Food Guide

Best Pastrami in NYC: Katz's and the Competition

Pastrami on rye is the defining sandwich of New York City. Katz's is the legend — but there are three others worth knowing about.

Lower East Side

Katz's Delicatessen

205 E Houston St, Lower East Side

OrderPastrami on rye, hand-carved, mustard only~$25

Katz's opened in 1888 and the pastrami has not changed. The brisket is cured for weeks, smoked, and then steamed to order. The sandwich is enormous — half is a reasonable meal. The other half is lunch tomorrow. This is the most famous deli sandwich in the world, and it deserves the reputation. Do not ask for mayo.

TipGet a ticket when you walk in — you pay at the end. Tip your carver $2–3 and ask for a taste before they build the sandwich. They will give you a generous slice.

Murray Hill

2nd Ave Deli

162 E 33rd St, Murray Hill

OrderPastrami on club roll, with a bowl of matzo ball soup~$24

2nd Ave Deli moved from its original East Village location but the pastrami is still the real deal — hand-carved, heavily peppered, and served on a fresh club roll. The matzo ball soup is one of the best in the city. More tourist-friendly than Katz's but no less serious about the food.

TipThe Murray Hill location is less crowded than the original East Village spot. Go for lunch on a weekday.

Upper East Side

Pastrami Queen

1125 Lexington Ave, Upper East Side

OrderPastrami on rye, lean or regular~$22

Pastrami Queen is the Upper East Side's answer to Katz's. The pastrami is excellent — well-seasoned, properly fatty, and hand-carved. The room is smaller and quieter than Katz's, which some visitors prefer. The pickle plate that comes with every sandwich is non-negotiable.

TipAsk for the fatty cut — the lean pastrami is good but the fatty cut is what makes this sandwich worth the trip.

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