Ed Levine

"It's very tasty, and large."

Saveur

"Take a look at the iconic pastrami on rye, served in what is arguably its ideal form at New York's 2nd Ave Deli: double-steamed meat, piled high. It's the same sandwich today that it was when the restaurant first opened in 1954."

Robert Sietsema

"Luckily, being in the New York City area, there are plenty of delis left. These are the best. Second Ave Deli: While the pastrami is good, the corned beef is better."

Kristen Oliveri

"If you have to order one thing, though, make it the hot pastrami on rye. Thinly sliced, perfectly spiced, and smoky, it's one of the most delicious things you'll ever eat."

Adam Platt

"The Absolute Best Pastrami in New York: 2nd Ave Deli - The pastrami is cured across the river at A to Z Kosher Meat; and although it’s not as thickly sliced or as peppery as the blue-ribbon variety at Katz’s, it’s cut from the same fatty navel portion of beef. In old-fashioned deli tradition, it appears throughout the menu, mixed into omelettes and breakfast eggs, and even shaped into burger form."

Christina Izzo

"The best pastrami sandwiches in NYC: 2nd Ave Deli - Brothers Josh and Jeremy Lebewohl, the founder's nephews, stay true to the original with the same menu of famed Jewish standards at this 70-seat location."

Jonathan Zalman

"Oooh, that first bite was good, so good, like a cold compress and a cool pillow after a hard day’s work. Yes. Yes. Yes, oh yes. Go down, pastrami. Down you go, covered in mustard."

Andrew Rosenberg

"Even at its current non–Second Avenue address, this mantle holder oozes authenticity, with sass to spare and pastrami nonpareil."

Erin Mosbaugh

"For a full feast, go with the pastrami on rye—ideally fatty and peppery, sliced thin, and stacked high on rye bread."

Michelle Won

"Pastrami on Rye: Top 5 Delis in New York - 2nd Ave Deli: Another one of New York's famous stops for a stupendous sandwich, the 2nd Ave. Deli serves up an assortment of tasty Kosher "deli"-cacies from hot pastrami to a flavorful chopped liver."