5 Best Jewish-Style Delis in America
I grew up going to Jewish-style delis with my father, a native New Yorker and connoisseur of corned beef, matzoh ball soup, and potato latkes. He was super picky and was a big believer in choosing quality over quantity. However, some diners prioritize massive sandwiches, huge plates of pickles, and big bowls of soup. No matter what your preference is, there are some Jewish delis that are considered institutions. Here are the 5 best Jewish-style delis in America.
Katz’s Delicatessen
Katz’s, established in 1888, is New York City’s oldest delicatessen. It’s also the most famous, and some consider it the best. Of all the meats, pastrami, which is cured for two to four weeks and smoked for two to three days, is considered the best and is sold by the pound or in a sandwich with your choice of condiments and toppings. “Katz’s has the best pastrami. Period. Full stop. There is none better in the city,” a New Yorker declared on Reddit.
Langer’s Deli
Langer’s Delicatessen, circa 1947, is the West Coast rival of Katz’s Deli in the pastrami wars. The No. 19 sandwich, with pastrami, coleslaw, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing on double-baked rye bread, is the crown jewel. “That pastrami just dissolves. It’s not overly salty. It’s balanced, the fattiness of it. That is absolute perfection,” says a TikToker.
Manny’s Cafeteria & Deli
I spent a few years in Chicago, where Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen is the Windy City’s deli champion. It is one of the last old-school Jewish delis in Chicago, with delicious deli fare and stacked sandwiches. The corned beef on rye is a must-order. “It’s so soft and tender. That’s like a blanket. It’s like your baby blanket. That’s just comfort,” says a YouTuber.
Canter’s Deli
Canter’s Deli was one of my favorite Los Angeles spots, and not just because of the classic matzo ball soup.The deli is a famous Fairfax gathering spot for late-night and early morning food. I spent many nights at the Kibitz Room, the kookiest deli dive bar in the country. “You can get a totally decent sandwich at 4:30am – 5 stars,” says a Redditor. “In all seriousness it’s always been more about the space, the location and the hours more then it has been about the food. There’s tons of better Deli in LA but Canters is always open and LA has always had poor late night options. I lived in the neighborhood maybe 1.5 miles down fairfax and it was a total staple. I think I’ve been twice in the 10 years since we moved and I used to go probably twice a week.” Another adds: “I’m a fan. Before I moved here, it was my first stop after I landed in Burbank. Is it amazing food? No, but it’s nostalgic and scratches the itch for that style of food. The bakery is great.”
Zingerman’s Delicatessen
Zingerman’s Delicatessen, a deli-slash-grocery store, is an Ann Arbor, Michigan institution. Zingerman’s makes one of the best Reuben sandwiches in the country. “Probably one of the best deli & sandwiches in the USA.. Eat a regular size & you will! be comatose.. amazing and a must try in your life,” writes a Google reviewer. “The baked goods looked phenomenal and i got the pumpernickel bread and it was so so hearty & delicious. best of the best. The $0.75 both pickles option is mandatory.”