The Top Ten Delis in Manhattan
1) Barney Greengrass: 541 Amsterdam @ 86-7th; Takes the top spot as this amazing deli in addition to the normal deli fare, features the best Lox and smoked fish in the city. Amazing breakfasts here - especially Nova on a bagel! Awesome chicken, egg and tuna salad as well. 2) Second Avenue Deli: 162 E 33rd @ 3rd- Lex; Number 1 rated in Zagats before it closed due to a rent increase in 2006. Re-opened in November 2007 with same ownership. This was my favorite deli pre-closure and it has the best pastrami sandwiches on earth. 3) Katz's Deli: 205 E Houston @ Ludlow; Corned beef and Pastrami are the specialties. Famous pickles. When Harry Met Sally filmed here. Like a large school cafeteria inside but so so good and worth the trip to the Lower East Side as it is a Manhattan institution. 4) Stage Deli: 834 7th Av @ 53-4th; Unbelievably large sandwiches made the way you'd have it if you were having your last meal on death row. Crowded and loud, yet a fantastic deli experience. Large menu as well with most usual diner fair. 5) Carnegie Deli: 854 7th Av @ 55th; Sandwiches you can move into they are so big. Famous for its cheesecake as well. Crowded and fairly crampt quarters yet it is a classic place to visit. Amazing experience. Biggest downside is it is more expensive than 2nd Ave, Katz and Stage. 6) Sable's Smoked Fish: 1489 2nd Av @ 77-8th; Absolutely incredible smoked fish and Lox. Out of this world crab and lobster salads. Sandwiches too... the usual deli fare but more known for fish. Caviar, bagels, desserts are all top notch. Wildly friendly service as well. 7) Pastrami Queen: 1125 Lexington Ave @ 78-9th; Great, great sandwiches that are larger than life. Extremely tight quarters and little ambiance. Better for take-out in my opinion but oh what great Pastrami and overstuffed sandwiches. 8) Sarge's Deli: 548 3rd Av @ 36-7th; Humongous sandwiches packed with pastrami, turkey or corned beef alond with the other usual options. Pickles are highly rated. Been an institution in Manhattan for decades. Open 24/7 so a great late night option. 9) Artie's Deli: 2290 Broadway @ 82-3rd; Replanted from the Upper West Side, this Jewish mainstay and home of huge sandwiches and tasty pickles is a solid option for any carnivore. Noted for matzo ball soup. 10) Ben's Deli: 209 W 38th @ 7-8th; Heapingly large sandwiches. They ofer a large menu of endless options to suit any picky deli-goer. You'll need a vice to get your mouth open wide enough for the food.