Delis & Sandwiches
The Jewish deli is the original New York food and still the city's best emotional anchor. Katz's is the obvious one. The pastrami is worth the line and the ticket-stub system. Further afield, Defonte's in Red Hook is the Italian-American hero; Brennan & Carr in Sheepshead Bay is the dipped roast beef sandwich (don't skip the cup of jus); Casa Della Mozzarella on Arthur Avenue is the Bronx in sandwich form; Sahadi's on Atlantic Ave for the Middle Eastern angle.
Katz's Delicatessen
Katz's has been on the same corner since 1888. The pastrami is hand-cut. The rye is plain. The ticket-stub system is non-negotiable. Lose the ticket, pay a fine. The counter is faster than table service and the cutter will slip you a sample. Still the best pastrami sandwich in the city.
Must order: Pastrami on rye with mustard, A Dr. Brown's cream soda, A potato knish if you can fit it
Defonte's Sandwich Shop
Defonte's has been in Red Hook since 1922. The sandwiches are heroes. The Nicky Special is the one to start with: capicola, prosciutto, mozzarella, fried eggplant. There is no real seating. Order at the counter and take it to the water. The price is half what a similar sandwich costs anywhere else in the city.
Must order: The Nicky Special, Roast beef au jus, Eggplant parm hero
Brennan & Carr
Iconic 1930s-era restaurant famous for its hot roast beef sandwiches bathed in broth.
Casa Della Mozzarella
Old-school nook specializing in Italian deli fare, cold cuts, olive oil & housemade mozzarella.
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