Katz's Delicatessen

You know it, you love it, we might as well post on it here. Katz's. Way back before the Food Network, etc., brought every tourist to your local "Best __ Sandwich" spot via their food porn, every slack jawed yokel knew a visit to Katz's for historic pastrami was in order. It has always been known.

And so, it remains. If you are looking to spend $16 on a sandwich, this is one way to do it. And the truth is, what you are paying for is not just a pile of brined meat, but the experience of dining in an institution and one heavily reliant on nostalgia. I consistently find myself grinning and satisfied when I'm there. Just don't lose your ticket or act the rube.
As far as I've found, what you order at Katz's is the pastrami. When your personal slicer offers a sample, take, eat, nod in approval and then tip the man. Mustard on rye with the half-sour pickles is how I do. It is a monster pile of meat and overflows with saltiness and umami. Splitting one is reasonable. Finishing one will force you to waddle out the door. Only once did I eat one and then go eating more, but I was drunk and with a large, hungry man who had never tried a halal kart.

Also, via some food writing that is now several years old, I had read that the hot dog here is fantastic. Not so. At least the skin popped a bit with the first bite, but the bun and all else is mediocre. Save your, hopefully, limited hot dog dining for one of the variety of other spots that focus on the dog as a specialty.

Just to note, fries are big thick steak-cut and potato salad is super-mayonnaisey. Brisket is much fattier than the pastrami, as it should be. Also, you can get Cel-ray soda here. If you have ever gotten one of their copyrighted-slogan salamis, let me know how that shit be.

Info: Open everyday. Fri and Sat until 2:45 AM.

Eisenberg's Sandwich

How many Jewish-American delis are there in NY? What would you say - 300? 400? Eisenberg's is an old and trusted one - dating from the early 20th century and stationed right next to the Flatiron Building and Madison Sq. Park. And it absolutely has it's share of boosters and adherents. I rank it with a meh-y shoulder shrug. It's fine, just fine. Not at all amazing. But you know, if you are in the neighborhood and need something, it will do.

On a recent visit, Stan and I got a Chicken Salad with Bacon and a Brisket. The chicken salad was the better of the two, but still lacking. Compared with a delicious chicken salad club I had at Lexington Ave Candy Shop several weeks ago, this thing was way overpriced, small and bland. The brisket I found dry, overcooked and, compared to places like Katz' or David's Brisket, totally underwhelming. During other visits, the egg salad with bacon has left me smiling but slightly unsatisfied. So, basically you have $10 versions of all the classic NY deli sandwiches, done small but serviceable. Surely, if you need lunch in the area, this is a suitable option and certainly better than you're run-of-the-mill quick bite. But if what you are craving is a ___-salad sandwich in a soda fountain/deli atmosphere, you can do better.

Info: 174 5th Ave., Closes early on weekends.

Grubby: David's Brisket House

Imagine, if you will, Katz's delicious pastrami or brisket sandwich piled high before you. Now, remember the $15 you handed over for this figmental grub. Your cheeks are burning with indignation, aren't they? How dare they take advantage of your taste buds like that.

What if I told you, that there exists a similarly delicious sandwich of comparable quality and it will only cost you $5. Incredulous? To Bedstuy I say! To David's! Brined beef for one and all!

David's Brisket House - right in the thick of it at Fulton and Nostrand (See A & A Bake and Doubles next). I know nothing about this place other than it is great and cheap.

I recently visited after gobbling down a doubles (next post) and enjoying a spicy ginger beer. A brisket sandwich was just what I needed for satiation. David's lived up to its somewhat minimal reputation.

Warm and juicy brisket. Rye bread that was actually the fluffiest and freshest I've had in NY (or ever maybe). Tri-pickle spears twisted in tissue - yes sir. Meat fairly fatty and therefore greasy - you'll love it. Gotta get pastrami next.

Info: Closed for shabbat I believe. Nostrand south of Fulton.