Best Deli in New York (2026): Katz’s, 2nd Ave Deli, Liebman’s, Sarge’s & Pastrami Guide

Best Deli in New York: How Pastrami Culture Works Across New York City

The best deli in New York depends on what you want from a sandwich: hand-carved pastrami, a kosher counter, or a late-night Midtown Manhattan standby. This guide sorts the famous names by neighborhood and subway line so you can plan a deli day without wasting hours on transfers.

Menus, hours and ownership change, so treat every name here as something to confirm before you travel. Rankings are subjective, and phrases like often mentioned describe reputation, not an official list.

Katz’s Delicatessen at 205 East Houston Street on the Lower East Side

Katz’s Delicatessen, at 205 East Houston Street and Ludlow Street, is the name most visitors mention first. The F train stops at Second Avenue, about a five-minute walk, and the J, M and Z trains at Essex Street are not far. Confirm opening hours and current ordering rules.

Expect a ticket-based system and a counter culture where carvers hand you a taste while you wait. Ask how the ticket is handled, keep it safe, and tip customary amounts at the counter, as guidance rather than a rule. Cash and card policies may differ, so confirm before arriving.

2nd Ave Deli and the Kosher Tradition in Murray Hill and Midtown East

The 2nd Ave Deli has long been associated with kosher deli cooking, and a Murray Hill location near East 33rd Street is commonly cited. Confirm the current address, hours and kosher supervision details on the restaurant’s own site, because locations and rules can change without much notice.

From the 6 train at 33rd Street the walk is short, and from Penn Station it is roughly 15 minutes on foot, an estimate. The Ace Hotel at 20 West 29th Street, a boutique hotel to confirm, is a quick ride away.

Liebman’s and Bronx Deli Culture in Riverdale, Reached by the 1 Train

Liebman’s is frequently mentioned among deli lovers who are willing to leave Manhattan, with a Riverdale location in the Bronx often cited near West 235th Street. Confirm the address, hours and kosher details first. The 1 train toward 242nd Street serves the area, with a short walk or bus afterward.

Plan roughly 40 to 60 minutes each way from Midtown Manhattan, an estimate that depends on the day and the service. This is a half-day detour rather than a quick lunch, so pair it with a Bronx stroll and check the weekend schedule on the MTA website before leaving.

Sarge’s Delicatessen on Third Avenue Near Murray Hill and the 6 Train

Sarge’s Delicatessen, often described as an all-day deli, is commonly listed on Third Avenue near East 36th Street in Murray Hill. Confirm its current address and hours, since this is the kind of place that has historically been associated with long opening hours. Verify before relying on a late-night visit.

The 6 train at 33rd Street is the nearest subway, roughly a seven-minute walk, an estimate. Murray Hill is a calmer base than Times Square, and several mid-range hotels sit within walking distance. Compare the area against Midtown if sandwiches matter more to you than nightlife.

What Makes a Pastrami Sandwich: Brisket, Pepper Rub and Rye Bread in the Lower East Side

Pastrami starts as cured beef brisket, rubbed with pepper and coriander, smoked, then steamed until tender. Delis argue endlessly about the cut, the steam time and the slice, so tastes vary. If you cannot decide, ask the counter which cut is leaner and which is richer.

Order on rye with mustard if you want the traditional approach, and consider splitting a sandwich, because portions in the Lower East Side and Midtown are often large.

Planning a Deli Crawl by Subway: F, 6 and 1 Lines Between Downtown and the Bronx

A deli crawl works best when you group stops by line. Start Downtown with the F near Second Avenue, then ride the 6 up to 33rd Street for Murray Hill, and save the 1 train for a Bronx detour. Check the MTA for weekend changes, which can alter the route.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Deli in New York, Katz’s and Lower East Side Food

The questions below cover the most common planning problems for first-time visitors. They are general guidance, so confirm current details with each business and the MTA before you go, especially for hours, locations and kosher supervision, which can change at short notice.

If you only have time for one stop, choose by location: the Lower East Side for the famous counter, Murray Hill for a quick lunch near Midtown, and the Bronx for a longer excursion. Build the rest of your day around the subway line you pick.