My family lived right near Essen Deli for years, however I just learned about it's existence today...and I have already ate there twice. I love Jewish delis, and Essen's is probably as Jewish as they come. The restaurant is Glatt Kosher unlike most in Manhattan, however the quality of the food is just as superb. I have eaten at the best of them, and I think the two meals I had (Corned beef and pastrami sandwiches, kasha varnishkas, kishka, and potato and kasha knishes) may now be the best I've ever had. I will most likely be returning tomorrow while I'm in NY. Beware though...this place lacks a sign for some reason and I almost wrote the place off as going under. Thank the holy stars that that was not the case. Additional note, the Pickle Guys store is worth the visit while at Essens since it is right across the street. Update June 2013: Essen's now has a sign! I visited my sister recently and went back to Essen's like 6 or 7 times within about 10 days. I just can't get enough of their amazing Jewish deli food. I don't keep kosher, but would if I lived in NY because I would probably be happy just eating at this place all day, everyday. I suspect that they are putting schmaltz in everything because their food tastes so darn good. Can't wait to return for more great meals. Update June 2014: Revisited my review and saw some 1/2 star reviews of this deli. Can't believe some people have had bad experiences here, but I guess no place can make everyone happy and also sometimes a restaurant has off days. Just had to say that I gave this place 5 stars based on the many many times I have eaten here, the consistency of their awesome food, and the good service I have received (although I always order my food to go). The only thing bad I have to say about this deli is that the parking situation is horrible and it can be expensive if you are ordering multiple items (however the food is worth the price and it is Kosher, so that has to be factored in). I don't keep Kosher, but this is the best Kosher food I've ever had. Anyway, I just wanted to respond to another post that criticized anyone that gave Essen good reviews by saying that I have no affiliation to this place (I live in HAWAII) and don't know anyone that works here. I do however have a vested interest in never letting this hidden Jewish deli gem go out of business b/c I would be totally devastated since it my favorite place to visit when I come to Brooklyn. My sibling is Orthodox and will only let me bring Glatt Kosher food into her house. I get the best of both worlds b/c I can eat Essens food at her dinning room table and at the same time chow down on some of the best Jewish deli food in the world (yes....seriously...the WORLD). I almost feel guilty doing it b/c it is so f@#$#g good, it must be sin. Look at my reviews people...I am a HATER. Most of my reviews are negative ones. I consider myself a serious foodie snob, so when I give a place 5 stars, in my mind it rightfully earns it. Essen Deli has my respect and I will defend them to the grave based on the countless times they have brought sheer joy to my taste buds. read more

All the 5 star reviews I'm guaranteeing is fake. After you go eat there you will see for yourself what I'm saying is nothing but the truth. The service is bad. Food is bad. Place is filthy, there service sucks. They advertise curbside delivery that's a lie. There is nothing good about the place. Sometimes it looks bz because they have some BS special and allot of seating space. I would rather starve then go eat there. I wouldn't send my worse enemy there. read more

The sesame chicken is to die for! Nice service and the servers here stick around - small staff turnover. They know the menu well and make gr8 recommendations. read more

Highly recommend Essen for many reasons. Right from the second we entered until we left, the staff were welcoming and extremely gracious. Food came out very quickly and the portions are huge - everything is delicious and you get great value for your buck...I doubt I'll ever get bored of this place! read more

Essen NY Deli - Brisket with french fries and steamed veggies - Delis Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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I cannot say anything about the food here because I never received my order. I ordered 2 sandwiches and some soup via email to the email address listed on the front of the takeout menu, and called to confirm that they had received it. After 2 hours had passed with no food, I sent an email asking what was going on. I did not receive a response. I live 2 blocks away, so it should have been a simple delivery. read more

I've been to this place several times and have been disappointed each time. The atmosphere is stuffy and the clientele is unfriendly. Not to mention in August they don't have any air conditioning but can price a sandwich at $17. Seems like they should care a little more but they just don't. read more

I love that I was greeted the moment I walked through the door. The gentleman that took my order was extremely polite and helpful. When I asked about an item (cows tongue) I was unsure of he not only explained it but offered me a sample. The sandwich was made in a matter of seconds and it was not just delicious but fresh. I will definitely be coming back if I'm in the neighborhood again. read more

The pastrami was great. A lot of food. I got the lunch special. It was a good size Pastrami sandwich, Turkey Gumbo soup was kind of plain not like Cajun I'm use to but maybe it suppose to be like that and a soda. A little pricey but I think the Pastrami was worth it. Want to try the different hot dogs next time. Also came with 3 whole pickle and good amount of cole slaw. Would go back!!! read more

My favorite establishment in Brooklyn Hands Down they know there craft and they do it well, this place doesn't have an off night. try the honey beef its moist and delicious! Yumm it just melts in your mouth. every bite is delicious. I can guarantee when you leave this restaurant you will leave with a smile every time! my Favorite Dishes are the Honey Beef Brisket Smothered in Gravy Hot Open Knish with Brisket and Gravy Hot Dog Covered in Red Onions service is great no matter how busy they are they are well staffed and the kitchen is fast as well if your looking for a quick bite or a place to take the family this is a solid go to place.! read more

Great sandwiches and Chinese is good too get the matzoh ball soup and pastrami sandwich

We had lunch there today. The hot corn beef sandwich was really amazing. Exactly what I was expecting but even better. We were seated immediately and received prompt service. read more

Meh...below average deli experience. Pricey sandwiches and I've had better pastrami. The knish was ok. Service very slow even with an empty dining room. read more

The best soup, great deli sandwichs, pickles, knishes,make your own salad, etc. It is kosher.

biggest rip off to customers.....was going there tues eve. with my family as we have done numerous times in the past but tonight when i got there ahead ofnthem i was handed this "paper to read" regarding covid 19 "changes"....well as i'm reading i see the following additional fees: 18% (no explanation for this additional fee); plus 10% (covid relief) will be added to your bill ..... and not only that...but the addition nyc tax of 8.75% !!!!! are you out of your freakin mind !!!??? how are they getting away...legall??? with adding 36.75% to the patrons bill????? the guy who handed me this paper was extremely rude when i attempted to verify what i was reading...he told me to read it again...i read and understand english very well mr rude wiseinheimer...and again asked if this was in fact correct....he ignored me...pretended to be on his phone...again i asked...told me to lower my voice...im trying to ask a question.... and he finally said yes....unreal....told him that you're ripping people off...he replied " yes that's what we do..." very sarcastically....yes apparently so......me and my family will never ever set foot in this establishment again....how dare you take advantage of people and have no explanation for the additional 18%......and if you have a group of 6 or more....charged another additional fee........i will contact consumer advocate...and get this message out to as many unsuspecting people as possible...shame on you essen.......money hungry....ripoffs read more

I live in manhatten and have had some of the deli institutions (katz and mr broadway). The health salad was grade A and the garlic pickles were out of this world. The mexican turkey had an actual flavor to it and the corned beef is up there with the best in NYC..but they up the ante with honey corned beef. Its as delicious as it sounds. Gotta have it! The service was spectacular. If you want a great NYC deli experience come to essen. read more

Great place with a large menu. Everyone will find something to eat here. Try the Chinese food here, it's really delicious.

My favorite kosher deli I ever experienced. Never ordered anything I regretted. Chicken poppers, and tounge pastrami sandwich were a hit! Love their matzoh ball soup! read more

I love their potato kugel. It's awesome. Even getting it to go, when heated up it comes right back to its prime flavor. Their pastrami or honey beef are also delicious. read more

Great place for launch or dinner if you dont want to spend alot of money and looking for a bit better then fast food and with waiter service, Food is good i like theyre Chinese food and some of theyre apertizerser.... The menu is really old Jewish American deli style... read more

The best and most consistent Chulent in the tri state area. A great experience over all for the heimishe foodie. The corned beef sandwich is amazing as well. Overall, it's a great place. read more

Today was the first day I had something to eat from Essen NY Deli and I give it a Woohoo!!!!!!! cause the food made my day. I have the Pastrami on garlic bread with sweet potato fries and they were delicious. The Pastrami was just as good as what I used to get from Katz left my mouth watering. I know that I can not eat there all the time, but it is well worth every bit of the money. so when I feel like treating myself I know where to go. read more

Friendly staff that are helpful. Food is outstanding. This place is one of the few left that remind us what Brooklyn really should be like! Love them and will return again and again! read more

Not a fan of the pastrami. Yet their known for it. Tried it Atleast 5x to give fair chance. Not good.

I just tried to eat the Moo Goo Gai Pan, what a waste of money, absolutely inedible.. Sickly sweet, thick vial sauce, pastrami? They should stick to Deli and only Deli. Run from the Chineese menu. read more

Good food. Hits the spot when your are hungry. Great portions. I especially like the brisket. Real delicious kosher deli stuff.

Have been to this place three times already and I absolutely love it. The restaurant is always kept clean (there is a bucket as you walk in where you are requested to drop off your umbrellas if it is raining) and the staff is very friendly and attentive. The meal begins with coleslaw and pickles. From there, there is a great selection of sandwiches and other popular foods from the kosher deli. If you're a fan of the kosher deli cuisine then I definitely recommend this place for you!! read more

The only good Kosher Deli left!! Best food one can hope for!! Service is top of the line!! I must say every time we come here we have a great meal!! read more

I found this place by typing Pastrami into the browser, what a great find. I ordered two pastrami's on rye and a side of potato salad. The sandwiches, $14.95 each came with a small coleslaw and pickle and were a decent size for the money and not fatty in the least. They had a mild smokey flavor, I think Jay & Lloyds and My Brisket House tastes a tad better. The only real negatives with Essen NY as far as I'm concerned are the potato salad which while tasty, had the consistency of chunky, mashed potatoes, it's location, parking anywhere near it is a monster.....all the time and the bread. It wasn't stale but it kinda broke when I was holding it. All in all, Essen NY is a keeper and I'm definitely going back. Maybe I'll call in a order, double park and run in to pick it up. Oh, FYI, the best pickle joint in the world, The Pickle Guys, is right across the street so maybe it might be worth circling the block in search of a spot so that you can hit up both places. read more

My grilled chicken salad included rotten cucumbers,molding tomato's and grilled chicken with small chicken bones that i choked on while eating. Chicken was on top so i didn't realize that the salad was all rotten until i started eating.Also,they were laughing at me when i came back to get my money back and denied everything.STAY AWAY!! read more

OK corned beef; overpriced for the sandwich quantity. Clean, but inattentive staff behind the counter. Lots of competition in the area.

Chicken-fried steak and a grand coney knish. End of story. Delicious.

Am a frequent customer - the service is great but at times it is very busy and you may have to wait a while. lately there is always a line of people waiting for a table during the evening hours. They are very generous with their portions and I have never finished all that was served. I am a big fan of the hot tongue sandwich and the rib steak. The coleslaw is great as well as the stuffed derma! Enjoy! read more

Ate at Essen recently with my wife and unfortunately had a poor experience. The bathroom was dirty and there was a spill on the floor that still wasn't cleaned up when we left. Glad nobody slipped. The waitstaff was rude as well. The food tasted okay (good, but nothing special in my opinion) but it was way overpriced. Almost $16 for a pastrami sandwich with no sides. Will not be returning. read more

The best deli and service in Nyc every thing on the menu is great the owners are great and would do anything to please you keep up the great work..... read more

THE BEST DELI IN NY PERIOD! Great food, great service and overall, just a great experience. Personally, I love the deli, but my wife loves the Chinese food as well! read more

It's pretty good. I had matzoh ball soup, corned beef, brisket and a potato knish last night. All were good. This is one of the few good delis left in Brooklyn read more

Delicious food, and large portions - what else can a girl ask for? Best place to get kosher Chinese food in Brooklyn!

best food in the world & the service is great!! my favorite dishes are: honey beef chicken poppers split pea soup read more

Great food fair service. Reasonably priced. Place could be cleaner. The food makes up for the bad.

Best service ever!! We just went with a bunch of friends...the food was delicious and great service.