New York City has a long, proud history of incredible deli food, and nothing captures that spirit quite like a perfectly stacked pastrami sandwich. From the smoky, peppery meat to the soft rye bread and tangy mustard, every bite tells a story.
Whether you grew up here or just moved in, finding your go-to pastrami spot is practically a rite of passage. These 13 restaurants have earned the loyalty of locals who refuse to eat pastrami anywhere else.
Katz’s Delicatessen – New York, New York
Since 1888, Katz’s Delicatessen on the Lower East Side has been the gold standard for pastrami in New York City. The moment you walk through those doors and grab your ticket, you know you are somewhere truly legendary.
Their hand-carved pastrami is stacked so high it barely fits in your mouth. The meat is smoky, tender, and bursting with flavor.
No wonder this place has survived for over 130 years and counting.
2nd Ave Deli – New York, New York
Ask any New Yorker where to find a seriously old-school pastrami sandwich, and 2nd Ave Deli will come up fast. Originally opened in 1954 on Second Avenue, this place carries decades of deli tradition in every single bite.
The pastrami here is cured and steamed in-house, giving it a richness that store-bought versions could never match. Pair it with a bowl of matzo ball soup and you have got yourself a proper New York meal.
Pastrami Queen – New York, New York
Royalty has a name, and it is Pastrami Queen. Tucked away on the Upper East Side, this kosher deli has built a fierce following among locals who take their pastrami very seriously.
The meat is slow-cooked until it practically melts, then piled generously onto fresh rye bread. What makes this spot stand out is the consistency – every sandwich tastes like the first one that made you fall in love with pastrami all over again.
Sarge’s Delicatessen & Diner – New York, New York
Open 24 hours a day, Sarge’s Delicatessen and Diner in Midtown Manhattan is the answer to every late-night pastrami craving you have ever had. Founded in 1964 by a retired New York City police sergeant, this place has the kind of no-nonsense charm that only real New York delis have.
The pastrami is thick, juicy, and loaded onto rye bread without apology. Whether it is 2 PM or 2 AM, Sarge’s always delivers.
Carnegie Deli – New York, New York
Carnegie Deli became famous for sandwiches so tall they required a strategy to eat. For decades, this Midtown institution fed everyone from tourists to Broadway stars with its legendary overstuffed pastrami on rye.
Though the original location closed in 2016, Carnegie Deli lives on through its packaged meats and pop-up appearances, keeping the memory of those sky-high sandwiches very much alive. For longtime New Yorkers, just saying the name brings back a rush of nostalgia.
Liebman’s Deli – Bronx, New York
Up in the Riverdale neighborhood of the Bronx sits Liebman’s Deli, a spot that has been quietly serving some of the best pastrami in the city since 1953. Bronx locals guard this place like a well-kept secret, and honestly, who can blame them?
The pastrami is hand-sliced and piled high with care and pride. Walking into Liebman’s feels like stepping back in time to when neighborhood delis were the heartbeat of every New York community.
Frankel’s Delicatessen & Appetizing – Brooklyn, New York
Frankel’s in Greenpoint, Brooklyn brings a fresh energy to the classic New York deli scene without abandoning what makes pastrami great. Opened in 2017, it quickly became a neighborhood staple for locals who wanted quality deli food without the trek to Manhattan.
Their pastrami is smoky, well-seasoned, and served on perfectly chewy rye. The space feels welcoming and relaxed, making it easy to linger over your sandwich and maybe order a second one.
Mile End Deli – Brooklyn, New York
Mile End Deli in Boerum Hill brings a Montreal twist to the Brooklyn deli scene, and locals have been obsessed ever since. Their smoked meat sandwich draws inspiration from the famous delis of Montreal, Canada, offering a slightly different but equally addictive pastrami experience.
The meat is cured with its own spice blend, giving it a unique depth that sets it apart from traditional New York-style pastrami. One bite and you will understand the hype immediately.
David’s Brisket House – Brooklyn, New York
Do not let the name fool you – David’s Brisket House in Brooklyn serves a pastrami sandwich that rivals the best in the city. This humble, no-frills spot has been a go-to for budget-conscious locals who refuse to sacrifice quality for price.
The pastrami is tender, smoky, and generously portioned in a way that makes every dollar feel well spent. It is the kind of place that earns fierce loyalty from everyone who discovers it.
Shelsky’s Of Brooklyn Appetizing and Delicatessen – Brooklyn, New York
Shelsky’s of Brooklyn in Cobble Hill takes a thoughtful, almost artisan approach to deli food that has won over a devoted crowd of Brooklyn regulars. Every component of their pastrami sandwich, from the bread to the mustard, is chosen with serious intention.
The pastrami itself is deeply flavorful and sliced to perfection. If you appreciate a deli that treats its craft like an art form, Shelsky’s will feel like exactly the place you have been searching for.
Junior’s Restaurant & Bakery – Brooklyn, New York
Most people know Junior’s for its world-famous cheesecake, but the pastrami sandwich here deserves just as much attention. This Brooklyn landmark has been feeding the borough since 1950 with big portions and even bigger flavor.
Their pastrami is juicy, well-spiced, and stacked generously on fresh rye bread. Ordering one here while sitting in those classic red booths feels like being part of Brooklyn history, and that is a feeling worth coming back for again and again.
Barney Greengrass – New York, New York
Known as the Sturgeon King, Barney Greengrass on the Upper West Side has been a New York institution since 1908. While smoked fish is the headliner, their pastrami sandwich quietly holds its own as one of the best in the city.
The meat is flavorful and expertly prepared, carrying that old-world deli quality that is increasingly rare to find. Generations of Upper West Siders have made this their Sunday morning ritual, and it is easy to see why.
Eisenberg’s Sandwich Shop – New York, New York
Eisenberg’s Sandwich Shop in the Flatiron District has been a beloved New York lunch counter since 1929, and it still runs like the city never changed around it. The narrow space, the counter stools, and the no-nonsense service are all part of the charm.
Their pastrami sandwich is straightforward, satisfying, and deeply comforting in the way that only a classic can be. Regulars keep coming back not just for the food, but for the feeling that some good things never need to change.