Best Deli in NYC

[DavidMn]

I was out in NYC last march and had a chance to partake in both the Famous Carnegie Deli and Katz's. I tremendously enjoyed both, but I wanted to put it to the Ledge test. Which one is better? or are there some of you New York Ledgies that have other deli's that you prefer more?

[LukeA]

I love love love Jewish deli's. One of the main things I miss from growing up on Long Island is that there seemed to be a deli pretty much everywhere- certainly on every block in NYC. I seek them out wherever I move/travel to.

I used to spend tons of time in SoHo 15-20+ years ago, and I've been to Katz' more times than I could possibly count. Other great deli memories- the leisurely summer day spent walking from my aunt's apartment by Gracie Mansion through Central Park and over to Barney Greengrass, where had the best lox EVAR. And, of course, the time at Hello Deli (made famous from "Late Show w/ David Letterman") where I ran into Biff Henderson (the show's stage manager) buying a ton of fried chicken (the pastrami was eh!)

[UnwindedDreams]

Katz's is probably better than Carnegie but it's (Katz's) absolutely filthy. Stage Deli is also very good.

Katz's, I think is the most famous.

[louielouie2000]

I've not been to either, but Anthony Bourdain visited Katz on his show, and DAMN their sandwiches looked GOOD! Agreed, it did look old and dirty though... but that pretty much is NYC for you.

[LukeA]

Originally Posted by UnwindedDreams

Katz's is probably better than Carnegie but it's (Katz's) absolutely filthy.

Geez... its never been pristine or modern, but don't judge a book by its cover. There's a difference between worn/historic and decrepit/unsanitary- doesn't hurt to make that distinction.

[UnwindedDreams]

Originally Posted by LukeA

Geez... its never been pristine or modern, but don't judge a book by its cover. There's a difference between worn/historic and decrepit/unsanitary- doesn't hurt to make that distinction.

I had Katz's food before. I can't tell the difference between their food and Carnegie's. Katz's is worn/historic but it also seems unsanitary. Carnegie is nice and clean. I love the Woody Allen (Corned Beef and Pastrami).