Hopefully you’ve already eaten a slice of what I think is the best pastrami in the country at the Granary in San Antonio. Maybe you’re looking for some alternatives that are almost as good, and there are plenty. Over the last few months I’ve been traveling to snuff out great pastrami leads. There are some avant-garde options out there, and pastrami beef ribs are an up-and-coming trend, but here are some of my favorite sliced beef pastramis in America. Some are from the belly, and some are brisket, and a few don’t call themselves pastrami at all. Those labeled as “smoked meat” trace their lineage to Montreal’s version of pastrami. They’re all worth a visit, but please get to San Antonio and try my favorite at the Granary so you can either be enlightened, or at least informed enough for a social media argument.
TEXAS
Cattleack Barbecue, Dallas – Brisket Pastrami
Kenny & Ziggy’s Deli, Houston – Pastrami on Rye
*Closest You’ll Get to NYC in Texas
Pieous, Austin – Brisket Pastrami Platter
Romanouska’s Craft Deli, Austin – Romanouska’s Reuben (Pastrami & Corned Beef)
NEW YORK
2nd Avenue Deli, Manhattan – Pastrami on Rye
David’s Brisket House, Brooklyn – Pastrami on Rye
Dickson’s Farmstand Meats, Manhattan – Pastrami w/ Apricot Chutney and Cheddar
*Best New School Pastrami Sandwich
Harry & Ida’s, Manhattan – Pops Pastrami
*Most Like Texas Barbecue Outside Texas
Hobby’s Delicatessen, New Jersey – #5 Pastrami and Corned Beef w/ Cole Slaw and Russian Dressing
Katz’s Delicatessen, Manhattan – Pastrami on Rye
*The OG is anything but a Tourist Trap
Lambs Club, Manhattan – Pastrami on Toasted Rye
Liebman’s Delicatessen, The Bronx – Pastrami on Rye
*Hidden Gem
Mile End, Brooklyn & Manhattan – Smoked Meat on Rye
*Might Even be the Best Smoked Meat in Canada
Pastrami Queen, Manhattan – Pastrami on Rye
*Most Underrated
ELSEWHERE
Cochon Butcher, New Orleans – Pastrami w/ Sauerkraut on Grilled Rye
Fumaré Meats, Chicago – Smoked Meat on Rye
Green Street Smoked Meats, Chicago – Pastrami
Kenny & Zuke’s Delicatessen, Portland – Pastrami Reuben
Langer’s Delicatessen, Los Angeles – #19 Pastrami, Slaw, Russian Dressing, and Swiss Cheese on Rye
*Best Bread
Wexler’s Deli, Los Angeles – Pastrami on Rye
*Best in the West
