What I wrote thereFold it away
1442 First Avenue (at 75th Street), Upper East Side. The original 2nd Ave Deli was on Second Avenue in the East Village (hence the name) before it moved uptown after a rent dispute. Some purists are still upset about this. The pastrami didn’t change addresses with any less flavor, so I’ve moved on.
The pastrami here ($29) is probably as good as Katz’s, just different. It’s a little leaner, a little more peppery, and the rye bread is excellent. But where 2nd Ave Deli really shines is everything else. The matzo ball soup ($10 cup / $16 bowl) is the best in the city. I’m not starting a fight about this, I’m just stating a fact. The matzo ball is fluffy, the broth is golden and deeply savory.
It’s also a much calmer experience than Katz’s. No ticket system, no chaos, just a regular restaurant where you sit down, order, and eat. If you want the deli experience without the tourist gauntlet, this is the move.
- Cost$29
- Address1442 First Avenue (at 75th Street)
- From my guide, published June 2026.