Steve S.
Yelp
Disclaimers... I had been here years ago, just hadn't been back in recent years. Reason I hadn't been back here is that I discovered that I really like Hymie's. I am a Hymie's fan for sure. But, being up in this area recently, I actually thought to myself that I couldn't say for sure whether Hymie's was truly better unless I gave Murray's another shot. Plus, I really wanted to Yelp the place, and I couldn't do it properly without a recent visit. Yet another way that Yelp influences my dining choices. So for once, and in the interest of fairness, I bypassed Hymie's one time for Murray's.
I went there at 6:15 pm on a Thursday, and it was empty. Well, maybe the usual dinner crowd was later arriving. A couple of people did come in after 6:30, but again no problem getting a seat or quick service. The matzoh ball soup was simply two matzoh balls in broth. No additional ingredients. It tasted nice, but not special. The turkey special was piled nice and high with some decently sliced turkey and the usual dressing and cole slaw. The scoop of potato salad it came with wasn't bad. But neither item had any special flavor. It was good, it was filling, but I didn't have any "Oh wow" feeling to what I ate. I hate to say this, but I can go to Hymie's and get fresher turkey on my sandwich.
Maybe the biggest sin of them all... the pickle that came with it was subpar at best. To be fair, I'm not a pickle guy in general. But I do know the difference between a good pickle and a not so good one. This one was nothing much to write home about, soggy with little flavor or crunch. Jewish delis are known for good pickles. It's part of the experience. When the competition across the street is giving you much better pickle choices (on a serve yourself pickle bar to boot) perhaps you should be willing to upgrade your product in this area. This may be a small thing to many, but I consider that a noticeable slip that is a general indicator of a lack of concern about your quality. Even worse, it tells me that the management of Murray's just doesn't give a damn.
You know what, when it really comes down to it, it is just not a fair comparison. Hymie's just does so much more for the dining experience in general that Murray's is just over matched. Hymie's is more spacious, the decor is more pleasing, they have the pickle bar, they have a more expansive menu that's more pleasing to the eye, the deli and bakery are far more stocked, and in general the food seems to taste fresher at Hymie's.
I'm sorry to write part of my review here on how good Hymie's is compared to Murray's, but when you are located within a block of each other, you have to expect such comparisons, and you really must raise your game just to compete. It is clear to me that Murray's is unwilling to raise their game and that is a shame because they do some good things.
I mean, every time I'm up here, it just seems that Hymie's is more crowded, and it seems that more people are reviewing Hymie's here than Murray's. That should tell you something.
I gave you another chance, Murray's. But I can honestly say it was your last chance with me. Why would I come here when I can do better within a block?