NYC’s Best Pastrami Sandwiches
Melinda Kauffman / April 1, 2019
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Ordering a pastrami sandwich in NYC is a must, especially at a traditional Jewish-style delicatessen like Katz’s or Sarge’s. Some of the best pastrami we’ve tried hail from these iconic diners that have been serving New Yorkers for over 100 years. Recently, we’ve been pretty impressed by contemporary takes on this famed sandwich at spots like Frankel’s in Greenpoint and Harry and Ida’s Meat and Supply Co. Old or new, you can’t go wrong with this list of NYC’s best pastrami sandwiches.
Katz’s Delicatessen
PC: @nymagKatz’s Deli has been an iconic NYC establishment for over 100 years now, feeding New Yorker’s and tourists alike around the clock, 24/7. This traditional delicatessen is most famous for their pastrami on rye with melt in your mouth meat that’s been cured for around thirty days. Pair your order with a side of cherry soda and classic potatoes latkes to complete the meal.
Sarge’s
PC: Sarge’s DeliLike Katz’s, this Jewish style diner is open 24/7 and cures all of their meats in house. The pastrami here is deliciously tender and if you’re feeling up for a challenge, you have to order The Monster. This heaping pile of meat is NYC’s biggest sandwich consisting of Corned Beef, Roast Beef, French Roast Turkey, Salami, Lettuce, Tomato, Cole Slaw, and Russian Dressing on three giant slices of Thick Rye Bread. Yum!
Harry and Ida’s
PC: ThrillistHarry and Ida’s is a sandwich counter and general store that popped up in the East Village back in 2015. A tribute to the owner’s grandparents, Harry and Ida’s takes a unique approach to pastrami, giving it a modern twist. We can’t get enough of their fresh cut meats, piled high with buttermilk-fermented cucumber kraut and mustard on a long white bun. We also love their take on the meatball hero with pastrami and smoked provolone.
Ben’s Kosher Deli
PC: Ben’s Kosher DeliFor over 45 years, Ben’s has been serving up some of the tastiest Kosher and Eastern European comfort food. With over seven locations in NY and FL, Ben’s Kosher has something for everyone from homemade soups (especially the matzoh ball), fresh-cut coleslaw, baked knishes and of course their hot pastrami.
Eisenberg’s
PC: Eater NYEisenberg’s slogan is “raising NY’s cholesterol since 1929” and they’ve been doing just that with their delicious sandwiches and breakfast served all day. This is a true New York diner experience with a long 25-seat lunch counter and delicious daily specials, juicy burgers, fresh cut and cured meats and classic egg creams. We recommend the hot pastrami of course, but also love ordering their LEO eggs with lox, eggs and onions served with complimentary pickles.
2nd Avenue Deli
PC: ThrillistThe 2nd Avenue Deli is a tribute to the original owner, Abe Lebewohl. When Abe came to America he didn’t speak English, but as he worked his way up from a soda jerk to the owner of a tiny 10-seat deli on Tenth Street, he quickly rose to fame. Today, 2nd Avenue Deli remains open (with two locations, in addition to the new upstairs) and now operates under Abe’s two nephews, Josh and Jeremy who learned the business firsthand from their uncle. Needles to say, go here for amazing hot pastrami sandwiches paired with pickles that are second to none.
Frankel’s
PC: GrubstreetGreenpoint hotspot Frankel’s is a contemporary Jewish-style deli and appetizing shop specializing in everything from smoked fish and meats to bagels and classic deli sandwiches. Zach and Alex Frankel are true New Yorkers and know a thing or two about making a quality sammie. When it comes to pastrami, our go to is the pastrami egg and cheese served on an everything bagel.
Pastrami Queen
PC: Eater NYAs the name implies, Pastrami Queen has some of the best and thickest pastrami that NYC has to offer. Anthony Bourdain was a frequenter here and loved how crumbly their thick-cut pastrami is. We love Pastrami Queen for a lot more than just pastrami though; we come here for other deli classics like chopped liver and potato knishes.
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