2nd Avenue Deli (3rd Ave) – Restaurant

Pastrami first, everything else after. The Midtown East room sits on 33rd Street between Lexington and Third, and the kitchen cures its own corned beef and tongue rather than buying them in. Triple deckers are ordered by number. Around them: gefilte fish, matzoh ball soup with kreplach dropped in, franks and knishes, kasha varnishkes, egg barley, cholent, a pastrami burger, challah French toast, and the Instant Heart Attack sandwich, which is exactly as advertised. Dr. Brown's soda on the side, obviously. Kosher, walk-ins only, open daily from late morning to evening. Order the pastrami, then defend your choice over lunch.

Cuisine: Restaurant