Pastrami Queen

"Eating pastrami on rye from Pastrami Queen feels as quintessentially New York as hailing a cab on 5th Avenue or stepping in a puddle and screaming a synonym for sexual intercourse that starts with F as small children pass by. This kosher Jewish deli in the East 70s has been open since 1956, which should be obvious when you see the straightforward counter setup and the TV playing NY1 in the back. It's where you should go to get some of the finest pastrami sandwiches with pickles on the side. The sandwich you order will be simple: fatty pastrami on half-inch thick rye with a swipe of brown mustard in between. photo credit: Alex Staniloff photo credit: Alex Staniloff photo credit: Alex Staniloff If you're looking to watch whatever cable news segment is playing on TV while you wolf down a cup of matzo ball soup and a sandwich, there are a few metal tables decorated with bottles of ketchup and mustard. But if it's warm out, take your food to Central Park. That way you can sit in the grass for half an hour while you forget the monstrosities happening on your phone. Will there be a random saxophonist playing “Amazing Grace” on a bench? Will you cry? We hope, for your sake, the answer is yes. Food Rundown photo credit: Alex Staniloff Pastrami Sandwich The meat here tastes slightly leaner than what you'll find at Katz's, so if that's your preference, prioritize this pastrami sandwich over the one at that legendary downtown deli. Turkey Sandwich In the disheartening-but-understandable case that you aren't in the mood for pastrami, Pastrami Queen's cold, thick slices of turkey make for a perfect alternative. photo credit: Alex Staniloff Matzo Ball Soup Pastrami Queen's matzo ball comes with one big ball and plenty of noodles. Unsurprisingly, this is a very comforting thing to eat when you feel like a pail of compost inside." - Hannah Albertine

"Eating pastrami on rye from Pastrami Queen in Central Park is as quintessentially New York as hailing a cab on 5th Avenue or believing you’re more interesting than people from the Midwest. This Jewish deli in the East 70s has been open since 1956, and it’s where you should go to get excellent (but not overwhelmingly giant) sandwiches with snappy dill pickles on the side. Also, if you don’t want pastrami, the deli turkey here is extra cold, thinly-sliced, and delicious." - hannah albertine

"This shoebox of a location opened in 1998, a destination for one of the city’s best pastrami sandwiches, piled high, glowing pink, tasting strongly of its rub, and fatty enough for flavor, despite the extreme size of the sandwich. Don’t miss the potato pancakes, either." - Eater Staff

"This iconic UES deli is open for delivery and pick-up. You can call them at 212-734-1500 or place your order online. (You want extra pickles)." - hannah albertine, nikko duren, bryan kim, arden shore, matt tervooren

"Pastrami Queens opened in 1956 near the courthouse on Queens Boulevard in Kew Gardens, and 40 years later changed its name and departed for the Upper East Side. There right on Lexington Avenue, the small spot established a reputation for its overstuffed pastrami sandwiches, crisp potato pancakes with sour cream and applesauce, and chicken noodle soup. A more recent location has sprung up on the Upper West Side." - Eater Staff