Pastrami!

For those NY LA pastrami lovers I need some help. I have not been to the CITY in 20 years. Living in L.A. the best Pastrami sandwich to me is Brent's Deli Northridge. When I can't get to Brent's, the chain of "the Hat" is available and second best to my tongue.

So the question is, if you frequent LA and NY and have had Brent's pastrami what are your top 2 picks for Pastrami in NY maybe somewhat close to Broadway?

Thanks!

 

Katz's on Houston!!

Joe

 

Katz's is excellent - a true institution. Note that the pastrami is cut thick.

Another alternative would be the Second Avenue Deli, 162 E 33rd St, New York, NY 10016

 

I vote Katz hands down. Its the real thing original recipe from the 1800's



Have not found anything similar here in SoCal, some great stuff but not the same

 

Bens on 38th st off 7th
Only ask for extra extra lean.

Does it for me
Russian dressing cole slaw and a pickle
I'm set

 

2nd Ave Deli

 

You can't go wrong with Katz's (expect long lines at lunchtime) or Second Ave Deli (which is actually at Third Ave & 33rd St.).

That being said, the best 'pistol' (NYC deli-talk for a pastrami on rye) I ever had was at a hole-in-the-wall joint called PASTRAMI QUEEN on Lexington Ave & 78th St.

YMMV.

 

In my mind there's Katz's and there's everything else. The taste, preparation and presentation are singular. Hand cut fresh from the steam bath - can't be beat.

 

For pastrami, I have to give the nod to Katz's. Keep in mind that it is cut thick and has a lot of "juice."

Katz's is downtown. If you're in midtown, 2nd Ave Deli and Carnegie Deli would be the choices. BTW, for corned beef, I actually prefer Carnegie over Katz's.

 

Funny thing that you mention the Pastrami Queen on Lex. Even though I like Katz, the pastrami queen is pretty damn good.

 

Especially since Carniege is closing is it worth going or has that shipped sailed long ago and it is time to shut the deli down?

Carnegie Deli will close at end of 2016 | New York Post

 

Katz hands down on toasted rye.

 

Better hurry. 1010 wins announced Carnegie Deli the owner told her employees this morning they were closing
And Katz should remain open after selling their "air" rights.
Katz's Delicatessen

 

i have had the pastrami in the best places in nyc
the only one left is Katz,, forget the rest , the few that are left are
just for the tourist

 

Katz's is it and the best and...two things IMHO:
1) Don't order lean. If you want lean, have the turkey.
2) Don't be a tourist. Tip the slicer when he gives you a taste.

 

Katz was good last time i was there but honestly I've had better. The sandwich gets soggy from being overloaded with meat. The aesthetics leave something to be desired as well

 

Katz is my go to for pastrami.

 

As far as NY goes, I'd post this on FatJewishguyfromBrooklynchat.com for a hole in the wall spot and stay away from the mainstream places. I've been to Katz, Carnegie and Stage and they're all just meat overkill, IMO.

Here in LA, yes, Brent's is wayyyy better than all the other 818 delis but Langer's is the better citywide choice. I love the Hat too but the pastrami there really can't be compared to real deli pastrami. Johnny's in WLA does the same kind of thing, and is a lot closer to me than The Hat, but it's a notch lower.

 

The best place's were in Brooklyn...they are all history (Kings Highway, Ave J, etc.)Probably the upper east side 2nd Ave Deli and Ben's in Greenvale, NY.