Working in Newark everyday allows me to enjoy lunch at Hobby's a few times a month. The restaurant itself is very dated and old school. Lots of Devils memorabilia is hung up throughout. Basic seating with nothing fancy. A full jar of fresh pickles is on the table. The pastrami is second to none. Seriously. You get a generous portion of pastrami on rye. Greasy, fatty, just perfect! The onion rings are the best. They are famous for a reason. I go a few times a month so, I'm always greeted by name and promptly seated. The food always arrives shortly after the order is taken. read more

Our family stopped in on our way through the area and are so glad we did! Originally from NY but I've been on the west coast so long I'd given up on finding a good Delicatessen. Hobby's was so friendly and comfortable.. like eating at the old diner I remember growing up. The Pastrami was top 3 I've ever had. Perfectly seasoned and not too fatty but just enough to give it the flavor and texture that melted in your mouth. Everything else was also delicious - from the fluffiest Matzoh ball soup I've had in decades, maybe ever.. open faced turkey sandwich and potato pancakes. So good! read more

Visited Hobby's today on a long layover between Brussels and Las Vegas. After a couple weeks in Europe, I was ready for free water in a cup bigger than a thimble, drip coffee and in a cup larger than an espresso cup, vegetables that come with meals, actual gluten-free options and not having to pay €0.50-1 as a customer to use the restroom. Luckily I found Hobby's Delicatessen via Find Me Gluten Free and was so glad to find that they do legitimate gluten-free options with a dedicated fryer and prep space to prevent cross contamination. I had the gluten-free pastrami wrap with fries for $23.95 and my husband had the #5 pastrami and corned beef with coleslaw and Russian dressing for $25.95. he also got the drip coffee with free refills for $3.25. Service was amazing. Owner's came out and chatted with us and preemptively made sure that I was aware that my food was safe for me to consume. Our waitress was incredibly personable and sweet. There were free pickles on the table. I'm not even a pickle person but I had three because again, I've been dying for vegetables after being in Europe. Great portions, safe celiac options, personable service, refillable drinks and no charge to use the toilets (although I didn't need to use them during this visit) This is what makes American restaurants great and Hobby's ticks all of those boxes. Visited January 2026 read more

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Crispy, eggplant, mozzarella and pepper sandwich was spectacular. Pickles were great. Service was friendly and fast. Not cheap, but sometimes that's okay. Much love to this place. read more

Food is awesome the sandwich here is so full filling. You won't be disappointed the place looks like a good spot to eat a sandwich it's on the corner and tight parking go early. I get mines to go can't let anyone see how I rip this sandwich like it's my last one lol. Service is fast due to all the customers no more than 15mins tops. This is an Iconic spot in Newark ,Nj you must touch this spot anytime you breeze through. read more

Everything I had was better than any homemade Jewish food I've ever had. Had matzoh ball soup, pastrami sammy, and black and white cookie. And Latkas. All of it was best I've ever had. read more

Hobby's Delicatessen & Restaurant - Feast - Delis Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

Don't even remember how I stumbled across this place, but glad I did. It's tucked away in downtown Newark. Super friendly staff & fast service. I felt like I time traveled back to the 80's when I walked into this place. Old school NYC style deli, good energy, Family vibes. Medium sized venue, with random street parking. It's hard to describe the parking situation, lol. I had the Hot Pastrami to go.....AMAZING!!! They also do fresh in-house baked pastries, had the Chocolate Chunk Cookie (not pictured), also amazing! Add this to your list of places to check out. Grades: Pastrami: A+ Chocolate Chunk: A read more

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TLDR: GREAT food in an establishment that has a proud history in Newark, NJ. Parking may be hard to find but the food is extremely worth it. Staff are friendly and come around to check on everyone. MUST VISIT Used to get Hobbys at least twice a month when I used to work in Newark a few years ago (yes... it was that good). Their equality hasn't changed. Generous with their portions, quality similar to Katz (without the wait) and service is always top notch. Onion rings: lightly breaded and fried to a crisp, MUST GET Potato knish: a hearty potato pancake that pairs very well with sour cream and apple sauce. MUST get Pastrami on Rye: is there anything to say here?? Meat is moist, bread is fresh and light and the sandwich is extremely hearty Brisket on Rye: brisket is extremely flavorful and moist. Paired with caramelized onions and some onions rings on the side.... my go to sandwich Extremely busy during peak lunch hours but that's what makes this great place. You see individuals from all walks of life sitting down in one restaurant, enjoying g the great food that this establishment provides. read more

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I am so madd that being born and raised in the city, this was my first time eating here. The food was amazingly delicious. And personal touch of how friendly staff was evident. Along with a family atmosphere. I most certainly will be back. read more

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Not all heroes wear capes. My family walked in hungry and tired, and they couldn't have been kinder and quicker when serving us. I got a regular pastrami sandwich with the meatball Parmesan knish, and my husband got an overstuffed pastrami with liver. The meatball knish was unique and comforting. The sandwiches were huge and delicious with minimal fat. We're taking home 2lbs of meat to have for dinner later in addition to what we got to eat there. Thank you to Hobby's for everything! read more

Hobby's Delicatessen & Restaurant - Delis Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

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Small yet great to eat at prior to devils game to get I to true devil spirit. This deli has a home feel with friendly staff and good food. Potato pancakes large and puffy with pancake coating around a generous portion of potato. Served with applesauce. Sandwiches have a thick amount of meat and can be shared. We didn't have room for dessert but they looked great, especially the large cookies. Crowded so arrive early and be expected to be treated as part of the family. Loved the pickle bowl on tables . A bit cramped but filled with devil memorabilia . read more

Their #5 is worth the hype. Great food and service. Ample street parking if not there's a parking lot behind the restaurant. Definitely will be back! read more

Hobby's Delicatessen & Restaurant - #5 - Delis Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

Pastrami excellent. Rueben sandwich very good and large. A little put off by the water logged pickles in the table bowl but the ones served with the cole slaw was fine. Ambience fine, ample street parking and service terrific as the owner came over to introduce himself. Very nice guy. If ever in Newark will definitely go back! read more

Delicious but I expected more meat from a twenty dollar sandwich. Fresh cole slaw and pickle . I like the five dollar big cookie. read more

Hobby's Delicatessen & Restaurant - Twenty four dollars for this. Good but I expected more - Delis Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

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Amazing roast beef sandwich I am not in the area often but will go out of my way to go back as soon as possible Nice staff too

The pastrami is incredible and the flavor is out of this world. Corned beef was delicious as well, but the surprising star is the knish. It's a flavor bomb with the right amount of flake. The food is delicious and I can't imagine how much better it could be in-person. A must visit in Newark for some good eats. read more

Hobby's Delicatessen & Restaurant - Corned Beef - Delis Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

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Got a chopped liver sandwich and an egg cream from here and they were amazing. First the sandwich. The liver I know isn't for everyone. I got it with provolone and Cole slaw with Russian dressing. Couldn't have been better. Liver was creamy and just right. My only complaint was too much on the sandwich. I'm glad I ate alone because it would have looked like a comedy show trying to manage eating this. I just took some off and polished off the rye bread contained masterpiece. Good stuff. The egg cream was on point. At least I have another go to after Holstens in Bloomfield. This one was just as good. Also had a pickle which was a delicious finale to the meal. I will definitely be back here. Pricey but worth a few extra bucks. read more

Finally had a chance to order the "Jack's Golden Goal sammy & Golden Onion Rings". Pure brilliant deliciousness deserving its own Gold Medal and award from 10 out of 10 dentists for a sandwich so soft you do not need teeth just as designed & marketed. While it's hard to not order the Pastrami or P5 (Pastrami & Corned Beef) the 'Jack' is a MUST TRY. Each being a Gold Medal winner !! To quote an 80's TV commercial.... Try it you'll like it !! Go Devils!!! read more

Love the atmosphere! Old school feel. Very fair prices for the type of food. Great pea soup. Parking wasn't terrible but I can see it maybe being problems certain days and times. Definitely will be back. read more

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Hobby's Delicatessen in Newark is a Jersey classic. Their pastrami and corned beef on rye is phenomenal, and the matzo ball soup is pure comfort. Friendly staff, generous portions, and they even have a gluten-free menu available. Parking is a bit tough. Must go place if you have friends visiting from out of town. read more

My friend and I were staying nearby and decided to grab lunch here as our final meal on the trip. I'm so glad we did!! We came by Wednesday around 12:30 and it wasn't too busy. We were originally planning to get takeout, but one of the owners was standing near the front and convinced us to dine in. I'm so glad we did! Ambiance is casual with some hockey decor up on the walls. I got the pastrami sandwich ($16.95), which was absolutely fantastic. They're generous with their portions, the meat was tender and flavorful, and it didn't break the bank compared to some of the delis in New York. I'm not an expert by any means, but I thought it was on par with the pastrami from Katz. My vegetarian friend had the potato knish ($6.95) and onion rings ($6.95). We've never had a knish before, but I'd describe it as mashed potatoes in ball shape. I tried a bite and found it a bit bland, but I'm also not a huge mashed potatoes kinda girl. However, the onions rings were amazingggg! Best onion rings I've had in a long time. They were fried perfectly and the batter had flavor, so even if you eat them without condiments, there is plenty of flavor on the onion ring. When we went up to pay, I saw the assortment of desserts near the register. Everything looked really good, and we got a bread pudding ($6.95) to eat later. I had it at home the next day warmed up and it was absolutely divine. Don't sleep on the desserts here too! I can see why this place is in institution. The reputation is well deserved. read more

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Food and service was on point ! Sandwhiches prompt and hearty . We ordered 3 pastrami on rye - mustard - thinly sliced onions - pickles on the side ! read more

Hobby's Delicatessen & Restaurant - Proof of . - Delis Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

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Final meal eaten in NY/NJ during the March trip, and I was glad it was Hobby's! #5 pastrami, corned beef, slaw, russian dressing Friendly lady at counter. Absolutely delicious and perfect sandwich!!! The thin sliced meats made the already tender meat so much better to bite down on. This is the way I prefer my pastrami sando's (with excellent meats, cole slaw, russian dressing). Unfortunately only got 1 to split with wife and kid and ate it up in the car. Kid was whining he wanted more! For me, this was the better sandwich than Katz. (just like I prefer Wexler's over Langer's in LA) read more

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Truly great bowl of beef and barley soup, and a fine corned beef sandwich. Service was efficient, even courteous. If there was anything not to love, I didn't find it on my first visit. I'll be back. read more

Hobby's Delicatessen & Restaurant - Corned beef sandwich - Delis Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

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Food: We got the corned beef delivered and it hit the spot! The packaging was solid and there was plenty of meat

Surprisingly found parking very easily here. Thought I would be in trouble but a lot of metered spots were open. Old school deli with the chalkboard menu and everything. The reuben with homemade onion rings was on point. The sandwich just worked. It is served open faced which is fine with me. The onion rings had a nice crunch to them. Don't sleep on the desserts either. So much good stuff...bread pudding and baklava just to name a few. Everything is prepared nicely. Dining area is no frills so don't expect some fine dining atmosphere. Love this place and I will be back. read more

Hobby's Delicatessen & Restaurant - Delis Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

This place is definitely still a classic but their portions aren't as large and their prices have gotten pretty high. Love the matzo ball soup and obviously the deli sandwiches. read more

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Absolutely excellent deli. The folks are great. Super friendly and helpful. Some time ago they helped me out with a last minute catering order so I promised myself I'd try them myself when I was back in the area. Am i ever glad I did. We both had the open face Reuben. Reuben would have been proud! read more

Hobby's Delicatessen & Restaurant - Reuben with French Fries - Delis Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

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Food is amazing; service is incredible; and the vibes are top notch. We've been twice when in the area for Devils games and it's definitely a new family tradition. read more

I'd been hearing about Hobby's for many years - living as I have in a nearby town for the last 26 years - but never got there until today. I was on a break from court (as a juror) and since it's a short walk from the courthouse I figured now was the time. TOTALLY worth it. I had their #5 sandwich - a hugely overstuffed pastrami and corned beef on rye, with coleslaw and russian dressing, Awesome! IMO it surpasses Katz's and 2nd Ave in NY, and Canter's in LA. The fries are really good too! Like most such restaurants the ambience is nothing to write home about, but that's not why we go, is it? And the service at Hobby's, unlike the other places I mentioned, is friendly, helpful, and prompt. Definitely will go again, and would recommend it to anyone who likes deli - but considering the calorie and fat count in Jewish Deli sandwiches, it will be quite a while before that next time comes :) read more

Hobby's Delicatessen & Restaurant - Hobby's #5 Sandwich - Pastrami and Corned Beef on Rye with Cole Slaw and Russian Dressing - Delis Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

Absolutely amazing old world deli with a gluten free menu. I had a GF wrap with pastrami, corned beef and cole slaw + provolone and fries. The fries were literal perfection. The pastrami and corned beef were so juicy and full of flavor. I wandered over during a break from jury duty but would make a trip back - no question. Good service, super kind owners. read more

I'm trying to understand why a pastrami sandwich at Hobby's is more expensive than Katz deli in NYC. This is Newark, NJ and the sandwichs at Hobby's are great but their not even as big as Katz's. How can they justify? read more

What a gem! The service was absolutely incredible and top notch. Very nice people and makes it feel like home. Had the Mediterranean platter and it was incredible. The Ruben was also incredible with the melted cheese cooked to perfection. Hope to visit again in the future! read more

Hobby's Delicatessen & Restaurant - Ruben - Delis Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

Great old school spot. Corned beef is moist and piled high. Meatball knish was awesome! Had many soups all good. Friendly fast staff. Can't go wrong with this joint. Just don't wear your Ranger gear or you might get a good ribbing read more

Hobby's Delicatessen & Restaurant - Meatball knish - Delis Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

Hobby's has reopened. Tasty sandwiches, however paying these prices and no more waiter service was a disappointment. They now just put your food in a bag and you take it to a table. No condiments on table. Pickles in a plastic baggie and mustard packets. read more

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Dirty disgusting. When you walk in, it looks like an office with a desk and a multitude of papers very unappealing. Prices are expensive and the food is less than ordinary. Buyer beware. I worked in 3 delis as a waiter and I know what I am talking about. read more

My daughter, my new son-in-law, his uncle and I went here. They've been coming for decades and I can see why. It's a Newark institution and the food is surely the goods. But the place is totally festooned with Jersey Devils Hockey memorabilia and I'm a Philly guy and a huge Flyers fan. I couldn't swallow my sandwich no matter how tasty. The entire experience was miserable and I'm not going back. To think that Scott Stevens and Billy Smith probably ate here is completely off-putting. Ugh. read more

Old school basics, great quality, great service and abundance of choices. Mixed crowd indicative of food that appeals to a large cross section. read more

The deli is a bit run down but the people were very nice. I ordered a turkey sandwich on white bread. It was on standard size white bread. The portion of fresh turkey was very generous and overall the sandwich was good. For someone petite like me it was way too much turkey and I could've done with a third of the amount. The reason for my review is that $18 for that sized sandwich is absolutely ridiculous. That's the price for just the sandwich, no chips or drink. I understand prices have been increasing however, the deli should consider having various sandwich sizes to accommodate people who don't want a what seemed like a pound of turkey. read more

Your classic New Jersey deli/diner. Low key, generous portions, fresh pickles on the table you know the drill. I got the brisket on rye with Swiss, which was good however I did not realize it would not come with some gravy unless I asked. Next time I will ask. Worth visiting this unofficial Newark landmark. read more