2nd Avenue Deli

Serving the Upper East Side since 1954, this spot prepares its pastrami by dry-curing it for over a week in salt, spices, and peppercorns before smoking it. You can order it extra lean and thinly sliced on a challah roll with mustard and sauerkraut. Beyond the sandwiches, the menu includes classic knishes and blintzes, and every meal starts with complimentary coleslaw and pickles. The space channels the atmosphere of a traditional Manhattan deli, offering a direct link to the city's culinary history.