I see Carnegie and Stage as tourist delis. Katz and 2nd Avenue as real delis. (Just my opinion).

Gotham, in concept I agree. But the sandwich at Carnegie was still delicious (and BTW, one sandwich is enough for more than two people), if not quite as fab as the one at Katz'. And Carnegie has all those surly waiters to boot.

Warren, I heard you have to put 50 kuruş in the meter.

Many Thanks to all that participated and shared your knowledge of great Deli's in NY. With an 8 hour layover, Yes, I will spend the $175-200 to cab into city and will eat at Katz'. All the trains and buses would be a hassle. We will go to JFK first and drop or rather check in baggage and then head into Manhattan. We can also do some sightseeing to help kill time. I know this is crazy but when you are on vacation money doesn't seem to stop you from doing a few crazy things. It's when the vacation is over you wonder "Why the hell did I do that"?????

IMPORTANT NOTE:

I think Katz may be "cash only" so you may want to hit the ATM before going in there.

With only 8 hours you don't have time to go to JKF first to drop off your luggage. I'd suggest stopping at one of the big hotels near the deil, that's why I suggested midtown Manhattan. You can ask someone at the bell stand to watch your bags for a few minutes, go have lunch walk around a bit then head to the airport. I also agree taking the train would be faster than a cab that time of day, and you are subject to lots of traffic heading out of town.

As suggested earlier take either the E train or the C/A train out to JFK. That way you will also save a bit to enjoy one more great meal on your trip.

Do not goto JFK first-it'sin the opposite direcction - and getting there and chcking in yor bags (assuming the airline desk as open then) will cut a couple of hours out of your time. Just bring the luggage in a cab.

I don't think it wil cost that much. The city to JFK is $45 flat -so a total of about $60 includngtoll and tip. You should be able to get from LGA to the deli for aourn 40 or so.

We looked at this site and it seems to be a less expensive way to go. http://www.nyairportservice.com/
Does this go from point A to point B direct or make many stops. Website didn't seem to go into details. Any info will be appreciated

Sorry but with the short window you have a cab INTO manhattan and the subway OUT of Manhattan to JFK makes the most sense. You don't have alot of time to spare, so the bus makes no sense. You will have to wait for the bus at your terminal, than it stops at each terminal and then comes into Manhattan and stops at Grand Central Station, and you would have to take a cab from there, so it would end up being more expensive than taking a cab in the first place.

Also heading back to the airport, the bus is subject to traffic at that time of day too.

OK, Thanks travelbuff, makes sense.