosher ones in New York City. Although the deli is no longer located at Second Avenue, the two branches of this classic Jewish-American deli are still managed by the Lebewohl family that serves customers with the same old-school hospitality.
It is a safe haven for locals as it is quietly tucked away, where you can almost hear the vocalists of the Yiddish theater as you enjoy the deli’s best offerings. You can indulge in some chopped liver, enjoy mushroom barley soup, and order blintzes to enjoy with friends at the 2nd Avenue Deli.
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8. Jay & Lloyd’s Delicatessen
When you visit Jay & Lloyd’s, you can always look forward to being greeted by the co-owner, Lloyd wearing his fantastic hot dog hat.
Lloyd has been a part of the deli business ever since he was a child and knows how to make customers feel welcome at his establishment and serve them delicious frankfurters and cured meat.
Jay & Lloyd’s deli offers impressive sides such as homemade rugelach, coleslaw, and zucchini pancakes.
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7. Barney Greengrass
Barney Greengrass is a classic Jewish deli in New York City, known for its smoked fish and fantastic interior design. When you visit the establishment, you must try their smoked sturgeon as it is one of the best things they offer on the menu.
You may enjoy a meal with your friends in the casual seating area or dine with the family in the separate dining room with sepia-colored murals.
Barney Greengrass holds special relevance for pop-culture fans since the place has been featured in several TV shows and movies, such as Seinfeld, You’ve Got Mail, and Law and Order.
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6. Ben’s Best Kosher Deli
A deli is just as good as the deli person that makes the delicious food for it. A deli man is a person who has dedicated years of their life to learning traditional cooking and curing methods, ways to smoke meat, and how to entertain customers at their establishment.
When you visit Ben’s Best Kosher deli, you will notice Jay Parker walking around talking to guests and serving corned beef, pastrami, and stuffed cabbage. These are all classic filling meals by the deli, and even if you feel a bit peckish afterward, you can get a giant hot dog to fulfill your appetite.
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5. Sarge’s Deli
When you are craving pastrami at 3 in the morning, there is no better place to go than Sarge’s Deli. Sarge’s deli was started by a retired policeman in the 1960s and was recently reopened after renovation after a fire.
Besides the classic dishes you can find at any Jewish deli, Sarge’s offers customers the deli Wellington, a mix of pastrami, corned beef, and potatoes wrapped in puff pastry.
The deli’s Souper Soup is also a customer favorite and comes loaded with noodles, beef kreplach, broth, and a matzoh ball.
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4. Pastrami Queen
Many tourists who visit New York City have Pastrami Queen on their to-visit list, and it is that way for good reason. Pastrami Queen serves melt-in-the-mouth pastrami with fresh rye bread and a cold Dr. Brown’s soda.
This place is a go-to place for pastrami sandwiches if you want a filling meal that won’t disappoint.
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3. Liebman’s Kosher Delicatessen
Situated in the Bronx, it is one of the two only surviving Jewish delis in the area. The interior of the delicatessen will take you back in time as you enjoy their pastrami and corned beef combo sandwich.
If you want to try more customer favorites, you should order kasha knish and their great matzo ball soup for an unforgettable delight.
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2. Frankel’s Delicatessen
When you step into Frankel’s Delicatessen, you will feel as if you have traveled back in time to the 1900s. The interior of the delicatessen has been designed carefully with vibrant signage by Sam Moses and vintage photographs, even though the establishment only opened in 2016.
You can check out hot pastrami Reubens, potato latkes, and all the usual Jewish deli classics at this establishment.
Frankel’s Delicatessen also offers specialty sandwiches such as ‘The Nettie’, which consists of smoked salmon, cream cheese, red onions, and horseradish beets.
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1. Katz’s Deli
As soon as you ask a New Yorker which Jewish deli is the best in the city, they’ll respond with ‘Katz’s Deli’. This famous institute was made immensely popular all over the world by the cult-classic movie ‘When Harry Met Sally’.
Although you may have to wait long to try the pastrami sandwich at Katz’s deli, the flavor of the dishes is worth the wait. The good news is that they usually offer you a pastrami sample while you are waiting to order!
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10 Famous Must-Try Jewish Foods in New York City
Have you tried Jewish food in New York City? Check out some of the top Jewish delis and eateries where you can enjoy authentic Jewish-American cuisine.
Jewish Delis in New York City – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which is the most popular Jewish deli in New York City?
Katz’s Delicatessen, also called Katz’s of New York City, is a kosher-style delicatessen named as the most popular Jewish deli in New York City.
How many Jewish delis are left in New York City?
The New York Times reports that there were around 1500 Jewish delis in New York City in the 1930s; now, that number has dwindled to almost 30.
Which deli was in When Harry Met Sally?
The deli in ‘When Harry Met Sally’ is called Katz’s Delicatessen. The Jewish deli still holds a sign inside its building, on the ceiling, which says, “Where Harry met Sally…Hope you have what she had!”. It is a special place to visit for fans of the iconic movie, where they can enjoy the Jewish deli’s delicious foods such as pastrami sandwiches, steak fries, matzo ball soup, etc.
Summary
New York City is the home of kosher-style Jewish delis, offering some of the most comforting food to New Yorkers. You can find feet-high pastrami sandwiches, matzo ball soup, and corned beef sandwiches.
Aside from the classics, each Jewish deli in New York City has unique offerings for customers, made with unique house ingredients and combinations. If you are looking to try some of the best places to enjoy classic Jewish-American cuisine, you should check out the list above for the top Jewish delis in NYC.
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My name is Jay and I started this website to share my love of Deli Food. I am Jewish with Italian ancestry and grandparents who emigrated to the US from Poland, Russia and Turkey. This website is my celebration of the delicious flavors of international deli culture. Please feel free to send me your suggestions and feedback through the contact form.
