2nd Ave Deli

One of America’s most renowned and beloved Jewish delis and a James Beard American Classic, the 2nd Ave Deli has been a New York icon since its founding by Abe Lebewohl as a tiny 10-seat East Village lunch counter in 1954. A much-loved New York personality, Abe got his start as a Coney Island soda jerk. He spent years learning the ropes before opening his deli, and thanks to his hard work it grew to become a New York institution, attracting locals, tourists, celebrities, and everyone in-between for what many believed to be the city’s best Certified Kosher pastrami & corned beef sandwiches, matzo ball soup, and more deli classics.

Sadly, Abe was murdered during a robbery attempt in 1996, and all of New York mourned his passing. Abe’s widow Eleanor, daughter Sharon, and brother Jack kept the deli open until January 2006, when it closed its doors due to a dispute with its landlord. Thankfully, his nephews Josh and Jeremy stepped in and reopened the deli nearby. They’ve kept Abe’s dream – and his beloved recipes – alive, and the 2nd Ave Deli remains a quintessential New York experience to this day.