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Pastrami Queen: Iconic New York Pastrami Sandwiches & Classic Deli Flavors on the UWS

Pastrami Queen, located on the Upper West Side of New York City, is a beloved spot known for its tender, juicy pastrami sandwiches that capture the essence of classic deli flavors. Patrons praise the perfectly cooked pastrami—soft and flavorful—served on soft rye, though some wish for a heartier portion. Beyond pastrami, the menu offers hearty brisket sandwiches and savory sides like garlic fries, which strike a balance between crisp and mild garlic aroma. While some dishes such as potato pancakes and matzoh ball soup receive mixed reviews, the attentive service and welcoming atmosphere make Pastrami Queen a comforting destination for deli enthusiasts seeking authentic New York tastes.

Pastrami Queen at a glance

  • Address 138 W 72nd St A, New York, NY 10023, United States
  • Phone +1 212-877-2874
  • Restaurant type Kosher restaurant , Deli , Sandwich shop .
  • Popular for Popular for lunch , Popular for dinner , Good for solo dining .

Photos & Gallery

Pastrami Queen: Reviews & Ratings

Laughing Tanuki
5

It seems that all the bad reviews are comparisons to Katz's, at which I have never eaten. That said I tremendously enjoyed my pastrami sandwich! Also Joyce was pleased with her hot brisket sandwich with potatoes and gravy. The waitress was attentive and personable. Don't forget pastrami Mondays, the pastrami sandwich was heavily discounted!

Bradley C
4

It was my first time here and the food was pretty decent. I ordered a pastrami sandwich and garlic fried. Now the garlic fries are $0.75 more than the regular fries. It was pretty good though. The fries self was cooked perfectly. It was crispy on the outside and so soft on the inside. The garlic wasn’t too strong. It was just a mild fragrant of an existence. Personally I’d just order the regular fries next time. I had such high expectations for the pastrami on rye. It was good, but it didn’t amaze me. The pastrami was cooked pretty well. It was soft, tender and juicy. The rye was very soft. However, the ratio was a bit off. My last few bites only had like a small slice between the rye bread. I also think they can be a bit more generous with the pastrami. Overall, it was good, but not great. I’ll probably come back to try their other items. They do have delicious looking knish and latkes.

Barbara Marder
4

The potato pancake was not good. It looked very good, but it didn’t resemble a potato pancake in taste. It was hard with no potato flavor. Disappointed! The pastrami sandwich was yummy. And the matzoh ball soup didn’t have a strong enough flavor of chicken in the broth. But the matzoh ball was perfect and so were the noodles and carrots in the soup. Delivery was great! Thank you!

Yür MůmzŶ
4

As far as UWS pastrami/ corn beef / chopped liver goes - there js no substitute. BG is a second. The move is to get the mini versions so you can taste them all when dining Han Solo. Shareable. The pastrami is the first and last thing I ever need. Everything else is pure gravy. The garlic fries are not necessary, but yet- very necessary.

Peter
5

Delicious sandwich. Friendly service. They let us sample. Yes it’s expensive but not dry. Happy we came

Location

  • Pastrami Queen
    Pastrami Queen
    138 W 72nd St A, New York, NY 10023, United States Hotline: +1 212-877-2874

Nestled on West 72nd Street in New York City, Pastrami Queen proudly carries the torch for classic Jewish deli fare, specializing in pastrami sandwiches that resonate deeply with deli aficionados. The star of the menu, their pastrami on rye, offers a tender, juicy experience, perfectly smoked and sliced to capture the essence of traditional New York pastrami. While some diners find the pastrami-to-bread ratio could be more generous, the overall warmth and authenticity shine through with each bite.

Beyond the pastrami, Pastrami Queen serves up a range of comforting staples—hot brisket with potatoes and gravy, matzoh ball soup, and even knishes and latkes that beckon exploration. Although not every dish hits the mark equally—such as the potato pancake lacking the expected flavor punch—the consistent attention to detail and freshness elevate the offerings. The matzoh ball soup, for instance, delights with perfectly cooked dumplings and tender vegetables, even if some crave a richer chicken broth.

The side dishes also contribute to the experience. Their garlic fries strike a fine balance: crispy on the outside, soft within, with just a subtle hint of garlic—not overpowering, but enhancing. Diners who prefer simplicity might opt for regular fries, but the garlic version has its own devoted fans.

Service at Pastrami Queen is noted for being personable and attentive, lending a friendly atmosphere that complements the food. Special promotions like Pastrami Mondays add an extra lure for pastrami lovers, making it an accessible indulgence without sacrificing quality.

While comparisons to New York deli giants like Katz’s are inevitable, Pastrami Queen holds its own by delivering hearty, satisfying sandwiches with genuine New York character. It’s a place to savor classic deli flavors in a welcoming setting, ideal for those seeking a fulfilling taste of Jewish deli tradition on the Upper West Side.

Business Information

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Has wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Wheelchair-accessible car park
  • Service options
    • Has no-contact delivery
    • Offers delivery
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
  • Payments
    • Accepts credit cards
    • Accepts debit cards
    • Accepts NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards