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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

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2ND AVE DELI ATMOSPHERE

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

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Recommended Reviews - 2nd Ave Deli

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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.

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.

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 ;)

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.

Hannah H.

2nd Ave Deli originates as a small 10-seat luncheonette on E 10th back in '54 - they offer an extensive menu that includes traditional apps (such as stuffed cabbage, gefilte fish, chopped liver, etc.), noshes (such as mini burgers and franks in blanket), soups, knishes, burgers, sandwiches, entrees, and even some breakfast options (omelets, hash, etc.). I came for a carry-out order of one of their specialties, the 'Half a Sandwich and Soup': +I opted for the Hot Pastrami on rye - served with sliced pickles and mustard; the pastrami was sliced thin, hot, flavorful, and delicious! + side of coleslaw - nice and creamy, but wished there was more of a tang to it +a side of potato salad - chunky and a good side to have +and, a Matzoh Ball Soup with carrots, noodles, and rice - the broth was unbelievable, as it was extremely soothing and yummy; most chicken soup is on the bland side and just tastes watered down; this was hearty; the matzoh ball was okay If you're indecisive, you can ask for a sample between the pastrami and the corned beef; I thought the latter had an off/strange taste to it. Service was fine, but could have been friendlier; note that they do not accept Apply Pay, in which they stated that it could possibly be an option later in the future. Dine-in is an option - the place was pretty busy during the lunch rush. +hot pastrami +matzoh ball soup

Alper T.

When i go to some place i do not like to be disappointed. After parade i was going to Katz's, then i changed my mind came here. We didn't order too much, one pastrami one corned beef sandwich and fries. We got our coleslaw and pickles. Then our hot sandwiches came, which they were NOT hot!! Just slightly warm, bread is not toasted and stale. Of course i am pissed. When i was walking out i was questioned how was our food, and of course i had to mentioned it that our sandwiches came cold. Then the owner was you should have told me, i would have fixed it. I said that is not the point. You are selling hot sandwiches and they are not cheap, charging $28 a piece and make it wrong. Also i responded i hate to send my food back then i loose my appetite. I would like my food served how it is supposed to be. Owner said then next time please remind me!! There won't be a next time i am sorry!

Turkey and chopped liver

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1 month 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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1 month 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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We discovered this spot on our last trip to NY and can't wait to come back! Love their babka!

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28 days ago

I love the 2nd avenue Deli. It's moved around a lot and I've moved with it. It has great food and is general a nice place.

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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

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Monkey Bar - Smoked Whitefish Caesar (~$28)

Monkey Bar

4.3(479 reviews)
1.1 mi•Midtown East

Getting a reservation here is very hard. One just popped up in my Resy app for lunch though, so I…read morewent for it. It was my first time here although, it has been around for ages. The front part where you first walk in is the bar area with some tables. This restaurant is on the darker side and brings you back in time. Once you walk in further that is where the main dinning room is. This is also on the darker side as you can maybe tell by my photos. The wall paper and art around the restaurant is cool and there are some monkey statues around the restaurant. I was seated in a corner table in a booth area that seemed to be for at least 2-3 people. I thought for sure they would seat me at the bar area. I had a wonderful waitress whose name I think was Taylor but I could be wrong. I ordered the Monkey bread to start off with. It's a very buttery bread with truffle and parm cheese on top. I have alot of allergies and I was searching online if I could even have truffles as I have a nut allergy. So, I asked the waitress and she said she had never heard this. But, she came back to me and told me that White truffle grows near or like over where Almonds grow from but that, they don't use white truffle so I was all good. Well, this was super nice of her to check for me. I had no idea she was going to do this. She said the restaurant has strict protocols when it comes to food allergies. I then got for my main dish the double cheese burger with onions and pickles. To drink I had the cucumber martini. WOW everything was pretty darn good!! I passed on dessert. If you get a chance or a reservation pops up in your resy to go, even if it is for lunch..I highly say go for it.

From the moment we sat down, the service set the tone for the entire experience. Our server was…read moreincredibly warm, upbeat, and full of energy--one of those people who genuinely elevates a meal. I only wish I could remember her name because she deserves the recognition. We started with drinks, and mine ended up being a surprise standout. I ordered the coconut margarita, slightly hesitant since I'm not usually a margarita fan--but it completely won me over. It struck a perfect balance and leaned just enough into the coconut to make it feel unique without being overpowering. My sister-in-law, who's pregnant, had a non-alcoholic Ritual margarita and loved it, noting how convincingly it mimicked the real thing. Since we were sharing, we got to try a good mix of the menu. The monkey bread came first--definitely a splurge at $34, but it's one of those fun, indulgent starters that's worth ordering at least once. While I wouldn't call it the best bread I've ever had, I also wouldn't change anything about it. The crab rangoon was another highlight. Having it made with real crab made a noticeable difference, and the dipping sauces complemented it really well. It felt like a more elevated take on something familiar. For mains, the French dip was a hit. The meat was incredibly tender, the bread had that ideal crusty exterior, and the au jus was packed with flavor--I was very glad I ordered extra. It pulled the whole dish together. We also tried the smoked whitefish Caesar, which was the only dish that didn't quite land for me. It was a well-made, fresh salad, but the smoked fish flavor was a bit overpowering and took over the balance of the dish. Even though we were too full for dessert, the restaurant surprised us with a scoop of strawberry ice cream with chocolate sauce to celebrate my sister-in-law's babymoon. It ended up being one of the most memorable bites of the meal--we're still talking about how good that ice cream was. We arrived right at 11:45, and by the time we left, the place was absolutely buzzing. It's clearly a popular spot, and for good reason. Between the lively atmosphere, strong service, and well-executed food, I'd highly recommend making a reservation if you can.

Photos
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Monkey Bar - Truffle Monkey Bread

Truffle Monkey Bread

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Truffle Monkey Bread (~$35)

2nd Ave Deli - kosher - Updated May 2026

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