Nelson

Some decades ago, when I lived in New York, there was an amazing deli serving delicious artery clogging pastrami and corned beef sandwiches, half the size of a casaba melon.

I think it was on Lexington and 53rd. A quick search did not turn it up. Is it moved or long gone?

Crossed my mind and I was curious. Thanks.

ellenem

You can try looking for it in street view on maps.google.com

travelbuff

I think it is gone. Lots of changes in that area of town and lots of stores have come and gone.

Next time you are here we can come up with some suggestions that will come close to your memories.....

Nelson

Thanks for the replies. Good idea on the street view, ellenem. I'm pretty sure it was where the CVS is now located.

Stars Deli. They had signed photos on the walls of all the movie stars and famous athletes who had eaten there over the years. The sandwiches were amazing.

Last time we were there was probably late 80's or early 90's when back on a family visit. Fond memories.

Bowsprit

for others who might be first timers: You can still get huge deli sandwiches and see photos of stars on the walls at Katz's Deli.

http://katzsdelicatessen.com/

sandi

Last time riding down Lexington Ave, noticed Stars and other shops are no longer... many, many changes in the neighborhood.

As to Katz's Deli, recently visited with friends from out of town (against my better judegement) and found it's rather disappointing in quality of meat and the place was downright dirty.

The 2nd Ave. Deli (formerly 2nd Ave. at E.10th St) has now moved uptown, in the East 70s (google exact address) and a much better choice. Or for just excellent Deli take-out (too few tables to really enjoy sit-down), the Pastrami Queen on Lexington Ave (78th/79th Sts).

bachslunch

Allow me to rebut about Katz's Deli. I have not found the place to be "downright dirty" when I've been (Chinatown Ice Cream in NYC and Johnny's Po-Boys in New Orleans do fit that description despite their excellent food offerings, but not Katz's). And Katz's pastrami (juicy) on rye is the best sandwich I've had. Ever. Anywhere. Period.

I'll agree that 2nd Avenue Deli is the best deli to go to in the broadest based sense of the word. But I've never had a sandwich there as good as Katz's pastrami.

Personally, I'd urge that folks patronize both places if they want deli. For me, the Carnegie, Stage Deli, Artie's, Barney Greengrass, Ben's, and Sarge's don't measure up to either.

Bowsprit

Katz's is NOT dirty. It has Never been dirty. It is old, but it is immaculate.

Bachslunch: You're dead on right about Katz's pastrami. Best. Sandwich. Ever.

ekscrunchy

I agree: For deli there is 2nd Avenue (main location on East 33rd Street, off Third) and Katz.
I've never been to the (new-ish) Manhattan Pastrami Queen.


And when you get a bad cold, 2nd Avenue Deli Chicken in a Pot, which they deliver, will make you better in no time. Very soothing.

Aduchamp1

I am a bigger fan of 2nd Ave Deli, but the pastrami at Katz's is fabulous. And it has never been dirty. The floor, walls, and ceiling are old but they are never in disrepair and I have seen the place dirty despite the crowds.

As others have mentioned the other delis are second tier.

NachoLibre

I discovered Stars Deli in the 90s as a frequent business traveler from San Francisco. It was suggested by someone at the front desk of the hotel I stayed at weekly for several months. Upon landing, I would throw my luggage in the room and make a fast pilgrimage to Stars, where I savored their amazing sandwiches and especially "chicken in a pot" and the generous helping of free pickles on every table. In the morning, I would order smooked white fish on a buttered bagel and smile. I took endless colleagues and clients. We all just adored it.

Then, on one trip, I held true to my routine and walked at a joggers pace to fulfill my hunger moments after checking into my hotel. As I crossed Lexington with great anticipation, Stars Deli was coldly dark and I read a sad goodbye note posted on the door...and wept. Yes, I cried. To this day, more than a decade later, I have never cried over food, or any restaurant. It was a love affair, and a real loss.

True story.