13 New York Delis That Have Mastered The Art Of The Pastrami Sandwich
In New York, the pastrami sandwich is more than a meal. It’s a culinary icon built on layers of flavor, tradition, and pride.
The city’s best delis know that perfect pastrami takes time, from seasoning and curing to slow cooking until tender.
Piled high on fresh rye with a smear of mustard, these sandwiches are a delicious testament to craft and care. Each bite tells a story of New York’s love affair with this deli classic.
1. Katz’s Delicatessen – The Undisputed Champion
Walking into Katz’s feels like stepping into a time machine. Since 1888, this Lower East Side institution has been hand-carving pastrami that makes grown men weep with joy.
Their sandwich is a mountain of warm, peppery meat with a perfect fat-to-lean ratio. The carvers give you a sample while you wait, a tradition as essential as the sandwich itself.
The ‘When Harry Met Sally’ fame adds to the charm, but honestly, their pastrami would be legendary even without the Hollywood connection.
2. 2nd Ave Deli – Traditional Excellence Reimagined
Family recipes shine at this kosher gem that relocated to Kips Bay after decades on its namesake avenue. Their pastrami gets a 15-day cure before being smoked and steamed to perfection.
Regulars swear by the combo of their peppery crust and meltingly tender interior. Each bite delivers that perfect balance of fat, spice, and smokiness that defines great pastrami.
Order it with their homemade health salad for the authentic experience that’s kept New Yorkers coming back since 1954.
3. Pastrami Queen – Royalty Among Sandwich Makers
Tucked away on the Upper East Side, this unassuming spot has earned its noble name. Originally from Queens, Pastrami Queen relocated and brought its loyal subjects along.
Their pastrami undergoes a meticulous two-week curing process. The result? Meat so tender you barely need teeth, with a peppery crust that provides the perfect textural contrast to the succulent interior.
Locals whisper that this might be the best pastrami in the city, though they don’t shout it for fear of longer lines.
4. Sarge’s Delicatessen & Diner – The 24-Hour Pastrami Paradise
Night owls rejoice! Sarge’s serves their legendary pastrami around the clock in Murray Hill. Founded by a former NYPD sergeant in 1964, this place survived a devastating fire to continue its meaty legacy.
Their pastrami sandwich is a thing of beauty. Hand-cut slices of beef, brined for days, smoked over hardwood, and steamed until fork-tender.
What sets Sarge’s apart is their slightly thicker cut that somehow remains melt-in-your-mouth tender while giving you more meat to savor per bite.
5. Frankel’s Delicatessen – Brooklyn’s New School Pastrami Master
Brothers Zach and Alex Frankel revolutionized Greenpoint’s deli scene with their modern take on Jewish classics. Their pastrami sandwich proves tradition and innovation can coexist deliciously.
The meat gets a precise seven-day brine before smoking, resulting in a perfect balance between old-school flavor and contemporary technique. The brothers source top-quality beef and maintain exacting standards for each batch.
Despite being newer to the scene (opened 2016), Frankel’s has earned its spot among pastrami royalty.
6. David’s Brisket House – Bedford-Stuyvesant’s Hidden Treasure
Muslim-owned yet serving perfect Jewish deli classics, David’s Brisket House embodies New York’s beautiful cultural fusion.
Their pastrami sandwich has achieved cult status among Brooklyn food enthusiasts.
The meat receives a secret spice rub before its long smoke, resulting in distinctive flavor that sets it apart from Manhattan competitors.
Generous portions come standard, with the sandwich barely contained by the rye bread. Their under-the-radar status means shorter lines but equally impressive quality compared to more famous counterparts.
7. Liebman’s Delicatessen – Bronx’s Time Capsule of Flavor
Since 1953, Liebman’s has been the Bronx’s answer to downtown pastrami temples. As one of the borough’s last remaining Jewish delis, they carry a delicious responsibility on their shoulders.
Their pastrami gets the traditional treatment: cured, seasoned, smoked, and steamed until it practically falls apart. The sandwich comes simply dressed with mustard on rye, letting the quality of the meat speak for itself.
Riverdale locals protect this treasure fiercely, knowing they have access to pastrami perfection without crossing a bridge.
8. Lido Kosher Deli – Long Island’s Pastrami Pilgrimage Spot
Beach-goers and pastrami aficionados alike make the journey to Long Beach for Lido’s exceptional sandwiches.
Operating since 1960, this family-owned spot maintains rigorous standards that keep customers coming back generations later.
Their pastrami undergoes an extended curing process before being smoked in-house. The meat emerges with that perfect pink hue and spice-studded crust that signals pastrami perfection.
The slightly thicker cut provides a satisfying chew while remaining tender enough to make you close your eyes in appreciation.
9. Mr. Broadway Kosher Restaurant – Garment District’s Power Lunch
Fashion industry insiders have kept this Garment District institution humming for decades. Their mammoth pastrami sandwiches fuel the creative minds that keep New York’s fashion scene ticking.
The meat receives a traditional preparation with a proprietary spice blend that gives it a distinctive edge. Each sandwich comes piled impossibly high, requiring both hands and several napkins to tackle properly.
The bustling atmosphere adds to the authentic New York experience, as diverse crowds converge over this shared culinary passion.
10. Ben’s Kosher Delicatessen – Queens’ Pastrami Powerhouse
Family traditions reign supreme at Ben’s Bayside location, part of a small chain that’s maintained quality since 1972.
Their pastrami sandwich represents Queens’ commitment to culinary excellence without Manhattan prices.
The meat receives a patient two-week cure before smoking and steaming. This careful process yields perfectly pink, tender slices with that signature peppery edge that defines great New York pastrami.
Their generous portions ensure you’ll never leave hungry, a philosophy that’s kept this neighborhood favorite thriving for decades.
11. Moe’s Pastrami & Burger – Brooklyn’s Bold Newcomer
Tradition meets innovation at this Prospect Lefferts Gardens hotspot that’s quickly building a devoted following.
Their pastrami gets a unique treatment: classic brining and smoking, then finished with a proprietary technique that intensifies flavor.
The resulting sandwich delivers familiar comfort with unexpected depth. Each bite offers the perfect balance of fat, lean meat, and that essential spicy crust.
What makes Moe’s special is their willingness to respect tradition while adding subtle twists that enhance rather than distract from pastrami perfection.
12. Kensington Kosher Deli – Great Neck’s Pastrami Paradise
Suburban sandwich seekers flock to this Long Island gem for pastrami that rivals any city offering. Their careful preparation begins with premium navel cuts that undergo a two-week curing process.
The result is exceptionally tender meat with perfect fat marbling throughout. Each sandwich comes generously stacked between seeded rye with just enough mustard to complement without overwhelming.
The deli’s commitment to quality extends beyond the sandwich to their house-made pickles and sides, creating a complete pastrami experience worth the trip.
13. Rye Ridge Deli – Westchester’s Pastrami Perfectionists
Suburban sophistication meets deli tradition at this Rye Brook institution. Their pastrami undergoes a meticulous preparation that starts with premium beef and ends with perfect steam-table timing.
The sandwich arrives with meat sliced to the ideal thickness, neither too thin nor too chunky.
This careful attention to detail creates the perfect textural experience, complemented by twice-baked rye bread that stands up to the juicy meat.
Westchester residents keep this spot busy, knowing they’ve got city-quality pastrami without the commute.