Tucked away on West State Road 434 in Longwood, Florida, Pickles NY Deli is the kind of place you only find out about because a really good friend tells you. With a 4.5-star rating from over 1,200 reviews, this unpretentious NYC-style deli has been quietly winning hearts — and stomachs — across Central Florida.
The star of the menu? A Reuben sandwich so good that people drive nearly an hour just to get a bite.
If you have not heard of Pickles NY Deli yet, you are about to become a true believer.
The Legendary Reuben That Started It All
Some sandwiches are just sandwiches. But the Reuben at Pickles NY Deli?
That is a whole event. Stacked generously with corned beef and pastrami, layered with melted Swiss cheese and tangy sauerkraut, and pressed between slices of homemade rye bread, this sandwich hits every note a classic Reuben should.
Customers rave about the corned beef being made in-house, calling it incredibly tender and rich with flavor. One reviewer described it as “exactly what you hope for when ordering a classic deli sandwich.” The bread holds everything together without getting soggy — a rare feat in the sandwich world.
Whether you order the Brooklyn Reuben or the signature corned beef and pastrami combo, you are in for something seriously memorable. This is the sandwich that puts Pickles NY Deli on the map and keeps people coming back week after week.
Homemade Rye Bread Worth the Drive Alone
Ask any serious sandwich lover and they will tell you the bread makes or breaks the whole experience. At Pickles NY Deli, the homemade rye bread is a genuine point of pride — and for good reason.
It has that ideal balance of softness and structure that real deli bread is supposed to have.
One five-star reviewer put it perfectly: the rye tasted fresh and held everything together without falling apart or turning soggy. That might sound like a low bar, but anyone who has eaten a disappointing Reuben on flimsy bread knows how critical this really is.
The bread is baked to carry bold flavors without overpowering them, giving each bite a satisfying chew. It is the kind of detail that separates a great deli from a good one.
At Pickles, the bread is never an afterthought — it is the foundation of everything.
Corned Beef So Tender It Practically Melts
Hot corned beef done right is one of life’s great pleasures, and Pickles NY Deli serves it with the kind of confidence that only comes from doing something really, really well. The corned beef here is believed to be made in-house, and the difference shows in every single bite.
Reviewers consistently describe it as tender, perfectly heated, and piled generously without being overwhelming. One guest called it “outstanding” and said it was rich and savory in all the right ways.
Another noted that the corned beef outshone the pastrami and said next time they would order it solo.
Whether it lands on a Reuben or gets ordered as a platter, the corned beef at Pickles is the kind of protein that reminds you why deli food became a cultural institution in the first place. It is simple, honest, and absolutely delicious.
Pastrami That Keeps Regulars Coming Back
Pastrami has a passionate fan base, and Pickles NY Deli serves a version that has earned its fair share of devoted followers. Smoky, peppery, and sliced thick, the pastrami here shows up on multiple menu items — from sandwiches to platters to sliders that practically disappear off the table.
One reviewer who had tried both the pastrami and corned beef called both “pretty good,” while another specifically ordered the pastrami sliders and raved about them. The pastrami platter is also a popular choice for those who want to go all in on the New York deli experience.
Is it Katz’s Delicatessen? That is a debate for another day.
But for Central Florida, the pastrami at Pickles NY Deli hits a high bar that most local spots cannot touch. For pastrami fans in the Longwood area, this is the place to go without question.
The Pickle Selection That Lives Up to the Name
A deli called Pickles had better deliver on its namesake, and this place absolutely does. The pickles at Pickles NY Deli are crisp, deeply flavorful, and perfectly brined — the kind that give you that satisfying tangy snap with every bite.
They are not just a throwaway garnish on the side of your plate.
Reviewers love them so much that one five-star guest dedicated an entire section of their review just to the pickles, calling them a highlight that “elevated the entire meal.” You can even order pints of pickles to take home, which is honestly one of the best ideas any deli has ever had.
The half-and-half pickles — half sour, half full — are a fan favorite that first-timers should not skip. For pickle enthusiasts, this alone might be reason enough to visit.
When a deli takes its pickles this seriously, you know everything else is going to be great too.
Matzo Ball Soup That Feels Like a Warm Hug
There is something deeply comforting about a well-made matzo ball soup, and Pickles NY Deli gets it right. The broth is warm and golden, the matzo ball is soft and satisfying, and the whole bowl just feels like someone actually cared when they made it.
That is a rare thing to find outside of a New York kitchen.
A recent reviewer specifically called out the matzo ball soup as “very good” during a visit where they also ordered the signature Reuben. For a deli in Central Florida to pull off a soup this authentic is genuinely impressive.
On a cool Florida evening or a rainy afternoon, this soup is exactly what you want. It pairs beautifully with any sandwich on the menu and gives the full New York deli experience from first course to last.
Order it. You will not regret it.
Knish: The Underrated Starter You Need to Try
Not everyone walks into a deli thinking about knish, but at Pickles NY Deli, that is a mistake worth correcting. The knish — a baked or fried pastry filled with seasoned potato — is one of those old-school New York deli staples that deserves way more attention than it usually gets.
Reviewers who ordered it as a starter called it good, with one noting it was “a bit greasy but still good flavor.” That honest assessment is actually pretty on-brand for a traditional knish, which is meant to be rich and indulgent, not light and airy.
Paired with a sandwich or ordered as a standalone snack, the knish at Pickles gives you a little taste of NYC food history right in Longwood. If you have never tried one before, this is a great place to start.
Old-school deli culture is alive and well here.
Corned Beef Hash Breakfast That Changes Everything
Breakfast at a New York-style deli hits differently, and Pickles NY Deli proves it with a corned beef hash that left one reviewer calling their morning visit “a 10 out of 10.” That is high praise from someone who had not visited the deli in years due to a past bad experience.
The corned beef hash is hearty, flavorful, and made with the kind of care that turns a simple breakfast into a full-on mood boost. Combined with options like the breakfast burrito and an iced espresso latte, the morning menu at Pickles is seriously underrated.
Pickles opens at 9 AM every day of the week, making it a solid breakfast destination before a busy morning. If you have only been thinking of it as a lunch or dinner spot, it might be time to reconsider your morning routine and swing by before the crowds arrive.
New York City Atmosphere in the Heart of Florida
Walking into Pickles NY Deli feels like someone picked up a piece of Manhattan and dropped it right in the middle of Central Florida. The NYC-themed decor is a big part of the charm — from the subway mural that one reviewer absolutely adored to the lively, unpretentious atmosphere that makes you feel instantly at home.
The space is casual and unfussy, exactly the way a real New York deli should be. There is a deli counter stocked with cheesecakes, cookies, and pickles, plus nostalgic cream sodas in cans that make the whole experience feel authentic and fun.
Seating is available both inside and outside, giving you flexibility depending on your mood and the Florida weather. The vibe is neighborhood-friendly and welcoming — the kind of place where you can linger over a sandwich without feeling rushed.
It is a little slice of New York that Longwood is lucky to have.
Cheesecake Worth Saving Room For
You might come for the Reuben, but do yourself a favor and save room for dessert. The cheesecake at Pickles NY Deli has been turning heads since the beginning, with flavors like Reese’s cheesecake and chocolate cheesecake showing up in rave reviews from happy customers.
One reviewer described watching the dessert counter every single visit, saying they stare the cheesecakes down every time they walk by. That kind of magnetic pull says everything about how good these desserts look and taste.
The cheesecake is thick, creamy, and made in the New York tradition — dense and rich rather than light and fluffy.
A six-cookie sampler pack is also available for those who want a little variety with their sweet ending. Whether you are dining in or grabbing dessert to go, the cheesecake at Pickles is the kind of treat that makes the whole meal feel complete and worth every calorie.
Coney Island Hot Dogs That Steal the Show
Hot dogs might not be the first thing you think of at a deli, but Pickles NY Deli makes a strong case for why they should be. The Coney Island dogs here have earned their own fan club, with at least one reviewer calling them “amazing” and making them the highlight of their whole meal.
These are not your average ballpark dogs. Served in the spirit of the iconic Coney Island original, they pack bold flavor and a satisfying snap that reminds you of summer boardwalks and street food done right.
They are the kind of thing you order on a whim and end up talking about for weeks.
Paired with a cold Yuengling or a Dr Pepper, the Coney Island hot dogs at Pickles make for a casual, fun meal that fits perfectly with the deli’s laid-back, neighborhood vibe. Definitely worth adding to your order next time you visit.
Potato Salad That Earns Its Own Fan Mail
Potato salad is one of those dishes that every deli claims to do well but few actually nail. At Pickles NY Deli, the potato salad is a genuine standout — and the reviews prove it.
Multiple customers have specifically called it out as one of their favorite parts of the meal, which is saying something when the competition includes the Reuben.
Creamy, well-seasoned, and served in satisfying portions, this potato salad has the kind of comfort food energy that makes you want to order a second helping. One reviewer said it was “very good” and praised the portion size, which at a deli is always an important detail.
It pairs beautifully with the Reuben, the French dip, or honestly anything else on the menu. Sometimes the side dish is what takes a meal from good to great, and at Pickles, the potato salad earns that role every single time without even trying.
Why Pickles NY Deli Is a Must-Visit in Longwood
With a 4.5-star rating from over 1,275 reviews, Pickles NY Deli has quietly built one of the most loyal followings in Central Florida. Located at 1891 W State Road 434 in Longwood, it is open Monday through Thursday from 9 AM to 8 PM, Friday and Saturday until 9 PM, and Sunday until 5 PM — plenty of time to fit in a visit no matter your schedule.
The pricing sits at a moderate range, and the deli even offers a cash discount, which is a smart and customer-friendly touch. You can reach them at 407-951-8662 or check out the full menu at picklesnydeli.com before you go.
From the Reuben to the cheesecake to the pickles themselves, every detail at this deli feels intentional and made with care. If you live near Longwood and have not been yet, a true friend would tell you to go.
Consider this your sign.