Unearth The Voyage
New York City serves up some of the world’s best pastrami sandwiches, each piled high with tender, smoky meat that melts in your mouth. From legendary delis that have been around for over a century to modern spots putting fresh spins on classics, the Big Apple offers pastrami perfection on every corner. Whether you’re a lifelong New Yorker or just visiting, these seven incredible sandwiches will show you why pastrami is truly the king of deli meats. Get ready to loosen your belt and experience pastrami heaven.
1. Katz’s Delicatessen – The Legendary Giant
Walking into Katz’s feels like stepping back in time to 1888, when this Lower East Side institution first opened its doors. The hand-carved pastrami here isn’t just food—it’s a New York experience that’s been featured in countless movies and TV shows.
Each sandwich arrives as a towering masterpiece of smoky, pepper-crusted beef stacked between soft rye bread. The bustling atmosphere and old-school ticket system add to the authentic deli magic that keeps locals and tourists coming back for more.
Fair warning: one sandwich easily feeds two people, but you’ll want it all to yourself.
2. Second Avenue Deli – The Kosher Classic
Since 1954, Second Avenue Deli has perfected the art of kosher pastrami preparation using time-honored traditions. Their tender pastrami undergoes a careful curing process that creates incredible depth of flavor in every bite.
The sandwich arrives on fresh rye bread with tangy mustard, accompanied by complimentary pickles and coleslaw that perfectly balance the rich meat. Located in both Murray Hill and the Upper East Side, this spot maintains strict kosher standards without compromising on taste.
Food critics consistently rank this as one of the city’s most authentic Jewish deli experiences, where quality trumps quantity every time.
3. Sarge’s Delicatessen – The 24-Hour Monster
Nothing beats a midnight pastrami craving like Sarge’s 24-hour operation in Murray Hill. Their famous “Monster Sandwich” lives up to its name with multiple layers of perfectly seasoned pastrami that challenge even the hungriest appetites.
The round-the-clock service makes this spot a favorite among night shift workers, party-goers, and anyone who believes great pastrami shouldn’t be limited by business hours. The meat is consistently tender and flavorful, no matter what time you visit.
Pro tip: come hungry or bring friends to share, because the Monster Sandwich truly earns its intimidating reputation with every massive, delicious bite.
4. Pastrami Queen – The Critics’ Choice
Food critics consistently crown Pastrami Queen as one of NYC’s finest pastrami destinations, and one bite explains why. Their meat undergoes a meticulous two-week curing process that creates an incredible peppery crust surrounding succulent, juicy interior.
Located on the Upper East Side, this spot focuses on quality over gimmicks. Each sandwich showcases perfectly seasoned pastrami that’s been smoked to achieve the ideal balance of spice and tenderness.
The attention to detail here is remarkable—from the bread selection to the final presentation, everything works together to create pastrami perfection that keeps food writers and regular customers equally satisfied.
5. Liebman’s Kosher Delicatessen – The Bronx Treasure
Family-owned since 1953, Liebman’s represents old-school Jewish deli tradition at its finest in the Bronx. This neighborhood gem has built a loyal following by consistently serving authentic, well-seasoned pastrami that honors decades of family recipes.
The sandwich here feels like a warm hug from your grandmother—comforting, generous, and made with genuine care. Local residents have been coming here for generations, creating a community atmosphere that’s increasingly rare in modern New York.
Beyond the excellent food, Liebman’s offers a glimpse into traditional deli culture where relationships matter as much as recipes, making every visit feel special.
6. Frankel’s Delicatessen & Appetizing – The Modern Classic
Brooklyn’s Greenpoint neighborhood hides a gem that perfectly balances old-school tradition with fresh innovation. Frankel’s takes seven full days to brine their pastrami before smoking it to perfection, creating meat that practically melts in your mouth.
What makes this place special is how they respect classic techniques while adding their own modern twist. The result is pastrami with incredible depth of flavor that tastes both familiar and exciting at the same time.
Every bite delivers the perfect mix of smoky, salty, and peppery flavors that pastrami lovers dream about. The sandwich arrives on quality rye bread that holds up beautifully to the generous portion of meat without falling apart in your hands.
7. David’s Brisket House – The Brooklyn Powerhouse
Bedford-Stuyvesant’s best-kept secret serves pastrami that rivals the most famous Manhattan spots without the crazy crowds or tourist prices. David’s proves that incredible pastrami doesn’t have to come with a side of attitude or long waiting lines.
The tender, flavorful meat gets piled high on fresh bread, creating a sandwich that’s both satisfying and reasonably priced. Local food lovers have discovered this place serves quality that matches the big names but with genuine neighborhood charm.
Each sandwich showcases perfectly seasoned pastrami with just the right amount of fat marbling to keep every bite juicy and delicious. The friendly service and relaxed atmosphere make this spot feel like your favorite neighborhood hangout.
