The Best Pastrami Sandwiches In New York You Need To Try

New York City is famous for many things, but pastrami sandwiches hold a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. These towering stacks of spiced, smoked meat piled high on rye bread represent a culinary tradition that spans generations.

I’ve explored the city to find the absolute best spots where you can sink your teeth into this iconic delicacy. Get ready to discover some truly unforgettable pastrami experiences.

1. Pastrami Queen

Originally a humble takeout spot in Williamsburg, this place earned its royal title through decades of perfection. The family recipe produces pastrami with a peppery crust that adds incredible flavor.

I love how they steam the meat to keep it moist and tender throughout. The sandwiches arrive generous but never overwhelming, letting you actually taste the quality of each ingredient. Their Upper East Side location now serves both old-school fans and curious newcomers looking for authentic taste.

2. 2nd Ave Deli

Some traditions refuse to fade, and this kosher deli proves why preservation matters. Their pastrami recipe follows old-world techniques that create depth of flavor modern shortcuts can’t match.

Each sandwich comes with a perfect balance of fat and lean meat, giving you that rich taste without being greasy. The bread holds up remarkably well despite the juice and weight. When I need comfort food that reminds me why New York deli culture matters, this is where my feet take me.

3. Sarge’s Delicatessen

Open 24 hours a day, this Midtown spot saves late-night cravings and early morning hunger pangs alike. The portion sizes here border on ridiculous in the best possible way.

Your sandwich arrives as a towering monument to excess, challenging your jaw’s capacity with every bite. The pastrami stays juicy and flavorful no matter what hour you stumble in. I’ve watched everyone from theater crowds to taxi drivers find satisfaction here, proving good pastrami knows no schedule or social boundaries whatsoever.

4. Liebman’s Deli

The Bronx doesn’t get enough credit for its food scene, but this family-run gem changes minds quickly. They’ve been smoking and curing their own meats since 1953 with remarkable consistency.

What strikes me most is the homemade quality you taste in every component. The pastrami has that perfect pink color and tender texture that only comes from patient preparation. Their neighborhood location means fewer tourists and more locals who’ve been coming here for generations, creating an authentic vibe you can’t manufacture.

5. Katz’s Delicatessen

Walking into this legendary Lower East Side institution feels like stepping back in time. The neon signs, the ticket system, and the bustling atmosphere all add to the magic.

Your pastrami arrives hand-carved, impossibly tender, and stacked so high you’ll wonder how to fit it in your mouth. The meat practically melts on your tongue with each bite. Every visit reminds me why this place has been the gold standard since 1888, serving generations of New Yorkers who know what real pastrami tastes like.

6. Ben’s Best

Queens holds culinary treasures that Manhattan folks often overlook, and this Rego Park institution ranks among the finest. The pastrami here gets cured with a proprietary spice blend that creates distinctive flavor.

Every bite delivers that perfect combination of smoke, pepper, and tender beef that makes you close your eyes in appreciation. The family behind the counter treats regulars like relatives and newcomers like future friends. When I make the trip out here, I always leave wondering why I don’t come more often.

7. Mill Basin Deli

Brooklyn’s Mill Basin neighborhood might not be on every tourist map, but locals know this spot serves sandwiches of legendary proportions. The pastrami here comes sliced thick, giving you substantial bites with serious chew.

I appreciate how they don’t skimp on quality despite the generous portions. The meat stays moist and flavorful from the first bite to the last. Their old-school deli atmosphere, complete with vintage decor and friendly banter, makes every visit feel like coming home to family dinner.

8. David’s Brisket House

This Bed-Stuy establishment brings soul to the traditional Jewish deli experience in unexpected ways. The owner’s background creates a unique fusion that respects tradition while adding personal flair.

Your pastrami arrives perfectly seasoned with spices that dance on your palate without overwhelming the beef. The portions satisfy without making you feel uncomfortably stuffed afterward. I love how this place represents Brooklyn’s evolving food culture while honoring the classics that made New York deli famous in the first place.

9. Loeser’s Deli

Another Bronx treasure that deserves far more recognition than it receives from the wider world. This small deli produces pastrami that rivals any Manhattan competitor at prices that won’t drain your wallet.

The meat gets sliced to order, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor in every sandwich. I’m always impressed by how they maintain such high standards despite their modest storefront. The neighborhood regulars who pack this place during lunch rush hours know what outsiders are missing out on completely.

10. Gottlieb’s Restaurant

Williamsburg’s Hasidic community knows this strictly kosher establishment serves pastrami that meets the highest standards. The religious oversight ensures quality control that benefits everyone regardless of dietary observance.

Each sandwich showcases meat that’s been prepared with meticulous care and traditional techniques. The flavors remain pure and honest, without unnecessary additions or modern twists. When I want pastrami that tastes like my grandparents described from their childhood, this is where I head without hesitation or doubt.

11. Russ & Daughters Cafe

While famous for smoked fish, this appetizing institution also produces phenomenal pastrami that often flies under the radar. Their approach combines old-world craftsmanship with contemporary culinary sensibility.

The sandwich arrives with thoughtful touches that elevate the experience beyond basic deli fare. Every element works in harmony, from the bread to the condiments. I appreciate how they respect tradition while making it accessible to diners who might find old-school delis intimidating or overwhelming in atmosphere and portion size.

12. Harry & Ida’s Meat and Supply Co.

The East Village location brings a butcher shop approach to traditional deli meats with impressive results. They cure and smoke small batches, ensuring consistency and quality that mass production can’t achieve.

Your pastrami tastes noticeably different here, with cleaner flavors and better texture than commercial versions. The shop atmosphere lets you see the craftsmanship behind your meal. I love supporting places where the people making your food clearly care deeply about their craft and ingredient sourcing practices.

13. Hometown Bar-B-Que

Red Hook’s barbecue specialist takes pastrami in a different direction that honors both Jewish deli tradition and Southern smokehouse culture. The extended smoking process creates incredible bark and depth of flavor.

Each bite delivers intense smokiness that complements rather than overwhelms the beef’s natural taste. The texture falls somewhere between classic deli pastrami and pulled barbecue. When I want something familiar yet adventurous, this fusion approach satisfies both cravings simultaneously without compromising either tradition completely.