2nd Avenue Deli

I've heard about this long standing Kosher deli from fellow foodies as well as a feature on a food show, depicting it as Katz's Deli's main competition. I'm a huge fan of Katz's so I was skeptical. 2nd Avenue Deli used to be located on 2nd avenue but closed down at some point, probably because the owner was murdered in 1996. It recently reopened but on 33rd and 3rd avenue and decided to keep the same name. I guess 3rd Avenue Deli doesn't have the same ring or historical importance.

Their matzo ball soup has rave reviews. And I must say, it is probably the best matzo ball soup I've had and I'm not typically a matzo ball fan. The waiter pours the soup into the bowl right at the table. Nice touch.

Homemade pickles, cole slaw and bread. I loved the the cole slaw was made with vinegar and not mayo.

Twin Double: one corned beef sandwich and one pastrami. It comes undressed but I liked the pastrami with mustard and coleslaw and the corned beef with coleslaw and Russian dressing. The pastrami was my favorite.

I think in the old location, the service was known to be rude (on purpose) but during my lunch, everyone was attentive, nice and charming. We even got free tastes of homemade chocolate soda as dessert. There is also a take out area in the front in addition to dine in tables. I liked the it was a proper restaurant experience as opposed to Katz's where you have to shove your way to the front of the deli counter to order. That being said, I think the pastrami from Katz's is still my favorite but 2nd Avenue Deli can still satisfy my pastrami sandwich cravings if need be.





Restaurants mentioned:
2nd Avenue Deli
162 E. 33rd. St.
New York, NY 10016

Katz's Delicatessen
205 E. Houston St.
New York, NY 10002