Sandwiches are part of the New York City culture. Bagels are quick to order in the morning when we’re rushing to get to the subway, and pastrami sandwiches are easy to grab as we walk home from a long day’s work — let’s face it: we can’t live without sandwiches! The best part? We have delis as well as deli workers and owners to thank for them. We can find the best delis in NYC everywhere — as we all have our own personal favorites. However, some simply captivate the New Yorkers’ hearts (and appetites) a little more than others.
The 5 Best Delis in NYC to Visit Next
1. Katz’s Delicatessen
Considered to be the oldest deli in NYC, Katz’s Deli sure has plenty of reasons to continuously operate and enthusiastically serve New Yorkers and tourists! — they’ve been around for so long, that Katz’s Deli is famous for the catchphrase, “Send a Salami to Your Boy in the Army!” that they coined during World War II! Katz’s Deli, however, has been around longer than that — the deli was established in 1888.
Beyond the slogan, Katz’s Deli is also famous for its huge serving of pastrami on rye, but they also serve mouthwatering corned beef sandwiches. However, if you can’t decide between the two, you can just order the pastrami and corned beef combo! Additionally, their hotdog is also considered to be one of the best sausages in New York City.
But going to Katz’s Delicatessen isn’t just a satiating stop-over, visiting the deli is also a fulfilling experience. Not only does the place still have its humble decor intact, but according to John Mariani, a Forbes contributor, “The mingling aromas of steaming beef, franks and beans, pickling juices, sauerkraut, roasting turkeys, French fries is inebriating,” they added, “You get a ticket on the way in, the countermen make your food—all meats are still hand-carved by masters who have been slicing for decades—then clips your ticket, and you move along quickly to get potatoes and drinks.”
Locals and tourists remain loyal to Katz’s Deli. If you’re not sure what the rave is about, come check out the deli — and “have what Meg Ryan had” (when the actress and fellow actor, Billy Crystal were filmed in the diner for the movie, When Harry Met Sally).
2. 2nd Avenue Deli
Another delicatessen that stood the rest of time is 2nd Ave Deli — because they remain a favorite among the countless customers they serve! This kosher-certified delicatessen is famous for serving its matzo-ball soup, pastrami sandwich, corned beef sandwich, gefilte fish, and many other delicious Jewish cuisines — and they’ve been serving these special kosher dishes for 69 years (the deli was established in 1954).
In a review by TimeOut, they state that the 2nd Ave Deli menu remains just as good as they fondly remember it. According to them, the “Schmaltz-laden chopped liver is whipped to a mousselike consistency, and the deli meats, including juicy pastrami and corned beef, skillfully straddle the line between fatty and lean.”
Financial Times ranked 2nd Avenue Deli as one of the “50 Greatest Food Stores in the World” in 2021. And Zagat considers the delicatessen the “9th Best Deli in New York City” when they ranked some delis back in 2013. Of course, to find out just how good their sandwiches are, you have to try them for yourself!
3. Barney Greengrass
Perfecting fish dishes is difficult — one has to painstakingly understand how they’re prepared and cooked. But Barney Greengrass was able to achieve that a long time ago (from 1908 to today)! After all, if their founder is nicknamed “The Sturgeon King,” you can’t expect anything less than appetizing!
From sturgeon to salmon, Barney Greengrass always serves rich and tasty fish — fish platters that you can eat with a side of bagels, potato salad, cole slaw, and many more!
Just like the previous delicatessen that’s listed, Financial Times also considers Barney Greengrass as one of the “50 Greatest Food Stores in the World” back in 2021. Moreover, in a Condé Nast Traveler review, they say that “This 100-year-old Jewish delicatessen on the Upper West Side is a true icon.”
4. Sarge’s Deli
Most of the time, sandwiches are ordered because they’re easy and handy to bite into — especially when we’re on the go. However, there are also times when sandwiches turn into meals we can indulge in — and Sarge’s Deli understands that NYC residents need that! That’s also probably why their menu item “The Monster” exists, or, according to them (and other foodies), “The Biggest Sandwich in NYC.”
Walks of New York says, “This traditional family-owned deli serves overstuffed deli sandwiches, as well as New York favorites like smoked fish, chopped liver, kugel, kreplach, and knishes,”
In an article by The Infatuation, they wrote, “Everything here is huge, from the “appetizer” portion of stuffed cabbage that could feed a family of four to the open-faced, melty-cheese-covered sandwiches.” As for their verdict, they said, “You’ll be full after this, but get the cheesecake anyway.”
5. Mile End Deli
If you want to eat scrumptious deli, and you also enjoy having a good “food porn” photo collection, Mile End Delicatessen has got you! The deli has been serving aesthetically-pleasing food — and their dishes are as delicious as they look! They’re mainly known for their Montreal-style smoked meats like their cured beef brisket — and also their bacon that pairs well with their delectable rye roasts and perfectly-runny egg (or fluffy scrambled ones).
Furthermore, since Mile End Deli has menu items that have a strong Québecois influence, then you know their poutine will be one of the best you’ll have here in The Big Apple!
In a TimeOut article, they described Mile End Deli’s dishes, “The menu is short and focused, offering a small variety of sandwiches, breakfast dishes (such as the phenomenal smoked-meat hash, crisp cubed potato with softened onions and shredded smoked meat, topped with a runny egg) and sides (the house-made pickles are everything they should be—garlicky and crisp, with a lively fermented flavor),”
To Summarize
The best delis in NYC have been serving people their giant sandwiches that have scrumptious cured and smoked meats — but these delicatessens serve more than that. They also offer convenience and a warm atmosphere for their patrons to enjoy — as the busy locals and tourists need that as well!