TLDR
Authentic, high-quality kosher comfort food featuring legendary thin-cut pastrami that rivals the city's best. A Bronx staple known for generous portions and a classic, old-school diner atmosphere.
Will Hartman reviews Liebman's Kosher Deli, a Riverdale spot praised for its thinly sliced pastrami on rye and old-school diner vibe, complete with bouncy booths and classic tunes.
Details
A staple for authentic kosher comfort food, this Bronx-based institution is widely considered one of the best Jewish delis in New York City [2]. Visitors frequently praise its thinly sliced, rich pastrami as comparable to the city's most famous establishments [6], [7], making it a destination worth a dedicated trip [6], [7]. Beyond its celebrated sandwiches, the menu offers traditional staples like homey matzo ball soup and brisket, ensuring a classic deli experience [1], [12].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on traditional Jewish-American deli fare, with the pastrami sandwich standing out as a consistent highlight; it is praised for being rich, fatty, and expertly sliced [6], [16]. Other popular selections include corned beef, brisket, and satisfying matzo ball soup [1], [12]. While the latkes are considered delicious, some feedback notes they can be quite dense, and the house pickles do not garner specific acclaim [1], [13].
Highlights / Recommended
"The thinly sliced hot pastrami sandwich is the standout recommendation, often cited as a must-try dish [6], [7], [16]. Diners also frequently enjoy the matzo ball soup, brisket, and latkes [1], [12]."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •pastrami(11)
- •pastrami sandwich(4)
- •latkes(3)
- •matzo ball soup(3)
- •brisket(3)
- •the liebman’s special(2)
- •seeded rye(2)
- •tongue(2)
- •latke(2)
Customer Sentiment
Patrons consistently laud the establishment for its exceptional food quality and value, with many identifying it as a premier destination for Jewish deli fare [2], [8]. While its location in Riverdale is somewhat out of the way for many, the consensus is that the experience and portions are well worth the effort [6], [7].
Caveats
Due to the costs associated with premium kosher meat, some customers note that pricing can be higher, with pastrami sandwiches ranging from $25 to $28 [10], [11]. Additionally, the deli's location in Riverdale may present logistical challenges for those reliant on delivery [6].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About LIEBMAN'S DELI
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Katz Delicatessen Is Their Pastrami Good Shipped
"States that the deli is amazing."
PositiveFrom post: Katz Delicatessen Is Their Pastrami Good Shipped
"First-time visit resulted in an outstanding sandwich."
PositiveFrom post: Katz Delicatessen Is Their Pastrami Good Shipped
"Recommended as a best source for pastrami shipping."
PositiveFrom post: Best Deli Pickles In Nyc Preferably Near Manhattan
"This user goes to Liebmans but doesn't specifically recommend it for pickles."
NeutralFrom post: Recommendations For Sandwich Restaurants That Are
"This commenter recommended Liebmans in Riverdale."
PositiveFrom post: Nyc Food Bucket List Add To My List
"Liebman's in the Bronx is recommended for Pastrami and Corned Beef on Rye, and a Brisket Hot Open on a Latke."
PositiveFrom post: How Is This Sandwich 27 At Pastrami Queen
"This user argued that comparing Pastrami Queen and 2nd Ave Deli to Liebman's (Bronx rent) or Katz's (non-kosher meat, no rent) is unfair, as kosher meat is intrinsically more expensive."
NeutralFrom post: How Is This Sandwich 27 At Pastrami Queen
"This user recommended Liebman's Deli as a good value option for pastrami sandwiches."
NeutralFrom post: How Is This Sandwich 27 At Pastrami Queen
"This user stated that Liebman's Deli charges $25 for regular pastrami and $28 for lean pastrami."
NeutralFrom post: How Is This Sandwich 27 At Pastrami Queen
"This user mentioned Liebman's Deli as an example of a place that still offers good portions for its pastrami sandwiches."
PositiveFrom post: Where Can I Find The Best Potato Knish In Nyc
"Liebman's Deli in the Bronx is mentioned as a place for knishes."
PositiveFrom post: Best Way Uptown Delis
"The commenter made a dedicated trip to Liebman's from the 170s and found it entirely worth it, considering its pastrami comparable to Katz's despite its less frequent mention due to its location."
PositiveFrom post: Best Way Uptown Delis
"Liebman's is described as excellent."
PositiveFrom post: Best Way Uptown Delis
"The commenter notes that Liebman's looks perfect and might be worth a day trip for their pastrami, despite potential delivery range issues."
PositiveFrom post: Best Way Uptown Delis
"Liebman's in Riverdale is suggested as a potential deli spot."
NeutralFrom post: Recommendations For Jewish Diners Across All The
"This user states that Liebman's is currently the best Jewish deli in NYC."
PositiveFrom post: Recommendations For Jewish Diners Across All The
"This comment mentions Liebman's in Riverdale is still open, having not been there since they were a teen."
Neutral