When we last checked in on the forthcoming Upper East Side location of the 2nd Avenue Deli, problems with the Department of Building were holding up the matzoh mecca from opening its doors. But that was then. Just now the home of the Instant Heart Attack has sent us a release announcing an opening date for its second outpost (the East Village original closed in 2006 and is now a Chase). Kugel, anyone? more ›

Back in February we were oh so very happy to report that a second 2nd Avenue Deli was to open on the Upper East Side as soon as Passover. But the celebration of the Jewish exodus from Egypt has come and gone and still no new 2nd Avenue Deli! So we called up the mothership on 33rd Street and asked what the story was. They aren't saying, was the gist of the reply from the nice woman on the other end of the line. “Forces beyond our control” have delayed the opening, she explained. But what are these forces they can't control? more ›

In this charming little video from Saveur, 2nd Avenue Deli manager Steve Cohen and counter man David Gonzalez—who's been working there off and on since 1978—reveal what goes into the construction of the deli's famous pastrami sandwich. Did you know that at least a half a pound of pastrami gets piled onto that bad boy? And that customers who want to soil it with mayo tend to place their orders "very quietly because they don't really want to be seen by the others"? Also, according to Cohen, this sandwich is the key to peace in the Middle East: more ›

If the already widely praised (some would say over-praised) 2nd Avenue Deli needed an ego boost, it certainly got one last night when Jon Stewart used the opening of The Daily Show to sing the praises of the deli's chocolate babka ($7.95) to an audience member. As far as Stewart is concerned, their babka is so good "you'd no sooner eat than fuck" it. Also, little known fact? Stewart married a 2nd Avenue Deli corned beef sandwich in 1988. You can watch for yourself below. more ›

Rumors are swirling that the family who owns the 2nd Avenue Deli, which reopened in Murray Hill last year after losing their longtime home in the East Village, will be opening another location on the Upper East Side. Co-owner Jeremy Lebewohl tells Save the Deli blog that he's about to close on an unspecified uptown location: "I'm going to try to maximize the space to its fullest...The UES is a different neighborhood, with a different client base, and different eating habits. A realistic goal is that I would ideally like to be open before the Jewish holidays at the end of this year. That’s now my target. You can call me stupid and/or crazy for doing this, but I’ve got a great product, I”m not bashful to say it." Hey, if you've got it, flaunt it! According to the agenda for a January 7th Community Board 8 meeting, Lebewohl & Co. are applying for a liquor license to operate at 1442 First Avenue (@ 75th Street)—a location currently occupied by the Wicked Wolf, a casual neighborhood restaurant and pub. A manager there would not comment when asked about the sale. more ›

The initial news of the legendary 2nd Avenue Deli’s reincarnation led us to stockpile Lipitor as visions of pastrami, chopped liver and gribenes danced through our heads. And when we feasted our eyes on the sneak preview of this fresser’s paradise, we could hardly wait to go and devour more of the menu. more ›

An opening for the new 2nd Avenue Deli is in sight! This week, they've been putting the final touches on the new Murray Hill location, but today Gothamist stopped by for a quick preview of the legendary deli. During the friends and family only preview, they don't have a their full 5-page menu ready yet, but they did have the classic items including matzah ball soup, pastrami and tuna sandwiches. One new item is the "chocolate shot" that will be served to diners at the end of the meal. The original 2nd Avenue Deli closed in March, 2006. more ›

Good news for old-school New Yorkers: the new 2nd Ave Delicatessen is expected to open sometime next week in its new Murray Hill Location on 33rd Street, near Third Avenue. Lovers of the deli’s famous matzo ball soup and pastrami sandwiches were devastated last year when, after a half-century in business, the 2nd Ave and 10th Street legend was snuffed out. The closure came in the wake of a bitter rent dispute between deli owner Jack Lebewohl and the landlord over rent increases; the soul was promptly siphoned from the site and turned into a Chase bank (though the Yiddish theater “Walk of Fame” on the sidewalk remains). more ›