Next.js logo

2ND AVE DELI

Updated

Phone: (212) 689-9000

Address: 162 EAST 33 STREET 10016

TLDR

A true New York Jewish deli experience; legit pastrami, killer matzoh ball soup & a nostalgic vibe. Def a go-to for comfort food.

Reddit Sentiment for 2ND AVE DELI(based on 78 Reddit opinions)

60% Positive35% Neutral5% Negative

Achievements and Accolades

Next.js logo

Tags

jewish 30new york 28deli 25deli 51pastrami 31sandwiches 9View All

Neighborhoods

Kips Bay

Details

For a classic Jewish deli experience, look no further than 2ND AVE DELI. This beloved establishment has been serving up authentic New York-style deli fare for years, earning a reputation for its hearty portions and traditional flavors. It's a go-to spot for comfort food, with many recommending it for dishes like matzoh ball soup and pastrami sandwiches.

Food Overview

This deli excels at classic Jewish comfort food. Patrons rave about the matzoh ball soup, often described as an elixir, and the pastrami sandwiches are frequently compared to other famous establishments, with many favoring this spot. Other recommended items include brisket and chicken in the pot. While pastrami is a highlight, some note that sandwiches may be smaller than expected at times.

Highlights / Recommended

"Customers frequently recommend the matzoh ball soup, pastrami sandwiches, brisket, and chicken in the pot. Corned beef and tongue sandwiches are also highlighted as excellent choices."

Mentioned Dishes:

  • pastrami(14)
  • matzoh ball soup(5)
  • pastrami sandwich(3)
  • matzo ball soup(3)
  • brisket(2)
  • soups(2)
  • chicken in the pot(2)
  • tongue(2)
  • pastrami reuben(2)

Customer Sentiment

Customers consistently praise the authentic Jewish deli experience, highlighting the quality of classic dishes like pastrami and matzoh ball soup. Many consider it a comforting and nostalgic choice.

Reddit Opinions & Reviews

Top Reddit Posts About 2ND AVE DELI

This thread extensively compares 2nd Ave Deli to Katz's, with many users recommending 2nd Ave Deli as a comparable or even superior option, especially for non-pastrami dishes or for a less chaotic experience. It's noted for its kosher status and excellent matzo ball soup.
Multiple comments suggest 2nd Ave Deli as a preferable alternative to Katz's, citing it as a great option for pastrami, brisket, and a more relaxed experience. It's praised for its quality and nostalgic service.
Discussions here center on what to order at 2nd Ave Deli, with recommendations for soup and pastrami by the pound. One commenter notes the pastrami can be expensive when bought by the pound.
This thread includes recommendations for 2nd Ave Deli, highlighting it as a classic NY/Ashkenazi Jewish deli experience with dishes like pastrami and matzo ball soup.
Several users recommend 2nd Ave Deli for its matzah ball soup and chicken in the pot, describing them as comforting and good options.
In this discussion, 2nd Ave Deli is recommended for its takeout pastrami and matzo ball soup, with one user noting that their pastrami is still excellent for takeout.
A commenter suggests matzah ball soup from 2nd Ave Deli as a comforting option for someone feeling unwell.
Multiple users recommend 2nd Ave Deli for its corned beef, with some preferring it over their pastrami.

Recent Reddit Mentions

From post: Rent Out Bagel Spot For Brunch Nyc

"This comment suggested that 2nd Ave Deli might allow for large parties, although not for a full buyout, and also mentioned picnic options."

Neutral
Apr 24, 2026View Comment →

From post: Where Would You Go As Your Last Meal In Nyc

"Second Avenue Deli is suggested as a last meal option in NYC."

Positive
Apr 21, 2026View Comment →

From post: Need Help With Good Dinner Places

"This user recommended 2nd Ave Deli as being just as good as Katz's Delicatessen, but without the notoriety and difficulty in getting food. They specifically praised its matzo ball soup."

Positive
Mar 23, 2026View Comment →

From post: Brisket For Passover

"This commenter noted that while 2nd Ave Deli is nice for a sit-down meal, Sarge's might be better for takeout brisket."

Neutral
Mar 16, 2026View Comment →

From post: Brisket For Passover

"This commenter mentioned that 2nd Ave Deli is certified kosher, but their meat is not Glatt, which could be a consideration for Passover."

Negative
Mar 16, 2026View Comment →

From post: Brisket For Passover

"The original poster listed 2nd Ave Deli as a potential option for Passover brisket."

Neutral
Mar 16, 2026View Comment →

From post: Is There Anywhere In Nyc Youd Order Corned Beef

"Prefers the corned beef over the pastrami at 2nd Ave Deli, which is unusual as they generally prefer pastrami."

Positive
Feb 3, 2026View Comment →

From post: Is There Anywhere In Nyc Youd Order Corned Beef

"States that 2nd Ave Deli has the best corned beef."

Positive
Feb 3, 2026View Comment →

From post: Is There Anywhere In Nyc Youd Order Corned Beef

"Likes the corned beef at 2nd Ave Deli, describing it as 'so classic'."

Positive
Feb 3, 2026View Comment →

From post: Is There Anywhere In Nyc Youd Order Corned Beef

"Orders brisket at 2nd Ave Deli and finds it good, though they haven't tried the corned beef."

Neutral
Feb 3, 2026View Comment →

From post: How Is This Sandwich 27 At Pastrami Queen

"This user confirmed that a recent delivery order from 2nd Ave Deli had a significantly smaller sandwich portion than they recalled, though they also praised PJ.Bernstein's for large portions."

Negative
Feb 2, 2026View Comment →

From post: How Is This Sandwich 27 At Pastrami Queen

"This user stated that their recent experience with 2nd Ave Deli's pastrami sandwich resulted in a smaller portion than remembered."

Negative
Feb 2, 2026View Comment →

From post: Where Would You Take Your Mentor To Lunch

"This user recommended Second Ave Deli, describing it as very warm, inviting, and great for conversation with excellent food."

Positive
Jan 29, 2026View Comment →

From post: Kips Bay Just Need A Little Oasis In This Desert

"Recommends 2nd Ave Deli as a dining option in the area."

Positive
Jan 28, 2026View Comment →

From post: Kips Bay Just Need A Little Oasis In This Desert

"Suggests 2nd Ave Deli as a good choice for a meal."

Positive
Jan 28, 2026View Comment →

From post: Kips Bay Just Need A Little Oasis In This Desert

"The user is considering 2nd Ave Deli for matzo ball soup as a comfort food option after a doctor's appointment in the Kips Bay area."

Neutral
Jan 28, 2026View Comment →

From post: Pickle Appetizer

"2nd Avenue Deli was mentioned in a list of delis that might serve pickle appetizers."

Neutral
Jan 25, 2026View Comment →

From post: Day Off Today And Craving A Really Good Relaxed

"This commenter mentions 2nd Ave. deli on the Upper East Side as a less crowded alternative to Katz's."

Neutral
Jan 17, 2026View Comment →

From post: Day Off Today And Craving A Really Good Relaxed

"This commenter mentions 2nd Ave. deli on the Upper East Side as a less crowded alternative to Katz's."

Neutral
Jan 17, 2026View Comment →

From post: Where Can I Find The Best Potato Knish In Nyc

"For a more traditional knish experience, the fried one at 2nd Ave Deli is suggested as an alternative."

Positive
Jan 11, 2026View Comment →