Hidden Florida Deli With Pastrami You’ll Remember Forever
Pomperdale Famous New York Deli in Florida may not catch your eye at first, but inside waits a pastrami experience that lingers long after the last bite.
Thick, juicy slices are piled high on fresh bread, seasoned perfectly, and crafted with care that recalls classic New York delis.
Locals know this hidden gem for turning a simple sandwich into something unforgettable, proving that sometimes the best flavors hide in the most unexpected places.
Over Half a Century of Stacking Sandwiches
Since 1969, Pomperdale has been slinging sandwiches to hungry Fort Lauderdale locals who know quality when they taste it.
That’s over fifty years of perfecting the art of piled-high pastrami and hand-sliced corned beef.
Most restaurants don’t make it past their fifth birthday, but this place has been around longer than disco, bell-bottoms, and probably your parents’ marriage.
Walking through those doors feels like stepping into a time machine where the only thing that matters is good food and even better company.
Prime Real Estate on Commercial Boulevard
You’ll find this gem parked at 3055 E Commercial Blvd, right in the heart of Fort Lauderdale’s bustling food scene.
The location makes it super easy to swing by whether you’re a local or just passing through town. They typically open mornings through early afternoon; hours can vary, so check the site or call ahead for the day’s schedule.
Pro tip: get there early on weekends because the breakfast crowd doesn’t mess around, and neither should you if you want first dibs on fresh bagels
Meet the Dream Team Behind the Counter
Rick “The Deli Guy” Bruskin and his wife Brie “The Deli Gal” run this operation with the kind of passion usually reserved for sports fanatics and reality TV contestants.
Their nicknames aren’t just cute marketing; they genuinely live and breathe deli culture.
You can often spot them working the counter, chatting with regulars, and making sure every sandwich leaves the kitchen looking like edible architecture.
Their energy is contagious, and their commitment to quality explains why customers keep coming back decade after decade.
Signature Sandwiches That Defy Gravity
Pomperdale’s menu stars include the Superstuffed New Yorker, the classic Reuben, and the Rachel, each packed with enough meat to feed a small army.
These aren’t your sad gas station sandwiches; we’re talking serious architectural achievements here. The pastrami and corned beef get piled so high you’ll need a strategy just to take your first bite.
Locals swear by these overstuffed beauties, and one look at the cross-section will tell you exactly why this place has earned its legendary status in South Florida’s food scene.
Breakfast Worth Waking Up For
Mornings at Pomperdale mean fresh bagels and bialys that’ll make you forget about whatever chain coffee shop you usually hit.
The breakfast lineup changes daily, keeping things interesting for the regulars who show up like clockwork.
Bialys, those lesser-known cousins of bagels with the onion-filled centers, are a rare find outside New York, so spotting them here is like discovering treasure.
Whether you go simple with a schmear or load up with lox, the morning menu proves this place takes every meal seriously, not just lunch.
Franchise Expansion Hits the Gas
In 2022, Pomperdale decided to share the love beyond Fort Lauderdale by launching a franchise program with partner John Mautner.
This move means more people across Florida and beyond can experience authentic New York deli magic without booking a flight north.
Franchising a fifty-year-old concept isn’t easy, but when you’ve spent half a century perfecting your recipes and building a loyal following, you’ve earned the right to expand.
John Mautner’s involvement signals serious growth potential while keeping that old-school authenticity intact.
Pastrami Reigns Supreme According to the People
Ask any regular what to order, and they’ll point you straight to the pastrami without hesitation. Social media buzz constantly highlights this menu item as the undisputed champion of Pomperdale’s offerings.
The meat arrives perfectly seasoned with that signature peppery crust, sliced thick enough to satisfy but tender enough to melt in your mouth.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a weekly visitor, skipping the pastrami would be like going to the beach and refusing to touch the water. It’s the whole point, the main event, the reason people drive across town.