Liebman's Kosher Deli

I haven't had such delicious stuffed cabbage since my grandmother was alive. Two of the items I requested were missing from my order and that was disappointing. I recommend you check your bag before you leave.

Today, April 22, 2023, I took a three hour schlep from South Brooklyn to Riverdale up in da Bronx to Liebman's Kosher Delicatessen & Restaurant at 552 W 235th St, Bronx, NY 10463. Now I have a soft spot for this place, because my aunt Joan and Uncle Bill z"l lived a couple of blocks away and had Liebman's cater all their simchas. Sadly, they've been gone for over 15 years, so it's been a while. I arrived at Liebman's around noon, having left home around 9am and I was hungry. The first thing I noticed is that the place had had a facelift and that it was a lot brighter and cheerful than it had been in the past. Being the last day for the Riverdale Restaurant Week Special, I went for it, ordering a Pastrami on rye, full sour pickles, a square knish and a Dr. Brown's Cel-Ray from my friendly and attentive waiter for the unbelievable price of only $20. By the time I got back from the sparkling clean rest room, everything was laid out at my table and I was ready to feast! The generous standard (as opposed to the overstuffed which would have been $5 extra and worth every penny) 12 oz. of pastrami was machine sliced, but thicker than Sarge's and Pastrami Queen. It was glistening with fat, had a nice crust of spices and a noticeable smoke ring. It was beautifully tender and juicy, nicely smoky and had just the perfect amount of salt. It was the best Kosher pastrami I've had in NYC, and I'd rank it just under Katz's pastrami for flavor and tenderness; definitely worth the trip. The Cole slaw was shaved thin, but retained it's crispiness. It was some of the freshest and tastiest I've had in a while. The pickles, while being juicy and garlicky, were nice and crispy, not mushy like pickles in a lot of places. They made a wonderful palate cleanser in-between bites of sandwich and sips of Cel-Ray. When, not if, I return, I'm going to try the overstuffed version, which at $26.99 is still a bargain for an overstuffed Kosher pastrami sandwich. In my humble opinion, Liebman's Kosher Delicatessen & Restaurant is worth the trip!

One of the lasts of a dying breed. I truly believe Liebmans pastrami is the best of the Jewish delis in NYC. Thin sliced, juicy, and fatty. So delicious. Amazing pickles and cole slaw. Really enjoyed the square knish also. The mustard is a real nice addition. Of course, have to wash it down with Dr. browns root beer!

I time traveled back to my childhood. Cozy and delicious. Highly recommended.

Someone I know once remarked on the absurdity of traveling a great distance just for a deli visit. They thought, "This place really needs to live up to the hype." However, Liebman's managed to exceed expectations. It offered them a taste of the old, homey Manhattan, a rarity these days. During the journey, they mentioned Liebman's to a fellow traveler, who quickly recommended Katz's instead, citing their experience of Katz's catering their baby shower. Of course, Katz's is well-known, but, as my friend discovered, Liebman's offers its own unique, understated delights that many are yet to uncover.