Monday, April 8, 2013

Ben's Kosher Delicatessen Restaurants & Caterers


209 W 38th St
New York, NY 10018
(212) 398-2367

I've passed by this place so many times when I'm fabric shopping that it was high time that I checked them out. They also participate in the AAdvantage Dining Program and that was also a motivation (plus that fact that I was starving since breakfast was just a cup of coffee). Was intimidated at first upon entering as it appears a large place but I didn't have time to sit down for a long drawn out lunch and opted to grab something to go from the take out/ sandwich counter on the left.

Place is more cozier than Katz's Delicatessen downtown and the counter guy was very nice and patient (and cute!). I opted to try their kasha knish with a Dr. Brown's Cherry Soda. The knish is as big as a baby's head and seemed to weigh as much! VERY filling and the yellow deli mustard that was packed with it added the right zing. Everything in a traditional Jewish Deli seems big. The sandwiches are large enough to qualify as lunch AND dinner! Going back next time for hot pastrami on rye.
There's a $10 minimum for credit cards.

Old Jewish Delis are a part of New York's history and definitely worth checking out as they are slowly vanishing due to rising rent and the muscling in of chain franchises and luxury condominiums.

Update 4/24/13:




The Hot Pastrami on Rye wasn't bad but it wasn't the mile high abundance that you would get at Katz's Delicatessen or Stage. The sandwich was of average size but for the price of $12.95, you'd expect double the amount of meat. Had the sandwich to go and here's what you get with it: a container of deli mustard, a container of thousand island dressing, and two pickles: one kosher dill and one sour.

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