Not to self: Do NOT return. Every so often I crave a good pastrami or corned beef deli sandwich. I was in the vicinity so I dropped into Empire State Deli - maybe my third or four visit. I couldn't recall why I hadn't returned. Reading the board above the counter (no prices advertised), I ordered "The Fat Kat" pastrami sandwich. It was the only pastrami sandwich listed. The sandwich was over $22 after tax for the driest, saltiest pastrami I've ever had, on two unspectacular slices of rye, with a tiny bit of mustard and barely any swiss cheese. No I remember why I hadn't returned. Nice guy ses to run this place, but blegh. I'll save my money for Stein's Deli.
Two full days of wonderful NOLA seafood, and I was looking for a lunch of a different kind. After getting off of the Streetcar at Canal Street, I looked at TA for lunch ideas. Turns out, this deli is steps into the Central Business District, yet only a 4 minute walk to my Hyatt FQ hotel. Greeted when I walked in, and ordered a Rueben, to go. They did have some delicious looking daily specials, as well. Very nice young man took my order, and I waited about 10 minutes for my sandwich. The idea was to take it to my hotel for 'later', but once I unwrapped the sandwich to take a photo for my sons, who love a good Rueben, too, I took a bite. Which led to me eating half of the sandwich, right then! Truly stuffed with corned beef, generous but not too sloppy on the dressing, cheese, and sauerkraut, with grilled, fresh Rye bread holding it all together. I did save the other half for after my evening out in the FQ, and so glad this delicious sandwich was waiting for me! Check the days and hours open, as I think it may be closed on weekends. Well worth a short walk, good sized sandwich, and fresh ingredients. Will surely be back, the next time I am in NOLA.
Wow! Near my hotel and amazing NY deli food here! Absolutely recommend! All of us in my party enjoyed our different sandwiches/subs. Order at the counter. This was truly a delicious taste of New York right here in the Big Easy. I was impressed.
Food is great but the service is very rude. The guy who took my order grunted every time I asked for something, like a cup for my drink or sugar. When I asked for crackers, he threw them at me.
Came here for Mardi Gras. Food was good but the guys taking orders kept talking to a girl inappropriately and asked her to show him something so she could use the restroom.
the club sandwich or whatever it was was horrible. literally no dressing or condiments- dry as a bone- bacon was as dry as a desert. the fries were inedible, straight to the trash (and $4.50 too). the salad was 3/4 iceberg lettuce, a few diced onions, two tomato slices, and 4 pieces of chewy chicken- delivery took an hour- everything sucked about this. not even CLOSE to a NY "style" deli- not even a BAD one.
Great place to stop for lunch! My wife and I stopped by on a random Friday and the sandwiches we got were delicious. We’ll definitely be making this a routine stop on our trips to the city!
Got a prosciutto and mozzarella sub. Asked two times to make sure they put balsamic vinegar on it. No they did not listen. Very disappointed. Not even Fresh mozzarella. $18 will not go back barely and meat. Not a real NY style deli
Best hamburger in the CBD! Also, their specialty sandwiches are great. Friendly staff and good music, I eat here four times a week.
Serves breakfast and some dam good deli sandwiches.