Are you searching for the best pastrami sandwich in NYC? If so, keep reading!
If you’re visiting NYC, you can’t leave the city without trying one of the best pastrami sandwiches in NYC.
The pastrami sandwich in NYC is an icon. It’s one of the city’s oldest residents, one of the staple food groups, and a key identity of the city’s food scene.
The best pastrami sandwich in NYC is a topic hotly debated though – and honestly, we couldn’t choose just one. So many places in NYC have spent years perfecting their own version, that we could only narrow it down to 10 of the best pastrami sandwiches in NYC.
And as a local, when you find a good pastrami sandwich, you know you’ve made it in NYC. You’re loyal, you big it up, you recommend it, you write love poems about it… Or is that just us?
So, if you’re searching for the best pastrami sandwich in NYC… This list is going to give you 10 amazing places to start looking. These are our top 10 pastrami sandwiches in the city, and we love each and every one of them.
Whether you’re uptown or downtown, or in Brooklyn or Queens – there’s a pastrami sandwich in NYC for you on this list.
So let’s get into it…
Here are the best pastrami sandwiches in NYC!
Pastrami Queen
Okay, surely the best pastrami sandwiches in NYC can be found at a joint called Pastrami Queen? This amazing eatery has been serving up the best pastrami sandwiches in NYC since it opened, and though it’s small, it’s always packed with hungry diners.
What we love about this pastrami spot is the fact that it retains its Jewish roots.
With friendly service and the best pastrami sandwiches in NYC, what more could you really ask for? The juicy meat here is hand-cut, making each slice crumbly and delicious.
Perfectly smoked and packed into soft slices of bread, this is a sandwich that you won’t want to miss!
Sarge’s Delicatessen & Diner
Sarge’s Deli serves up the best pastrami sandwiches in NYC. Seriously, its pastrami on rye is famous in NYC, and has attracted locals and tourists alike for years.
Now, we don’t recommend trying this pastrami sandwich in NYC if you haven’t got a hearty appetite. Weighing in at just under 17 ounces and almost comically stuffed with delicious pastrami, this is one of the best pastrami sandwiches in NYC for those with bottomless stomachs.
The pastrami here is a perfect pink, and it falls apart at the seams when eaten. Though this makes eating the dish itself slightly problematic, the glorious texture and light smoky taste of the pastrami makes Sarge’s offering one of the best pastrami sandwiches in NYC.
We do have one word of warning though; be prepared to wait a fair while for your pastrami sandwich in NYC. Although the service here is excellent, this place is extremely popular.
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Katz’s Delicatessen
Next on our list of the best pastrami sandwich in NYC, it’s Katz Deli. Unlike Sarge’s delicate, thin pastrami slices, Katz’s Delicatessen packs their sandwiches with thick-cut pastrami, which (for us) definitely makes it one of the best pastrami sandwiches in NYC.
Katz is also all about the experience, and it’s an NYC icon in itself – so that’s just another reason to visit.
Sliced by hand and nestled between two slices of white bread, this is one of the best pastrami sandwiches in NYC. While thinner slices are easier to eat, there’s something about the denser meat in Katz’s pastrami sandwich that makes it one of best pastrami sandwiches in NYC.
The rich flavor in the thickly cut meat makes it well worth the trip, and any queue you might have had to wait in. It’s slightly less mild than the meat at Sarge’s, so if you’re looking for a smokier and spicier pastrami sandwich, then this is a great option.
Oh, and if that wasn’t enough to convince you, this famous deli has been a staple in the city since 1888!
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Butcher Block
Next on our list of the best pastrami sandwich in NYC – it’s Butcher Block. If you’re looking for amazing, thickly sliced pastrami sandwiches, then you need to head down to Butcher Block.
The meat here is always divine and perfectly smoked, so you’re in for a treat. Many of the best pastrami sandwiches in NYC come from Jewish delis. However, Butcher block is an Irish butcher shop, which makes it an interesting entry onto our list of the best pastrami sandwiches in NYC.
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Served in a lovely, crusty white roll, this pastrami sandwich is freshness personified. This pastrami sandwich in NYC is juicy, delicious, with thick-cut, tasty, amazing pastrami!This is definitely one of the best pastrami sandwiches in NYC.
Second Avenue Deli
Ah, Second Avenue Deli. This well-loved deli in NYC is known for its awesome atmosphere and devilishly good pastrami sandwiches, which are definitely one of the best pastrami sandwiches in NYC.
In our opinion, they’re some of the best pastrami sandwiches in NYC, and we love visiting this place for the friendly service and vibe too.
Although this isn’t the best choice for those who love thick-cut pastrami, the portion of thinly sliced pastrami that you’re given is impressive, and DELICIOUS. But this place isn’t just about the pastrami sandwich, they actually have loads of amazing food to try – all the same kind of traditional deli style food that NYC is known for.
Yes, this is one of the best pastrami sandwiches in NYC, but come here to try some of their other food too. You won’t regret it! Served between two slices of soft rye bread, this sandwich is an indulgent treat that anyone would be lucky to try.
Read more about NYC food: 25 awesome restaurants in Times Square, NYC
David’s Brisket House
Next on our list of the best pastrami sandwiches in NYC, it’s David’s Brisket House. As you might expect, David’s Brisket House is the place to be for smoked meats and brisket.
With all meat served here being classed as halal, it’s an excellent place to visit for Muslim tourists and locals. The pastrami here is slightly different to the traditional slice meat that you may see at other delis.
This is one of the best pastrami sandwiches in NYC as the meat quite literally flakes apart. Packed with spices and a signature smokiness, this unique pastrami sandwich is one for the books.
If you’re on the hungry side, you can opt for a larger than normal pastrami sandwich. There are three sizes available, which should suit everyone from the barely hungry to the ravenous! It’s certainly one of the best pastrami sandwiches in NYC.
Liebman’s Deli
Ahhh a classic pick for pastrami sandwiches in NYC! Another famous Jewish deli with the best pastrami sandwiches in NYC is Liebman’s Deli. All the pastrami at Liebman’s is made onsite, so you know you’re getting the freshest possible fare here!
This kosher deli is one of the best family-owned delis in NYC, so expect friendly staff and famous recipes if you choose to pay this place a visit.
It is in the Bronx, therefore those visiting Manhattan will need to make a special trip to Liebman’s if they want to try one of the best pastrami sandwiches in NYC. We promise, it’s well worth the trek!
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Frankel’s Delicatessen
Next on our list of pastrami sandwiches in NYC, it’s Frankel’s Deli. We absolutely adore the thick pastrami sandwiches at Frankel’s Delicatessen.
This deli has one of the top reputations in NYC when it comes to sandwiches and pickles, so you should pay this place a visit if you have a penchant for either one!
Everything served here is delectable and fresh, and the generous dose of mustard on Frankel’s pastrami sandwich makes it one of the best pastrami sandwiches in NYC.
This place has made old-school deli cool, and we love the vibe here. It’s a great place to try a pastrami sandwich in NYC.
Junior’s
Junior’s is a well-loved restaurant that every visitor to NYC should check out at least once, and it’s a great place to try a pastrami sandwich in NYC.
Featuring classic menu items like Philly cheesesteaks, fried chicken, and salads, this is the perfect place to head to for a hearty lunch. However, what’s really put Junior’s on the map is the fact that they serve one of the best pastrami sandwiches in NYC.
Served on two amazing onion rolls, the flavorful pastrami takes center stage here. Not only does the bread choice make this one of the more indulgent pastrami sandwiches in the city, but we feel it makes it unique! With a generous portion of fries included in the price, this is a sandwich built for a king.
This is another great place to try a pastrami sandwich in NYC – and don’t forget their famous cheesecakes for dessert too… Which you’ll definitely want to leave room for!
Read more NYC food recommendations:15 amazing places to find cheesecake in NYC
Carnegie Deli
Next up on our list of the best pastrami sandwiches in NYC, it’s Carnegie Deli. This place is jam-packed with NYC history, and their pastrami sandwich is at the heart of it all!
This iconic NYC deli was founded in 1937, and people have been enjoying their pastrami sandwiches in NYC ever since.
Seriously, if you want a slice of New York City history, as well as a great pastrami sandwich – then this place needs to be on your list of places to try!
Eisenberg’s NYC
Eisenberg’s is one of those classic places for pastrami sandwiches in NYC that never goes out of style. Although they serve traditional diner food, it’s the pastrami sandwich that keeps visitors coming back for more.
This place is popular with tourists, but due to its prime location it often sees swathes of office workers come lunchtime.
So, if you’re looking to sample one of the best pastrami sandwiches in NYC and you’re not in a major time crunch, try to avoid the lunch window wherever possible! The sandwich here is simple, but it’s got the classic charm that every good pastrami sandwich should have!
Read more NYC food inspiration: Top 11 Delis in NYC
We hope this list of pastrami sandwiches in NYC has been helpful!
And maybe it’s made you a little hungry too! We wouldn’t blame you!
