2nd Ave. Deli

The side street is narrower than the avenue, and this deli's new digs are crowded, too.

That's partly due to the smaller and surely less expensive space, and partly to the scrum of regular customers who've missed the 2nd Ave. Deli since it closed its doors in the East Village nearly two years ago. The staff were a-flutter during my visit, too, but in fairness, this was just days after the reopening.

I was greeted with a bowl of crunchy slaw and a selection of pickles (plus one tomato) of varying sourness. Not your usual breakfast food — this was about 10:45 — so I just picked; likewise, I wasn't ready to take on one of those famous sandwiches. Instead I ordered kreplach (shown above and below; $15.95), ravioli-like items filled with minced meat and served with sautéed onions and applesauce. Typically they're boiled, which is how I'd order them next time; pan-fried, not deep-fried, was how I'd expected them today. A flattish blintz ($4.95) was on the thick-skinned side. Also shown below: a complimentary shot of Bosco chocolate soda.

2nd Ave. Deli
162 East 33rd St. (Lexington-Third Aves.)
212-689-9000

Comments

[JP Reardon]

A result, at least partially, of all the press on Monday. Or, maybe it's pent up demand for their matzah ball soup.