The Tiny New York Corner Deli Serving A Pastrami On Rye Locals Call Legendary

Tucked into a cozy Brooklyn corner, Frankel’s Delicatessen has become the kind of neighborhood legend people whisper about with a grin.

Its pastrami on rye isn’t just a sandwich, it’s an experience layered with smoky perfection, tangy mustard, and old-school New York pride.

Inside, the aroma alone could stop traffic, and one bite is all it takes to understand why locals treat this tiny deli like sacred ground for serious sandwich lovers.

Spring 2016 Launch at 631 Manhattan Avenue

When Frankel’s threw open its doors in spring 2016, Greenpoint got itself a serious contender in the deli game.

Located at 631 Manhattan Avenue, this tiny spot wedged itself into the neighborhood like the perfect pickle on a sandwich.

The address might not scream glamour, but that’s part of the charm. Brick-and-mortar simplicity meets old-school New York grit, and locals wouldn’t have it any other way.

Walk past on any given day, and you’ll see why location matters less than what’s coming out of the kitchen.

Founded by Zach Frankel with a Hip-Hop Twist

Zach Frankel teamed up with Taylor McEwan to make this dream happen, and his brother Alex joined the family affair too.

But here’s the kicker: among the investors are hip-hop heavyweights El-P and Despot, bringing some serious street cred to the pastrami business.

Mixing culinary tradition with music industry cool created something fresh. It’s not every day a deli gets backed by rappers who know good food when they taste it.

That crossover appeal helped Frankel’s carve out its own lane from day one.

Hot Pastrami That Earns the Hype

People don’t shut up about the hot pastrami here, and for good reason. Stacked high, juicy, and perfectly spiced, this sandwich lives up to every bit of its legendary reputation.

Food writers keep circling back to praise it, even years after opening. The pastrami-egg-and-cheese also gets serious love, especially from the breakfast crowd looking for something hearty.

Whether you’re a purist or an adventurous eater, that pastrami will convert you into a believer faster than you can say “extra mustard.”

Early Closing Times and Weekend Madness

Here’s the catch: Frankel’s closes mid-afternoon, so don’t roll up at dinnertime expecting a table.

Weekend mornings turn into full-blown events, with lines snaking down the block as folks wait patiently for their fix.

Smart regulars know the secret; hit it on a weekday when the crowds thin out.

You’ll skip the wait, snag your sandwich faster, and still get the same knockout flavors. Timing is everything when hunting down legendary pastrami in a city that never sleeps.

Classic Menu with Creative Twists

Frankel’s honors traditional Jewish deli staples while throwing in some curveballs that keep things interesting.

Their menu reads like a love letter to appetizing classics, but with enough personality to stand out. Take the “Frankel’s #1”; a pastrami salmon bagel that sounds wild but works beautifully.

Combining cured fish with deli spices shouldn’t make sense, yet somehow it does. Innovation meets tradition on every plate, proving you can respect the past while having fun with the present.

Part of a Greenpoint Restaurant Family

Frankel’s didn’t stop at one hit. The team expanded their Greenpoint footprint with Bernie’s, creating a mini restaurant empire in the neighborhood.

This family of eateries shares the same commitment to quality and community that made Frankel’s a household name.

Having multiple spots means more ways to experience their culinary vision, whether you’re craving deli classics or branching out.

Greenpoint locals basically won the food lottery, with options that keep getting better and bringing people together over seriously good eats.

Media Darling of the Jewish Deli Revival

When Frankel’s launched, Eater NY and the food media mob descended like seagulls on a hot dog cart.

The timing was perfect; smack in the middle of New York’s modern Jewish deli revival, when young chefs were reimagining grandma’s recipes for a new generation.

Coverage hasn’t slowed down since. Writers keep returning to document the phenomenon, cementing Frankel’s status as a poster child for the movement.

All that attention proves one thing: great pastrami never goes out of style.