photos and text Copyright © Ronald C. Saari
"Meg Ryan wasn't faking it" says the Zagat Survey. Yes, this is where the famous scene from the movie "When Harry Met Sally" was filmed. The Pastrami on Rye is as good as it gets, a gastric high note which may inspire a repeat of the movie scene. This is the Ultimate NY Deli experience accented by glorious neon signeage, hanging Salamis, and untouched mid-century decor. |
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| Barney Greengrass (The Sturgeon King) 541 Amsterdam Avenue (between 86th & 87th St.) 212-724-4707 Upper West Side Smoked sturgeon, similar to Lox, but less oily and meatier is the specialty of this Upper West Side institution. An extensive selection of smoked fish and caviar is available both for dining in or taking home. If you have money to burn, you can treat your self to the Beluga Caviar omelet which can be had for a mere $107. The Sturgeon Sandwich, however, is only about $15 (including pickles) and it's to die for. The homemade Matzo Ball soup is wonderful and, no doubt, medicinal. |
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| Ben's Kosher Delicatessen 209 W. 37th Street (between 7th and 8th Ave) 212-398-2367 Midtown This very posh NY Deli makes an excellent Pastrami on Rye complete with a bucket of fresh pickles, onion rolls, and cole slaw for only $7.95. Make sure you bring cash because the sign warns "We have an agreement with the bank. They don't serve Pastrami and we don't take checks." |
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| Carnegie Deli 854 7th Avenue @ 55th Street 212-757-2245 www.carnegiedeli.com Midtown It's small and cramped and decorated with photos of scores of celebrities who have eaten here. The Carnegie gives new meaning to generous poritions. One Pastrami sandwich could feed about 4 people, the Matzo balls are the size of grapefruits and one slice of Cheesecake will leave your stomach full for the rest of the month. Make sure there's a stretcher waiting to take you away. |
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| 2nd Avenue Deli (Kosher) 156 2nd Ave @ 10th Street 212-677-0606 www.2ndavedeli.com East Village I have yet to find if their claim "best chopped liver in New York" is justified. The thickly-sliced pastrami is juicy and flavorful, though less tender than Katz's, Ben's or Carnegie's. |
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| Sarge's Deli 548 3rd Avenue (bet. 36th & 37th Sts.) 212-679-0442 www.sargesdeli.com Murray Hill Founded by retired police sergeant Abe Katz, Sarge's deli has been dishing out tasty sandwiches since 1964. The homey atmosphere is accented by numerous tiffany lamps. Open 24 Hours. |
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| E.A.T. 1064 Madison Avenue (between 80th & 81st Street) 212-772-0022 Upper East Side This upscale deli (accent on upscale: we're talking $18 for a Turkey Club Sandwich) hardly resembles its midtown and lower east side counterparts, but the extensive selection of fine breads, meats, and salads is worth the price of admission. Much better and less crowded than the cafeteria at the Met(ropolitan Art Museum) and only a few blocks away. |
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