2nd Avenue Deli Reviews

This is not the deli that Abe owned. The pastrami sandwich was filled with meat that was laying around and then reheated so that it was crisp, dry and burnt with a few freshly sliced pieces thrown in so that we wouldn’t notice. We noticed and will never return. Head to Brooklyn for a kosher sandwich or if not kosher, head to Katz’s, yes, a tourist spot but the pastrami tastes like the real thing.

There were so many things right about this restaurant: the selection of pickles, the big bowl of cole slaw, the quick service. Still, they fell down with the main event, my pastrami sandwich. The meat was excessively fatty, chewy, and not especially tasty. I remember going to delis in Brooklyn when I was younger and always getting a superb sandwich. Maybe those days are gone, or perhaps pastrami just was the wrong choice here.

Pastrami is still excellent & fatty on seedless rye. Ordered stuffed derma- it came out of the kitchen & two massive balls of horrible tasting paste was delivered & covered in a brown gravy (gravy great) it could not the horrible taste of derma.

I am convinced that this place is going out of business, I ordered a $35 Chef Salad and got this large bowl of lettuce and tomato with a few slices of cold, stale meat on top. I sent it back and they replaced my dinner with different cold, stale meat. The waiter laughed at me. Dinner for 2 was $120.

I love the food. It is great to get some "free" pickles and salad with your sandwich, however, the prices have sky rocketed. I also LOVE the small chocolate soda at the end. However, the prices at 2nd Avenue Deli are out of line with competitors like Ben's. Unfortunately, Ben's was closed. Otherwise I would have gone there. If you haven't tried Ben's they are a GREAT choice, not the name of 2nd Avenue, but GREAT food.

Pastrami sandwich was huge. Matzaball soup very good. Service was great as well. Recommend if you want to avoid the lines at Katz's and have a very good deli experience.

Dinner last night with my Kosher cousin.....stopped in for dinner: We decided to each get a bowl of soup and split a sandwich (the size of the sandwiches should be against all laws - kosher). Soup really hit the spot, and the matzo ball tasted home made. The sandwich (turkey and brisket) went from good to amazing (brisket was cooked to perfection). The addition of a latke was a mistake...instead of what tasted like fried potato and onion in a pancake: the latke was like a fried knish - tasteless and doughy inside and the outside while crispy, didn't have any flavor.....come on - I felt like they were being lazy....who would like such a thing? Stick with the soup and sandwich. Can't go wrong. The staff could not have been nicer.

This is a great deli. The sandwiches are exceptional. The prices are a little expensive, but one sandwich could easily feed two people. The ingredients and flavors on the sandwich are top-notch. The gentleman that created my sandwich provided great customer service. I would visit this deli again.

Wow, what a fantastic place to enjoy comfort food in a family friendly atmosphere. We were cheerfully greeted upon arrival late on a Sunday morning...no wait. We enjoyed all of the traditional favorites: matzo ball soup, latke, and pastrami sandwich! When you place your order, they bring you homemade dill pickles and coleslaw. Both are excellent. The soup is a fantastically clear broth with a large, fluffy matzo ball and tiny pasta. The sandwiches are piled high!! The latke is huge with a very crispy exterior and soft interior. Even the applesauce is homemade. We also had some local beer on tap in a very frosty mug—a great way to take the edge off the NY summer humidity! The service here is professional and friendly. Worth a visit when you’re in the City.

We saw this in a video about the best delis and had to check it out. The history is very interesting. Originally owned by a Holocaust survivor it was reopened by the family with the original recipes. The food was incredible. We got half sandwich and soup combos with matzoh ball soup. I got brisket and my mom got pastrami. I don’t usually like pastrami but I tried this and it was so good that we ended up splitting half sandwiches! So buttery and delicious. Everything was great. We also picked up a couple of dessert packages to go (black and white cookies and one with some mixed treats). The black and white cookies were the best I ever tasted. I will definitely be making this a regular spot!

These are your Grandmother's recipes. Clean restaurant with friendly, courteous staff. Be sure to try the chopped liver (on rye, of course) with a delicious half sour pickle. The stuffed cabbage is to die for. Of course the standard deli favorites (pastrami. corned beef, tongue} are all excellent choices.

I took my boyfriend for some lunch at 2nd Avenue deli. We were not disappointed. We ordered the Round Potato Knish, and the spinach knish to start. I ordered the Matzoh Ball Soup with Carrots and a half turkey sandwich. My boyfriend ordered the corned beef/pastrami sandwich he (preferred the pastrami). Needless to say we left very very full. The waitstaff was super nice. They gave us great recommendation and didn't judge us (from what we could tell anyway) on the amount of food we ordered. We will definitely make our way back the next time we visit NYC!

Came here with my nephew who lives in NYC for an authentic New York Deli experience. Service was a little slow. Prices were steep - $80 for two huge sandwiches, one coffee, and one slice of cake. But the food was to die for. Our sandwiches were humongeous. I got a turkey sandwich and my nephew go the reuben. I took over halfof my sandwich home and had lunch for two more days. That's how bg they are!! The chocolate cake he ordered was heaven also.

This is the perfect place to get a deli sandwich, New York style. Lots of history feels inside this place. Large, but doable portions. I recommend the half sandwich and soup option so you can try two items. Comes with coleslaw and a plate full of pickles. Very pricey for a sandwich-but they are loaded with high quality deli meats.

Yes, the rumors are true delicious and heart warming matzo ball soup, [its 26 outside]. Here comes, the however, stay away from the rest of the offerings. Extremely overpriced menu. Sandwiches below par for a great deli. [*$15 min per seated guest] You want a huge nosh go to Famous 4th Street Delicatessen in philly, hey its a drive but you only die once.

Nothing compares to this deli. It is really the best. The health salad and pickles for start are excellent. The mushroom barely soup delicious. But the pastrami.... what a sandwich... unbelieveablely heaven! Soft. Fresh. So tasty. Onion rings were very good as well. And for dessert the chocolate babke... warm and tasty. What a delight. Did I say numer 1? That's what this place is.

I had the potato latkes and they were delicious with the applesauce, also the coleslaw that they put on the table was very tasty. Not the easiest place to find but it was worth the visit, not busy so food came very quickly.

We enjoy going to Jewish Delis. 2nd Ave did not disappoint! I knew going in I would be trying the pastrami. My husband tried the smoked turkey. Both were delicious! Pastrami was out of this world though! We loved the pickles and the pickled coleslaw served with it. Amazing sandwiches! We'll be back next time we're in NYC!

We ate here following a recommendation. Firstly the staff made a fuss about how many of us there were and the fact that we wanted to sit on one table. There were 11 of us and given the fact that the place was almost empty, it didn’t start well. I ordered calves foot jelly to start to be told it wasn’t available and then told that it usually wasn’t available. Why leave it on the menu if you don’t serve it? It just leaves the customer feeling disappointed. We ordered chopped liver which was dense and dry, a stuffed cabbage which was almost all cabbage, a few chicken soups which the little one enjoyed with a huge matza ball as did those that had it. For mains we went for sandwiches which weren’t that nice. I ordered tongue and was told that it was served cold! Who ever heard of cold tongue sand which. The waiter said he would heat it up like he was doing me a huge favour but it was too thin and dried out. Others had salt beef which was the same. The fries were greasy and the onion rings were broken, greasy and tasteless. The waiter also didn’t let us mix and match or substitute anything so we ended up with loads of food we didn’t want which was a waste. Not a pleasant experience and not one to repeat. Expensive also and best to avoid or go somewhere better.

It's hard to describe the heavenly smell when you first walk in. It's the essence of New York Deli; pickles, chicken soup, pastrami, knishes, mustard. We were hungry when we walked in and the sensation quickly turned to ravenousness. We just go with the basics and order one corned beef sandwich and one pastrami sandwich... and then trade halves. Top it all off with their fresh slaw, sour and half sour pickles and Dr. Brown's Cel-ray soda and you have landed in heaven.

Visited the deli tonight with my daughter, eagerly expecting great food, but was disappointed, the reviews we read were praising the food, but we found the matzoh ball soup watery and tasteless, the potato pancakes were so heavy and greasy, and the corned beef sandwich average, had better in other delis,

Everything I tried tasted a little off. I love New York delicatessen food, but this experience did not meet my expectations. The staff are friendly and efficient.

I always stop here when I am in New York. Delicious soup and wonderful sandwiches. I still miss the old location but what can you do?

Hot Pastrami was amazing. Got it with sauerkraut. Ended up buying a jar of their mustard to take home. Definitely recommend.

Quality food, corned beef had great taste and no gristle. Came with free coleslaw and apres dinner chocolate soda drink. A little pricier than expected, but tasty.

This classic deli offers outstanding selections and good service. I took my Mom here for Mother's Day, and we enjoyed matzo ball soup, the pastrami sandwich and blintzes. All were outstanding. I hope to be back soon.

Excellent pastrami sandwich, the best we ever tasted (no time to take pictures). The service was brilliant too, recommend to anyone looking to experience real NY food with a twist.

We were ready for classic NYC deli food and walked for 30 minutes to get here. Upon arrival we were met by the proprietor, who asked us where we were from and then mentioned some common friends - in Memphis! He popped by several times while we dined and made our visit seem like visiting an old friend's place. We each had a half-sandwich combo, mine with fries and my wife with matzah ball soup. Both were delicious and more than enough, after we each got the complimentary slaw and pickles. They also dropped off a few slices of pastrami with mustard, which my wife reported was delicious. We had not planned on desert, but they provided 2 shot glasses of chocolate soda, which was the perfect end to this meal. If you want a great NYC deli, give this one a try.

Any trip to NYC is incomplete without a trip to the 2nd Avenue Deli. The corned beef is beyond belief, and the pickles - oh, the pickles. And anytime I can get Cel-Ray tonic is a special day. Altogether, the experience is excellent, and the food is even better. My grandmothers would approve!

We were in NYC for a day and decided to take the family to this outstanding venerable NY deli. Even though a few old favorites were not available, the basics like corned beef and pastrami were as good as ever. Was well worth stopping by to enjoy reall NY deli.

They have the best pastrami sandwich in the world!!! With their health salad, pickles, tomato pickles, French fries, mushroom barley soup and chocolate soda for the finish... there is no place like it!!!

Was looking for the traditional New York deli meal and 2nd Ave Deli did not disappoint! Ordered the hot pastrami sandwich and corned beef hash to share. Flavour was great, good quick service and all round YUM!

Had not been to 2nd. Ave Deli in decades. It is still excellent. The pastrami was to die for. The pickles were good. The coleslaw was excellent. Staff & management were very friendly & helpful. The total experience will be a fond memory.

Don't waste your money if you're looking to see if it's as good as Katz Deli...it is not. No ambiance. Half the meat you'd get at Katz, I've been there. Bread was dry and falling apart. Meat was thin , very thin but flavorful. More expensive than Katz. Servers arguing Very quiet Went in a recommendation that it was as good as Katz....Def not, don't waste your time or money.

Biggest ripoff! Nearly $30 for a mediocre turkey sandwich . Takeout was terrible! Average sized sandwich at astronomical prices

Ordered the combo with pastrami and corn beef sandwiches with their famous Matzo ball noodle soup. It's definitely authentic. I prefer Katz's and Carnegie Deli (discontinued) where the meat is fattier and juicier that has good Russian dressing. I also prefer Junior Cheesecake (the original store in Brooklyn) for their version of Matzo ball soup without dill. To me the 2nd Avenue deli version is too dry and the dill threw me off. But each to it's own.

This little gem was recommended to us by our good friends. We were not disappointed. It is a small place with cozy (tight) seating but it’s very authentic and charming and worth a visit. We arrived shortly before noon on a Wednesday and there were still lots of tables available. We had the hot pastrami sandwich and coleslaw - both were delicious and good portions. The servers were friendly and helpful. When we left about 45 minutes later, all the tables were full. If you like onion rings, you would love the size of the portion - it’s huge :)

Amazing place to eat pastrami. Traditional restaurant in NY close to Central Park. Well attended, pleasant, good service.

We keep coming back here, and for good reason. We needed lunch while in Midtown, around 2 PM, and we hit up 2nd Avenue to get some of our old classic. Owing to a slightly smaller appetite, we decided to share their pastrami sandwich and the baked knish. As always, the portions were more than adequate, particularly when considering their complimentary coleslaw and pickles, and also quite tasty. This is now our third time eating here, and we've come away impressed all three times.

We have eaten here before. This time was a big disappointment for me. The were out of white fish salad. So I settled on Smoked Salmon and then found out they were out of bagels. My wife and I both had a chopped liver sandwich. The chopped liver was too juicy. The sandwich was very meager for the price. We will not return here.

Typical kosher deli. Great food. Decent service. The black and white cookies are to die for. And the matza ball soup is amazing. But not the place for a vegetarian.

This is unquestionably the best Jewish deli in NYC! I’ve tried them all and have been visiting NY for 50 years. The quality of the food, the friendly service, and the ambiance are stellar. It’s not a cattle call where you have to wait in line with a ticket. It’s a proper sit-down restaurant that's definitely a deli, but elegant. Everything is made in-house. It is Kosher. It is immaculate, even the bathrooms. Can’t recommend it enough!

The original 2nd Ave deli bad to move a few blocks and reopened by family with the same great food I remembered from working in NY decades ago. Don’t miss the “ tongue, chopped liver, fish salad as well as all the delicious meats. I only wish they would again deliver overnight to California!!!

Many people eat here, too. Lots of variety to choose from. Huge sandwiches - one is enough for two meals. Delish! I usually go for pastrami, but chose the Nova sandwich this time: Nova Scotia salmon on a bagel with lots of cream cheese, capers, lettuce, tomato and onion. Yum.

Food was well presented and high quality, and offered with friendly and punctual service. Would recommend a visit if/when your are on NYC.

Everything we ordered with slight changes to menu or asking for extra on the side, the waiter got the order perfectly. It was a high point of the day to have such excellent service, especially in a deli setting. The chopped liver was excellent, the turkey was fine, but the bread definitely stale. Outstanding matzo ball soup. Congrats on making a light and tasty matzo ball! Corned beef was also high quality.

Wanted a food Jewish deli when we came to NYC and we decided to try this one. It was meh. The potato latke was disgusting. The soup didn't have much flavor. The sandwiches we got were average but my biggest problem was the service. The gentleman/owner that sat us was amazing and so sweet and funny. Our wait person was a waste. It took forever to be able to place our order and we had to stand up to find someone before they finally came over.

2nd Ave Deli was a dream, just like something out of a Woody Allen movie. It has wall to wall Jewish décor, and food was both plentiful and tasty. For two non-Jews the menu option advice given by the helpful staff was an education. The staff were both friendly, attentive, and wise cracking!

This deli was on Comedians in Cars, Getting Coffee with Jerry Seinfeld and Jim Gaffigan. They went nuts for this place so we decided to try it. It was good, but we were not blown away like they were, though we got turkey on whole wheat instead of the pastrami, which is probably our own fault. The pickles were delish and the people super friendly.

Kosher deli with very good fresh food. I had the corned beef and a pastrami sandwich. The pastrami was ridiculously good. True kosher deli so no cheese. Really enjoyed the deli and the service. Very clean very professional. It was expensive though. 2 half sandwiches and a coke $36. But worth it.

Ten stars. No waiting and fantastic food. Even before we order, slaw and pickels were brought to the table. We had two sandwiches, one corned beef, one pastrami. they were TERRIFIC. Virtually no fat. Friendly, rapid service. We heard from people in NYC that this is considered the top local deli and we agree. STRONGLY recommend.

This iconic delicatessen serves large, sumptuous kosher deli sandwiches and other kosher specialties. The wait service is fantastic and the restaurant charming. Amust stop whether you are Jewish or not.

Always great sandwiches and more here. We do both take out and dine in and we are never disappointed. Quick counter service if you want to pop in for take out or traditional deli dining for dine in. Lots of extras like pickles and when we dined in we got a special surprise at the end with mini egg creams. If you're looking for a good deli that won't disappoint...this is it!

Service was amazing. Matzo ball soup was very good and was light and fluffy. Not too salty. Amazing knish’s and was piping hot! Brisket was very good. Pastrami was amazing and was falling apart in the best way. Krepela was very good. Overall an amazing experience and was worth the $!

Our experience at 2nd Avenue Deli was absolutely fantastic! From the moment we stepped in, we were welcomed with warm hospitality and the authentic New York kosher deli vibe. The food was outstanding—everything we ordered was fresh, flavorful, and perfectly prepared. The pastrami sandwich was out of this world, and the matzo ball soup was the best I've ever had. It's hard to find quality kosher delis like this, and 2nd Avenue Deli truly delivers! The portions were generous, and the service was quick and friendly. We'll definitely be back next time we're in the city. Highly recommend!

Tasteless meat. Tasteless soup. Tasteless slaw. Bitter pickles. The fries were the best thing, which tells you everything. I cook brisket better myself. Not cheap, either. Waste of time. And money

We had a pastrami and roast beef sandwich, and it was amazing ! Meat is fresh and very thin. Very tasty food ! Staff was very nice

We had a wonderful lunch on a Saturday. The service was terrific and friendly. I was full for the entire day.

You cannot beat the pastrami on rye, the chopped liver or the matza ball soup! It has been a while since I visited but I still think about those dishes, and I still proudly wear my 2nd Ave Deli t shirt!! Great food, good prices, friendly and efficient service!!

From the moment I walked in the door I knew that lunch was going to be comfort food for me. Corned beef was phenomenal. Right ratio of fat to lean, soft and chewy rye bread. Very nice cole slaw and Russian dressing. Homemade lemonade was very good - really tart, not too much sugar. I liked the cabbage and pickles they bring when you sit down - nice touch. Do yourself a favor and do not look at the prices. It is worth what you are going to pay.

Went there with friends, as I really wanted to have pastrami, and Katz was crowded. Best choice ever ! ``` Not sure you can get a more New-Yorker meal. The portions are generous, the tastes are authentic, and the menu is vast. The atmosphere is neat and pleasant, it feels traditional without being altmodish... We had Half sandwiches with soup... potato pancakes (not my favorite) , and a fabulous noodle cake... that had a slight orange zest twist. The fries were splendid, some of the best i had in my life... Fresh pickes and delicious coleslaw the service was pleasant without being heavy... it was possible to crack a joke/ exchange pleasantries with the waiter... You see the boss in the background, checking on permanently that everything goes well... i will no doubt return

Very good pastrami but still miss Carnegie Deli. Potato pancakes were thick but a little dry. Homeade applesauce was great.

Second Ave has all the deli classics. If you're dining in, I reccomend the stuffed cabbage and the matzah ball soup. Everything is huge, so order judiciously! Knishes can easily be shared, and order a half sandwich unless you want to take a lot home. Meals come with the delicious cole slaw and pickles.

The complimentary Cole slaw and pickles and after meal cookies were awesome. Egg salad with red onion tomato and cucumber; tongue sandwich; corned beef sandwich—everyone was happy!

I had a pastrami sandwich. It was the most tender pastrami I’ve ever had and of course the flavor was great. I comes with two pickles- a dill and a half sour and also cole slaw. Service was fast (on a Thursday evening) and friendly. It’s expensive though— $28 but the sandwich could easily serve two people

HERE'S HOW TO DO IT. Dale ordered a turkey sandwich (about $24) and it was ridiculously large so she ate what she could and threw the rest away. I ordered a half pound of sliced pastrami and 4 slices of rye bread ($21). I made a normal sandwich for dinner with half the pastrami and had enough left for a second sandwich a few days later. In the 50s and 60s there were more than 3,000 delis like this in NYC. Now there are half a dozen. They struggle to survive because of rent and labor costs so they do what they can. This is a good deli.....authentic........but it's best to know how to handle it.

Great deli. Sandwiches are very good. Safe clean and quick service. The food is tasty and well prepared. Large servings and just tasty.

A pastrami institution in NYC and I still like it a lot. Pastrami and cole slaw are very good, gefilte fish balls are huge. Service not particularly friendly and even a bit sloppy: I bought take away and the person serving me forgot my cucumber salad (despite me being charged for it) which was a bit annoying. The prices have gone up quite a bit, though sadly, it seems to be a norm at NYC. Still, nearly $30 for a sandwich or 1/2 pound of pastrami is pretty steep (and unlike some other delis like Ben's they don't even throw a few slices of bread for free!) That said, the food is good, the place has plenty of charm, and even if it was not perfect, I'll be back though I might take a look at the bag before leaving next time to double check they haven't forgotten anything!

If you are looking for that classic NYC deli experience, this is absolutely the place! Fantastic matzo ball soup, corned beef and all the other deli favorites you are looking for. Service was incredibly fast and attentive. This is a place where locals go and for good reason

We really wanted the “New York deli experience” and this did not disappoint. Lovely place with great seating area. Friendly staff. And oh my god the food. Just outstanding. We both had sandwiches but declined the item on the menu called “instant heart attack”(they also do something that has everything but the kitchen sink) Brilliant!!

You are always looking for a great deli and can't always find one. HERE IT IS! Great food and exceptional service. Sandwiches are just mouthwatering and absolutely delicious and size doesn't disappoint!

Went to purchase 2 pounds of chopped liver gold to bring home to the fam for a visit to Massachussetts. I make liver myself but didn't have enough time to make it for this trip so went to 2nd ave deli. Not many places make chopped liver anymore and less than that do it right. These guys do it right. It's incredible. Let it sit on your palette and wait for the flavors to permeate your soul. Too pricey is the reason I'm knocking off a star. it's literally $25 a pound lol. Yeah that's what it is. Gold

I went to this restaurant during the pandemic to take out an order. Notices were posted on the entrance door requiring customers to wear masks. However,upon entering the restaurant the Manager was not wearing his mask while speaking and shouting, and the countermens' masks did not cover their noses while preparing food. This experience was extremely disconcerting due to this restaurant not following appropriate safety protocols in an enclosed area during this pandemic, thereby potentially placing the safety and well being of their customers at risk. Would not recommend.

Entering the 2nd Avenue Deli was like going back in time. With a plate of pickles and a dish of Cole Slaw I was reminded of visiting my grandparents in Miami and going to the Rascal House, Wolfie’s, or Pumpernick’s. Unlike many deli’s, where you order on line, here you are seated and order from the menu. The quality of food was very good, the Matzo Ball soup did not disappoint. Portion sizes, however, were disappointingly small when compared to other delis I have eaten at. Prices were not commensurate with the smaller portions. We had a Hard Salami on rye, they did not offer an onion role, and a half a Pastrami on rye with a bowl of the Matzo Ball soup which came total of $42 without beverages before tax and tip. The interior of the restaurant while clean looked a little worn. Out server was friendly and efficient. Other than the portion to price ratio we had no problems with this eatery.

We arrived early on a Friday morning and had the place to ourselves! The staff was so friendly and welcoming. Food is fantastic and the portions are huge (I would recommend sharing). If you're looking for an authentic Jewish deli experience this is the place to go.

Excellent cold cuts, Don’t buy anything else, Coleslaw not good, I got a burnt knish that had to be thrown out, And once got a cold soup.

This review is for the uptown location. My son took me for lunch. I had a pastrami sandwich. A previous visit to 33st resulted in my having a memorable melt in your mouth experience. Not do this time. Total disappointment sadly. A very firm tough slices of meat resembling nothing of the previous glory. Of course the price was higher.

Stopped in for lunch before leaving town. 5 minute wait for the table made pleasant by chatting with the gentleman at the front (? manager) and perusing the menu. Our server was fun & attentive without being overbearing. After ordering, a plate of pickles & a bowl of coleslaw arrived. Mr got the half sandwich (pastrami) & soup (matzo ball) combo. He described the soup' s taste as "comforting". I agree. I had a half sandwich (corned beef) & fries combo. The corned beef was perfect & all agreed that it was the best thing on the table. Fries were excellent too. I could absolutely drink the mustard it was so delicious. Our check came with four "shots" of chocolate soda and a final serving of good natured ribbing. It was a nice touch and a little taste of sweet was welcome & just perfect. As other reviews have mentioned, this deli is spendy but worthwhile. The sandwiches, though meat heavy & perfectly adequate seem smaller than the Jewish delis of years ago. The whole experience was lovely & I will return the next time I'm in NYC.

Wonderful kosher delicatessen in NYC. Pastrami and corned beef sandwiches are the real deal. Service is prompt and servers aim to please. Pickles are excellent and you can get either sour or half sour. If you want to enjoy the old style NYC deli, this restaurant is a must.

We are here three times (!) and every item we ordered, no matter how eccentric, was awesome. Fantastic pastrami. Delicious matzoball soup. Wonderful babka. Even the more unique Jewish items (knish, stuffed cabbage, cholent) were top notch. Even the free pickles are some of the best I've had. Attentive service. If God forbid this place should ever close, an entire culinary culture would be lost. Go now!

I will never know because I have no intention of returning. We thought the sandwiches were over priced. THe meats were OK but the rye bread was tasteless and lifeless. The gratuitous challah that were were served while waiting was inedibly dry. Coleslaw put on a sandwich was extra (that is beyond the $21 for the sandwich itself !) I am truly sorry to say that this was a huge disappointment.

Noisy, delays in service, food so-so. Looking for delicious kosher deli, not happy with the food. Disappointed in both.

Matzho Ball Soup 😀 🥪 de Pastrami 😀 Service ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ We came back after 6 years and it was has good as before. A must in NY No space for a bagel this time

Deli food doesn't get any better. Even non-deli items, like French fries, are wonderful. Corned beef sandwiches are thick, pickles and cole slaw are on the table, and the menu is expansive. I only wish they served phosphates, which I associate with this kind of food and restaurant. You can sit down and order or purchase from the deli itself. I would go here for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Our server encouraged me to try the Pastrami and I was not disappointed. My husband was there for the Corned Beef. It's a hidden gem and MUCH better than the Harry Met Sally diner.

A pickelfleisch salted meat like in my childhood on avenue de Wagram at Diamant and Goldenberg. Served with malossol pickles and Cabbage salad. Recessive….and very very good.

No longer on 2nd Avenue but with the same name, this deli is great. Love the Matzo Ball soup and the Mushroom Barley. The Corn Beef is excellent as are al the deli meats. The lunch time 1/2 Sandwich and Soup is a great bargain and very filling. Each table comes with wonderful coleslaw and pickles. All your favorite jewish deli foods are here for your lunchtime or dinner enjoyment. Service is professional and the portions are huge.

Sandwich was nice quality. Smaller than I remember from a trip 8 years ago- maybe it’s me? Felt like a number. Not that I expect to be treated like family but at least pretend you are glad I am there. Was very excited to bring my wife considering I really enjoyed my previous visit. Left feeling underwhelmed. Almost like they were having a going out of business sale. Unfortunate. Sandwich was the highlight, maybe that’s all we should expect.

Best Jewish deli food in all of New York! I used to love Carnegie‘s and Wolf’s back in the 80’s when they were still around. I have tried countless delis through the years, following peoples/ trip advisor suggestions, but nothing comes close to 2nd Ave. deli ! I only wish they delivered :)

We ordered the "chicken in the pot" and a soup/half sandwich. (Matzoh ball soup and hot pastrami.) The broth was so-so...I didn't think it was seasoned enough, and it didn't have a particularly strong chicken flavor either. The matzoh ball was really good though. The pastrami was OK, pretty much like any good deli. The chicken in the pot looked amazing when they brought it out, but the meat wasn't all that tender. All in all, just an average experience. Also...$74 for the above, incl. tip/tax? Definitely not worth it.

Really enjoyed the Pastrami sandwich. Meat was so tender. Tasty pickles and slaw. Nice restaurant. Only thing that was disturbing was the manager yelling at his staff out in the open. Felt like telling that manager off as no one should be spoken to that way especially in public. Was he not aware of customers in the restaurant??

I last reviewed this Deli in 2014. I always prefer corned beef. While debating with the group the server offered us a "taste." The pastrami won unanimously. So we all enjoyed these gigantic sandwiches and the usual accoutrements.The full sour pickles and their house coleslaw is the best anywhere, in our opinion. Remember 2nd Ave Deli is on E 33st near 3rd Ave and it's worth the walk from anywhere in Manhattan.

it seems difficult to find real Jewish delis in this city, but I’m glad I stumbled across this one. Had a very bad experience Katz’s restaurant a few years ago so wanted to try something else. Really everything was excellent, corn beef delicious, coleslaw pickle, service was also very good and the employees friendly. It’s pricey, but what isn’t these days?

The 2nd Avenue Deli is a long standing Jewish deli in 2 locations: 33rd street and the Upper East Side. ( The original location was on 2nd Avenue in the East Village for decades.). The menu is classic Eastern European Jewish food. Items such as oversized corn beef/pastrami sandwiches, matzoh ball soup, kasha varnishkes, rugelach, chopped liver, kishke, white fish, and knishes. This is opposed to Israeli food such as hummus, tabbouleh,and shakshuka, etc. This is casual dinning, not fancy at all. Good for breakfast or lunch.

A truly great Deli experience. We went with another couple and had an amazing lunch. My hot pastrami and corned beef sandwich with pickles and coleslaw slaw was great. The sandwich was hugh. My wife had matzo ball soup and 1/2 a pastrami sandwich. The bowl of soup and matzo ball would have been plenty for her. Our companions also had sandwiches and were equally pleased with the meal. The wait staff is very attentive and friendly. Portions are large and prices very fair. For a kosher Deli experience this is a great place.

Only got one star because I can’t leave a review without one! AVOID AVOID AVOID If you wanna be made to feel uncomfortable or not welcome then this is the place for you — if you don’t, then AVOID like the plague!! Didn’t get to try the food unfortunately, otherwise the review may be different in terms of food ratings. Walked in, walked straight back out. The “chefs” made unnecessary, immature comments & we were all made to feel extremely uncomfortable (4 adults) Please, please don’t waste your time or money on this place! There’s much better delis in NYC!

My husband and I enjoyed a hearty brunch today at 2nd Avenue Deli. I’m always surprised by the lack of salt on anything anymore, but that aside, his western omelette and my corned beef hash with eggs were great. Loved the complimentary shot of chocolate soda. Only disappointment was the home fries; we prefer them crispy. Price seemed pretty average for deli fare nowadays.

The best hot pastrami sandwich I've ever had. And it began with pickles and coleslaw that were to die for. I added sauerkraut and it was all outstanding. This is probably the best deli I've ever been to in my life. It's a must visit in NYC.

Delicious pastrami sandwich ! Big enough to share ! Accompanied by (health salad-style) coleslaw & pickles. Complimentary cookies for dessert. The kasha knish was a little disappointing; it was large enough, but it was burnt & dry; it could be that they reheated it for us (not a good idea)? Good service. Clean place. Not crowded when we came (late lunch).

Sorry. The sandwich was a disaster. The meat was tough and tasteless. The texture was as if they had not bothered to finish the pickling process. I rarely visit NYC anymore, and I was hoping for some good deli. Unfortunately, I left here seriously disappointed. I get the whole "New York prices" thing, and I don't mind paying them, but this wasn't worth it in any way. There has to be something better if one doesn't have the time to go all the way down to Katz's.

Had to go to New York a few weeks back and for some unknown reason fancied eating in a kosher deli so my daughter grandson and I arrived at 2nd. Avenue. Set up like an old tyme restaurant with high wall sections we sat. Menus handed to us and upon inspection a universal gasp at the prices. Overall the food was okay. I ordered pastrami medium meaning I love a bit of fat with my pastrami 'cos that's where the real taste hides. Would I go again? Umm, trouble is that I live in Connecticut where kosher delis are rare as hen's teeth so wot happens when I fancy a bit of Yiddish cooking? And don't tell me about Gold's in Westport - they ain't kosher. Franklin S

On our visit, unfortunately, many items on the menu were not available (no bagels, no whitefish) and the items available were of indifferent quality. Best things were the free pickles!

It's no Carnegie Deli, sadly, but their turkey is good (though they often run out) and their Russian dressing is fine. Their pastrami is good, especially the fatty. The Matzo Ball soup is good and get the chicken in the pot for anyone sick. People are fine but it's more about getting you fed. It's way too expensive, though.

The food was fantastic as was the service, we had a tuna salad and beef pastrami sandwich. There was too much to eat but it was amazing. The cost was expensive though, 2 sandwiches and a potato pancake was $50. The queue was out the door and there was a 20 minute wait on tables. We opted for take out as my wife had a cold. We loved the food and would return for sure!

Close to the Empire State Building Delicious Pastrami Pickles and cabbage offered The meat smoked by them is very delicate. Home fries We have feasted The welcome is warm A big thank you

I don't know what real good Jewish deli food is supposed to taste like, but I thought it was pretty good. I don't like Matzo Balls, but the soup was tasty - probably could have used more soup. Cole slaw was light and clean tasting. I liked the plain pickle and could not stand the smell of the other one...my husband had an opposite opinion. We both thought the Pastrami Sandwich was a little oily and needed more salt. The Corned Beef was actually a lot tastier and leaner. Had the Spinach Knish, which was not like the knish I had in the past, but I liked it. Was very spinachy and light on the potato and I liked it with a slice of pastrami on top. Expensive, but a lot of food. Prices seemed pretty comparable, although portions a little smaller, than Katz. Overall a good experience.

We were greeted kindly by staff upon entry, and our waitress was attentive and friendly as she served us. The selection of food is great. We ended up bargaining for more food than we thought, which is a good problem! We tried some new dishes, and nothing disappointed. The presentation was great, and there was more than enough to enjoy. The Corned Beef sandwich was delicious and huge!

ordered a pastrimi sandwich to go along with an order of chopped liver. the pastrimi was shreds of meat. they forgot to include the mustard i requested be on the side along with the pickles. the chopped liver was 'sour tasting'. what a big disappointed. won't be going there again.

Great food, great service. The food is top quality, and huge portions. Come hungry. Everyone in our family thoroughly enjoyed his/her meal. This is a real deal, kosher Jewish deli. You can almost feel the love in the food!

I was a bit nervous to try this place after reading some of the horror reviews, but i saw a guy on Instagram eating the Matzo ball soup, and I told my son, when I come to New York (from The Netherlands) that’s where I want to eat! I thought the staff would be arrogant and rude, but it was completely the opposite! I must say this was the best & most authentic deli I have found in years and was delighted to share my family’s Ashkenazi food traditions with my son, who was not raised with this food. Our waiter Sol, he made me proud. He is an old school & dedicated professional. No nonsense, he knew exactly how to help us order (and not over order), cause I wanted to try everything! We started up with Matzo ball soup, a must & the best I’ve ever eaten! The matzo balls were tender, light and fluffy, like eating velvet and the broth so rich and flavorful. A meal In itself. We then shared a pastrami on rye, half was more than enough for two & an order of the potato pancakes, for my son the Dutch kid. My son really wanted to place an order for creamy coleslaw for the pastrami sandwich, but Sol was able to talk him out of it (the kid wouldn’t listen to his mom), as complimentary vinegar coleslaw and dill pickles were already on the table when we sat down. I was dying to try the chopped liver but Sol talked me out of that as well, as the portions are so generous it would have been overkill. And would you believe, that when the soup was served, Sol nonchalantly snuck two slices of rye, spread thick with chopped liver to taste and like the soup—it was the best I’d ever had! (And that was my mom’s specialty) And when the pastrami sandwich came he surprised my son with a side of his favorite, creamy coleslaw! Sol was a saint and went above and beyond to maken this a memorable dining experience for me and my kid. Before leaving I asked if they were hiring, I would seriously consider going to work there so I could learn to perfect my family’s recipes. It was that good-and not only that, I was so satisfied that I even bought the T-Shirt!! No joke, it was that good! IMO anyone who complains about this place is a schmuck and a royal pain the tuchas!!!

pastrami in pastrami sandwich had too much gristle. Fat on meat is fine but not gristle. Grisle should be trimmed I won't be back.

Ancient decor and old fashioned set up but the food is top of the line. Cholent,chicken dishes, soups and sides are superb. This is a dying breed in NYC but if you like great jewish cooking then come here. Its not cheap but then you get what you pay for and its a protein packed meal. Their delivery service is also first class . Stop by and taste the wonderful delicacies ..... you will not be disappointed

Visited New York a few days ago and went to the 2nd Ave. Deli for my deli fix, which was a major disappointment. The 2nd Ave. Deli was only a few blocks from where we were staying, so we went there. I've mostly avoided the place the last few years as I felt it was living off its reputation. This visit was no different. I don't have a sense anyone is paying attention or cares. Wife and I shared the corned beef platter. The corned beef was dry and tasteless; the latke I ordered looked like a potato meatball, but tasted like it was full of grain fillers, not potatoes and onions. I actually sent it back it was so bad. The chopped liver was tasty but needed more onions (for taste and moisture). But at least the cole slaw and half-sour pickles were good. There are far better delis in the City.

We were looking for a good replacement for the older delis in NYC that have gone out of business and hoping that this would fill the void. It doesn't. Corned beef was mediocre at best. I have had corned beef in Chicago at a nondescript deli that beat this product hands down. Matzoh ball soup was boring and with a bland and soft matzoh ball. Sauerkraut was lifeless. Pickles were good, but that was about the only thing that was good about the experience. Sadly, just not what I had hoped it would be.

I ordered a basic pastrami on rye sandwich at the store today September 7, 2020. The food preparer behind the counter presented me a bill and i paid for it at the counter. When i walked out with the wrapped sandwich , i remarked to my friend that it doesn't feel like a hefty package. We walked to Madison Sq Park and i opened the wrappings. The sandwich was a few wimpy layers of pastrami, definitely NOT what's usually pictured in food photos of layer upon layer of hefty meat. It was OK in terms of quality, nothing great. I phoned the store to register my complaint . My advice is ALWAYS SEE WHAT YOU ARE GETTING BEFORE PAYING FOR ANY FOODS. DON'T PAY BEFOREHAND. You are entitled to see what you are purchasing and be satisfied with what you're getting before buying anything. I will not return to 2nd Ave Deli again. And don't believe any BS they give about weighing the meat ...no deli weighs the meat and then inserts it between the bread slices. I only eat Kosher, so i went here. I understand Katz's or Sarge's Delis ( non Kosher) offer heftier sandwiches which even taste better. Buyer beware!

Never been to a real Jewish deli before, but this was a good experience. Service was very friendly. My wife and daughter split a turkey sandwich which quite good. I had a half hot pastrami on rye. Pastrami was moist, tender, and sliced very thinly (as was the turkey). Wifey ordered the cucumber salad, but was mostly mushy marinated cucumbers - not what she was aiming for. Instead she enjoyed the slaw that was provided (not really Cole slaw as it was sweeter with a light vinegar). Sandwich prices seem high until you see how much meat is on them.

Jewish food. Entry grated cabbage with super tasty sour cucumbers, . It has many choices, special taste.

This is a true hidden gem. It’s on the east side of NYC. Upon entering you feel like you stepped back in time. A lot of older restaurants look like they are old. This place looks like it probably did years ago. We ordered pastrami on rye and potato pancakes. Both were delicious and filling.

Best bagel in town. Fresh and served warm. Cream cheese is tasty and muffins are served warm. Deli is busy and clean and organized and family is passionate about their service and friendliness. “EXCELLENT NEIGHBORHOOD MUST GO TO “ SUPPORT LOCAL 5 STAR FELI IN OUR DOWNTOWN AREA

We have eaten here many times. It always is great food. Great deli choices. And friendly wait - staff. And we look forward to going back

Traditional place with very well-defined offerings, but with the confidence that what they serve is of high quality and delicious.

Classic kosher deli with everything you would expect on the menu and more. If you love a good kosher deli this is it! Starting with the plate of comp pickles to the overstocked sandwiches just great. Pace yourself for the best experience. Just be aware this is expensive but the memories are worth it

I’ve been going here for 40 years & they have gone down hill. Terrible service & worse food. Ordered lean corned beef and it was 1/2 fat. After cutting the fat away the corned beef is just NOT the same as it used to be. Go to Sarges on 3rd Ave if you want a deli or Katz. Not the way it used to be.

Wow!!! We had one of the best deli dinners of our lives! Started off sharing the matzah ball soup that was large enough for us to share and it was AMAZING!! I had the chopped liver sandwich and requested extra slices of Chalah bread to spread it out very thinly. (That sandwich was ENORMOUS and beyond AMAZING!!) My husband had a triple decker of pastrami, corned beef and salami and he was in heaven!! Needless to say, our take home boxes required a very large bag! The food was EXCEPTIONAL, our server, Nelson was such a great guy!! He was excellent in everyday imaginable and he made us smile the entire evening! EXCEPTIONAL FOOD and CUSTOMER SERVICE!! A+++++++

As I told the waiter when we arrived, I had not been in a real deli since I left St. Louis 40 years ago. And, this was all I could have hoped for. My wife and I ordered corned beef, pastrami, macaroni salad, cucumber salad and a knish to split. All was wonderful and very ample, a special NYC deli trademark. The server was very helpful in our ordering, our food came quickly and we simply loved it. Highly recommended.

We had brunch/lunch here on weekday. They had no bagels. We had our Nova Salmon on a roll. No excuse for this - disappointing. Everything else was excellent. We had hash & eggs, chicken salad, potato pancakes, pastrami on rye, and corned beef on rye. This is the old school Jewish Deli experience. If you haven't had it, you should try it. It is expensive -- but the pricing is as expected. Brunch/Lunch for six was $189.

Very disappointed in the pastrami sandwich. $27 for a less than average sandwich (dry, smallish). It was not even close to what I remember it being years ago (sadly). Don't waste your money.

Went there for dinner on Saturday night. We had to wait a little, talked to the owner. He was giving us samples....boy, they had the BEST pastrami ever! So moist and flavorful. I wanted my long-time favorite, matzoh ball soup. It was great! Also tried the apple strudel for dessert. Excellent. This is better than other delis we have tried in NYC!

The best Pastrami sandwich in town. My favorite place in NYC. I always repeat and never disappoint. It is very worth approaching 2nd Avenue.

packed in tables, nice big menu, all the traditional items. Corned beef ordered lean, still a bit fatty. They don't rush you, wish waiter checked in a bit more. Or course big portions. Would go again. Food was food.

NY delis are a vanishing breed. This one is a relic...and pretty mediocre in its dotage. A recent visit convinced me to cross it off the list. The potato pancake was a bloated creation, more like a fried mashed potato. The pickles were sub-par, the sauerkraut not sour. The pricey pastrami sandwich was good but not worth a return trip. My companion had a hot dog that she said was flavorless. Oh, for the delis of yesteryear!!

Recommended by friends of ours, so glad we went for lunch. Matzo balls were super light and fluffy, soup was delicious. The corned beef sandwich was a highlight!

We were introduced to 2nd Ave Deli through the TV show, Comedians in Cars so we had to visit 2nd Ave Deli on our trip to NYC. We were sat down very quickly and our orders taken; Pastrami Sandwiches, 2 x Motsah Ball Soups and drinks. The Pastrami Sandwich was nice but plain as was the soup. We noticed a Chocolate Babka on the dessert menu and had to have some....and it was AMAZING!!!! If anything the whole experience was worth it for the Babka. I must say it is very expensive for what you get but overall a nice experience. I would still recommend 2nd Ave Deli simply for the experience

In a city that has been devastated for a variety of reasons this deli remains a bright spot. The pastrami sandwich is to die for. A special surprise was how good the apple strudel was. The waitress was very nice and helpful and the atmosphere was clean and bright. Please come visit this restaurant as we need to encourage the places that are left that stand by old wonderful quality traditions

Everything was perfect! When you are seated, a server brings each diner a bowl of coke slaw and two pickles. I enjoyed a bowl of matzoh ball soup with two added kreplach. Delicious! Then I had part of a potato knish. My dining companion enjoyed soup, too, and a triple decker meat sandwich. The service was great and we had a lovely, memorable lunch.

i remember the owner used to come and talk to me. Now GRHIS sole.Taken in such a brutal way. But I still love to go for my Kosher fix. Great huge sandwiches,chicken soup. I eat till I think I will bust. Everyone is just so nice here and they keep it so very clean, This is the place for the real deal. no fooling around here. Old fashioned and done right. Go here if you are in the city . Well worth a special out of the way trip to eat here. Now the best in all of NYC bar non.

Five of us ate here on my recommendation & none of us were disappointed. The most delicious kosher food. Lean corned beef & great knishes, as well as plates of pickles & homemade coleslaw! The service was excellent, catering to any requests we had! Shots of egg creams were given at the end of our meal. Just Fabulous!!!

We went to eat the famous pastrami sandiche as we were told that it was the best in new york above the famous Katz deli, the culinary experience was very good, the food was perfect, that if the sandwich is much smaller than in katz and is more expensive, what I did not like is that at the time of payment they wanted to get the security number of my credit card, something that I found a little suspicious since nowhere in the world had demanded this number to pay. Eventually I preferred to pay cash and not have to give all my card information to a person X.

Was in the NYC area for a couple of days and my husband wanted a pastrami sandwich from a less touristy restaurant near our hotel. The reviews on this establishment seemed good so we tried it for lunch. Due to dietary restrictions, I can only eat chicken and cannot eat rye bread. Ordered a chicken sandwich that you can order with a roll or bun, for an up charge. Lettuce and tomato also an up charge. Not sure about mayo. The sandwich was dry and overcooked. Prices are way too high for what you get. Cole slaw was pretty tasty and after meal cookies were nice. Limited menu items too.

Be aware that 2nd Ave Deli is NOT on Second Avenue! We eventually found it and it was definitely worth it. Had a great lunch. We will be back!

Amazing pastrami and madzo ball soup also the best chopped liver in the world. Great coleslaw and half sour pickles as well excellent fries amd cherry coke. Serious hot cherry peppers . Go for lunch and join the locals. Great atmosphere

One pastrami and one corned beef please AND a side of cole slaw. Half pound of delicious tender tasty meat on each sandwich. But so melt in your mouth delicious you’ll eat the whole sandwich. Absolutely delicious. Good service. An egg cream shot as a closer. I’d go the weekly if only I lived in NYC. The guys at the next table ordered the double deckers in my photo post. Crazy big!!! 5 stars!!

The pastrami sandwich was delicious!!! And the bright green pickles are sooo good!!!! The service was genuinely friendly and personable!! We want to go back on our next visit!!!

Best Jewish Deli I’ve ever had. Wife had pastrami and I had whitefish salad. Insanely good. Kindly older gentleman running the place was charming. This is where I go for my deli fix when I’m in NYC from now on!

Real New York deli with very tasty deli sandwiches. Soups and knishes are also great, especially the mushroom barley soup. Prices aren't low but the food is definitely worth it!

So many NYC Deli's are disappearing. 2nd Avenue has been around along time. We ate there last week. Hot pastrami sandwiches. Good but nothing extra special.

Review - not worth the hype - bad service I mean waiter came to our table we only mentioned two things that we wanted and he turned around and took another tables order I was like excuse me I’m not finished giving you my order - my wife asked for a lemonade and I asked for a orange juice, waiter brings my wife a nice decent size glass of lemonade and brings me the smallest glass of orange juice I have ever seen - we ordered a pastrami sandwich which was good not great and we ordered a brisket sandwich which was so dry you could choke on it, no matter how much mustard I put on the brisket sandwich it was still dry and the crazy thing is that when I ordered it I said I want it juicy - the bill came out to $80 that food was by no means worth $80, can you guys believe they charged $6 for a tiny glass of orange juice that didn’t even taste fresh - I’m sorry not sorry there was no way I was going to leave a tip for over priced food and bad service

We are ex-Metro NYC residents who came back for a Christmas season visit. We were staying in the Murray Hill area and got in late so we decided to go to, IMO, the second best deli in NYC instead of my #1 on the lower east side. My wife had never been here so it was quite the experience for her. Virtually unchanged with huge portions it was almost transcendental. As we are now living in Florida, there is no such thing as deli (or really ethnic food of any type). We opted for the classics; pastrami on rye and potato pancakes (applesauce on the side). Of course, pickles and cole slaw on the table. It was transcendental as we sat next to a table of older regulars whom the waiter referred to by name and also a table of several young out-of-towners in for the experience, wearing ugly Christmas sweaters (obviously the uniform for the day). It was what this place was all about, watching the two generations, the young all giddy about their next adventure, knowing little of the menu items, and the older, talking about their daily lives. Dinner and a show! Well, back to the food which was superb, the prices do reflect the changing landscape of NYC but the service and quality remain the same. We left and I, who needed a shot of NYC to recharge, got quite the needed jolt from coming here. A true gem, hopefully the table of youngsters may occupy the table of the older regulars.

Been here many times and never disappoints. Sandwiches are nicely sized and always fresh. Service is great with nice attention to detail. Temperature in the restaurant was perfect for a hot summer day.

Two quarts of broth...$60.00? Really? Now that's the biggest ripoff in NYC. You'll never ever see me again. Shameful! Greedy!

For me this was by far the worse meal I ate in NYC We went to try the beef pastrami on rye which one person ordered and enjoyed. As they had run out of the chicken and turkey pastrami ! (lunchtime) which 2 of us would have ordered, we substituted for the hot chicken and cold sliced turkey sandwiches The turkey was merely a pile of thin sliced meat same as any supermarket the chicken was tasteless all plonked between some very uninspiring white bread I just dont get it Place was packed so hardly room to move, service rushed and disinterested and $98.86 (before tips) for 4 sandwiches 2 cokes I dont think so! We certainly wouldn't recommend or ever return

A worthwhile and authentic Jewish deli. The pastrami sandwich and egg cream soda hit the spot. A little pricy, but the portions are generous, and the service was pleasant.

We did our research online and found this to be the best place for a New York Deli Sandwich in Manhattan - we were not disappointed. My fiancée and I shared a New York Deli Sandwich and Potato Pancake which was perfect for the two of us. The New York Deli Sandwich was a show stopper (in the best way possible) and was crammed full of juicy Pastrami sandwiched between delicious rye-bread. The service was very good, the restaurant had a classic feeling inside and was full of locals. I would recommend this New York Deli Sandwich to everyone and would definitely return.

The goodbyes quite good but pricy but it us here for that specials sandwich or appetizer. Stuffed derma, cabbage soups ( with plenty of salt) snd great pickles. If you need a great deli sandwich come here although the place is a bit dark I loved the brisket with gravy on the side and round kasha knishes. Their food is high quality and the clientele is a bit older folks who want the best. Try it and pub will find out yourselves.

In our view the best deli in NYC. The pastrami on rye is fabulous as are the sides, especially potato salad. We usually add a bowl of vegetable soup and it's just like mommas. Excellent waitstaff and fun owner who loves a conversation. A must do when in town.

Great food. Lousy customer service. Expect the manager Joe to yell at you (see other reviewers writing about it.)

We stopped at 2nd Ave Deli (33 St.) for a snack on Sept. 7, at 5:00 PM. We first went to the restroom which was nasty. After telling the person who seated us, he sent someone to clean it up. Our table and seats had crumbs on them and the floor had spills that had not been cleaned up. The dining room was dirty. Even the food was bad. We told the same man (who seated us) about the dirty dining room and he said, "we have one person not here today and it's late in the afternoon"!!!!! Is that an excuse for a dirty restaurant????

I live nearby. It used to have good food. I am sick and wanted chicken soup. I waited for 20 minutes to place my order to take out. A man just walks up and orders. What type of place caters to misogynists? Place order for soup, 1/4 lb pastrami and latke. ...very expensive.....$45.00. Server ask if I want mustard and apple sauce I say yes. I complained to manager that I waited and was not served but somebody just walks in and get service right away. SHe was not apologetic and useless. Then I looked in bag on way home,,,,,no apple sauce, no mustard, not challah...Do not go here.

Will definitely make this a must have for future visits! Terrific food, average pricing (for NYC) and good service. I can't believe I didn't know of this before!

The wait is worth it. It’s narrow and the waiters have to push through and everyone is talking and waiting and the smells make you want to tear the food off the trees as they pass by. OK. I only get there once every few years because I live in California but when I’m on the plane I’m already thinking of my pastrami and tongue sandwich. you have to go.

1st visit to this deli which appears in the Michelin guide. Missed the lunch crowd but the place was still reasonably busy. Great service, with helpful advice on the various options. The pastrami sandwich was truly delicious and served up with salad and pickle. Best lunch in NYC by far.

Their hot pastrami is still the best in NYC as far as we can tell. That being said, that sandwich is now priced at $25! Twenty five dollars for a sandwich?!? Yes...and if you like outstanding pastrami it's worth it -- but just be prepared for this "sticker shock" when you decide to go there.

I absolutely loved this place when it was on 2nd Ave. the ambience is not as great but the overall experience and food are great. Kishka, chopped liver, knishes, chicken soup and pastrami sandwiches are all great.

Great food. Excellent service. We wanted to try something besides Sarges and Kats, and Pepe, over at Mc Sorley’s recommended this place. It is perfect for someone who enjoys apps and desert without having to worry about allergies or food intolerance. It’s a kosher restaurant, so one needs not worry.

Great food, great service, in a quaint venue! I wanted to try this place after seeing it featured on Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee - and I wasn't disappointed. Only complaint? The price... not sure how I ended up paying $100 for 2 sandwiches and an appetizer. But overall, well worth the stop!