Josh T.
Yelp
tldr: Get the Pastrami on a roll if you're expecting something to look like The Hat, maybe toast the roll, as well. The pastrami seems a little thicker than The Hat's, but I still love it.
I like to come here when I'm in the area, which isn't too often. If I remember correctly, I first had the breakfast burrito, then branched out to other things. Last time I was here, I had a hot pastrami. Now I'll be honest, here, my knowledge of a Pastrami is pretty much, The Hat. That's where I first had it, and I'll aways compare every pastrami I've had, to it. Mind you, I haven't been to a Hat location in close to 10 years. I'm overdue, yes.
When I first ordered the pastrami, I was disappointed. It wasn't at all what I expected, and again, I'll mention the Hat. They put it on a roll. However, apparently the "Traditional" way, is on Rye bread. So, this lessened my disappointment quite a bit, because I kinda felt like, "oh that's on me". Honestly, it was ok on rye, but at some point, I wanted to come back and try it on a roll.
I came back, tried it on their roll. Now, their roll isn't the same as The Hat's, I'm sure there's a word or type for the differences, but I wouldn't know. Did I like it better than on Rye? Yes. Was it like the Hat? I think The Hat slices their meat a little thinner, and the roll they use is different, as well. Is the pastrami good? Absolutely. Should you try their pastrami? Yes, you should. Will you see the same thing as The Hat if you order a Hot Pastrami from Nick's Deli II? No, you won't. It'll be on Rye. Will it taste the same as The Hat if you order it on a roll? No, the bread is different (fluffier vs crustier at The Hat), the slices are slightly thicker. Do I like both The Hat and Nick's Deli? Absolutely. If Nick's Deli is 5 miles away, the Hat is 30 miles away, and I have a huge craving for Pastrami, I'd go to Nick's and be just as satisfied. The staff at Nick's is enjoyable, so that's always a great plus, to me.
At some point, I'll go back. Maybe I'll try it again and see about toasting the roll a bit. I kinda think this would improve it.
But I also want to try one of their lunch burritos as well, Carne Asada, specifically or pork.