Pastramis Across America

Hopefully you’ve already eaten a slice of what I think is the best pastrami in the country at the Granary in San Antonio. Maybe you’re looking for some alternatives that are almost as good, and there are plenty. Over the last few months I’ve been traveling to snuff out great pastrami leads. There are some avant-garde options out there, and pastrami beef ribs are an up-and-coming trend, but here are some of my favorite sliced beef pastramis in America. Some are from the belly, and some are brisket, and a few don’t call themselves pastrami at all. Those labeled as “smoked meat” trace their lineage to Montreal’s version of pastrami. They’re all worth a visit, but please get to San Antonio and try my favorite at the Granary so you can either be enlightened, or at least informed enough for a social media argument.

TEXAS

Cattleack Barbecue, Dallas – Brisket Pastrami

Kenny & Ziggy’s Deli, Houston – Pastrami on Rye
*Closest You’ll Get to NYC in Texas

Pieous, Austin – Brisket Pastrami Platter

Romanouska’s Craft Deli, Austin – Romanouska’s Reuben (Pastrami & Corned Beef)

NEW YORK

2nd Avenue Deli, Manhattan – Pastrami on Rye

David’s Brisket House, Brooklyn – Pastrami on Rye

Dickson’s Farmstand Meats, Manhattan – Pastrami w/ Apricot Chutney and Cheddar
*Best New School Pastrami Sandwich

Harry & Ida’s, Manhattan – Pops Pastrami
*Most Like Texas Barbecue Outside Texas

Hobby’s Delicatessen, New Jersey – #5 Pastrami and Corned Beef w/ Cole Slaw and Russian Dressing

Katz’s Delicatessen, Manhattan – Pastrami on Rye
*The OG is anything but a Tourist Trap

Lambs Club, Manhattan – Pastrami on Toasted Rye

Liebman’s Delicatessen, The Bronx – Pastrami on Rye
*Hidden Gem

Mile End, Brooklyn & Manhattan – Smoked Meat on Rye
*Might Even be the Best Smoked Meat in Canada

Pastrami Queen, Manhattan – Pastrami on Rye
*Most Underrated

ELSEWHERE

Cochon Butcher, New Orleans – Pastrami w/ Sauerkraut on Grilled Rye

Fumaré Meats, Chicago – Smoked Meat on Rye

Green Street Smoked Meats, Chicago – Pastrami

Kenny & Zuke’s Delicatessen, Portland – Pastrami Reuben

Langer’s Delicatessen, Los Angeles – #19 Pastrami, Slaw, Russian Dressing, and Swiss Cheese on Rye
*Best Bread

Wexler’s Deli, Los Angeles – Pastrami on Rye
*Best in the West