The word delicatessen has had quite the etymological journey. It traces back to the Latin word “delicatus,” meaning alluring or delightful. That eventually became the French term délicat, translated as fine, which rooted the word délicatesse. The Germans eventually got in there, took that moniker, and made it their own: delikatessen. When said Germans immigrated in droves to the United States in the 19th century and opened up many a delikatessen, the Teutonic “k” was replaced with an American “c” and, presto-change-o, the deli as we know it was born.
One diaspora that took this concept and ran with it was European Jews, especially in New York City. Today, the New York-style Jewish deli –- with its signatures of pastrami, corned beef, latkes, matzo balls, chicken soup, and all the tasty, nourishing rest –- is a staple of comfort food in this country, enjoyed by folks from all backgrounds everywhere. Let’s dig into some of the finest Jewish delis nationwide.
PJ Bernstein Deli, New York City
When it comes to a great Jewish deli, it’s not what it looks like inside that counts. It’s what goes inside. You. Who really cares what the decor is when your appetite is being ornamented with some of the most beloved pastrami sandwiches on the East Coast? You’d never mistake PJ Bernstein’s frill-free eatery for an edgy, modernized restaurant — which is good news when it comes to the food.
Opened by Ukrainian immigrant Alex Slobodski in the 1960s and still run by the same family today, PJ’s take on this beef brisket bonanza of a sandwich is so good that it’s been described as life-changing. Its kreplach is so cozy you might want to ask for a blanket and white noise on the side. And unlike other Manhattanite eateries of the same ilk, PJ Bernstein’s isn’t usually a zoo. You can sit, get served, and enjoy smoked-food serotonin blasts in relative peace…