Best Pastrami on rye in New York City

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While primarily a BBQ joint, their wood-smoked pastrami is considered by many to be the best "modern" version in the city, blending Jewish deli spices with Texas low-and-slow smoking techniques. — Red Hook (Brooklyn)

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Opening hour on a weekday; weekend pastrami sells out fast.

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$$$

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A small, high-quality operation that gained global fame as the favorite pastrami spot of Anthony Bourdain; their pastrami is known for being exceptionally tender and heavily seasoned with a distinct black pepper crust. — Upper East Side

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Late lunch.

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Since 1953, this has been the last remaining Jewish deli in the Bronx; it is a time capsule of post-war New York, serving traditional kosher pastrami that has changed very little in 70 years. — Riverdale (Bronx)

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Sunday lunch.

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One of the last remaining 24-hour diners in Manhattan, Sarge's cures their own meats on-site; their pastrami is classic, old-school, and served in a nostalgic booth-lined setting that feels frozen in the 1960s. — Murray Hill

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Any time—they are open 24/7.

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$$$

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Known as "The Sturgeon King," this legendary appetizing shop also serves a world-class hot pastrami sandwich that is among the city's most soulful, though often overlooked in favor of their fish. — Upper West Side

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Weekday breakfast or early lunch.

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The undisputed king of New York pastrami since 1888; their brisket is cured for 30 days and hand-carved to order by legendary "cutters." The result is a thick, juicy sandwich that is the city’s single most iconic meal. Don't lose your ticket given at the entrance. — Lower East Side

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Weekday mid-afternoon (15:00) to avoid the legendary queue.

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While famous for the cake, locals know Junior's as a reliable destination for classic, high-quality pastrami and brisket sandwiches in a high-volume, festive Brooklyn atmosphere. — Downtown Brooklyn

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Afternoon.

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An ultra-traditional Hasidic deli that serves some of the most authentic, soulful kosher pastrami in the city; the atmosphere is quiet, respectful, and deeply rooted in the local community’s customs. — Williamsburg (Brooklyn)

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Weekday mid-day; closed on Shabbat.

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Occupying the space of the legendary Eisenberg's Sandwich Shop, S&P has preserved the 1920s lunch counter vibe while elevating the pastrami to elite levels; it is the best place to eat a pastrami sandwich at a historic counter. — Flatiron

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11:30 before the Flatiron lunch crowd.

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A relatively new entrant that has quickly gained a reputation for high-quality, hand-cut pastrami in the industrial heart of Sunset Park; it is a vital option for those visiting Brooklyn’s waterfront. — Sunset Park (Brooklyn)

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Lunch.

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A reliable, high-volume kosher deli that serves consistent, high-quality pastrami to the theater-district crowds; it is the best "safe" option for a classic deli experience in the heart of Manhattan. — Midtown

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Lunch before a Broadway show.

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A unique neighborhood gem run by a Muslim family that produces some of the city's best Jewish-style pastrami and brisket; the portions are enormous, and the pastrami is prized for its high fat content. — Bed-Stuy (Brooklyn)

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Mid-day.

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A certified glatt kosher institution that moved from its namesake avenue but kept its world-class standards; it is famous for its fatty, perfectly spiced pastrami and its traditional, no-nonsense Jewish deli atmosphere. — Midtown East

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Lunch on a weekday.

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A "new-school" Jewish deli founded by brothers from the Upper West Side; the pastrami is expertly hand-cut and lean but exceptionally flavorful, serving a younger, Brooklyn-based crowd. — Greenpoint (Brooklyn)

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Weekday lunch.

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A legendary neighborhood spot that remains the heart of its South Brooklyn community; the pastrami is cut thick and served in a dining room that feels like a private club for local regulars. — Mill Basin (Brooklyn)

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Sunday dinner.

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A refined, old-school Upper East Side staple that serves exceptionally lean and flavorful pastrami; it is a favorite for locals who want the deli experience without the chaotic crowds of Katz's. — Upper East Side

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Weekday lunch.

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$$$

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