Deli Map
Open in Google Maps →New York City is the undisputed capital of the Jewish deli. From century-old pastrami palaces to modern smoked fish counters, the tradition runs deep across all five boroughs. Katz's is the icon, 2nd Ave Deli is the locals' pick, and Russ & Daughters reinvented the appetizing store. This guide, curated from thousands of Reddit recommendations and verified with Google Places data, covers the 12 best Jewish delis in NYC.
- #1 Pick
- Katz's Delicatessen — the 136-year-old legend with hand-cut pastrami
- Best Value
- B&H Dairy — challah French toast for $7, matzo ball soup for $6
- Locals' Favorite
- 2nd Ave Deli — consistently rated above Katz's by actual New Yorkers
- Best Pastrami: Katz's Delicatessen (hand-cut, since 1888)
- Best Overall Deli: 2nd Ave Deli (locals' choice)
- Best Smoked Fish: Russ & Daughters (since 1914)
- Best Sleeper Pick: Liebman's Deli (Bronx gem)
- Best Budget: B&H Dairy (everything under $12)
Why This Guide Exists
New York's best Jewish delis, ranging from $8-$35 per person, offer a taste of history and tradition, with Katz's Delicatessen, known for its iconic hand-cut pastrami since 1888, standing out as a must-visit. While the number of delis has dwindled from its peak, the remaining establishments provide extraordinary culinary experiences across NYC, from Manhattan to the outer boroughs. This guide, curated from Reddit recommendations and verified with Google Places data (average rating 4.4★ across 71,467 total Google reviews, with 6 of 12 being kosher certified), highlights the top 12.
New York's Jewish deli scene has been in decline for decades — from over 1,500 kosher delis in the 1930s to barely two dozen today. But the survivors are extraordinary. This guide identifies the 12 best remaining Jewish delis across NYC, from Manhattan institutions to outer-borough gems. Every pick was sourced from Reddit food communities (r/AskNYC, r/FoodNYC, r/Brooklyn) and cross-referenced with Google Places ratings and reviews.
Key stats: Average rating 4.4★ across 71,467 total Google reviews. 6 of 12 are kosher certified. Oldest: Katz's (1888). Price range: $8–$35 per person.
1Katz's Delicatessen
Pastrami & Corned BeefQuick comparison
- Best for
- The iconic NYC deli experience with hand-cut pastrami that's worth every penny
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 51,636 Google reviews · Operating since 1888 · Hand-cut pastrami
- Limitations
- Tourist crowds, especially weekends · Cash-only at the counter (cards at tables) · Prices have gone up significantly
- Price / value
- $15–$30 · 4.5★
- What to order
- Hand-cut pastrami on rye — accept no substitutions. Add a side of matzo ball soup and a Dr. Brown's Cream Soda.
🕐 Hours
22nd Ave Deli
Kosher DeliQuick comparison
- Best for
- Authentic kosher deli experience preferred by NYC locals over tourist spots
- Strengths
- 4.4★ · Kosher certified · Complimentary coleslaw and pickles · Less touristy than Katz's
- Limitations
- Pricier than Katz's · Tofu cream cheese (kosher) · Moved from original 2nd Ave location
- Price / value
- $18–$35 · 4.4★
- What to order
- Pastrami sandwich or the combination (pastrami + corned beef). The matzo ball soup is among the best in the city. Don't skip the free coleslaw and pickles.
🕐 Hours
3Russ & Daughters
Appetizing & Smoked FishQuick comparison
- Best for
- Bagels with lox, smoked fish platters, and the Jewish appetizing tradition since 1914
- Strengths
- 4.6★ from 4,580 reviews · 110+ years in business · Unmatched smoked fish quality
- Limitations
- Not a traditional deli (no pastrami/corned beef) · Small shop, long lines · Closes at 4PM
- Price / value
- $12–$25 · 4.6★
- What to order
- The Classic board (Nova Scotia salmon, sturgeon, cream cheese, bagel). For sandwiches, get the Super Heebster (whitefish + baked salmon salad + horseradish cream cheese).
🕐 Hours
4Barney Greengrass
Smoked Fish & BrunchQuick comparison
- Best for
- Old-school Jewish brunch with world-class sturgeon and lox on the Upper West Side
- Strengths
- 4.4★ · 'The Sturgeon King' since 1908 · Unchanged vibe · Eggs and Nova scramble
- Limitations
- Closed Mondays · Cash preferred · Cramped seating · Can be pricey for portions
- Price / value
- $15–$30 · 4.4★
- What to order
- Eggs and Nova Scotia salmon scramble, or a sturgeon platter. The chopped liver is legendary. Get a bialy if they have them.
🕐 Hours
5Liebman's Deli
Kosher DeliQuick comparison
- Best for
- The authentic old-school deli experience that Manhattan lost, alive and thriving in the Bronx
- Strengths
- 4.5★ · Reddit favorite · Authentic kosher · Massive portions · Fair prices for quality
- Limitations
- Far from Manhattan tourist areas (Riverdale, Bronx) · Worth the trip but plan for it
- Price / value
- $14–$25 · 4.5★
- What to order
- Corned beef or pastrami on rye. The portions are massive. Matzo ball soup is homestyle perfection. Grab a knish on the side.
🕐 Hours
6Sarge's Delicatessen & Diner
Classic DeliQuick comparison
- Best for
- A solid Midtown deli with huge sandwiches and no pretension — the deli for people who actually live here
- Strengths
- 4.3★ from 3,740 reviews · Huge portions · Open late · Not touristy
- Limitations
- Not kosher · Decor is dated · Can feel like a diner more than a deli
- Price / value
- $14–$28 · 4.3★
- What to order
- The triple-decker pastrami and corned beef sandwich is comically large. Matzo ball soup is solid. Breakfast platters are excellent too.
🕐 Hours
7Pastrami Queen
Pastrami & KosherQuick comparison
- Best for
- Kosher pastrami on the Upper East Side without the downtown trek
- Strengths
- Kosher certified · Great pastrami · UES convenience · Old-school counter vibe
- Limitations
- 4.0★ rating lower than competitors · Can be inconsistent · Pricey for what you get
- Price / value
- $16–$30 · 4.0★
- What to order
- Pastrami on rye (obviously). The hot dogs are old-school excellent. Romanian tenderloin if you're feeling fancy.
🕐 Hours
8Frankel's Delicatessen & Appetizing
Modern Jewish DeliQuick comparison
- Best for
- Modern Jewish deli with excellent smoked fish and bagels in Greenpoint, Brooklyn
- Strengths
- 4.6★ · Affordable · Fresh-baked bagels · Great smoked fish · Cool Greenpoint vibe
- Limitations
- Small space · Closes at 3PM · Limited seating · Brooklyn location not convenient for all
- Price / value
- $10–$20 · 4.6★
- What to order
- The egg sandwich on a bialy is legendary. Smoked fish plates are beautiful. Bagel with nova and cream cheese is a perfect simple pleasure.
🕐 Hours
9B&H Dairy
Kosher Vegetarian DeliQuick comparison
- Best for
- Cheap, comforting Jewish vegetarian fare in a legendary East Village luncheonette
- Strengths
- 4.7★ highest rating on list · Incredibly cheap · Kosher vegetarian · Historic counter
- Limitations
- Closed Mondays · Tiny (counter seating only) · No meat dishes · Cash preferred
- Price / value
- $8–$15 · 4.7★
- What to order
- Challah French toast (legendary). Matzo ball soup. Mushroom barley soup. Blintzes. Everything is under $12.
🕐 Hours
10PJ Bernstein
Neighborhood DeliQuick comparison
- Best for
- A reliable neighborhood deli experience on the Upper East Side, especially for pastrami and matzo ball soup
- Strengths
- 4.4★ · Beloved neighborhood spot · Great pastrami · Matzo ball soup · Friendly service
- Limitations
- Small · Not as famous as downtown spots · Limited seating
- Price / value
- $12–$22 · 4.4★
- What to order
- Pastrami sandwich is the star. Matzo ball soup is excellent. The Reuben is also a safe bet. Good breakfast options too.
🕐 Hours
11Essen NY Deli
Kosher DeliQuick comparison
- Best for
- Authentic kosher deli deep in Brooklyn's Jewish heartland — massive portions at fair prices
- Strengths
- 4.5★ · Strictly kosher · Enormous portions · Brooklyn institution · Great value
- Limitations
- Closed Saturdays (Shabbat) · Far from Manhattan · Friday closes early · Limited hours
- Price / value
- $12–$22 · 4.5★
- What to order
- The pastrami and corned beef sandwiches are enormous. Stuffed cabbage is homestyle perfection. Kasha varnishkes if you want real Ashkenazi comfort food.
🕐 Hours
12Ben's Kosher Delicatessen
Kosher Deli & CaterersQuick comparison
- Best for
- A reliable kosher deli in Queens with catering and a family-friendly atmosphere
- Strengths
- 4.1★ · Kosher certified · Queens institution · Good for families · Catering available
- Limitations
- Far from Manhattan · More 'chain' feel than artisan · Not as special as top-tier spots
- Price / value
- $14–$25 · 4.1★
- What to order
- Corned beef on rye is reliable. Matzo ball soup is comforting. The combo platters are good value for families.
🕐 Hours
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Jewish deli in NYC?
It depends on what you're after. Katz's Delicatessen is the most iconic with hand-cut pastrami since 1888. But locals on Reddit consistently recommend 2nd Ave Deli for the best overall classic deli experience, and Liebman's in the Bronx is the sleeper pick that serious deli lovers swear by. For smoked fish rather than pastrami, Russ & Daughters is in a class of its own.
Is Katz's Deli worth the hype?
Yes, but go with realistic expectations. The hand-cut pastrami is genuinely outstanding — fatty, peppery, and unlike machine-sliced versions. However, it's $28+ for a sandwich, the line can be chaotic, and the ticket system confuses first-timers. Go on a weekday if possible. Tip your cutter $2-3 for a taste while you wait.
What's the difference between a deli and an appetizing store?
A Jewish deli serves meat — pastrami, corned beef, brisket, hot dogs. An appetizing store serves fish and dairy — smoked salmon, whitefish, cream cheese, bagels. Under kosher law, meat and dairy can't be served together, so they evolved as separate traditions. Katz's is a deli; Russ & Daughters is an appetizing store. Both are essential NYC Jewish food experiences.
Are any Jewish delis in NYC still kosher?
Yes — 2nd Ave Deli, Liebman's, Pastrami Queen, Essen NY Deli, Ben's Kosher Deli, and B&H Dairy (vegetarian kosher) are all certified kosher. Katz's and Sarge's are not kosher but serve traditional Jewish deli food. If strict kosher observance matters, check each restaurant's certification.
How much does a pastrami sandwich cost in NYC?
Expect to pay $18-$30 for a pastrami sandwich at a sit-down Jewish deli in NYC. Katz's is the most expensive at around $28. 2nd Ave Deli runs about $25. Liebman's and Sarge's are slightly cheaper at $18-22. The portions at these delis are enormous — most sandwiches are shareable.
Where can I find Jewish delis outside Manhattan?
Brooklyn has Frankel's Delicatessen in Greenpoint (modern style) and Essen NY Deli in Midwood (classic kosher). The Bronx has Liebman's in Riverdale — arguably the most authentic old-school deli in the city. Queens has Ben's Kosher Deli in Bayside. Don't limit yourself to Manhattan; some of the best delis are in the outer boroughs.
What should I order at a Jewish deli for the first time?
Start with a pastrami on rye with mustard — it's the signature dish. Add a side of matzo ball soup and a half-sour pickle (usually free). Drink a Dr. Brown's Cream Soda or Cel-Ray (celery soda — weird but classic). If you're at an appetizing store like Russ & Daughters, get a bagel with nova lox and cream cheese instead.
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