One of the quintessential experiences that you can have in New York City is to have a pastrami sandwich. For that you will want to seek out the best places for pastrami sandwiches in NYC.
What is a Pastrami Sandwich?
Pastrami is a seasoned, cured meat, smoked and made from beef brisket. The process for making pastrami starts off with a saltwater brine bathed with different spices. This infuses the meat with flavor and gives it its distinct pink color.
After being brined for several weeks, the meat is then rubbed with a blend of spices that eventually gives it its “bark” on the outside. The meat is smoked for hours, imparting a smokey goodness to the meat. It can then be boiled for several hours before being carved up and served.
The best pastrami is succulent and juicy with a delicate pink color on the inside and a nice crisp bark on the outside.
Pastrami sandwiches are associated with New York City delis and are an absolutely delicious bite that everyone should try. Made with a thick stack of thinly sliced pastrami in between two slices of toasted bread (rye bread is commonly used), and dressed with mustard and served with a pickle to clear the palette in between bites, the pastrami sandwich is a work of art.
Where to Find the Best Pastrami Sandwiches in New York City
The best pastrami sandwiches in New York City can be found in old school Jewish delis.
These delis are the kind where you will find a glowing neon sign on the deli window, drawing hungry diners indoors. Counter seating allow for more of the masses to enjoy the delicious pastrami sandwiches.
You better get ready to order your pastrami sandwich because its super efficient inside and there’s no time for messing around. Place your order and wait for your sandwich to be ready before tucking in to your delicious pastrami sandwich experience.
Here six of the top places for beef pastrami sandwiches in New York City.
Katz’s Delicatessen
Katz’s Delicatessen is legendary. Located at the Lower East Side of Manhattan, it was established in 1888 and is renown for its Jewish delicatessen fare, most significantly its pastrami and corned beef sandwiches.
Inside Katz’s Delicatessen, the walls are lined with photos and memorabilia that chart out its past. You may recognize Katz’s Delicatessen as the location from movies such as When Harry Met Sally.
The ordering process to get a pastrami sandwich at Katz’s Delicatessen is no nonsense, typical New Yorker style. You get a ticket when you enter and you better hang on to it until you check out. You will need to present it to track your order and also present it to pay when you leave.
The beef pastrami sandwich at Katz features its hand-sliced, brined beef brisket and you won’t be disappointed with its flavorful and juicy meat. The legendary Katz’s Pastrami Sandwich costs $25.95, and customize it with mustard and Reuben dressing. Lean meat carving is an add-on option.
You can customise it with add-on toppings like melted Swiss cheese and sauerkraut.
Besides the beef pastrami sandwich, Katz’s Delicatessen also has Jewish dishes like matzo ball soup and knishes.
Read more about Katz’s Deli in New York.
Where: 205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002, USA
Website
Pastrami Queen
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Pastrami Queen is a famous NYC deli that has been serving customers since 1955. The specialty of the Jewish restaurant is its pastrami – as the name implies.
When you order a pastrami sandwich at Pastrami Queen, you can expect thinly sliced meat, piled on rye bread and served with mustard and pickles. For the best experience, dine in and enjoy the sandwich hot along with the classic NYC deli atmosphere.
You can expect the Pastrami Sandwich to set you back around $26.50.
Other food options available at Pastrami Queen include corned beef, matzo ball soup, chopped liver and knishes.
Pastrami Queen has locations at Upper East Side and Upper West Side.
Where:
Upper East Side – 78th and Lexington, 1125 Lexington Ave #2
Tel: (212) 734-1500
Hours: Every day 10 am to 9 pm
Upper West Side – 72nd and Broadway, 138 W 72nd St
Tel: (212) 877-2874
Hours: Every day 10am – 9pm
Sarge’s Delicatessen & Diner
Sarge’s Deli in New York City is the real deal. It offers an exceptional dining experience. In addition to their pastrami sandwiches, their reuben sandwiches are amongst the best in New York City. You should also give their cheesecake and banana cream pie a try too!
Where:
548 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10016, United States
Website
Zabar’s
Founded in 1934 by Louis Zabar, Zabar’s is a famous gourmet supermarket on the Upper West Side that is known for its high quality and specialty foods. These include cheeses, baked goods and, of course, its meats.
You can head over to Zabar’s Cafe, which is open every day. The pastrami at Zabar’s is tender and melt in your mouth. It is a blend of smokey and savory, making it a delicious bite for those who are craving a good and wholesome meal.
Besides Zabar’s classic hot pastrami sandwiches, you can also find hot corned beef, hot brisket and chopped liver sandwiches on the menu.
Where: 2245 Broadway (at 80th Street), New York, NY 10024
Main Store Hours
Monday to Saturday: 8 am to 7.30 pm
Sunday: 9 am to 6 pm
Zabar’s Cafe:
Monday to Saturday: 8 am to 5 pm
Sunday: 9 am to 5 pm
Barney Greengrass
This famous Jewish delicatessen located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan has been around since 1908. It is call “The Sturgeon King” because it specializes in fish and you can get enjoy smoked items like sturgeon, nova lox and herring here. These dishes are usually served with bagel and cream cheese.
Some of the specialities at Nova Scotia Salmon Scrambled with Eggs and Onions, along with Sturgeon Scrambled with Eggs and Onions.
However, if you are looking for a good pastrami sandwich, you will also find out here at Barney Greengrass. The Hot Pastrami sandwich will set you back $19.75 and gets served on a choice of rye bread, pumpernickel break or on a roll.
Other meat sandwiches include corned beef, tongue and smoked turkey. Can’t decide? Choose one of their triple deckers.
Where: 541 Amsterdam Avenue at 86th Street, New York, NY 10024
Website
Ess-a-Bagel
Ess-a-Bagel is well known amongst bagel lovers in New York City. Established in 1976, the store serves a mix of bagels, baked good, sandwiches and knishes and more.
For a humble but classic pastrami sandwich, you can get one for $10.55 at Ess-a-Bagel. It also comes in a small 1/4lb version for $6.75.
Ess-a-Bagel is open seven days a week from 6 am in the morning.
Where: 831 3rd Avenue (between 50th & 51st Street), New York, NY 10022
Website
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