Whether you want hot corned beef on rye, matzo ball soup or chopped liver, look no futher than one of New York City's best delis to fulfill your cravings. Be warned: top deli sandwiches don't come cheap -- at most of these restaurants a corned beef or pastrami on rye will cost $10 or more. Don't miss out on the pickles or Dr. Brown's sodas to accompany your meal. Both kosher and non-kosher delis exist throughout New York City, but these ones are great choices for satisfying your deli desires.
1. Katz's Delicatessen
Hand your ticket, along with a tip to the counterman and receive a generous serving of the only hand-carved meats in the city. Famous as the location of the orgasm scene in When Harry Met Sally, the delicious food makes up for the sparse decor and the ticket system.- Address: 205 East Houston Street
- Telephone: 212-254-2246
- Opens at 8 a.m. daily; closes at 10 p.m. Sun-Tues, 11 p.m. on Wed and 3 a.m. Fri & Sat
- Subway: F/V to 2nd Ave.
- Cash & Major Credit Cards
2. Carnegie Deli
Despite a cash-only policy, strict minimums and surly service, Carnegie Deli often has a line out the door. Open since 1937, its midtown location makes it a popular choice for visitors and late hours mean it's a good choice anytime you want a mile-high pastrami sandwich, onion rings or cheesecake. $3 surcharge to share the huge sandwiches.- Address: 854 7th Ave (55th Street)
- Phone: 212-757-2245
- 6:30 a.m. - 4 a.m.
- Subway: N/R/Q/W to Seventh Ave.
- Cash Only, $12.50 minimum per person
- Beer available
3. Stage Deli
For over 70 years, Broadway stars, theater goers, and even presidents have been enjoying pastrami reubens, chopped liver, and matzo brei at Stage Deli. Half-sandwiches can be a welcome feature for those with normal appetites.Kitchy decor and lower prices make this a popular choice for families with kids.- Address: 834 7th Ave (53rd/54th)
- Phone: 212-245-7850
- 6 a.m. - 2 a.m.
- Subway: F to 50th St.-7th Ave.; E to 53rd-7th Ave.; Q/R to 55th-7th Ave.
- Cash & Major Credit Cards
- Full bar available
4. Artie’s Deli
Pastrami, hot dogs and potato pancakes are great choices at Artie's Upper West Side delicatessen. The recipe Artie's uses for their pastrami is from Bernstein's on Essex, a long-ago loved Lower East Side deli.- Address: 2290 Broadway (82nd/83rd)
- Phone: 212-579-5959
- Sun - Thur 9 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.; Fri - Sat 9 a.m. – 1 a.m.
- Subway: 1 to 79th or 86th Sts
- Cash & Major Credit Cards
- Beer & Wine available
5. Ben's Delicatessen
This midtown Kosher deli is a great choice in the area. The spacious restaurant can easily accommodate groups of all sizes, and they even have a children's menu available. Pastrami, corned beef, potato pancakes and stuffed cabbage are great alongside the cole slaw, rye bread, and pickles served in this art-deco style restaurant- Address: 209 W 38th St (7th Ave)
- Phone: 212-398-2367
- 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
- Subway: B/D; N/Q; 1/2/3; S; 7; A/C/E at 42nd St
- Cash & Major Credit Cards
- Full bar available
6. Sarge's Deli
House-cured meats are good choices at Sarge's Deli. Salmon and whitefish salad are also good choices at this 24-hour Murray Hill deli.- Address: 548 Third Ave. (36th/37th)
- Phone: 212-679-0442
- 24 hours
- Subway: 6 to 33rd St.; 4, 5, 6, 7, S to 42nd St.
- Cash & Major Credit Cards
- Beer & Wine available
7. Barney Greengrass
Sturgeon, smoked salmon and Nova are the real stars of this Upper West Side breakfast and lunch destination, but chopped liver and cheese blintzes are also a cut above. Nova with eggs and onions or a bagel with cream cheese and smoked salmon are great choices for breakfast at Barney Greengrass.- Address: 541 Amsterdam Avenue (86th St)
- Phone: 212-724-4707
- Tuesdays through Sunday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Subway: B/C to 86th St.; 1 to 86th St.
- Cash only
- Beer & Wine available
8. Junior's
Famous for its outstanding cheesecake, a trip to Junior's in Brooklyn is a New York institution. While the food might not rival Katz's or 2nd Avenue Deli, it's a solid choice for matzo ball soup, chopped liver and brisket.- Brooklyn Location
- Address: 386 Flatbush Avenue Extension at Dekalb Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11201
- Phone: 718-852-5257
- 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Subway: M, N, R to DeKalb Ave
- Grand Central Location
- Address: Lower Level Dining Concourse
- Phone: 212-983-5257
- Subway: 4/5/6; 7 to Grand Central
9. Pastrami Queen
This Upper East Side Kosher deli serves great pastrami, though their sandwiches are smaller than many other delis. French fries and potato pancakes are popular with diners -- along with the pickles and coleslaw served gratis at the tables.- Address: 1269 Lexington Avenue (85th St)
- Phone: 212-828-0007
- Sun - Thu: 9 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Fri - Sat: 9 a.m. - 11 p.m.
- Subway: 4/5/6 at 86th St.
- Cash & Major Credit Cards
