Good corned beef is one of those things you don’t forget once you find it. New Jersey happens to be home to some serious old-school Jewish delis, the kind that cure their own meats and stack sandwiches so high you almost need two hands.
Whether you like yours plain on rye or dressed up as a Reuben with slaw and dressing, these eight spots know how to do it right. Here’s where to go when the corned beef craving hits.
1. Harold’s New York Deli, Edison, NJ
If you have ever wanted a sandwich that could double as a centerpiece, this is your place. Harold’s is known for portions so big they border on legendary, with corned beef and pastrami piled to heights that make people reach for their phones before they reach for a fork.
The story adds to the appeal. Harold’s was started by a former manager of the famous Carnegie Deli in New York, so the New York style pedigree is real.
The corned beef Reuben is a standout, built on fresh rye with warm, well-cured meat.
There is also a complimentary pickle bar, which is a nice touch when you are waiting on your food. Beyond the sandwiches, the menu runs deep with matzoh ball soup, potato knishes, potato pancakes with applesauce, and even barbecue ribs.
Open daily from 7 AM to 9 PM, it is an easy stop for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Parking is simple with a free lot and street options, and the vibe is family friendly and casual.
2. Hobby’s Delicatessen & Restaurant, Newark, NJ
Serving downtown Newark since 1962, Hobby’s is the kind of deli that regulars plan their day around. The pastrami and corned beef are cured on site and piled high on fresh rye, and the kitchen has been doing it long enough to have the process down to a science.
A popular move here is the huge corned beef and pastrami combo on rye with slaw and Thousand Island dressing. There is also a genuine gluten-free setup, with a dedicated fryer and prep space to avoid cross contamination, which is rare for a spot with this much old-school character.
The atmosphere leans into a sports theme, and it has long been a go-to before games in the area. Hours are limited, so plan ahead: Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 2:30 PM and Saturday from 11 AM to 2:30 PM, with Sunday closed.
Takeout, delivery, and curbside pickup are all available if you would rather grab and go.
3. The Kibitz Room – Cherry Hill, NJ, Cherry Hill Township, NJ
Down in South Jersey, this counter-order spot has built a strong reputation among people who take their deli seriously. The claim to fame here is corned beef and pastrami that many consider the best in the region, with fresh meats piled high and paired with quality bread and condiments.
The pickle bar is a highlight worth mentioning, and the menu covers the classics like brisket, knishes, and soft challah rolls. Portions are generous, which fits right in with the theme of this list.
It is a no-frills, casual setup that works well for solo diners, families, and groups alike. High chairs are available, dogs are welcome outside, and there is usually plenty of parking.
Hours are friendly for both early and late crowds, running Monday through Saturday from 9:30 AM to 8 PM and Sunday from 9 AM to 8 PM. Reservations are not taken, so just show up and grab a seat.
4. Goodman’s Deli & Restaurant, Berkeley Heights, NJ
Family run since 1943, Goodman’s has the kind of staying power that only comes from getting the basics right for decades. The corned beef is carved warm and stacked high on soft rye, which is exactly what you want when the craving hits.
Pastrami is a big draw here too, and the menu covers brisket and other traditional Jewish deli fare alongside a solid lineup of sandwiches, soups, and salads. Fans of the classics can go for the chopped liver and pastrami or the smoked whitefish salad platter.
The setting is casual and homey, with friendly service and affordable daily specials that keep people coming back. Free Wi-Fi and easy parking make it a comfortable quick stop.
One thing to note is the schedule. Goodman’s is closed Mondays, open Tuesday from 8 AM to 4 PM, Wednesday through Saturday from 8 AM to 8 PM, and Sunday from 8 AM to 3 PM.
5. Kosher Nosh Deli Restaurant & Catering, Glen Rock, NJ
Tucked into a strip mall in Glen Rock, this longtime kosher deli proves that great sandwiches do not need a fancy address. The overstuffed sandwiches are the main event, and a favorite order is corned beef and chopped liver on rye, best paired with a Dr. Brown’s Black Cherry.
There is a free salad bar to round out the meal, plus a menu packed with classics like kasha knish, stuffed derma, and old-fashioned rugelach for dessert. The retro decor gives it a fun, lived-in charm.
The vibe is casual and quiet, making it a good pick for solo lunches or family outings. Kids get their own menu and high chairs, and there is usually plenty of parking.
Open every day from 8 AM to 7 PM, it is one of the more reliable options on this list when you are not sure who is open. Fridays tend to be the busiest stretch.
6. Deli King of Clark, Clark, NJ
Sour and half-sour pickles brought right to the table set the tone before your food even arrives at Deli King of Clark. It is a small detail, but it tells you these folks understand what a real deli experience should feel like.
The corned beef on rye is a house favorite, and the kitchen also turns out plentiful pastrami and turkey on fresh bread. If you want the Reuben treatment without the cheese, there is an Almost Reuben, corned beef with sauerkraut and Russian dressing, kept kosher by skipping the Swiss.
The menu goes well beyond sandwiches, with excellent matzah ball soup, potato pancakes, stuffed cabbage, hot knishes, and homemade cookies. There is even gluten-free rye bread available.
The place is clean, bright, and welcoming, with a kids’ menu and reservations accepted. Hours run Tuesday through Friday from 9 AM to 8 PM and weekends from 8 AM to 8 PM, with Mondays closed.
7. Fred and Murry’s Kosher Delicatessen, Freehold, NJ
Vintage posters line the walls of this narrow, old-timey kosher deli in Freehold, giving it a throwback feel that matches the food. The sandwiches are huge, and corned beef and pastrami on rye with coleslaw is a go-to combo here.
Beyond the sandwiches, the menu stretches into pea soup, potato knishes, kasha varnishkas, homemade onion rings, and even a corned beef or pastrami omelette if you swing by earlier in the day. There is a lot to explore for anyone who likes deep deli menus.
The atmosphere is warm and casual, and the place has been known to host special events like comedy nights, which is a fun twist for a deli. A private dining room and reservations make it group friendly.
It is open daily from 9:30 AM to 8 PM, with weekends drawing the biggest crowds. Parking is easy and free.
8. Eppes Essen Deli & Restaurant, Livingston, NJ
Some people say the corned beef and pastrami here rival anything across the river in New York, which is high praise in this part of the state. Eppes Essen has been a Livingston staple for years, and it has kept its quality steady the whole time.
A signature order combines flavorful corned beef with tender pastrami on fresh rye, finished with Russian dressing and coleslaw. When you order, the table gets treated to condiments like a generous helping of pickles, pickled peppers, and slaw.
The deli is spacious, immaculate, and known for a full menu that goes beyond sandwiches, including well-regarded lox and breakfast options. There is a dining room with table service if you want to settle in.
Open daily from 10 AM to 8 PM, it works for lunch, dinner, or a leisurely meal with family. Free parking makes the visit painless.
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