Some sandwiches are so tall they need a game plan before the first bite. In Houston, one deli serves pastrami piled so high that tables regularly ask for extra bread just to split it into normal portions.
The menu is enormous, the dessert slices could feed a small crowd, and free pickles land on the table before anyone even orders. Families, business lunch crews, and travelers who plan whole road trips around good food all end up here.
The place has an old-school look, a lively buzz, and a reputation that stretches well past Texas. Keep reading to find out where it is, what makes the pastrami famous, which sides and desserts deserve attention, and how to plan a visit without getting overwhelmed by the menu.
A New York Deli on Post Oak Boulevard
Houston has plenty of big personalities, and one of the loudest belongs to a deli. Kenny & Ziggy’s New York Delicatessen sits at 1743 Post Oak Blvd, Houston, TX 77056, in the Uptown area of the city.
The restaurant is a classic deli known for large portions. It is famous for huge pastrami sandwiches and other deli classics served in an old-school setting.
That combination has made it a regular stop for locals and a target for travelers. Some guests drive in from other Texas cities, and others arrive from out of state after seeing it featured by well-known food personalities online.
The goal here is simple. Kenny & Ziggy’s sets out to bring a New York style Jewish deli experience to Texas, with the bagels, the stacked sandwiches, and the traditional dishes that people expect from that kind of place.
It does not try to be trendy. It leans into tradition and size, and both choices seem to work in its favor.
Regulars describe it as the best New York deli in town, and many first-timers leave planning their next trip back. For a city that takes food seriously, that is a strong place to start the story.
Room to Spread Out
Bigger sandwiches deserve a bigger home. The current location is much larger than earlier days, with plenty of seating both inside and outside.
That extra space matters on busy weekends. A Saturday lunch crowd might mean a wait of around 15 minutes, which is a fair trade for a spot this popular.
The newer setup also gives groups more flexibility. Families with kids, business teams on a lunch break, and couples looking for a long meal all find a table that suits them.
Outdoor seating adds another option on pleasant Houston days. Inside, the dining room keeps the classic deli personality that the restaurant is known for.
Longtime fans who have been coming for years still treat it like a familiar hangout. The move to a larger space did not change the core idea, it just made more room for it.
Cleanliness also gets frequent praise. The dining areas are kept tidy to a level that many guests say they rarely see elsewhere.
It is a place built to handle crowds without feeling chaotic, and that sets the stage for everything else on the table.
Retro Walls Full of Stories
Nobody needs a phone to stay entertained here. The walls are covered with memorabilia, giving guests plenty to look at while they wait for food.
The interior has a retro feel that fits the old-school deli style. It looks like a place that values history and personality over sleek modern design.
That decor is part of the charm. Many guests mention the ambience and decor as reasons to come back, even separate from the food.
The vibe also helps first-timers settle in quickly. A classic deli should feel a little busy and a little nostalgic, and this one checks both boxes.
Kids tend to enjoy spotting things on the walls. Adults often find themselves pointing out items to each other between bites.
Retro style can sometimes feel forced, but here it fits the menu and the mission. A New York deli in Texas needs a bit of theater, and the walls provide it.
Consider it the opening act before the sandwiches take the stage.
Pastrami Piled to the Ceiling
Here is the headline act. Pastrami is the single most talked-about item at Kenny & Ziggy’s, and the sandwiches arrive stacked high in true deli fashion.
The pastrami is described as tender and full of flavor. It comes on soft, fresh rye bread with a mild rye character.
Size is the real conversation starter. Some sandwiches are so tall that tables request extra bread to split them into more manageable portions.
One popular choice is Sandwich #1, which pairs pastrami and corned beef on rye. Many call it one of the best sandwiches they have had in a long time.
Melted cheese is offered as an option on some sandwiches. Guests can skip it and still walk away very full.
Other combinations bring in turkey and Swiss alongside the pastrami. There are also fried pastrami bites on the menu for anyone who wants pastrami in snack form.
A single sandwich can often feed two or three people. That makes the pastrami both the main event and a smart sharing strategy.
The Reuben With a Reputation
Sandwich number seven has its own fan club. The One and Only Reuben is a grilled sandwich with pastrami, melted Swiss, hot sauerkraut, and Russian dressing.
In the dining room, it comes out huge, with buttery grilled rye and a big stack of meat. Fans call the corned beef versions some of the best they have ever had.
The Russian dressing earns special praise. It ties the whole sandwich together.
An open-faced Reuben is another way to go. It is piled high and works well for sharing.
One practical tip involves takeout. At least one group found their to-go Reubens missing the Swiss and dressing, so it is wise to check orders before leaving.
At around $30 for a Reuben, the price is high. Still, one sandwich has been known to feed three people at the table.
For deli traditionalists, this is the sandwich that proves the kitchen knows its classics.
Corned Beef and Deli Classics
Pastrami may get top billing, but corned beef is right behind it. It is the second most mentioned meat on the menu.
Corned beef sandwiches draw loyal fans, and corned beef and cabbage is a solid plate for anyone wanting a full entree.
Traditional Jewish deli dishes fill out this part of the menu. Matzo ball soup, chopped liver, and lox all have their own followings.
Lox and latkes is a popular pairing. Potato pancakes also show up as a side.
Kasha varnishkes, a grain, pasta, and mushroom dish served with gravy, is a less common choice that rewards the curious. Egg barley farfel with mushrooms is another comforting option.
Chicken soup and pelmeni soup round out the soup lineup. Some find the chicken soup excellent, though opinions on it are mixed.
These dishes give the deli its identity. They connect it to the New York tradition it celebrates.
Free Pickles Set the Tone
Before a single order goes in, the table gets a head start. Free pickles arrive as a starter, and they are a big hit.
They are perfectly sour and a favorite way to begin the meal. Some fans like them so much they take home a pint to go.
A pickle snack is also listed as a starter. It is a good way to ease into the menu.
Other openers include spinach artichoke dip served with bagels. It is a strong choice for a table that wants to share.
Cucumber salad is another favorite. Its marinade gets particular attention from fans.
Little fried pastrami balls work as a side or snack. They are a fun way to sample the signature meat without committing to a full sandwich.
Starting small makes sense here. The main courses are coming, and they are not small at all.
A Menu That Needs a Map
Some guests call it the biggest menu they have ever seen. That is not a small claim, and it holds up.
The menu covers traditional Jewish deli food plus a long list of extra items. All-day breakfast, tons of sandwiches, burgers, and entrees share the pages.
Breakfast includes pancakes and bagels any time of day. Kids often enjoy pancakes or chicken tenders.
Burgers include the Boulevard Big Boy, a steak burger served with sides like macaroni salad. The French Dip, the Monte Cristo, and the Mickey Mouth Club also have fans.
Fish and chips gets strong praise as well. So do beef stroganoff and a stuffing side that guests can request with their meals.
Servers are known for giving helpful recommendations to first-timers. That guidance comes in handy when the choices pile up.
The size of this menu is a feature. It means almost anyone in a group can find something they want.
Desserts Built for a Crowd
Dessert here is not an afterthought. Some slices are so big that a single piece can feed four or five people.
Cheesecake leads the dessert talk. The OMG Cheesecake is a favorite, and plates rarely come home with leftovers.
The famous torte is half chocolate mousse and half cheesecake on an Oreo-style crust. Many regulars call it their top pick.
Oreo chocolate cheesecake is another popular slice. It travels well as a to-go order.
Eclairs, chocolate cream pie, rice pudding, and babka also appear in the lineup. The cookies are large, though some find them fairly traditional.
Desserts are a big enough draw that even guests with mixed feelings about a meal say they would return just for the sweets. That says a lot about the bakery side of the operation.
Saving room is a challenge. Taking a slice home is a very reasonable plan B.
Drinks Beyond the Usual
The beverage list has a few surprises tucked in. A lavender honey latte is one drink that stands out.
Coffee in general gets good marks. It pairs well with the dessert lineup.
Black cherry soda is another fun option. It is caffeine free, which makes it easy for kids or late afternoon visits.
Drinks are not the main reason people come. Still, they add a nice finishing touch to a long deli meal.
A coffee with a slice of cheesecake is a popular way to wrap up lunch. Some guests come back for exactly that combination.
The menu’s range extends to the drinks too. There is enough variety that nobody gets stuck with something they do not want.
It is a small detail, but small details are what turn a good meal into a memorable one.
A Staff That Keeps Things Moving
Busy restaurants live or die by their teams. At Kenny & Ziggy’s, the staff earns repeated praise for being friendly, attentive, and quick.
Servers often give spot-on recommendations. First-timers especially appreciate that help with such a big menu.
Food tends to arrive right on time. Even large tables, including lively ones, are handled with ease.
The dining room has a lively deli buzz. It feels energetic, yet conversation is still easy.
The overall mood works for many kinds of outings. It suits family lunches, business meals, and casual dates.
Hosts and servers are known for smiles and humor. That warmth makes a crowded room feel welcoming.
Many guests mention specific team members by name when they talk about their meals. That kind of loyalty does not happen by accident.
Hours, Prices, and Sharing Strategy
Good news for flexible schedules. Kenny & Ziggy’s is open every day of the week from 8 AM to 9 PM.
That steady schedule makes it easy to stop by for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Weekend lunch can bring a short wait.
Prices typically run around $20 to $30 per person. Sandwiches often cost over $20, and some reach about $30.
The math gets friendlier with sharing. One sandwich can often feed two, three, or even four people.
Lunch can come in around $25 a person. Splitting plates keeps costs down and leaves room for dessert.
Takeout is available, along with bakery items and pickles to go. Checking takeout bags before leaving is a smart habit.
Planning ahead pays off here. Order carefully, share boldly, and the bill stays reasonable.
Worth the Stretchy Pants
Some restaurants are fine for a quick bite. Kenny & Ziggy’s is the kind of place people plan around.
The pastrami is stacked high, the menu is enormous, and the desserts are built for sharing. The retro setting and friendly team tie it all together.
Prices are on the higher side, and not every dish is a winner for everyone. Yet the portions and the overall experience keep people coming back.
Many guests leave so full they can barely move. That seems to be part of the tradition.
Locals treat it as a reliable favorite. Travelers increasingly treat it as a must stop on Houston trips.
The best approach is simple. Bring a group, start with the pickles, share a sandwich, and save room for cheesecake.
A towering sandwich in a deli full of memorabilia makes for a very satisfying day in Houston, and odds are good the first visit will not be the last.
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