2nd Ave Deli- $19.95. Even at its current non–Second Avenue address, this mantle holder oozes authenticity, with sass to spare and pastrami nonpareil.
Ben’s Best, $16.95. This place has been serving Rego Park in Queens since 1945.
Ben's Kosher Restaurant and Delicatessen, $13.99. Just south of Times Square, Ben’s dishes out good-value deli classics in its spacious dining room.
Eisenberg’s Sandwich Shop, $12. It may be better known for its tuna fish, but this 1929 Flatiron entry is the NYC exemplar of a traditional luncheonette.
Frankel’s Delicatessen, $14.95. A pair of young bucks in Greenpoint have created an ode to the legendary appetizing shops of the Upper West Side.
Harry & Ida’s Meat and Supply Co., $17.50. Newish place in the East Village, though with some pedigree (the owners’ great grandparents had an NYC deli); the sandwich is adorned with dill and cucumber. Heresy can be good.
Katz’s Delicatessen, $19.95. Superpopular, and more than 100 years old, Katz’s might be Carnegie’s equal in terms of bustle and celebrity photos.
Liebman’s Kosher Deli, $14.45. This Bronx standby is convenient for outings to Wave Hill or Van Cortlandt Park, and worth it even if not combined with a scenic adventure.
Mile End, $15. Take your complaints that this “smoked meat” isn’t pastrami elsewhere (perhaps the Canadian Consulate).
Pastrami Queen, $15.95. Everything is kosher at this Upper East Side locale, known for piling high its thick-cut deli meat.
Sarge’s Delicatessen and Restaurant, $16.95. An unassuming spot in Murray Hill where you can get a reasonably priced sandwich.
*All prices given for a basic pastrami on rye, or the closest you can get to such an order.