The 2nd Ave Deli is exactly what you hope for when you walk into a classic Jewish deli in Manhattan. From the moment you sit down, it feels nostalgic in the best way, like stepping into a piece of New York City history that instantly brings back childhood memories.
The matzo ball soup was everything it should be: comforting, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Especially in the winter, it’s the perfect bowl to warm you up and remind you why places like this are so special. The pickles were excellent, the frankfurter was spot-on, and the challah was fresh and delicious. The sandwiches were massive and packed with meat, so generous that we had to take some home because there was just so much good food.
The staff was extremely friendly and attentive, and the whole experience felt relaxed and welcoming, exactly like the kind of local, family-style spot you’d expect from a true NYC deli.
If you’re looking for an authentic New York deli experience with incredible comfort food and a lot of heart, the 2nd Ave Deli absolutely delivers.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
G A
We ordered a pastrami sandwich, matzoh ball soup (with noodles), and potato kugel. All were good, but not amazing. I grew up eating at a lot of kosher delis on Long Island, and had thought this would be a notch above them all. Not the case, but it is a solid choice should you crave a good matzoh ball soup or pastrami sandwich. Restaurant itself is clean, but could use a refresh, and the service was fine. Overall, a positive experience.
Ann Graham
So disappointed with my pastrami sandwich today. Just ate here, inside at a table just 3 days ago with a male friend and it was so good I decided to go back, but today I went through the takeout line. Maybe they took advantage as I was a female by myself this time but I got a sandwich with meat so tough that I don’t know when I’ll be back. Single female buyers beware.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 3
Dawn \u0026 Andy
Sad. Historically, one of the classic Jewish delis of NYC. Surprising to be completely ignored by the greet staff when I walked in (but this is NY). Annoying to be given such a hard time by the same staff when I tried to pay with my Apple Card or Apple Pay (which they don’t accept). But hostile staff in a run down restaurant is worth it for great food. Too bad the matzoh ball soup and latke were meh.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 2
Madeline Reed
This is the best place to get hot pastrami. Incredible.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Matthew Garcia
Best pastrami on rye in the city.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lisa Hill
Wonderful pastrami sandwiches and Chicken in a Pot. We come here every time I have an appointment at HSS up the street.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ricky Wyatt
Disappointingly average. Had wanted to go here for a while but the food was distinctly average and incredibly expensive. I had the soup and half sandwich at an eye-watering $25. The soup (Jewish penicillin with noodles) was bland and the smoked turkey sandwich used shop-bought turkey slices. Asked if I wanted lettuce and tomato, which I assumed would be included, but was charged $2 for the 'privilege'. Nice service, but wouldn't come again due to obscene pricing vs. quality ratio.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 5
Angela A
When ordering delivery through the restaurant website there is no way to add a tip for the delivery driver. They outsource delivery to Door Dash but if you didn't order through the Door Dash app, there is no way to tip the delivery person using the same electronic payment method as was used for the rest of the order. Apparently they expect you to tip in cash upon receipt. Would've been nice to know all of that before placing an order with the intention of having the order dropped at THE DOOR. They shouldn't even have the option for no contact delivery because it's very easy to mistakenly think that the delivery tip was included in the delivery and service fees when no tip option is available when ordering throught the website
Simply the best! Went with my family and enjoyed everything! Thank you!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Andrés Berl
Jewish deli with all the traditional stuff. Is on first Avenue, contrary to its name.
Recommended dishes: Corned Beef Sandwich and Pastrami Sandwich, Stuffed Cabbage
gennaro f
Terrible service. Waited 15 minutes at the bar Server just ran past me a few times and never took my order. I won’t be coming back.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
d r
Went for a pastrami sandwich, asked for fatty, saw afterwards the check said fatty, but pastrami wasn’t fatty. Even worse I’m pretty sure it’s sliced in the morning then left in the refrigerator where the air dries out the meat. Interestingly, the pastrami in the cold case up front was perfectly marbled with fat. Should have made a fuss, but I didn’t. Katz’s is still king.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 4
Efri Dowek
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 2nd Ave Deli – The Best Jewish Deli on the Upper East Side (NYC Classic!)
If Curb Your Enthusiasm and Seinfeld had a baby and raised it on matzo ball soup, it would grow up to be 2nd Ave Deli. This is old-school New York Jewish comfort food at its best — no gimmicks, no influencers, just real deli magic served with that signature NYC attitude.
The pastrami sandwich is legendary — thick-cut, smoky, and perfectly juicy. The matzo ball soup (aka Jewish penicillin) hits the soul like a warm hug from your Bubbe. Add in the stuffed cabbage, chopped liver, and those house pickles and cole slaw that hit the table before you even order — it’s a full-on deli dream.
This Upper East Side NYC deli is where I come when I want that real New York experience without waiting in line at Katz’s. You actually get to sit down, relax, and have an authentic Jewish deli meal that makes you laugh, reminisce, and maybe question your cholesterol.
Every bite feels like home — salty, funny, and perfectly New York. If you’re looking for the best pastrami sandwich, matzo ball soup, or Jewish comfort food in NYC, 2nd Ave Deli is the spot. 🥣🥪🗽
Everything is good
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The 2nd Ave Deli is exactly what you hope for when you walk into a classic Jewish deli in Manhattan. From the moment you sit down, it feels nostalgic in the best way, like stepping into a piece of New York City history that instantly brings back childhood memories.
The matzo ball soup was everything it should be: comforting, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Especially in the winter, it’s the perfect bowl to warm you up and remind you why places like this are so special. The pickles were excellent, the frankfurter was spot-on, and the challah was fresh and delicious. The sandwiches were massive and packed with meat, so generous that we had to take some home because there was just so much good food.
The staff was extremely friendly and attentive, and the whole experience felt relaxed and welcoming, exactly like the kind of local, family-style spot you’d expect from a true NYC deli.
If you’re looking for an authentic New York deli experience with incredible comfort food and a lot of heart, the 2nd Ave Deli absolutely delivers.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We ordered a pastrami sandwich, matzoh ball soup (with noodles), and potato kugel. All were good, but not amazing. I grew up eating at a lot of kosher delis on Long Island, and had thought this would be a notch above them all. Not the case, but it is a solid choice should you crave a good matzoh ball soup or pastrami sandwich. Restaurant itself is clean, but could use a refresh, and the service was fine. Overall, a positive experience.
So disappointed with my pastrami sandwich today. Just ate here, inside at a table just 3 days ago with a male friend and it was so good I decided to go back, but today I went through the takeout line. Maybe they took advantage as I was a female by myself this time but I got a sandwich with meat so tough that I don’t know when I’ll be back. Single female buyers beware.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 3
Sad. Historically, one of the classic Jewish delis of NYC. Surprising to be completely ignored by the greet staff when I walked in (but this is NY). Annoying to be given such a hard time by the same staff when I tried to pay with my Apple Card or Apple Pay (which they don’t accept). But hostile staff in a run down restaurant is worth it for great food. Too bad the matzoh ball soup and latke were meh.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 2
This is the best place to get hot pastrami. Incredible.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best pastrami on rye in the city.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Wonderful pastrami sandwiches and Chicken in a Pot. We come here every time I have an appointment at HSS up the street.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Disappointingly average. Had wanted to go here for a while but the food was distinctly average and incredibly expensive. I had the soup and half sandwich at an eye-watering $25. The soup (Jewish penicillin with noodles) was bland and the smoked turkey sandwich used shop-bought turkey slices. Asked if I wanted lettuce and tomato, which I assumed would be included, but was charged $2 for the 'privilege'. Nice service, but wouldn't come again due to obscene pricing vs. quality ratio.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 5
When ordering delivery through the restaurant website there is no way to add a tip for the delivery driver. They outsource delivery to Door Dash but if you didn't order through the Door Dash app, there is no way to tip the delivery person using the same electronic payment method as was used for the rest of the order. Apparently they expect you to tip in cash upon receipt. Would've been nice to know all of that before placing an order with the intention of having the order dropped at THE DOOR. They shouldn't even have the option for no contact delivery because it's very easy to mistakenly think that the delivery tip was included in the delivery and service fees when no tip option is available when ordering throught the website
Food: 5
Service: 1
Restaurantji Recommends
Simply the best! Went with my family and enjoyed everything! Thank you!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jewish deli with all the traditional stuff.
Is on first Avenue, contrary to its name.
Recommended dishes: Corned Beef Sandwich and Pastrami Sandwich, Stuffed Cabbage
Terrible service. Waited 15 minutes at the bar Server just ran past me a few times and never took my order. I won’t be coming back.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Went for a pastrami sandwich, asked for fatty, saw afterwards the check said fatty, but pastrami wasn’t fatty. Even worse I’m pretty sure it’s sliced in the morning then left in the refrigerator where the air dries out the meat. Interestingly, the pastrami in the cold case up front was perfectly marbled with fat. Should have made a fuss, but I didn’t. Katz’s is still king.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 4
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
2nd Ave Deli – The Best Jewish Deli on the Upper East Side (NYC Classic!)
If Curb Your Enthusiasm and Seinfeld had a baby and raised it on matzo ball soup, it would grow up to be 2nd Ave Deli. This is old-school New York Jewish comfort food at its best — no gimmicks, no influencers, just real deli magic served with that signature NYC attitude.
The pastrami sandwich is legendary — thick-cut, smoky, and perfectly juicy. The matzo ball soup (aka Jewish penicillin) hits the soul like a warm hug from your Bubbe. Add in the stuffed cabbage, chopped liver, and those house pickles and cole slaw that hit the table before you even order — it’s a full-on deli dream.
This Upper East Side NYC deli is where I come when I want that real New York experience without waiting in line at Katz’s. You actually get to sit down, relax, and have an authentic Jewish deli meal that makes you laugh, reminisce, and maybe question your cholesterol.
Every bite feels like home — salty, funny, and perfectly New York.
If you’re looking for the best pastrami sandwich, matzo ball soup, or Jewish comfort food in NYC, 2nd Ave Deli is the spot. 🥣🥪🗽
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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