1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. New York City Travel

2nd Ave Deli: Restaurant Review

About.com Rating 4.5

By Heather Cross, About.com

2nd Avenue Deli

2nd Avenue Deli

Dan Cross
The Bottom Line
Although it's no longer located on Second Avenue, the 2nd Ave Deli has re-opened on 33rd Street and they continue their long-standing tradition of serving delicious corned beef, knishes and homemade soups. They are certainly one of New York City's best delis and they're even Kosher.

More: New York City's Best Delis

Pros
  • Family-friendly atmosphere
  • Generous portions
  • Convenient to visitors in Midtown
  • Kosher restaurant
Cons
  • You might have to wait at peak times
  • Bill might seem high for just eating sandwiches
Description
  • 2nd Ave Deli Address: 162 East 33rd Street
  • Subways to 2nd Ave Deli: 6 to 33rd Street
  • 2nd Ave Deli Cross Streets: Lexington/3rd Avenue
  • 2nd Ave Deli Accepts: All Major Credit Cards
  • 2nd Ave Deli Hours: 6 a.m. - midnight daily
  • 2nd Ave Deli serves breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • 2nd Ave Deli Phone: 212-689-9000
  • Remember that 2nd Ave Deli is Kosher -- no Swiss cheese on your sandwich, no chocolate egg creams and no milk in your coffee.
Guide Review - 2nd Ave Deli: Restaurant Review
It's nice to realize that some things don't change. While waiting for a table at the new 2nd Ave Deli, our daughter was offered a bit of corned beef and some pickles to keep her satiated until a table was available, and then someone came through with bread spread with 2nd Ave Deli's famous chopped liver to keep the adults happy.

As soon as we were seated at 2nd Ave Deli our waiter brought us a dish of pickles (full & half sours, as well as a pickled tomato) and a bowl of cabbage salad to munch on while we decided what to order.

The menu can be a bit overwhelming, but you can't go wrong with the soup and half-sandwich combo ($14.95). I am always torn between the matzo ball and the mushroom barley soup (soups $6.95), but I try to convince someone who's dining with me to try the other so we can share. If you've got the appetite, you might also want to start your meal with a knish ($4.95) or some chopped liver ($9.95).

2nd Ave Deli is most famous for its corned beef and tongue, but all of its sandwiches are delicious and served plain on rye bread (though you can request your sandwich to be prepared as you like.) Just add a bit of mustard and enjoy.

They offer a variety of desserts on their menu, but I'm always too full to even try them. The waiter arrives with shot glasses of chocolate soda and foil to wrap up any leftovers, so don't worry if you've over ordered.

User Reviews Write Review
Explore New York City Travel
About.com Special Features

Find travel inspiration and get the best tips and reviews for your next getaway. More >

The best times to visit East and Southern Africa. More >

  1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. New York City Travel
  4. Where To Eat in NYC
  5. Restaurant Reviews
  6. 2nd Ave Deli Restaurant Review>

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.