TLDR
Experience an iconic slice of New York deli history with legendary tuna and patty melts served at a classic lunch counter.
Instagram Posts References
S&P Lunch, also known as Eisenberg's Sandwich Shop, is highlighted as an old-school classic and a New York City institution in the Flatiron district. The reviewer found the tuna melt to be 'top-tier' with 'perfectly griddled' seeded rye bread and American cheese that melted just right upon biting into it, despite initial appearances. The cherry cola, described as a 'real fountain' soda, was deemed 'the best'. Although fries were unavailable, the potato latkes served as an exceptional replacement, being 'insane' and potentially 'the best latke' the reviewer had ever tasted, noted for its perfect saltiness. Overall, the experience at S&P Lunch was overwhelmingly positive, scratching the reviewer's itch for a classic diner meal.
S&P Lunch, formerly Eisenberg's Sandwich Shop, is highlighted as an iconic and historic New York City deli, praised for its authentic old-school, vintage atmosphere. Patrons can enjoy the classic experience of sitting at the counter and watching their sandwiches being prepared. The restaurant is noted for serving traditional deli fare, including a tuna melt that has garnered significant attention in the local food scene, as well as hearty pastrami sandwiches, matzo ball soup, and egg creams, providing a nostalgic dining experience.
Details
Located in the historic space of the former Eisenberg's, this luncheonette masterfully blends old-school New York charm with updated culinary excellence [1], [2]. The establishment offers a classic counter-service experience, serving beloved comfort staples alongside creative new dinner specials like latke-crusted mozzarella sticks [2], [3], [4]. Visitors consistently praise the high-quality, deeply satisfying food, marking it as a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an authentic deli experience [2], [5].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on elevated American deli classics, with the tuna melt and patty melt frequently cited as the best in the city [5], [6]. Recommended dishes include the pastrami reuben [1], [5], latkes [2], [5], and the 'big burger' dinner special [3], [4], while the cottage fries are widely preferred over traditional thin fries for their superior texture [5].
Highlights / Recommended
"The tuna melt and patty melt are frequently described as 'elite' and the best in the city [5], [6]. Other standout items include the latkes, pastrami reuben, and the 'big burger' dinner special [2], [3], [5]."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •tuna melt(18)
- •patty melt(12)
- •burger(5)
- •pastrami reuben(4)
- •cottage fries(2)
- •latkes(2)
- •shrimp cocktail sandwich(2)
- •latke-crusted mozzarella sticks(2)
- •big burger(2)
Customer Sentiment
Overall feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with patrons frequently praising the exceptional quality of both the food and the nostalgic, old-school diner atmosphere [5], [6]. While most visitors express strong satisfaction, some users noted minor confusion regarding the transition from table service to counter-style operations at the location [6].
Caveats
Due to its popularity, diners should anticipate a queue, and most seating is limited to counter stools [2], [5].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About S & P LUNCH
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: What Burgers Should I Eat During A Week Off From
"Listed S&P as a casual burger spot."
PositiveFrom post: Recommendations For Sandwich Restaurants That Are
"This commenter asserted that S&P Lunch does have waiters."
PositiveFrom post: Recommendations For Sandwich Restaurants That Are
"This commenter clarified that S&P Lunch might have waiters, as they have never eaten anywhere but the bar stools there."
NeutralFrom post: Recommendations For Sandwich Restaurants That Are
"This commenter expressed confusion about whether S&P Lunch has waiters, recalling it having regular table service when it was previously Eisenberg's. They also mentioned difficulty getting to Manhattan for lunch."
NeutralFrom post: Recommendations For Sandwich Restaurants That Are
"This commenter listed S&P Lunch among several other restaurants as potential fits, noting that it might have waiters. They later clarified that they weren't sure if it had waiters as they only ever sat at the bar stools."
NeutralFrom post: Recommendations For Sandwich Restaurants That Are
"This commenter simply suggested S&P Lunch as a recommendation."
PositiveFrom post: Any Typical Americanstyle Breakfast Recommendation
"S&P, located at 5th Ave & 22nd Street, is the former Eisenberg's and is described as a classic American establishment."
PositiveFrom post: Where Are The Best Milkshakes In Nyc Right Now
"This user found S&P to make pretty good egg creams, though noted variability in quality and consistency."
NeutralFrom post: Where Are The Best Milkshakes In Nyc Right Now
"This user suggested S&P for their chocolate malt milkshake after the lunch rush dies down."
PositiveFrom post: Where Are The Best Milkshakes In Nyc Right Now
"This user recommended S&P, stating their milkshakes, among other menu items, are worth seeking out."
PositiveFrom post: Weird Request Does Any Place Sell The Liz Lemon
"This user expressed that S&P Lunch is awesome."
PositiveFrom post: Weird Request Does Any Place Sell The Liz Lemon
"This user suggested S&P Lunch as a place that could make a sandwich similar to the Liz Lemon sandwich. They noted that the 'Jersey Joe' sandwich at S&P is close, featuring roast turkey, corned beef, Swiss cheese, slaw, and Russian on rye, and that they would likely substitute pastrami and add potato chips."
NeutralFrom post: I Won A 250 Gift Card To The Restaurant Of My
"S&P Lunch was recommended, with the user stating they go there regularly and highlighting the tuna melt as a standout item."
PositiveFrom post: Im On A Soft Food Diet For A Couple Weeks It
"S&P was listed as a place for soup."
NeutralFrom post: Upscale Spot For Milestone Birthday Celebration
"This user suggested S&P, noting they now serve lunch for dinner and that it would be a memorable experience."
PositiveFrom post: Tuna Melt And French Fries From Sp Lunch As Good
"This user contrasted Agi's and S&P's tuna melts, stating Agi's has better bread while S&P's mayo ratio is 'insane' when fresh. They further clarified that S&P is better for mayo-slathered bread, and Agi's if the bread flavor is prioritized."
NeutralFrom post: Tuna Melt And French Fries From Sp Lunch As Good
"This user praised S&P's ability to achieve a golden-brown exterior on their bread without drying out the inside, calling it the 'whole trick' that most places mishandle."
PositiveFrom post: Tuna Melt And French Fries From Sp Lunch As Good
"This user stated that Agi's is solid but S&P's crispy bread hits harder. They later recommended S&P's, noting the cheese pull and better chips, and suggested it might be more enjoyable than Agi's if one isn't a huge tuna fan."
PositiveFrom post: Recs For Last Restaurant To Visit Before I Move
"The commenter suggests S&P for a quick bite, implying it's a good option for a fast and potentially satisfying meal."
PositiveFrom post: Tuna Melt And French Fries From Sp Lunch As Good
"This user commented that Agi's is legit but S&P's crispy bread is superior. They later added that S&P achieves a golden-brown exterior without drying out the inside, which is a key trick many places fail at."
Positive