New York City has a long, delicious history with pastrami sandwiches, and the love affair shows no signs of slowing down. From towering piles of smoky, peppery meat to soft rye bread stacked sky-high, a great pastrami sandwich is basically a New York rite of passage.
Whether you grew up here or just moved in, knowing where to find the best ones is serious business. These 14 spots have earned their loyal crowds one incredible sandwich at a time.
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 hand-carved, slow-steamed pastrami here is legendary — thick, smoky, and impossibly tender.
You grab a ticket at the door, shout your order at a counter guy, and walk away with a sandwich that weighs almost as much as a small dog.
The no-frills atmosphere is part of the charm. Old signs, long tables, and the smell of cured meat greet you at every turn.
2nd Ave Deli – New York, New York
Ask any New Yorker about 2nd Ave Deli and watch their eyes light up. This Midtown institution serves a pastrami sandwich that is stacked with pride — hand-sliced meat, perfectly spiced, and piled so high you need to press it down just to take a bite.
Originally opened in 1954 on Second Avenue in the East Village, the deli moved but never lost its soul. The broth-soaked knishes and pickles on the table make the experience even better.
Pastrami Queen – New York, New York
Royalty has a home on the Upper East Side, and it goes by the name Pastrami Queen. This beloved deli has been serving some of the city’s most flavorful pastrami for decades, drawing regulars who swear there is simply nothing better in New York.
The pastrami is cured in-house and steamed to a melt-in-your-mouth softness that makes every bite feel like a reward. Pair it with a Dr. Brown’s cream soda and you have got a true New York lunch experience.
Sarge’s Delicatessen & Diner – New York, New York
Open 24 hours a day, Sarge’s Delicatessen and Diner in Midtown Manhattan is the place to go when a pastrami craving hits at 2 a.m. — and in New York, that happens more than you might think. The late-night crowd here is as eclectic as the city itself.
Founded in 1964, Sarge’s has kept its old-school diner vibe intact while serving heaping pastrami sandwiches that could easily feed two people. The mustard is sharp, the rye is fresh, and the portions are wonderfully excessive.
Liebman’s Deli – Bronx, New York
Liebman’s Deli in the Riverdale section of the Bronx is the last classic Jewish delicatessen left in the entire borough — and locals are fiercely proud of it. Open since 1953, this neighborhood gem serves pastrami that is cured and smoked the traditional way, with deep flavor in every slice.
Walking in feels like stepping back in time. The staff knows regulars by name, and the pastrami sandwich arrives thick, juicy, and completely no-nonsense — just the way the Bronx likes it.
Frankel’s Delicatessen & Appetizing – Brooklyn, New York
Frankel’s in Greenpoint, Brooklyn brings a fresh energy to the classic deli scene without losing any of the tradition that makes pastrami great. The shop opened in 2017 and quickly became a neighborhood staple thanks to its high-quality cured meats and warm, welcoming vibe.
Their pastrami is house-cured with a spice blend that gives it a bold, peppery crust with a smoky, tender interior. It is the kind of sandwich that makes you stop mid-bite just to appreciate what you are eating.
Mile End Deli – Brooklyn, New York
Mile End Deli in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn does things a little differently — and that is exactly why people love it. Inspired by the Jewish delis of Montreal, the restaurant serves smoked meat that walks the line between pastrami and the Canadian classic, resulting in something genuinely unique.
The meat is cured for days and slow-smoked until deeply flavorful. If you have ever wondered what would happen if New York and Montreal got together to make the perfect sandwich, Mile End Deli is your answer.
David’s Brisket House – Brooklyn, New York
Do not let the name fool you — David’s Brisket House in Brooklyn does pastrami just as brilliantly as its namesake meat. This cash-only, no-frills counter spot has been feeding the neighborhood since the 1960s and has built a cult following that crosses borough lines.
The pastrami is tender, generously seasoned, and piled high on fresh rye bread. Prices are remarkably reasonable for what you get, making David’s one of the best-kept secrets in Brooklyn’s deli world.
Shelsky’s Of Brooklyn Appetizing and Delicatessen – Brooklyn, New York
Shelsky’s of Brooklyn in Cobble Hill is the kind of place that makes you feel like the neighborhood is lucky to have it. Owner Peter Shelsky has created a space that blends old-school Jewish deli culture with a modern Brooklyn sensibility, and the pastrami is a standout on the menu.
Cured and smoked with care, the pastrami here has a beautiful bark on the outside and a rosy, juicy interior. It is served with sharp mustard and house-made pickles that seal the deal.
Junior’s Restaurant & Bakery – Brooklyn, New York
Most people know Junior’s for its legendary cheesecake, but the pastrami sandwich here deserves its own standing ovation. The Downtown Brooklyn landmark has been open since 1950, and the deli counter has always been a serious part of the operation.
The pastrami is rich, smoky, and served in portions that match Junior’s famously generous spirit. Sitting in that vintage dining room with a pastrami on rye and a slice of cheesecake waiting on the side?
That is a Brooklyn afternoon done right.
Barney Greengrass – New York, New York
Since 1908, Barney Greengrass on the Upper West Side has been known as the Sturgeon King — but the pastrami here is just as worthy of a crown. This old-world appetizing shop has fed generations of New Yorkers who come back year after year for the same reliable, extraordinary flavors.
The pastrami is sliced thick and served simply, the way a truly great cut of meat should be. The space has not changed much in decades, and somehow that makes every bite taste even better.
Eisenberg’s Sandwich Shop – New York, New York
Tucked into the Flatiron District, Eisenberg’s Sandwich Shop is a time capsule that New Yorkers have been treasuring since 1929. The long, narrow counter seats, the no-nonsense menu, and the crackling energy of a busy lunch rush all add up to a diner experience that feels irreplaceable.
Their pastrami sandwich is classic and confident — nothing fancy, nothing extra, just good cured meat on fresh rye with mustard. Sometimes the most straightforward version of something is the one that sticks with you longest.
Moe’s Pastrami & Burger Halal – Brooklyn, New York
Moe’s Pastrami and Burger Halal in Brooklyn is proof that great pastrami comes in many forms. Serving a fully halal menu, Moe’s has carved out a loyal fanbase among Brooklyn residents who want that bold, smoky pastrami flavor without compromising their dietary needs.
The pastrami here is well-seasoned and juicy, served on soft rolls with toppings that add the perfect crunch and heat. For a community that was long underserved by traditional delis, Moe’s feels like a genuine gift.
Avenue J Gourmet Deli & Grill – Brooklyn, New York
Avenue J Gourmet Deli and Grill sits in the heart of Flatbush, Brooklyn, serving the kind of kosher pastrami that keeps the neighborhood deeply loyal. The deli has been a fixture in the community for years, and the pastrami sandwich is the clear star of the show.
Each sandwich is built with care — thickly sliced, properly seasoned meat layered onto fresh rye bread with a generous swipe of mustard. It is hearty, satisfying, and exactly what a great Brooklyn deli sandwich should be.