You know that moment when a deli sandwich hits the table and it looks almost cartoonishly tall. New York still does that, and these spots treat overstuffed like a personal challenge.
Whether you crave pastrami that drips with peppery juices or lox that tastes like a Sunday tradition, these counters deliver the real deal. Come hungry, because these delis stack meats and memories with unapologetic generosity.
Katz’s Delicatessen – New York, New York
Katz’s is the pastrami pilgrimage where the slicer’s hand is your best friend. The meat arrives steaming, edged with pepper and smoke, layered so high you wonder how to approach the first bite.
You nod to the neon, clutch your ticket, and let the counterman carve your afternoon into thick, glistening slabs.
Order rye, mustard, and step aside as gravity does its work. The bite hits with spice, tang, and a primal tenderness that feels like New York distilled.
Add a half sour pickle, maybe a cream soda, and suddenly the clamor fades.
You will wear some on your shirt, and that is fine. Katz’s measures satisfaction by napkins, not etiquette.
Bring friends or not, the sandwich feeds all.
2nd Avenue Deli – New York, New York
At 2nd Avenue Deli, the classic kosher soul of the city lives loudly between two slices of rye. The pastrami and corned beef stack like skyscrapers, tender and proudly seasoned.
A bowl of matzo ball soup warms the wait, but the sandwich steals the afternoon.
Mustard is non negotiable, but you can chase it with a Cel Ray for bragging rights. The meat pulls apart easily, shimmering with rendered fat and promise.
It is the kind of meal that finishes conversations while starting new cravings.
Pickles crunch, cole slaw cools, and everything lands with old school charm. You leave full but somehow lighter.
This deli proves tradition still tastes bold, abundant, and present tense.
Pastrami Queen – New York, New York
Pastrami Queen treats its signature meat like royalty, pepper crusted and rosy, stacked into absurd, throne sized layers. One bite spills juice and smoke across the rye, mustard balancing the richness.
The counter hums, cutters move fast, and your sandwich arrives like a mic drop.
You can split it, but you will not want to. The meat is pliant and deeply seasoned, with that perfect tug that proves patience.
Add a knish or slaw and consider afternoon plans cancelled.
Everything feels respectfully old school without the fuss. Napkins become armor as you lean in for victory bites.
Leave with a satisfied hush, the kind only great pastrami can command.
Sarge’s Delicatessen & Diner – New York, New York
Sarge’s is the late night legend where the Reuben sprawls like a city map. Pastrami or corned beef, Swiss, kraut, and Russian dressing melt into a righteously messy stack.
The grill hisses, the diner clock spins, and plates arrive like friendly ambushes.
Portions feel comically generous, as if the chef measures by forearm. You can chase it with matzo ball soup or cheesecake if courage allows.
The rye holds until it does not, then you surrender happily.
Sarge’s feels like a booth shaped hug for anyone craving deli maximalism. The menu reads epic, the vibe stays neighborly.
You leave promising salad tomorrow, fully aware tomorrow will forgive you.
Barney Greengrass – New York, New York
Barney Greengrass is the Sturgeon King, where smoked fish gets stacked with quiet swagger. Think silky sturgeon, Nova, or sable layered on bagels or rye with cream cheese and onion.
The bite lands clean, briny, and indulgent without heaviness.
Here, piling means elegance as much as abundance. You taste smoke, salt, and time honored skill in every translucent slice.
The dining room buzzes like Sunday morning radio, familiar and reassuring.
Order a platter and make construction a personal art. Capers tumble, lemon brightens, and you build tall with care.
It is a different kind of overstuffed, all nuance, no shortcuts, utterly New York.
Liebman’s Deli – Bronx, New York
In the Bronx, Liebman’s keeps the neighborhood deli flame burning hot and generous. The pastrami is slice thick, softly smoky, and stacked until the rye pleads mercy.
You grab a pickle, breathe in the spice, and consider a nosh upgrade.
Try the combo sandwiches if commitment issues arise. Corned beef meets pastrami in a glorious ceasefire, united by mustard and warmth.
A potato knish on the side turns lunch into celebration.
The room feels familial, like everyone is rooting for your appetite. Portions respect tradition by ignoring restraint.
Walk out satisfied, carrying leftovers that whisper midnight plans from your bag.
Frankel’s Delicatessen – Brooklyn, New York
Frankel’s blends old school deli craft with Brooklyn’s cool restraint, then forgets restraint when stacking. The pastrami and turkey are smoky, juicy, and layered confidently on seeded rye or bagels.
You get generous folds, sharp mustard, and lush textures that invite big bites.
The breakfast sandwiches are sneaky legends, with lox or eggs joining the pile. Add pickled onions and cucumbers for bright crunch that cuts through richness.
Every component tastes tuned, nothing accidental.
Lines move fast, and the payoff feels worth the wait. Grab a sandwich, a seltzer, and a stoop for eating.
Frankel’s proves abundance and balance can absolutely be friends.
Mile End Delicatessen – Brooklyn, New York
Mile End brings Montreal smokehouse swagger to New York, and the smoked meat arrives piled high. The spice blend leans warm and peppery, with luscious fat that melts on contact.
Rye, mustard, and an extra side of jus push things into swoon territory.
Poutine tempts, but the sandwich demands focus first. Each slice bends, tender yet structured, delivering smoke without heaviness.
You taste a road trip’s worth of tradition in every stack.
It is a playful twist on the deli canon that still respects roots. Grab a seat, chase bites with crisp pickles, and relax.
The pile is generous, the mood easy, the craving inevitable.
Eisenberg’s Sandwich Shop – New York, New York
Eisenberg’s feels like stepping into a time capsule where lunch counters still rule. The tuna melt and BLT get the spotlight, but deli stacks hold their own.
Turkey, pastrami, and Swiss rise into satisfying towers that welcome messy enthusiasm.
Order a cherry lime rickey and watch the griddle choreography. The staff moves with friendly rhythm, plating sandwiches that lean hearty and honest.
Nothing feels fussy, everything tastes like lunch done right.
You perch on a stool, unwrap, and the first bite answers the day. Nostalgia comes free with the napkins.
It is comfort food stacked tall and served with a wink.
Russ & Daughters Cafe – New York, New York
Russ & Daughters Cafe translates the legendary appetizing counter into a sit down feast. Towered platters of lox, sable, and whitefish salad turn simple bread into celebrations.
You build tall with cream cheese, tomato, red onion, and capers, letting textures sing.
The cafe setting adds polish without muting heritage. Each slice of fish shines, balanced by citrus and brine like a well tuned chord.
Bagels or bialys hold steady under generous ambition.
Go savory then finish sweet with a black and white for symmetry. The piles here whisper rather than shout, but still reach impressive heights.
It is New York comfort, elegant and abundant, one careful layer at a time.