Barney Greengrass

UWS -  Amsterdamn Ave between 86^th and 87^th 

Kosher Deli

Welcome to Barney Greengrass, put your name down, and wait.   At Barney’s the atmosphere will take you back to Sunday brunch with your grandparents.  Bagels, smoked fish, cream cheese, eggs, potato pancakes and blintzes; Barney Greengrass hits all the spots. 

Barney’s moved to the current location on 86^th Street and Amsterdam Ave in 1929, ironically coinciding with the start of The Great Depression, which explains the choice of wallpaper.  Barney’s has been going strong for over 100 years of business. Forging on through two World Wars, The Depression, Savings and Loan Crisis, and Dot-Com Bubble, Barney’s continues to flourish on the Upper West Side to put my wallet through The Great Sunday Recession. 

At Barney’s the premium lies in the quality salmon, sable, white fish and sturgeon, along with the history and atmosphere that come with your breakfast.  I highly recommend Barney’s Specialties.  Mainly, the Nova Scotia Salmon Scrambled with Eggs and Onions.  My advice: add cream cheese to the mix to bring it all together.  While it may go without saying, you can’t go wrong with the Nova Scotia Salmon platter for however many people you are with.  Pick your bagels, sip your coffee or fresh squeezed orange juice while anxiously awaiting a breakfast that will meet all expectations. 

If you’re in a rush, grab a dozen bagels, nova, cream cheese and some black and white cookies at the counter to go.  Gary Greengrass sits at the register on top of his Throne as if he’s Sasha Baron Cohen in Borat.  “King of the Castle, King of the Castle.” 

Just remember, cash is King at Barney Greengrass, and your only way to settle up. 

 

Katz's Delicatessen

LES – Corner of E. Houston St. and Ludlow St. 

Deli

Katz’s has been slicing and dicing New York City’s finest slabs of pastrami and corned beef between two pieces of rye bread since 1888.

If there is a line, I can promise you it’s more than worth the wait.  A historic landmark on New York’s Lower East Side, Katz’s runs the old fashion way. No, believe it or not, they don’t have an app that lets you pay seamlessly through your iPhone. Grab a ticket and make sure you hold onto it, or it will cost you $50 on the way out. 

As you approach the counter, remember to stick to the basics, pastrami and brown mustard on rye or a good ol’ Reuben are as good as it gets.  Katz’s goes through about 10,000 lbs of pastrami a week.  Just the tip… can go a long way.  The meat men are known to return the favor with a generous pastrami tasting while you wait to those who “take care of them.” 

Katz’s has served as the site of several Hollywood films. Best known for the filming of When Harry Met Sally as Meg Ryan’s fakes an orgasm to prove a point.  [Insert orgasmic pastrami joke here] I know, I know, that’s a layup... I’ll take the assist on this one; too easy.

Enjoy your mouthwatering pastrami with pickles and a refreshing Dr. Brown root beer or cream soda.  Just don’t forget to send a salami to your boy in the Army.

Sable's

UES – 2^rd Ave Between 77^th and 78^th

Deli

It’s Sunday morning, and that means the Sunday night anxiety monsters are only hours away from creeping into your brain. It’s going to be okay. Put down the zany-bar and go to Sable’s. Danny and Kenny Sze’s world-class smoked salmon joint should help buy you some time with peace of mind. If nothing else the taste will distract you from the reality; this time tomorrow morning you’ll be stick’n it to the man.

Owners Danny and Kenny Sze started Sable’s after managing Zabar’s for 12 years in the Appetizer Department. In other words, our boys graduated Magna Cum Lox from the University of Zabar’s, three times! Their quality smoked nova, and famous lobster salad are evidence that they took great notes.

Moving on… The deli is filled with character. Aside from the catering posters and salami hanging from the ceiling, the walls are decorated with Polaroid pictures of the owners with celebrity visitors such as Michael Jordan, Walt “Clyde” Frazier, Rodney Dangerfield, Cindy Crawford, and fellow foodie Anthony Bourdain, sprinkled in with some average Upper East side Joe’s to fill space.

The food is a little pricey but great quality take-out. Head back to your flat and become one with the couch. After all, you earned it this week, and you’re about to earn it all over again starting tomorrow.