New York City is famous for its pastrami sandwiches, with several legendary delis offering mouthwatering options. Here’s a list of the best places to get a pastrami sandwich in NYC:
1. Katz’s Delicatessen (Lower East Side)
- Specialties: Pastrami on rye
- Why it’s great: Katz’s is the iconic spot for pastrami in New York. Known for its hand-carved, juicy, perfectly seasoned pastrami, served on fresh rye bread with mustard. Established in 1888, Katz’s is a must-visit for a classic New York pastrami sandwich.
- Location: 205 E Houston St, Lower East Side
2. Sarge’s Delicatessen & Diner (Murray Hill)
- Specialties: Pastrami on rye, “The Monster” sandwich
- Why it’s great: Sarge’s serves enormous, tender pastrami sandwiches in a no-frills, classic deli atmosphere. They’re known for the “Monster” sandwich—a massive pastrami, corned beef, and roast beef creation that’s perfect for those with a big appetite.
- Location: 548 3rd Ave, Murray Hill
3. 2nd Avenue Deli (Murray Hill & Upper East Side)
- Specialties: Pastrami on rye, pastrami and corned beef combo
- Why it’s great: Another classic New York deli, 2nd Avenue Deli is kosher and known for its flavorful, juicy pastrami. The sandwich portions are large, and the quality of the pastrami is top-tier. Try the pastrami and corned beef combo for the best of both worlds.
- Location: 162 E 33rd St, Murray Hill | 1442 1st Ave, Upper East Side
4. Pastrami Queen (Upper East Side & Upper West Side)
- Specialties: Pastrami sandwich, matzo ball soup
- Why it’s great: Pastrami Queen is a beloved kosher deli that offers one of the city’s most flavorful pastrami sandwiches, known for its tenderness and smoky flavor. It’s often compared to Katz’s for its quality but offers a quieter, more local vibe.
- Location: 1125 Lexington Ave, Upper East Side | 138 W 72nd St, Upper West Side
5. David’s Brisket House (Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn)
- Specialties: Pastrami on rye, brisket and pastrami combo
- Why it’s great: A hidden gem in Brooklyn, David’s Brisket House offers a fantastic pastrami sandwich that rivals the top Manhattan delis. The pastrami is tender and flavorful, and their brisket is equally outstanding.
- Location: 533 Nostrand Ave, Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn
6. Mile End Deli (NoHo & Boerum Hill, Brooklyn)
- Specialties: Montreal-style smoked meat sandwich (pastrami)
- Why it’s great: Mile End offers a Montreal twist on the classic pastrami sandwich with their smoked meat sandwich. The meat is cured and smoked in-house, resulting in a delicious, slightly different take on pastrami that’s well worth trying.
- Location: 53 Bond St, NoHo | 97A Hoyt St, Boerum Hill, Brooklyn
7. Liebman’s Kosher Delicatessen (Riverdale, Bronx)
- Specialties: Pastrami on rye, corned beef sandwich
- Why it’s great: For those willing to venture a bit out of Manhattan, Liebman’s is a Bronx institution known for its classic kosher deli offerings. The pastrami is juicy and tender, with generous portions and a welcoming, old-school atmosphere.
- Location: 552 W 235th St, Riverdale, Bronx
Bonus Options for Pastrami Lovers:
- Frankel’s Delicatessen & Appetizing (Greenpoint, Brooklyn): Known for its modern take on Jewish deli fare, Frankel’s offers a solid pastrami sandwich alongside bagels and smoked fish.
- Pastrami Grill Bistro (Borough Park, Brooklyn): A kosher deli in Brooklyn offering delicious pastrami sandwiches with a more casual, neighborhood vibe.
Conclusion:
For the ultimate New York pastrami experience, Katz’s Delicatessen is unbeatable, but places like Sarge’s, Pastrami Queen, and 2nd Avenue Deli are also incredible options for an authentic pastrami fix. Each deli brings its own style to the table, so it’s worth trying a few to find your favorite!
