In New York City, a great deli sandwich is more than just lunch — it’s a way of life. From towering pastrami stacks to silky lox on a bagel, these spots take sandwich-making seriously.
Whether you’re a lifelong New Yorker or just visiting, hitting one of these delis is practically a rite of passage. Here are eleven legendary spots still doing it the old-school way.
Katz’s Delicatessen – New York, New York
Since 1888, Katz’s Delicatessen on the Lower East Side has been the gold standard for hand-cut pastrami sandwiches. The motto “Send a salami to your boy in the army” became famous during World War II, and the deli’s walls are packed with celebrity photos.
Order the pastrami on rye — it’s stacked so high you’ll need both hands. Cash only at the counter, and don’t lose your ticket.
2nd Ave Deli – New York, New York
Born on Second Avenue in 1954, this legendary kosher deli moved locations but never lost its soul. The matzo ball soup here is the stuff of comfort-food legend, and the corned beef sandwiches are built like skyscrapers.
Regulars swear by the chopped liver on rye as a must-try starter. Every bite at 2nd Ave Deli feels like a warm hug from a grandmother you never had.
Pastrami Queen – New York, New York
Pastrami Queen earned its royal title honestly — the pastrami here is slow-smoked, hand-sliced, and piled generously on fresh rye. Originally from Queens, this spot relocated to Manhattan’s Upper East Side and kept every loyal fan following close behind.
The menu is straightforward and classic, which is exactly the point. No frills, no gimmicks — just meat that speaks for itself in the most delicious way possible.
Sarge’s Delicatessen & Diner – New York, New York
Open 24 hours a day, Sarge’s in Midtown Manhattan is the deli that never sleeps — much like the city itself. Founded by a former NYPD sergeant in 1964, the place has been feeding night owls, cabbies, and hungry tourists around the clock ever since.
The Reuben sandwich here is a fan favorite, loaded with corned beef and melted Swiss. Late-night cravings officially have a home address.
Barney Greengrass – New York, New York
Nicknamed “The Sturgeon King,” Barney Greengrass has been operating on Amsterdam Avenue since 1908. This Upper West Side institution is famous for its silky smoked fish, sturgeon scrambled eggs, and no-nonsense deli attitude that New Yorkers absolutely adore.
Weekend mornings bring long lines, but regulars say the wait is always worth it. Grab a bagel with nova and cream cheese, and you’ll instantly understand why this place has lasted over a century.
Frankel’s Delicatessen & Appetizing – Brooklyn, New York
Frankel’s in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, blends old-school deli tradition with a fresh, modern vibe that feels totally at home in the neighborhood. Opened in 2017, it quickly won over locals with its house-cured fish, thick-cut pastrami, and creative sandwich builds.
The “Brisket Melt” alone is worth a trip across any of the five boroughs. Frankel’s proves that honoring deli tradition doesn’t mean you can’t bring something exciting and new to the table.
Liebman’s Deli – Bronx, New York
Liebman’s in the Riverdale neighborhood of the Bronx is one of the last remaining kosher delis in New York City, and it wears that badge with enormous pride. Open since 1953, the place has outlasted dozens of competitors by doing one thing exceptionally well — classic deli food.
The pastrami is hand-sliced and generously portioned, just as tradition demands. Locals treat Liebman’s less like a restaurant and more like a neighborhood treasure worth protecting.
David’s Brisket House – Brooklyn, New York
Tucked into the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, David’s Brisket House is a beloved counter-service spot where the brisket practically melts before it even hits the bread. The prices are surprisingly affordable for the sheer mountain of meat you get on every order.
It’s a cash-only, no-frills setup that locals fiercely defend as one of Brooklyn’s best-kept secrets. One bite of that slow-cooked brisket on a hero roll and you’ll completely understand the loyalty.
Mile End Deli – Brooklyn, New York
Mile End Deli in Boerum Hill brings a Montreal twist to the New York deli scene, and Brooklyn couldn’t be happier about it. The smoked meat sandwich — made with beef brisket cured in Montreal style — is the undisputed star of the menu.
It’s similar to pastrami but has its own bold, spiced personality that sets it apart. Pair it with a Dr. Brown’s cream soda and call it a perfect afternoon well spent.
Stage Star Deli – New York, New York
Stage Star Deli in Midtown keeps the spirit of the classic New York counter deli alive in a neighborhood that’s seen many old-school spots disappear. The sandwiches are built thick, the service is fast, and the menu reads like a love letter to traditional deli culture.
Working lunchers and Broadway-goers alike stop in regularly for a quick, satisfying stack. Finding a deli this reliable in the heart of Manhattan still feels like discovering a hidden gem.
Russ & Daughters Cafe – New York, New York
Russ & Daughters has been selling smoked fish on the Lower East Side since 1914, but the cafe spinoff on Orchard Street lets you sit down and truly savor the experience. The “Classic” — bagel, cream cheese, nova lox, capers, and red onion — is basically a New York icon on a plate.
Four generations of the Russ family have kept the quality fiercely consistent. Every bite carries over a hundred years of tradition, craftsmanship, and genuine New York flavor.