New York City is famous for its cuisine and delis. From Katz’s to the Second Avenue Deli to more modern places like Mile End Deli, there are plenty of must-try spots. And while few people would call most deli food “low-calorie,” we’ve found five tasty treats you’ll definitely regret the next morning. We dare you to try all five of NYC’s best delis and their sandwiches! If you do (and you survive), let us know and we’ll feature you on our blog!
The Reuben at Katz’s
Katz’s Delicatessen: 205 East Houston St., Manhattan. Subway: F/V (2nd Ave.).
At this Lower East Side landmark, open for over 125 years, the corned beef and pastrami (ask them to hand-carve it!) are what draw the crowds. But if meat alone won’t do it, order the Reuben – pastrami or corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing. They’ll even throw the rye bread on the griddle if you ask. It’s quite possibly enough food for a week – but if you share it with sixteen friends (and it’s big enough that you probably can), maybe it’s merely one hefty meal.
(Photo by Ernesto Andrade)
The Triple Bypass Sandwich at 2nd Avenue Deli
2nd Avenue Deli: 162 East 33rd St., Manhattan. Subway: 6 (33rd Street). Second location at 1442 1st Avenue (near 75th Street), Manhattan. Subway: 6 (77th Street).
No longer on Second Avenue, the deli is still a favorite. 2nd Avenue Deli is kosher, so there’s no dairy – but that doesn’t stop them from creating gut-busting treats. This sandwich includes three potato latkes, filled with an assortment of all of their top meats — corned beef, pastrami, turkey, and salami. If they’re calling it the Triple Bypass, who are we to argue?
The Smoked Meat Poutine at Mile End Deli
Mile End Deli: 97A Hoyt Street, Brooklyn. Subway: A/C/G (Hoyt-Schermerhorn. Second location at 53 Bond St., Manhattan. Subway: 6 (Bleecker St.).
A relative newcomer, Mile End seeks to modernize old-school Jewish deli classics from the owner’s Montreal youth. The smoked meat poutine piles cheese curds, smoked brisket, and thick gravy over a pile of French fries. It’s available in small and large, but who would order the small?
The Captain’s Special at Mill Basin Kosher Delicatessen
Mill Basin Kosher Delicatessen: (5823 Ave. T, Brooklyn. Bus/Subway: Q (Kings Highway) then the B100 bus to Avenue T and East 59th Street.).
The “Captain’s Special” is a triple-decker sandwich with pastrami, corned beef, and turkey. It also comes with a potato-salad stuffed red pepper. When potato salad is a stuffing, you know you’ve made the right choice on the menu. Mill Basin is way out in Brooklyn, nowhere near the tourist sites, but some would say that’s what makes it a real New York find.
(Photo courtesy of Mill Basin Kosher Delicatessen)
The Liebman’s Favorite at Liebman’s Deli
Liebman’s Deli: 552 W. 235th St., Bronx. Subway/Bus: 4 (Bedford Pk. Blvd. – Lehman College then the Bx10 bus to Henry Hudson Pkwy E./W. 235th St.).
The “Liebman’s Favorite” is a hot open-faced pastrami and corned-beef sandwich with gravy, thick-cut fries, and stuffed derma. What’s stuffed derma? It’s the Jewish answer to blood sausage, beef intestine – or, too often these days, edible synthetic sausage casing – stuffed with chicken fat and spices. It’s tastier than it sounds — but not any lighter. Liebman’s has been a Bronx landmark since 1953, and as one of the last Jewish delis left in Riverdale (which was once overrun with them) it’s worth the trip.
(Photo at Eat This New York)
Editor’s Note: We updated this article to enhance readability.
