Carnegie Deli vs Stage Deli --

Does anyone have a preference of 1 over the other (and if so, why?)???

TIA!
Monica

I would read the reviews on menupages.com and perhaps post this query on the Manhattan board on chowhound.com.

Will look at both--thanks!

The Carnegie deli is known for their pastrami. If that's what you like, definitely go there.

You're not going to be able to tell the difference between the sandwiches at the Carnegie and the Stage. They're both excellent. The difference is that the Carnegie is smaller, with communal tables, brusque service and a hurried pace (these are all part of the experience, but you may not want these parts). The Stage is more like a regular restaurant, with separate tables, etc. If you want to sit for a while and chat, the Stage is better.

I second EricH. Visit the one most convenient to your hotel or itinerary. You'll won't be disappointed with either.

FORGET Carnegie AND Stage Deli, those places are for tourists that like to wait in line, get ripped off (a HUGE sandwich, but a "sharing charge"??) Go to Katz's on the Lower East Side. a REALl Old New York atmostphere, MUCH better pastrami and, unlike the aforementiond midtown places, they HAND CUT the meat like the old days. I tell my friends to stay in hotels very close to Carnegie and Stage but tell them to go downtown for pastrami!

I agree that the Carnegie Deli is for tourists. I was one myself and felt I was entering into a tourist attraction. The prices are astronomical and I thought it was an unnecessary remark from the waiter to remind us how much we should be leaving as a tip. Needless to say we won't go there again.

You are really much better off at Katz. It is quite easy to get there by train from Times Square..

Zabar's