New York City will not be New York City without the ubiquitous delis apparently dotting every block. But not all delis in the Big Apple are made equal in the eyes of customers with a discriminating taste for deli food as well as the services that come with it. Here are the five of the finest delis in the Big Apple.
Artie’s Delicatessen
Artie’s Delicatessen has an air of being around since New York City was established but its doors were opened only in 1999. The credit goes to the sassy yet friendly deli waitresses as well as the modern yet classic menu including traditional deli favourites with a contemporary twist and sandwich platters as well as coffee, wine and desserts. The traditional 1930s retro feel also adds to the laidback yet vibrant ambiance.
Carnegie Deli
The Carnegie Deli opened its doors in 1937 and continues to be a major tourist attraction, not to mention one of the favorite delis among New Yorkers. The menu is arguably its most impressive feature with virtually everything from tangy pickled herrings, savory matzah ball soup, and scrumptious salads to delicious side dishes including cherry peppers, baked potatoes, and oven-baked beans.
The sandwiches, however, are the stars of the show although many are relatively expensive. But if you can have a Reuben, an open-style sandwich with a pound of pastrami, corned beef, or turkey, which is then topped with sauerkraut and Swiss cheese, then you’d gladly pay the price for a piece of meat-loving heaven.
The food is orgasmic! And if you want proof, you should partake of the best Jewish deli staples, such as knockwurst, frankfurters, and knishes, as well as corned beef and pastrami at Kat’z. This is one of the few places where social classes are set aside in favor of the delicious food and the instant camaraderie over it.
And in case you are wondering why the place seems familiar, it’s because this is where Meg Ryan’s character (Sally) demonstrated an orgasm in full view of the patrons. It was probably the pastrami on rye or the knockwurst with beans that made her scene authentic.
2nd Avenue Deli
No matter where the 2nd Avenue Deli is located, it quickly becomes the favorite deli in its side of town from its original location at the Lower East Side and now at its present location at Murray Hill and the Upper East Side.
Order the sour pickles to start your meal. Savor the pastrami-and-tongue sandwich with its Russian dressing and coleslaw toppings for a trip down memory lane when good food was all that mattered, not calories and cholesterol. Enjoy a feast with the meaty chopped liver, egg barley with mushrooms, and potato pancakes, too.
Carve Unique Sandwiches
For carved-to-order heaven, Carve Unique Sandwiches cannot be beat while in the Big Apple. Its carved-to-order rotisserie meats coupled with unique steak house combinations make it a must-visit place, perhaps with a bag or two of the best sandwiches. Choose from turkey, Virginia ham, and herb-roasted beef, among other drool-inducing food, for your breakfast, lunch and dinner.
If you want, you can also replicate these sandwiches at home. Buy your ingredients from Whole Foods or Publix.
