12 Iconic New York Delis That Still Make Sandwiches Better Than Anyone

New York City’s deli culture isn’t just about food—it’s a slice of the Big Apple’s soul.

These legendary sandwich shops have survived changing neighborhoods, economic ups and downs, and even the internet age.

I’ve spent years hunting down the perfect pastrami on rye, and these 12 iconic establishments continue to stack, slice, and serve sandwiches that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.

1. Katz’s Delicatessen: Where Harry Met Sally… And Pastrami Perfection

Walking into Katz’s feels like stepping into a time machine. The ticket system might confuse first-timers (I once ended up with three tickets and a very stern look from the cashier), but the slight chaos is worth it. Hand-carved pastrami here is a religious experience—pink, peppery perfection piled higher than seems physically possible between slices of rye.

The meat is steamed for hours, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth magic that’s been drawing crowds since 1888. Pro tip: Don’t lose your ticket unless you want to pay the lost ticket fee, and yes, that’s the actual table where Meg Ryan filmed the famous scene. The sign says so.

2. 2nd Ave Deli: Kosher Comfort In A New Location

Heartbreak struck the city when the original 2nd Ave Deli closed in 2006. I remember standing outside the shuttered doors, feeling like I’d lost an old friend. Thankfully, the Lebewohl family revived this kosher institution at new locations, preserving their mouthwatering traditions. Their hot pastrami sandwich remains the star—tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned. Unlike some competitors, they don’t skimp on the meat or the hospitality.

Each table gets complimentary pickles and gribenes (crispy chicken skin cracklings that will change your life). The matzo ball soup might be the best in the city, with baseball-sized dumplings floating in golden broth. Perfect for those days when only Jewish penicillin will do.

3. Carnegie Deli: The Comeback Kid Of Sandwich Stardom

Carnegie Deli’s rollercoaster journey from NYC icon to closure to revival is the stuff of sandwich legends. My grandmother still talks about their original location with misty eyes. Though the flagship store closed in 2016, their sandwiches live on through their wholesale operation. The “Woody Allen” sandwich—a sky-high combination of corned beef and pastrami—defines excess in the best possible way.

Two people can share one and still have leftovers. Their cheesecake, nearly as famous as their sandwiches, provides the perfect sweet finish. Carnegie’s influence extends beyond food; they pioneered the theatrical deli experience with celebrity photos lining the walls and sandwiches named after famous patrons. The essence of old New York lives in every bite.

4. Liebman’s Deli: Bronx Treasure Since 1953

Tucked away in Riverdale, Liebman’s stands as one of the last surviving kosher delis in the Bronx. Last summer, I made the pilgrimage with my uncle who grew up nearby—he hadn’t been back in 40 years but swore the hot dogs tasted exactly the same. Family-owned since 1953, Liebman’s hasn’t changed much over the decades, and that’s precisely its charm.

Their corned beef is sliced thin rather than thick-cut like some competitors, creating a different but equally delicious texture experience. The knishes—golden-brown pockets of potato goodness—are among the city’s finest. Old-school touches like Dr. Brown’s sodas and homemade cole slaw complete the authentic experience. The neighborhood has transformed around it, but Liebman’s remains steadfastly delicious.

5. Sarge’s Deli: The 24-Hour Sandwich Savior

Three AM sandwich cravings in NYC have one solution: Sarge’s. Founded by a former cop (hence the name) in 1964, this Murray Hill institution survived a devastating fire in 2012 to return better than ever. Their Monster Sandwich belongs in the Sandwich Hall of Fame—a glorious tower of corned beef, pastrami, roast beef, turkey, salami, tomato, lettuce, and coleslaw between three slices of rye.

I attempted it once after a night out and made it halfway before surrendering. Beyond the classics, Sarge’s serves unexpectedly great breakfast all day and night. The Jewish-style deli menu meets diner comfort in perfect harmony. When everywhere else is closed, Sarge’s lights remain on, beckoning hungry New Yorkers with the promise of perfect pickles and mile-high sandwiches.

6. Eisenberg’s Sandwich Shop: Old-School Counter Service Lives On

“You either get it or you don’t” was Eisenberg’s longtime slogan, perfectly capturing this no-frills counter spot that’s been serving midtown since 1929. Now operating as S&P (Court Street Grocers took over), the spirit of the original remains intact. The tuna melt here changed my understanding of what this humble sandwich could be—perfectly toasted rye, house-made tuna salad, and just the right amount of melted cheese.

Sitting at the counter watching sandwiches being made is therapeutic, a reminder of simpler times before phones dominated dining experiences. Egg creams—that uniquely New York beverage containing neither eggs nor cream—are mixed the old-fashioned way. The weathered countertop has supported elbows of celebrities and ordinary New Yorkers alike for nearly a century, each leaving with the same satisfied smile.

7. Barney Greengrass: The Sturgeon King Of The Upper West Side

Smoked fish royalty resides on Amsterdam Avenue, where Barney Greengrass has reigned supreme since 1908. My first visit came after a recommendation from my Jewish grandmother who insisted real bagels and lox were life-changing. She wasn’t wrong. The sturgeon scrambled eggs might look unassuming, but they deliver a transcendent flavor experience—silky eggs mingled with buttery smoked fish.

Their bagel sandwiches feature hand-sliced nova salmon so thin you can almost see through it, balanced perfectly with cream cheese, tomato, onion, and capers. The retro dining room with its worn Formica tables hasn’t changed in decades. Celebrity photos on the walls remind you that everyone from Anthony Bourdain to Jerry Seinfeld has made the pilgrimage for what might be the finest smoked fish in America.

8. Russ & Daughters: Lower East Side Legacy In Every Bite

Four generations of the Russ family have been slinging smoked fish since 1914. Unlike most entries on this list, Russ & Daughters isn’t technically a deli—it’s an “appetizing store,” the traditional Jewish shop selling dairy and fish (not meat). Their Super Heebster sandwich combines whitefish and baked salmon salad with horseradish-dill cream cheese and wasabi flying fish roe for a flavor explosion that bridges old and new worlds.

I once waited 45 minutes in line just for this sandwich and would do it again without hesitation. The shop’s narrow confines force a delightful intimacy with fellow customers and white-coated counter staff who slice each order with surgical precision. The newer cafe around the corner offers table service, but the original Houston Street location provides the authentic experience worth seeking out.

9. Pastrami Queen: Royalty On The Upper East Side

Sometimes the best things come in unassuming packages. Pastrami Queen’s modest storefront hides sandwich greatness that’s earned celebrity fans from Anthony Bourdain to Jerry Seinfeld. My first visit came after a Central Park run—I figured I’d earned those calories. Their hand-cut pastrami receives a perfect spice rub before being smoked and steamed to tender perfection.

The meat has a distinctive flavor profile—slightly sweeter than Katz’s with a more pronounced pepper kick. Paired with their tangy Russian dressing on twice-baked rye bread, it creates sandwich harmony. Originally from Queens (hence the name), this Upper East Side gem maintains old-school traditions in everything from their pickle preparation to their knishes. The tiny space means you might wait for a table, but patient diners are rewarded with sandwich nirvana.

10. David’s Brisket House: Brooklyn’s Cross-Cultural Deli Miracle

The story behind David’s Brisket House fascinates me almost as much as their sandwiches. Originally Jewish-owned, this Bedford-Stuyvesant institution is now run by Yemeni Muslims who meticulously preserve traditional Jewish deli techniques while making the food halal. Their brisket sandwich—the obvious choice—features tender, thinly-sliced meat that’s been slow-cooked until it practically dissolves on your tongue. The gravy option adds an extra layer of savory goodness that sets it apart from other delis.

Last time I visited, the owner insisted I try a sample of freshly-sliced corned beef while waiting. The modest surroundings and affordable prices (about half what you’d pay at more famous Manhattan spots) make this Brooklyn gem even more appealing. It stands as delicious proof that New York’s food traditions transcend cultural and religious boundaries.

11. Mill Basin Deli: Brooklyn’s Hidden Kosher Treasure

Venturing to Mill Basin feels like a pilgrimage to a deli sanctuary. Located in deep Brooklyn, this kosher establishment has been serving mammoth sandwiches since 1973. My cousin in nearby Marine Park swears their corned beef cured his hangover after his wedding. The pastrami and corned beef receive the traditional treatment—cured, smoked, and steamed to perfection.

What sets Mill Basin apart is their bread—slightly thicker rye that somehow manages to contain their generous portions without disintegrating. Their house-made mustard adds the perfect tangy counterpoint. Beyond sandwiches, their stuffed cabbage and matzoh ball soup transport you straight to a Jewish grandmother’s kitchen. The walls feature an unexpected collection of fine art, making this perhaps the only deli where you can contemplate modern masterpieces while devouring masterful sandwiches.

12. Frankel’s Delicatessen: New School Meets Old Traditions

Newcomers to the deli scene face skepticism from traditionalists like me. Frankel’s in Greenpoint, opened in 2016 by two brothers with music industry backgrounds, silenced doubters with sandwiches that honor tradition while embracing modernity. Their #1 sandwich combines pastrami and egg with gooey American cheese on an everything bagel—a combination that would make purists clutch their pearls but tastes absolutely divine.

The brothers source quality ingredients and prepare them with respect for tradition, resulting in food that feels both nostalgic and fresh. The tiny space fills quickly with a mix of neighborhood hipsters and deli pilgrims seeking something different. Their house-made mustard and tangy sauerkraut provide the perfect accompaniment to sandwiches that prove New York’s deli tradition remains vibrant and evolving rather than just preserved in amber.