"Loved the matzoh ball soup, the classic pastrami sandwich and the coleslaw."
"Excellent matzoh ball soup. Broth was very flavorful and matzoh ball was soft and fluffy, as it should be."
"The pastrami sandwich came with a generous portion of pastrami, which was juicy and flavorful."
"The home cured corned beef was fatty juicy and Simply Delicious."
"Pastrami was extremely juicy and fresh."
Cons:
"The worst food that I ever seen for unbelievable pricing!"
"Hot pastrami sandwich was awful. The meat was dry and the flavor was average."
"Made the effort to walk from west side to east 75street only to find out they no longer had turkey pastrami... he then became loud and hostile... very upsetting experience."
"It was cold, stale, meat had an unusually strong taste and I couldn’t finish it."
"The brisket was drier than the pastrami."
"The corn beef was stringy...pastrami underwhelming."
"Pastrami - seemed like a one trick pony, relying purely on hot fat to make it palatable."
Service
Pros:
"Good service overall, we had no complaints."
"The server was great, and very attentive."
"I placed a large order for delivery from 2nd avenue deli and could not have been happier with the service I received."
"Service was impeccable and really good."
"Waitress was a jewel and everyone was friendly."
"Aside from the amazing food, the service and atmosphere of this place is also incredible."
"The service was superb."
Cons:
"The staff had no interest in providing even basic customer service."
"Service can be improved."
"When I requested mayo, I was provided a container that came from another customer’s table."
"Worse meal I’ve ever had, been going there since I was a kid will never go back there."
"Service was good but there was only one other customer. I use to love the original 2nd ave Deli. This new version is the equivalent of an average diner."
"Waitress was rude and in the end she threw my check at me."
"Service was extremely slow and the servers were very abrupt, not pleasant to deal with."
Price
Pros:
"Corned beef sandwich and a pint of matzoh ball soup came out to $36 but was honestly worth it."
"The prices are not cheap but the quantity and quality are great."
"The prices are moderately expensive but there isn't any place in the neighborhood like it. The food makes up for the extra bucks."
"Pastrami sandwich on rye is a whopping $25.95. Yes but well worth it, and the pickles are free and super great."
"We finally leaned how to order the pastrami (extra lean) the way we were used to having it in Buenos Aires, with the added benefit that this is kosher."
"The prices are insanely high, however, so be prepared for some serious sticker shock."
"The prices mean this place is no longer the bargain it was back when Aunt Zadie and Bubbie went here on dates in the 1950s."
"The prices'll bankrupt you."
"Not great, food is overpriced and the manager is rude. They used to be amazing before they sold out to only make as much money as possible."
"Just wish it was a larger portion as it's not exactly cheap."
"Seriously, $22 for a basic sandwich that comes with nothing."
Ambiance
Pros:
"You might just fall in love with the food, the old style building, and the very personable staff!"
"Every time someone comes to NYC, I make sure they experience 2nd avenue."
"An authentic slice of old New York kosher Jewish deli culture."
"This place has an old New York charm to it."
"Classic NY Jewish Deli experience."
"Great place with two locations (neither on 2nd Ave)."
"The atmosphere is casual, but the food is more refined than your typical Jewish deli."
Cons:
"Coming here for the second time was 'disappointment squared'."
"Very strange place that I would not return to. Prices are so high for a rundown sandwich and deli meat."
"Both our meals seemed kind of basic and cheap. I feel that the only thing you're paying for here is nostalgia."
"Despite its historic roots, it is too new to feel old and therefore just seems a bit dingy."
"Some sanitary concerns."
"Everyone in the restaurant seemed confused and disorganized."
"Please do not support this business. The owners of 2nd Ave Deli own the building at 642 E 14th Street. All of the tenants were forced to vacate their homes with no notice on Tuesday due to structural damage from the construction next door."
Vegetarian Options
Pros:
"Great food, nice staff need more vegetarian soup options."
Cons:
"I am a vegetarian, and it was pretty tough for me to choose something."
"Everything on the menu is made with tongue, or some sort of red meat... Yuck."