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    2nd Ave Deli

    3.9 (1.6k reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

    Order 2nd Ave Deli Takeout or Delivery

    2nd Ave Deli Photos

    Business Info

    2ND AVE DELI ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - 2nd Ave Deli

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    Bret F.

    Ordered for delivery. Came in about an hour (not bad for across town around dinner time). We ordered the corned beef sandwich, matzah ball soup, and it came with challah and pickles. Omg everything was so good. Loved it. Some of the best soup I've ever had. Lots of dill. Make sure to add the Russian dressing to the sandwich, yum. Can't wait to try again and next time in person.

    Kreplock
    Eugene C.

    I came here recently in search of a pastrami that was not from Katz Deli and was directed by the internet to the 2nd Ave Deli as an alternative. I was also informed by the internet that their kreplocks were very good. So I ordered both to go. They were both very good and I would highly recommend them both. The kreplock tasted hand made. Apparently even though this place is called the 2nd Ave Deli, it is on 3rd Ave because it moved from its original location after a famous NYC type incident. I was not aware of this and did not use GPS to find the place and got partially lost along the way.

    Aaron S.

    Not gonna lie, we were a little disappointed. The matzoh ball soup was outstanding but the pastrami and corned beef left us wanting something more like Katz's. The portions were small and the prices large. Service on this day was also lacking. I understand that there are always one or two tables who get forgotten about when it's really busy, and unfortunately, today was our turn to be waiting to order and waiting for our food. And we didn't feel like we were valued customers, just a table to get in and out. I miss the original location at which I remember having one of the best corned beef sandwiches ever. Those days are gone. The nostalgia was nice, but the value for what we paid was anything but. We shall continue our quest of trying all the corned beef and pastrami New York City has to offer. Just not here again.

    Search for great pastrami in NYC fulfilled. I really enjoyed it. No frills, just delicious pastrami. Had been trying to seek out a place and my tour guide suggested this one.

    Pickles
    Bruce H.

    2nd Ave Deli is one of the best, classic, Jewish delis in New York City, or anywhere, for that matter, and, as opposed to Katz's, it's Kosher, as well. I have eaten inside the restaurant, at the old location several times, but this time I ordered delivery, which was just as good. Of course, I ordered a pastrami on rye with (deli) mustard, and PLEASE, not lean! Also, a bowl of matzah ball soup, potato pancakes with cinnamon apple sauce (no sour cream, here) and, of course, a can of Dr. Pepper's Black Cherry soda. (Pickles and cole slaw are included.) Just for old times sake, add a Kosher beef hot dog with sauerkraut...they don't make them any better. Everything was great! Delivery was fast. Packing was nicely done. Don't miss a little bit of heaven while you can. FYI- I'm not here to compare it to Katz's, both are terrific. Each to his own. I hope both never close, as have so many wonderful Jewish delis in New York, Carnegie Deli, quickly, comes to mind. What else, but my highest recommendation.

    Matzoh Ball Soup
    Ray N.

    2nd Ave Deli has the best matzo ball soup that my wife and I have ever eaten, and we have eaten a lot of matzo ball soups in our respective lives. Somehow, the matzo ball is rich and flavorful. Its texture is smooth and homogenous. It's perfectly seasoned. The pastrami is also extremely good here. It's very rich and well seasoned, but not greasy. The horseradish and mustard (as well as the cabbage salad and pickles) that they serve it with is very high quality and a great pairing with the rich meat. I also got a piece of babka here to go and it was excellent. All in all, a great experience.

    I've missed you, cole slaw!
    Mike K.

    I do love a good Deli sandwich, and that's what I got at 2nd Ave Deli. It was my first time in their 'new' location - I've been living in California for about 35 years now. I miss the things that are basics in NY delis - pickles and cole slaw on the table, brusque wait staff, overstuffed sandwiches, and knishes. Of any kind. We just don't get 'em here in northern California. My corned beef was just fatty enough to give it amazing flavor, and my knish was like ambrosia. I was surprised at how fast the food arrived, and thankful that they had Diet Black Cherry soda as well. I still think I prefer PJ Bernstein's and Katz, but of course deli is truly a matter of taste ;)

    Do not order out from 2nd Ave Deli! They will rip you off and there won't be anything you can do about it because now you're home with your sandwich and starving. We bought 2 of these sandwiches for $66 (including tax). What a rip off! They've totally lost me! It seems like you get a decent sandwich when you eat in but that is not the case for take away.

    Pastrami sandwich with tongue
    Judy C.

    I've been going to 2nd Avenue deli every other time I'm in NYC for the past 25 years, ever since they were on 2nd Avenue. I've tried several other delis - Katz's, Carnegie, the local stops, etc and 2nd Avenue just hits the spot for me the way the others don't. I mean, I thought Katz's was good but the lines are just ridiculous so service is efficient but not personal. At 2nd Avenue, there's a personality and vibe here that makes it feel like a local deli. I don't remember everything I've had over the years but nowadays, if I'm coming by myself or a friend who doesn't want to share, it's a half soup and half pastrami sandwich. Yes, the bread on the sandwich could be a little better but the pastrami is so tender. The soup is also the ultimate comfort food to me. The first time I had it, it was freezing out and I was feeling a little down and it made me feel so much better. It never fails to hit the spot for me when I come back.

    Square Potato Knish
    Helen C.

    Vibes at 2nd Ave are impeccable - booths with walls up the side so you can have privacy during your conversations. Didn't end up waiting at all even with a party of 6 on Sunday around 11:30 AM and overall, I'd say the food was good, but not life changing. Prices were a quite high with sandwiches costing ~$30 and I just wanted them to be a little better. Spinach Knish (4/5): Surprising hit at the table, thin, soft dough around a thick layer of soft spinach. Great option for pretending your healthy Square Potato Knish (4.25/5): Fried, crunchy crust is always a win and there was a good amount of salt both in the potato filling and the dough. Franks in a Blanket (3.75/5): Beef sausages in some puff pastry, came out piping hot. Nothing crazy, but hits the spot. Center Cut Tongue Sandwich (3.5/5): I just couldn't get over the untoasted, super dry bread :(. The tongue itself was actually super tender and had great flavor - good intro if you've never had tongue before, but altogether not my favorite. Pastrami Sandwich (3/5): I actually preferred the tongue to the pastrami, but it suffers from all the same problems: just much to dry with cold bread isn't a fun eating experience. Challah French Toast (3.75/5): Just a decent french toast and I liked the caramelized crust on the outside.

    Hot corn beef on rye
    Elliot K.

    Exceptional deli with friendly, efficient service. Come hungry, because the portions are generous and the food delivers. We tried the new pierogies with fried onions and they were excellent. Ordering them half boiled and half pan fried was the perfect move and made it easy to pick a favorite.

    tuna on rye
    Suzanne D.

    I was greeted by a kind, flattering host as soon as I walked in the door at 2nd Ave Deli. He told me I look fabulous, not good, fabulous and asked I was carrying out and dining it. Since it was the hottest day NYC had seen since 2012, I wanted a chance to soak up the AC and chose to dine in. The man led me to the dining area in back and got me settled in a cozy, corner booth. Almost immediately I was brought a caraffe of iced lemon water and a bowl of slaw with two dill pickles. My server was not fare behind and brought me the best iced tea I had in New York on this trip. It was just the refreshment I needed. While I was all set on pastrami, it was so hot outside I opted for a cold sandwich and chose the tuna salad on rye. My sandwich arrived quickly. It was very simple, just tuna salad and bread, but the portion was generous and it was quite delicious. I was checked on throughout my meal and got a refill of that amazing tea. And a wonderful cookie was brought just before my check. Definitely loved 2nd Ave Deli and will make another visit to try that pastrami.

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    2 months ago

    This place is an institution! I recommend their pastrami sandwich and the matzah ball soup. You can't go wrong here!

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    2 months ago

    This is the real stuff. Been coming here for decades with my family! Their pastrami, knishes, and matzoh ball soup are my favorite!

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    Great food. Great service. Great people!!! Love their pastrami sandwiches. Something for everyone and it's always delish!!!!

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    2nd Ave Deli Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - 2nd Ave Deli

    Do they provide Pickle?

    Yes

    Are they open on thanks giving?

    I doubt it but I would call them

    Gluten free options?

    I am not sure about the sandwiches; but there are several other non-bread options such as fish, veggies etc. also potato pancakes, but their menu does do a disclaimer that there may be cross-contamination. So it depends on if you have celiac disease… Read more

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    P.J. Clarke's

    P.J. Clarke's

    3.8
    (1.1k reviews)
    1.1 mi
    $$$

    My friend and I came to PJ Clarke's to watch the Knicks in the NBA Finals, and despite the…read moredisappointing outcome of the game, we had a great night. We were thrilled to find two seats at the end of the bar when we arrived. As luck would have it, the two gentlemen next to us eventually left, allowing us to slide over and enjoy an even better view of the TV for the rest of the game. I started with a Tito's and club soda, but unfortunately, something seemed off--perhaps the club soda was flat. The drink just wasn't good. To their credit, the bartender took it back without hesitation and was very accommodating. I then ordered a Negroni after the woman sitting next to us highly recommended it. I don't usually drink gin, but this cocktail was absolutely delicious and changed my mind. Since we were there for several hours, we shared an order of zucchini and eggplant chips and happily snacked on them throughout the game. The atmosphere was comfortable and welcoming, with a nice mix of ages and people enjoying the evening. We made sure to leave our bartender a generous tip since we occupied our seats for the entire game. Even though the Knicks didn't pull out a win that night, we certainly didn't leave defeated. I'd happily return for another game, cocktail, and fun evening out. And maybe even get dinner there. Little did I know there was another big room in the ack once you past the restrooms. They were having a thriving business there!

    Always been a fan of PJ Clarke's! I used to always catch the tall brunette male bartender who gave…read moreexcellent service. He was constantly busy zippin around but maintained a nice demeanor and made everyone feel welcome! Must orders of mine: the burger! Although small, it comes out piping hot and the fresh white onion between the bottom bun and burger is awesome because it doesn't make the bottom bun soggy and catches all the juices from the actual meat. Love subbing the fries for a Caesar salad! Standout appetizer is the fried zucchini and eggplant with tzatziki-- crispy, hot, juicy and I get it every time!

    Photos
    P.J. Clarke's
    Seconds in this pic - Lamb Chop, Smoke Salmon, Zucchini Chip, Avocado Toast, Chicken on a Stick.
    Seconds in this pic - Lamb Chop, Smoke Salmon, Zucchini Chip, Avocado Toast, Chicken on a Stick.
    Al fresco dining option

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    Al fresco dining option
    Holy Burger

    Holy Burger

    3.5
    (20 reviews)
    1.1 mi

    Very overpriced with limited menu after 6pm and no combo/wraps as advertised. I was disappointed…read morewith what we got for three of us that cost $50 including two chicken sandwiches with side orders, drinks that cost $3.00 and extras such as fires. Honestly go to another fast food outlet and you will receive a similar value meal for a third of the price. We will not be back!

    Pro tip- If you want a halal burger, go to BK Jani in The Hugh on 53rd during lunch hours for their…read moremuch larger burger, which also comes with masala fries, for around $15, which blows this place and 90% of non-halal spots out of the water. Also, an obvious side note- You wonder how a place that's been open for, I believe, a year and a half has 1500 Google Reviews? It's because they give you a free soda if you write a 5-star review, so I guess if you have a palate for Polar sodas, you can give them a five on that site. If you're going to get anything, go for the tender combo, as their sliders, burgers, and buns are bad. Anyway, it's nice to find a Zabiha Halal spot that serves burgers and other American grub in this neighborhood. I used to frequent somewhat similar spots back in the Arabic neighborhood I lived near in Brooklyn, and it was nice to see this place open a while back. I have tried a handful of things here, and honestly, it's gotten worse every time. The first time, I got the tenders consisting of six pieces for $14, which is honestly very reasonable. The thinner pieces were a tad dry, as the batter had become overly fried, but it's hard to complain about the price point. They also came with a perfectly alright sauce called Mambo, which they list as spicy but is as hot as a spicy McNugget or similar with a light sweetness. The second time, I had the Slider Combo for $7.99, which came with two chicken sliders (spicy if wanted,) fries, and a Polar soda. The fries were honestly nice and better quality than those at any nearby fast-food place. The sliders were dreadful, however. They were dry with overly breaded chicken with no pickles or anything else to help, so I guess that's why it comes with a soda or water. This doesn't help the even worse bun, which was dry as well, and makes a Martin's potato roll look like a Rolls-Royce. The Polar drink was, as expected, a worse Diet Coke. The last time, and the last time I'll ever stop in here, I got the Classic Burger, which is their smash patty with American cheese, holy sauce, lettuce, tomato, and onion. This was the worst burger I've had in ages and easily the worst smashburger, with the meat somehow being dry. I guess the bun was different as it was larger, but also as the top was charred better than the burger meat. Maybe the signature burger for $4 more is better, but I'm never going to stop for it if they're careless enough to burn a burger bun. 3 stars for the chicken tenders due to the deal. 2 stars for the slider combo, as the fries were decent. 0.5 stars for the burger. 2/5

    Photos
    Holy Burger
    Some alright sauce. Slightly sweet with some tang
    Some alright sauce. Slightly sweet with some tang
    Holy Burger

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    2nd Ave Deli - kosher - Updated June 2026

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