Best of New York City
The best pastrami on rye in New York City
Start with Katz's Delicatessen in Lower East Side for hand-carved pastrami on rye, 2nd Ave Deli in Kips Bay for pastrami on rye, untoasted and S&P Lunch in Flatiron for pastrami with slaw, Swiss and Russian on rye. Here are all 5, with what to get at each.
- Katz's DelicatessenLower East Side · Pastrami on rye
Get: Hand-carved pastrami on rye
The landmark since 1888; thick, peppery hand-cut pastrami is still the standard to beat.
- 2nd Ave DeliKips Bay · Pastrami on rye
Get: Pastrami on rye, untoasted
Kosher deli keeping the old-school Jewish deli tradition alive with a properly fatty, steamy sandwich.
- S&P LunchFlatiron · Pastrami on rye
Get: Pastrami with slaw, Swiss and Russian on rye
Revived lunch counter in the old Eisenberg's space, named by two publishers for a modern, well-built pastrami.
- Essen NY DeliMidwood, Brooklyn · Pastrami on rye
Get: Plain pastrami on rye with mustard
Topped the Infatuation's pastrami ranking, a neighborhood deli without the Katz's lines.
- Sarge's DelicatessenMurray Hill · Pastrami on rye
Get: The #20, pastrami and corned beef on grilled rye
Open-late classic deli with a hot, melty combo sandwich; one strong source only.
Save the places you want and Chef remembers them for your trip: what to order, how to book, on a map with everything else you love in New York City. Free.
Ask Chef for morePlan my New York City food tripThe best pastrami on rye in New York City: questions people ask
Where is the best pastrami on rye in New York City?
Chef Amazing’s picks start with Katz's Delicatessen (Lower East Side), 2nd Ave Deli (Kips Bay) and S&P Lunch (Flatiron). All 5 places are on this page with what to get, where they are and a map.
What should I order?
At Katz's Delicatessen, get hand-carved pastrami on rye. At 2nd Ave Deli, get pastrami on rye, untoasted. At S&P Lunch, get pastrami with slaw, Swiss and Russian on rye. At Essen NY Deli, get plain pastrami on rye with mustard.
How does Chef Amazing pick these?
From Chef Amazing’s city guide and lists for New York City: the places critics, chefs and locals keep recommending, checked and kept current, with what to order at each. Nobody pays to be on them.
More in New York City
Places change: check hours before you go. Pins come from addresses and OpenStreetMap and can be a little off. Updated October 25, 2026.