Karen N
Google
If you have ever stepped foot in a real Manhattan deli, do yourself a favor and stay far away from Deli News. It is honestly baffling that this establishment still displays awards or high ratings. My recent visit was a masterclass in overpricing and culinary incompetence.
I ordered the tuna melt and what arrived was a disaster. In a real NY deli, rye bread comes from a massive, 18-inch oblong loaf. What I was served was a small, pathetic slice that was greasy and barely melted cheese. The tuna itself was a bland, mushy paste with no seasoning. At twenty dollars for a sandwich, you expect quality. Instead, I got that and a side of potato salad that tasted like flavorless mashed potatoes mixed with mayo. It completely lacked the chunky texture and vinegar tang that defines a legitimate New York side dish. To make matters worse, they do not even provide the standard complimentary pickles that are a basic requirement at any real NY deli.
The service was even worse than the kitchen. Our waiter claimed they were out of matzoh ball soup, yet I watched them deliver a bowl to a table that sat down after us. Despite the supposed shortage, they still had the nerve to leave the soup on our final bill. When my dining partner ordered a basic egg breakfast (2 eggs over easy, hash browns, a bagel, and bacon - 5.99 extra for 3 strips) the waiter didn't even ask what kind of bagel she wanted. In New York, the variety of the bagel is the whole point. What she received was a tiny, bland disappointment that looked like a plain Thomas' bagel from a grocery store.
The bacon was burned to a crisp and the hash browns were completely underwhelming and soft, no crisp edges. They are charging premium prices for food that feels like a cheap afterthought. Between the rushed service, the incorrect billing, and the greasy, tasteless food, this place is a total scam. Save your forty-plus dollars and go somewhere that actually respects the traditions of a New York deli.