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2ND AVE DELI

Last Updated: 8 days ago

Phone: (212) 689-9000

Address: 162 EAST 33 STREET 10016

TLDR

NY's go-to Jewish deli, serving legendary matzo ball soup & pastrami! A classic, no-fuss experience often preferred over more famous rivals.

Sentiment Overview(Based on 100 Reddit comments)

66% Positive30% Neutral4% Negative

Achievements and Accolades

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Tags

jewish 28new york 28deli 24deli 45pastrami 30sandwiches 9View All

Neighborhoods

Kips Bay

Details

A classic New York Jewish deli experience, this establishment is frequently recommended as a superior alternative to Katz's, particularly for those seeking a less chaotic atmosphere. Patrons rave about the matzo ball soup, often citing it as the best they've ever had, and the pastrami is a consistent favorite, though some note it may be machine-sliced and portions can vary. The deli also offers other traditional fare, including brisket and corned beef, with a focus on authentic, high-quality kosher preparations.

Food Overview

This Jewish deli is celebrated for its exceptional matzo ball soup and pastrami, frequently drawing comparisons to and often surpassing Katz's. While pastrami is a staple, some users note a preference for the brisket or corned beef. The establishment maintains strict kosher standards, influencing menu options and preparation methods.

Highlights / Recommended

"The matzo ball soup and pastrami are consistently highlighted as must-try dishes. Brisket, corned beef, and chicken in the pot are also frequently recommended for their quality."

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 overwhelmingly praise the quality of the food, especially the matzo ball soup and pastrami, often recommending it as a top-tier Jewish deli experience. Many note a preference for its atmosphere and authenticity over more crowded establishments.

Reddit References

Highlighted Posts

This thread directly compares 2nd Ave Deli to Katz's, with many users recommending 2nd Ave Deli for its overall quality, matzo ball soup, and less crowded atmosphere, though some acknowledge Katz's superiority for pastrami thickness.
Several commenters recommend 2nd Ave Deli as a preferred alternative to Katz's, highlighting its less chaotic environment and excellent pastrami and other deli items, with one user specifically praising its nostalgic service.
This discussion offers various recommendations for 2nd Ave Deli, including soup and pastrami by the pound, and touches on pricing and kosher considerations for purchasing items.
Multiple users recommend 2nd Ave Deli for its matzah ball soup and chicken in the pot, noting these items are comforting and good for when one is feeling unwell.
A user specifically recommends two quarts of matzoh ball soup from 2nd Ave Deli as an excellent remedy for illness.
Users discuss the merits of 2nd Ave Deli's pastrami and matzo ball soup, comparing it to other establishments and noting its kosher status.
Several commenters highlight 2nd Ave Deli for its corned beef, with some preferring it over their pastrami.

Recent Mentions

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 →

From post: Visiting From Toronto What Are The Most New York

"2nd Ave Deli is listed as one of several recommended establishments for an authentic New York experience."

Neutral
Jan 6, 2026View Comment →

From post: Visiting From Toronto What Are The Most New York

"2nd Ave Deli, located on 1st Ave, is recommended as a New York food destination."

Positive
Jan 6, 2026View Comment →

From post: Looking For Healthy And Slightly Bland Food

"Also recommends the chicken in the pot from Second Avenue Deli, noting its large portion size when delivered."

Positive
Jan 3, 2026View Comment →

From post: Looking For Healthy And Slightly Bland Food

"Seconding matzah ball soup and also recommends the chicken in the pot from Second Avenue Deli for curative properties."

Positive
Jan 3, 2026View Comment →

From post: Looking For Healthy And Slightly Bland Food

"Strongly agrees with the recommendation of matzah ball soup."

Positive
Jan 3, 2026View Comment →

From post: Looking For Healthy And Slightly Bland Food

"Recommends 2nd Ave Deli for matzah ball soup, alongside Veselka and Sarge's."

Positive
Jan 3, 2026View Comment →