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As a senior born and breed New Yorker, I found your reviews to be very honest. My favs. Chinese- Wo Hop, Pastrami- Leibmans Deli, Pizza- Spumoni Gardens (square only), bagel- Utopia Bagels, Smoked fish- Zabars. Enjoy
@@DonJon200 it’s American Chinese food. It’s good though but to be realistic it’s a type of food most American non Asians recognize and the popular dishes like their eggrolls, lo mein, pork fried rice is part of the mainstream American culture. Still good though. Their pork ribs are excellent
All that I have learned by watching this channel made my first visit to NYC amazing. I credit this channel for showing all the good spots to visit and how to get there via the subway. One week in NYC was not enough time to try out all the eateries. One of my favorite things about NYC is the subway because it allowed me to visit so many places to sample the food.
I'm glad that somebody doesn't mind the stink, the dilapidated surroundings, not to mention the shady characters inside the subway. Just don't stand too close to the edge of the platform.
John I'm in NYC now and because I watch your channel, we're getting the best experience possible. Thank you again for what you do! I went to Gino's for Cannolis and Bleecker street for that Nonna Maria slice! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!
@@gent_swag NY Style? I fear i can't give you a good recommendation. I wasn't impressed with any slice in NY. Maybe it's because i am from Germany. We have millions of Italians so our standart is pretty high. Maybe you try the Nonna Maria and tell me if i think i was wrong. Sometimes restaurants have a bad day. I could just tell you a pretty good Detroit Pizza spot in NY.
@@gent_swag Thank you and thank you taking your time answering to a rando in the commentar section.I liked Ace's Pizza very much. However Absolute Bagels recommendation by herebebar was great.
Fellow NYer here! I agree with you 100% about Junior's, Joe's Pizza, Ess-a-Bagel, and Gray's Papaya. But I would rank Nathan's much higher. Aside from their lines (which agreed can suck) it's worth going for the variety of food they offer (it's not just hot dogs) and the quality is always consistently very good. Plus you're at the heart of the Coney Island boardwalk.
Hey Jon! I wanted to thank you for all your video. It made our trip to NY so much easier. From transportation from LaGuardia to Manhattan, where to eat, what traps to avoid and so on! Continue your great work and thanks again!
Thank you! Finally a content creator brave enough to say that Nom Wah, Juniors and others are over-rated. Also I appreciate that you considered a number of factors. Especially since I ate at every place you discussed. I like Katz's deli for flavor and texture of the pastrami but it's ridiculous that I have to pay just for the privilege of walking into this "temple". And I appreciate that you point out places like Magnolia's Bakery and Peter Luger's...this places aren't bad. It's just not the end-all, be-all that many people make them out to be. Juliana's pizza -you're absolutely right. It's pretty damned good pizza (although I'm getting more into Chicago style deep dish and Neopolitan pizzas) but it's nowhere good enough to justify a 3 hour wait. The last time I ate there, was when I noticed the line was short for some reason (that's the great thing about living in or near the city -you wander around and you stumble into opportunities. I never heard of L'industrie pizza but i was walking in NY and I noticed a bunch of people lining up. I'm saavy enough to know when you see people lining up, you ask them why. So I get in line at 11:45 and I get in at 12. Best damned Italian Sub I ever had -the pizza is good but not life-changing like some people will tell you. By 12:30, there's an hour long line going down the street.). Only thing I disagree with is your comment that Gray's Papaya has no seating. Frankly, why would you need seating in a hot dog joint? Grab a cheap dog and leave. And their hot dogs are still cheaper than even street dirty water dog carts and it's way better. Other than that, I agree with you on everything else so that means 11/12 or 92% correct which is an A in any school.
I'm a native NYer. I love, love, love Joe's pizza which is baked in a coal oven - it makes a huge difference especially to the pizza crust. Ess-A-Bagel is a great bagel place! Yes, there are different types of bagels that are also good but Ess-A-Bagel is consistently very, very good.
Now Nathan's Restaurant At Coney Island, Is Still The Very Best !!!! My Dad, Would Take My Mom, My Sister & I On Saturday To Eat At This Historic Place. I Can't See The Business, Falling Of The Map For Their Customers !!!!! Long Live, Nathan's Famous !!!!😊😊😊😊
I love that you’re so confident in providing pros and cons ❤. I’ve watched so many of your videos that I could predict your alternatives before you announced them…lol. ❤❤❤
I lived in lower Manhattan most of my life. We shopped at Eileen's and Russ for almost every special occasion The daughters were still working the counter. Both good #1 calls. So glad they're still rocking it..
If you want true steakhouse nostalgia go to Keens. It dates from 1885. Plus photos hang on the wall of former presidents and sports heroes. Above you are smoking pipes from many celebrities. The portions are much larger too. And they do cuts that Peter Luger won’t do. It’s also got a working fireplace in the dining room.
I've been there, steaks aside, they made a Lobster Bisque that was better than any I've ever tasted. Back in the day, they would actually keep a pipe there for their clients so they wouldn't have to bring one, there's a few former president's pipes hanging on the ceiling.
This was such a fun idea, and I pretty much completely agree with you. (Except that I do like Junior’s! 😋) Magnolia banana pudding & Juliana’s are my favorites!
Thank you for shouting out Bleecker Street Pizza 🙌 the Nonna Maria is my favorite slice/pie in the city! Completely agree that there are so many other excellent pizza options in NYC beyond Joe's...
Wow son, $3.25 for a gray's papaya hot dog. Back in the days there used to be one on the corner of west 8th st. they used to be $1.25 for two hot dogs and a drink. Also, in dumdo there is a pizza spot called Ignazio's there vegetarian pizza is good and so are their regular pies. You have to have cash on you but they also have an ATM on sight. Take it from a native New Yorker, if tourist go there go to some place else. You're in New York go to 86 st Brooklyn by bath Ave or 8th Ave in Brooklyn for Chinese food. if your in Coney Island head down to Brighton beach for some Russian food, or bay ridge for some Palestinian food. This is NY beloved where you can eat the entire globe without leaving the city
Ahh...you're an old time New Yorker. I agree with you on many things except Russian food. Maybe it's just me, but Russian food is...not so appetizing. Maybe that explains why they're so angry all the time. A good friend of mine was Russian. She had a birthday party in Brighton Beach. It was definitely an experience. So many different performances from singing, dancing and god knows what-else. I don't remember much except there was MUCH vodka and the food was all terrible even after drinking half a bottle of vodka. Pickled fish, pickled vegetables, pickled soups (OK, borscht is not technically pickled but it sure tastes like pickled soup). But it was still fun. I gotta take may kids there. I just took them to Jackson Heights where in 5 hours we ate food from 9 different countries.
@gengis01 Yes, I am an old school, born in Bensonhurst Brooklyn, and I have to say many things have changed. From the influx of Asia immigrants. Also, Bangladeshi, Turkish, and even eastern Europeans. Like the new supermarket out by Brighton Beach called teshkan ( I hope I didn't chop up the spelling), you must try their hot meal buffet. The food is delicious, and it is worth the visit. It a Halal supermarket, so they also sell Halal Meats and shawarma in the front. Believe me, it's worth the visit
This video made me think of Dubrow's, a place I haven't thought of for decades. The last one closed in 1985. I went to the one in the Garment District. I also frequented the pre-Seinfeld Tom's in the Seventies. Nothing special but it was cheap. Sunday nights my family would like Ratner's which closed in 2002.
Was in NYC lat week visitng from Europe took the ferry to Brooklyn in the middle of the day to test Juliana's pizza, the resturant completely full but only a single person in line. The best piza I tried in NYC.
Your assessment of Katz’s is spot on. It’s an outrageous $27 sandwich, and the bland rye bread is the most disappointing part. But my gosh, I still find their pastrami to be the most amazing, juicy, succulent, richly flavorful that I’ve ever tasted. Maybe I bought into the hype, drank the Kool-Aid. I mean, if I lived in New York, Katz would surely never be part of my regular restaurant rotation. But I have a different perspective on price. If I’ve already paid more than $1000 on hotel and airfare and taken a week off work, and ended up 2500+ miles from home, what’s another $27 for a once-in-a-trip in exceptional pastrami? That said, your other recommendations are good too… but I came too far just to let $10 be the tie breaker.
On top of that, the $27 pastrami sandwich they offer has twice the amount of meat that the $13 sandwich has, which is actually not that great of a deal if you think about it.
I’ve only gone to Katz once and I’ll never go again. Great old school pastrami on rye sandwiches but my god is it a tourist trap. Overpriced and a really weird ordering system. I was very confused when I went there.
@@dougsmith4602 So true. It was confusing when I tried to order. The atmosphere was like just eat and get out. It is now a tourist trap, and Katz won't mind, because with this many tourists, no need for return customers.
That's why this review is great. He's not saying these places suck. He's saying they're over-rated. I love Katz's pastrami. But, as you pointed out, it's too damned expensive and their attitude towards customers is insulting. And, yes, as you pointed out, if I'm travelling to NY for an once-in-a lifetime trip, sure, go to Katz's, maybe even Luger's and half of the other places mentioned here. But I live in the area. So for me, screw that, there's so many places I already found where I can find great pastrami, soup dumplings, steak, hotdogs, cheesecake, etc. and pay less money and get less hassles and better service and higher quality for less money. But that's the advantage of being a local! And kudos to our video host for giving an actual local's perspective to visitors!
Brought a smile to my face when I heard you referranced Apopka Florida in your Nathan's bit. Not many people know about Apopka but ears perked up when I heard it and yes I would love a decent hotdog place in Orlando, originally from Lehigh Valley and there is nothing like it here.
12. Nathan's can be worth the trip if you plan on visiting Coney Island to check it out. Some people might find Coney Island fun to visit and they got fireworks every Friday in the summer 11. Junior's is a typical NY cheesecake that is more dense while Eileen's is more of a normal cheesecake and it's more fluffy. Everyone has their preferences. BTW if you're a local sometimes the Costcos have whole Junior's cheesecakes for way cheaper than the store.
The hot dog was invented at Coney Island but at Feltman's which predates Nathan's. You can buy their hot dogs in certain supermarkets but they have no stands.
Ate at Magnolia, Bleecker, Liberty Bagels, and 5 Napkin(Patty Melt was awesome)..also went to the 3 story McDonald’ in Time Square..cool vibe. your videos helped a lot. Was there 2 weeks ago.
I used to go to the 21st ( I think 1st or 2nd) Ess-a-bagel(somewhat close to SVA my college). That was the oldest location with the original oven(like 80 years old at the time), and those bagels were excellent, and it wasnt a tourist spot due to that location. I never been to the other ones, but what you showed here, looks like they went down in quality.
As a lifelong NYer, I can confirm that most of the mentioned eateries/restaurants in this video are perfect for tourists. More often than not, they're overrated. There are many lesser-known restaurants that serve better and higher-quality food.
Great video. Katz's is a must-visit for first time NY visitors, but if you want a great sandwich without the circus, Sarge's is the place to go. And I have to disagree about the quality of Nathan's at Coney Island. I swear they're different than the one's you get at any of their other storefronts. Worth the trip? Probably not, but fun to go there and wander around.
its not a must visit imo. it was almost 40$ cad with tax for a sandwich that was far smaller than most of the old youtube vids show. shrinkflation i guess?
Cant wait to grab a breakfast combo from Gray's when im in the city next month. Thanks for being the best online guide to the city. Cant get enough of these videos. 🍻🌆
As someone from Montreal, I was sorely disappointed by Katz. If you think Katz is good, come to Montreal and have a smoked meat at Greenspot. Your mind will be blown On another note, the best food experience I had in NYC was Veselka's. I was the only one in the entire line to sit on the unheated terrace at 10pm in April, and I had the stroganoff in the cold and it was delicious.
hold on,.... 2nd deli on 33rd, sit down, rarely a wait and the best Pastrami in the city, Katz's always perplexes me with tourist lined up, which is a sight in itself.
I already tried 8 of the spots mentioned in this video because of this channel. I am about to try some of the spots in Astoria from one of your Queens video =)
In Toronto, we used to have a "Papaya Hut", same color scheme, same kind of decor but it was a smoothie bar and veggie food! It was kind of an institution too!
Your content just keeps getting better! I first learned about Junior's from the frozen cheesecakes available at some grocers around Chicago. A tough sell with our local favorite being Eli's.
I’ve been to grays and it’s good for the price. I went because I was on the way to something else so I stopped for a quick lunch. Also Anthony bourdain used to go a lot. It’s really how I know about it.
@@gengis01 Historic....always packed.....never gets old. Not even close to being just another pub in NYC. Go first...then make your comments. Google Maps vs. being inside the place and enjoying the food and history.....come on. Wow! Google Maps?? What? I'm dying laughing here
Great video. I am orginally from Long Island. I have not been to Katzs but its on my list. I used to like Carnegie and actually ate there the last weekend they were in business. That day the food wasnt as good as normal. I ate Joes Pizza after running the NY marathon in 2023 as the Times Square location was near my hotel. It was great. I came from FL Compared to what I get here it was excellent. I know about all the other top NY places and will try a few on my next trip. For me Juniors is nostalgia. Cheesecake Factory slices these days are 10-13.00. I love Grays! Cant believe only one left. Prices are cheap and the drinks are sweet and great!
I have been just a long time viewer of this channel that I instantly knew the restaurants Jon would choose over the popular ones 😂. Great video as always!
It's 1963. I'm 5. We're at Nathans Coney Island, and that we live only a few blocks away we're there a lot. It was heaven, esp the fries if they were salted right. Do not take away that magic! As for hot dogs, any street cart in a busy location will be fine, Just watch the prices. There used to be a felafel place on McDougal where for $2 you could get a felafel that would feed two but then I'm dating myself. Now I'm in Michigan and would kill for a slice of real pizza (Hey Detroit! Calm down! That ain't pizza!) a felafel or a decent bagel. Luckily, NY Bagel ships overnight, 2 dozen for ~$54 which seems high but at $2.25 each, that's cheaper than the crap they try to sell as bagels out here. (what's the NY secret? Catskill's water running through 100 year old lead pipes.)
I have a soft spot for Nathan's. I love on long Island and there were a couple of locations out here that were basically the only hot dog restaurants you could go to, and I did basically whenever I passed them. The Thursday throwback when you could get a hot dog for 10 cents was awesome
Russ & Daughters used to use bagels from Bagel Hole in Brooklyn, which were fantastic. They’ve since switched to their own bagels, and they’re not nearly as good. The fish is still tops though.
Haven't had all the popular pizza places in NYC but juliana's pizza has been my favorite pizza place in the NYC metro area for several years! Haven't tried many of the hot dog centers but wasn't impressed by the one over by battery park that I went to several years ago so I must rather go to Nathan's instead! I also like joe's pizza but I personally think difara's, juliana's, prince street pizza, and lombardis would be better options to to eat at instead! Always will prefer Katz delicatessen to any other sandwich restaurant in nyc! Was wondering can you do a video of your favorite places for mozzarella sticks?
I was born and raised in Queens Long Island...the City which is part of the Island for those hard-core. I do miss Sabretts and Slices, but living in Japan now for forty years....no comparison. Japan rocks.
Yeah! Nom Wah Tea Parlor makes you feel like you are in a movie set. In 2012, that area outside and inside Nom Wah Tea Parlor was in the movie - Premium Rush with Joseph Gordon-Levitt.
Katz's makes the best hot dog in NYC. We live in Manhattan and go there three times a year and share a $27.00 pastrami sandwich and order one $4.95 hot dog each. For $16.00 each it's a great meal. You are so right about Ess-a-Bagel. Have lived a couple of blocks away for years and have been there once. Their bagels are really doughy and undercooked on the inside.
@@HereBeBarr I thought the Joe's Pizza in Times Square was not affiliated with the Joe's Pizza in Greenwich Village and there was a lawsuit. Am I wrong?
Three weeks ago I did go to Russ & Daughters store (not café) to get my beloved sable & white fish. I then walked down the block to go get deli beef tongue at Katz’ to take back home. The line was around 50-60 people in length. It would have taken me an hour just to get to the takeout counter. 🥴 Sigh. As for Junior’s….hubby and I looooove their chicken soup with matzoh ball (one huge ball). So yummy and rich!
I like nom wah because of its outdoor location now. They had to put tables outside now. It works. And the chef is trying to do new stuff is kinda nice.
Sarge’s Deli is great. For a true Kosher Deli, I would go to Ben’s in Bayside, besides Pastrami, do try the Chopped Liver, Potato Pancake, and the Stuffed Derma. . A 1/2 lb Pastrami Sandwich is nearly half the cost of Katz’s or 2nd Ave Deli. If you go to Bayside, walk a bit to Forest Hills and have the best Tex Mex in the city, Five Burros. Get the burritos, steak and shrimp. I’m not in NyC anymore, but I heard Ben’s and Mr Broadway are merging. So, that should be awesome. For an Italian Deli, Faicco’s Italian Deli is great. For a great German Deli, Schaller & Weber is a must. Russ & Daughters is great.
I disagree with a few of these but it's fun watching you do something I've had the idea to do for a long time. Nom Wah is still some of the best Dim Sum imo and Gray's Papaya has never wowed me. With you 100% on Russ and Katz's though haha
Gray's Papaya was 1 of the best hotdogs i have ever eaten over there! Super tasty! I've got to know that restaurant because of your video's So it deserved it's number 2 spot
Totally agree with the Joes assessment, but I enjoyed the ambience. Katz’s is literally the worst service experience we ever had at a restaurant. Our sandwiches were dry, but he server wouldn’t bring us any dressing. Additionally, no water was served. We tried numerous times to get the server’s attention to no avail and finally went to the manager, who also refused to get us a ramekin of mayonnaise or water. A dry sandwich with no water for $30. Never again. I enjoyed Magnolia Bakery cupcakes. I LOVED Tacos No. 1, which says a lot from a Southern Californian.
@@jeannine1991 yeah I don't need any condiments for a sandwich, I just enjoy the bread & meat. With Kosher food you can't mix dairy & meat but you can get mustard on your sandwiches if you like.
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and
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I’m a New Yorker and tried every place mentioned in this video and completely agree with his assessment. Great job!
As a senior born and breed New Yorker, I found your reviews to be very honest. My favs. Chinese- Wo Hop, Pastrami- Leibmans Deli, Pizza- Spumoni Gardens (square only), bagel- Utopia Bagels, Smoked fish- Zabars. Enjoy
Utopia bagels are fantastic. Ten thumbs up for that call out
Thank you for your list. A Connecticut neighbour.
Wo Hop is actually American food though
@@ramencurry6672 Wait .. Wo Hop is American ?
@@DonJon200 it’s American Chinese food. It’s good though but to be realistic it’s a type of food most American non Asians recognize and the popular dishes like their eggrolls, lo mein, pork fried rice is part of the mainstream American culture. Still good though. Their pork ribs are excellent
Very happy to share that Papaya King is BACK as of yesterday! 11:56
Damn NICE
All that I have learned by watching this channel made my first visit to NYC amazing. I credit this channel for showing all the good spots to visit and how to get there via the subway. One week in NYC was not enough time to try out all the eateries. One of my favorite things about NYC is the subway because it allowed me to visit so many places to sample the food.
I'm glad that somebody doesn't mind the stink, the dilapidated surroundings, not to mention the shady characters inside the subway. Just don't stand too close to the edge of the platform.
@@Birdylockso3 million people a day ride the subway. Amazing how many people can “stand” it.
@@HughCorbyCruick It is indeed quite amazing that people can "stand" it. I guess people will suffer through anything to get by.
John I'm in NYC now and because I watch your channel, we're getting the best experience possible. Thank you again for what you do! I went to Gino's for Cannolis and Bleecker street for that Nonna Maria slice! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!
I don't get what some people see in Bleecker street. For me IT was a big disappointment
@@whatever1661where would you recommend for pizza?
@@gent_swag NY Style? I fear i can't give you a good recommendation. I wasn't impressed with any slice in NY. Maybe it's because i am from Germany. We have millions of Italians so our standart is pretty high. Maybe you try the Nonna Maria and tell me if i think i was wrong. Sometimes restaurants have a bad day. I could just tell you a pretty good Detroit Pizza spot in NY.
@@whatever1661 I appreciate your honesty. I will try a Detroit style as well.
@@gent_swag Thank you and thank you taking your time answering to a rando in the commentar section.I liked Ace's Pizza very much. However Absolute Bagels recommendation by herebebar was great.
Thanks!
Fellow NYer here! I agree with you 100% about Junior's, Joe's Pizza, Ess-a-Bagel, and Gray's Papaya. But I would rank Nathan's much higher. Aside from their lines (which agreed can suck) it's worth going for the variety of food they offer (it's not just hot dogs) and the quality is always consistently very good. Plus you're at the heart of the Coney Island boardwalk.
I agree. We need more tourists schlepping to Coney Island, not fewer.
Hey Jon! I wanted to thank you for all your video. It made our trip to NY so much easier. From transportation from LaGuardia to Manhattan, where to eat, what traps to avoid and so on! Continue your great work and thanks again!
Thank you for the honesty in this video!
This is what we want and what we're looking for on TH-cam
I recently went to Bleeker St Pizza on your recommendation and their Nonna Maria was the BEST slice I have ever eaten! Thank you!!
I second that!
I love BSP
You really can't go wrong with any pizza or food on Bleeker. It all depends on whether you like lines.
Been to "Chicago land " for a real delicious slice of pizza-???🤔. It's ok to be a flunkie 2nd rate pizza city-!!!😉.
@aysuppatruck6185 been to John's on Bleeker and loved it.
Thank you! Finally a content creator brave enough to say that Nom Wah, Juniors and others are over-rated. Also I appreciate that you considered a number of factors. Especially since I ate at every place you discussed. I like Katz's deli for flavor and texture of the pastrami but it's ridiculous that I have to pay just for the privilege of walking into this "temple". And I appreciate that you point out places like Magnolia's Bakery and Peter Luger's...this places aren't bad. It's just not the end-all, be-all that many people make them out to be. Juliana's pizza -you're absolutely right. It's pretty damned good pizza (although I'm getting more into Chicago style deep dish and Neopolitan pizzas) but it's nowhere good enough to justify a 3 hour wait. The last time I ate there, was when I noticed the line was short for some reason (that's the great thing about living in or near the city -you wander around and you stumble into opportunities. I never heard of L'industrie pizza but i was walking in NY and I noticed a bunch of people lining up. I'm saavy enough to know when you see people lining up, you ask them why. So I get in line at 11:45 and I get in at 12. Best damned Italian Sub I ever had -the pizza is good but not life-changing like some people will tell you. By 12:30, there's an hour long line going down the street.). Only thing I disagree with is your comment that Gray's Papaya has no seating. Frankly, why would you need seating in a hot dog joint? Grab a cheap dog and leave. And their hot dogs are still cheaper than even street dirty water dog carts and it's way better. Other than that, I agree with you on everything else so that means 11/12 or 92% correct which is an A in any school.
I'm a native NYer. I love, love, love Joe's pizza which is baked in a coal oven - it makes a huge difference especially to the pizza crust. Ess-A-Bagel is a great bagel place! Yes, there are different types of bagels that are also good but Ess-A-Bagel is consistently very, very good.
Joe's isn't bad. It's just not good enough to justify waiting in line.
Now Nathan's Restaurant At Coney Island, Is Still The Very Best !!!! My Dad, Would Take My Mom, My Sister & I On Saturday To Eat At This Historic Place. I Can't See The Business, Falling Of The Map For Their Customers !!!!! Long Live, Nathan's Famous !!!!😊😊😊😊
I love that you’re so confident in providing pros and cons ❤. I’ve watched so many of your videos that I could predict your alternatives before you announced them…lol. ❤❤❤
I lived in lower Manhattan most of my life. We shopped at Eileen's and Russ for almost every special occasion The daughters were still working the counter. Both good #1 calls. So glad they're still rocking it..
from a local's POV, I understand...
but as a tourist, I still wanna experience all these places.
If you want true steakhouse nostalgia go to Keens. It dates from 1885. Plus photos hang on the wall of former presidents and sports heroes. Above you are smoking pipes from many celebrities. The portions are much larger too. And they do cuts that Peter Luger won’t do. It’s also got a working fireplace in the dining room.
I've been there, steaks aside, they made a Lobster Bisque that was better than any I've ever tasted. Back in the day, they would actually keep a pipe there for their clients so they wouldn't have to bring one, there's a few former president's pipes hanging on the ceiling.
This was such a fun idea, and I pretty much completely agree with you. (Except that I do like Junior’s! 😋) Magnolia banana pudding & Juliana’s are my favorites!
Thank you for shouting out Bleecker Street Pizza 🙌 the Nonna Maria is my favorite slice/pie in the city! Completely agree that there are so many other excellent pizza options in NYC beyond Joe's...
Wow son, $3.25 for a gray's papaya hot dog. Back in the days there used to be one on the corner of west 8th st. they used to be $1.25 for two hot dogs and a drink. Also, in dumdo there is a pizza spot called Ignazio's there vegetarian pizza is good and so are their regular pies. You have to have cash on you but they also have an ATM on sight. Take it from a native New Yorker, if tourist go there go to some place else. You're in New York go to 86 st Brooklyn by bath Ave or 8th Ave in Brooklyn for Chinese food. if your in Coney Island head down to Brighton beach for some Russian food, or bay ridge for some Palestinian food. This is NY beloved where you can eat the entire globe without leaving the city
$5 for a frank and a drink is a bit high, but $7.50 for 2 and a drink still seems like a good price
Ignazio's is the bomb
( N.Y.C.) will never hold a prestigious honorable mention. In the infamous " Chicago pizza magazine "-!!!😳.
Ahh...you're an old time New Yorker. I agree with you on many things except Russian food. Maybe it's just me, but Russian food is...not so appetizing. Maybe that explains why they're so angry all the time. A good friend of mine was Russian. She had a birthday party in Brighton Beach. It was definitely an experience. So many different performances from singing, dancing and god knows what-else. I don't remember much except there was MUCH vodka and the food was all terrible even after drinking half a bottle of vodka. Pickled fish, pickled vegetables, pickled soups (OK, borscht is not technically pickled but it sure tastes like pickled soup). But it was still fun. I gotta take may kids there. I just took them to Jackson Heights where in 5 hours we ate food from 9 different countries.
@gengis01 Yes, I am an old school, born in Bensonhurst Brooklyn, and I have to say many things have changed. From the influx of Asia immigrants. Also, Bangladeshi, Turkish, and even eastern Europeans. Like the new supermarket out by Brighton Beach called teshkan ( I hope I didn't chop up the spelling), you must try their hot meal buffet. The food is delicious, and it is worth the visit. It a Halal supermarket, so they also sell Halal Meats and shawarma in the front. Believe me, it's worth the visit
This video made me think of Dubrow's, a place I haven't thought of for decades. The last one closed in 1985. I went to the one in the Garment District. I also frequented the pre-Seinfeld Tom's in the Seventies. Nothing special but it was cheap. Sunday nights my family would like Ratner's which closed in 2002.
Was in NYC lat week visitng from Europe took the ferry to Brooklyn in the middle of the day to test Juliana's pizza, the resturant completely full but only a single person in line. The best piza I tried in NYC.
Thank you for offering alternatives instead of just trashing the places for the sake of trashing them
Your assessment of Katz’s is spot on. It’s an outrageous $27 sandwich, and the bland rye bread is the most disappointing part. But my gosh, I still find their pastrami to be the most amazing, juicy, succulent, richly flavorful that I’ve ever tasted. Maybe I bought into the hype, drank the Kool-Aid. I mean, if I lived in New York, Katz would surely never be part of my regular restaurant rotation.
But I have a different perspective on price. If I’ve already paid more than $1000 on hotel and airfare and taken a week off work, and ended up 2500+ miles from home, what’s another $27 for a once-in-a-trip in exceptional pastrami? That said, your other recommendations are good too… but I came too far just to let $10 be the tie breaker.
On top of that, the $27 pastrami sandwich they offer has twice the amount of meat that the $13 sandwich has, which is actually not that great of a deal if you think about it.
I’ve only gone to Katz once and I’ll never go again. Great old school pastrami on rye sandwiches but my god is it a tourist trap. Overpriced and a really weird ordering system. I was very confused when I went there.
@@dougsmith4602 So true. It was confusing when I tried to order. The atmosphere was like just eat and get out. It is now a tourist trap, and Katz won't mind, because with this many tourists, no need for return customers.
That's why this review is great. He's not saying these places suck. He's saying they're over-rated. I love Katz's pastrami. But, as you pointed out, it's too damned expensive and their attitude towards customers is insulting. And, yes, as you pointed out, if I'm travelling to NY for an once-in-a lifetime trip, sure, go to Katz's, maybe even Luger's and half of the other places mentioned here. But I live in the area. So for me, screw that, there's so many places I already found where I can find great pastrami, soup dumplings, steak, hotdogs, cheesecake, etc. and pay less money and get less hassles and better service and higher quality for less money. But that's the advantage of being a local! And kudos to our video host for giving an actual local's perspective to visitors!
Brought a smile to my face when I heard you referranced Apopka Florida in your Nathan's bit. Not many people know about Apopka but ears perked up when I heard it and yes I would love a decent hotdog place in Orlando, originally from Lehigh Valley and there is nothing like it here.
John u r the best . My Friday night go to you tube and about NYNY does not get better Thank you
Thank yo so much for this! Love Katz & Juniors but happy to try something else!
excellent video!
I love the title of this video. I had to see it!
Ive been a follower for some time now and honestly, the videos kinda plateaud a bit. But THIS! This sir is golden. Very helpful ❤
Respect for being honest
Russ and Daughters DOES make their own bagels in house if you go to their 34th Street location. It’s perfection.
LUV channels like THIS opposed to the "We Luv Everything".. thnx for including $.
👍🏼 & subscribed!
Thanks for the quick and informative list.
You didn’t give a best bagel alternative, please add one or two.
Utopia's new location in Midtown + Absolute top tier, Tompkins Square and Best Bagel and Coffee in Manhattan as next up for me.
Zucker’s
Broad Nosh Bagels, try the lox
Absolute is really good and always have a lot of locals in line.
I actually love Kossars on Grand Street, LES. The bagels are always fresh, the portions of schmear is generous and the prices are great.
Great video!
Thanks for the video.😊
12. Nathan's can be worth the trip if you plan on visiting Coney Island to check it out. Some people might find Coney Island fun to visit and they got fireworks every Friday in the summer
11. Junior's is a typical NY cheesecake that is more dense while Eileen's is more of a normal cheesecake and it's more fluffy. Everyone has their preferences. BTW if you're a local sometimes the Costcos have whole Junior's cheesecakes for way cheaper than the store.
Papaya king Was soo special too mee I’m happy they are reopening across the street ….
The hot dog was invented at Coney Island but at Feltman's which predates Nathan's. You can buy their hot dogs in certain supermarkets but they have no stands.
Ate at Magnolia, Bleecker, Liberty Bagels, and 5 Napkin(Patty Melt was awesome)..also went to the 3 story McDonald’ in Time Square..cool vibe. your videos helped a lot. Was there 2 weeks ago.
There is a spider crawling on the front bagel!!! 6:57
I used to go to the 21st ( I think 1st or 2nd) Ess-a-bagel(somewhat close to SVA my college). That was the oldest location with the original oven(like 80 years old at the time), and those bagels were excellent, and it wasnt a tourist spot due to that location. I never been to the other ones, but what you showed here, looks like they went down in quality.
As a lifelong NYer, I can confirm that most of the mentioned eateries/restaurants in this video are perfect for tourists. More often than not, they're overrated. There are many lesser-known restaurants that serve better and higher-quality food.
Great video. Katz's is a must-visit for first time NY visitors, but if you want a great sandwich without the circus, Sarge's is the place to go. And I have to disagree about the quality of Nathan's at Coney Island. I swear they're different than the one's you get at any of their other storefronts. Worth the trip? Probably not, but fun to go there and wander around.
its not a must visit imo. it was almost 40$ cad with tax for a sandwich that was far smaller than most of the old youtube vids show. shrinkflation i guess?
Cant wait to grab a breakfast combo from Gray's when im in the city next month. Thanks for being the best online guide to the city. Cant get enough of these videos. 🍻🌆
Def should do that. I always try to grab a combo when I’m around the area
Papaya King just reopened their new location across the street
As someone from Montreal, I was sorely disappointed by Katz. If you think Katz is good, come to Montreal and have a smoked meat at Greenspot. Your mind will be blown
On another note, the best food experience I had in NYC was Veselka's. I was the only one in the entire line to sit on the unheated terrace at 10pm in April, and I had the stroganoff in the cold and it was delicious.
If the best food experience you had was at Veselka you probably need to try harder next time :)
hold on,.... 2nd deli on 33rd, sit down, rarely a wait and the best Pastrami in the city, Katz's always perplexes me with tourist lined up, which is a sight in itself.
@jeffreywynn4674 well it’s simple - 2nd deli is certified kosher, Katz’s is a kosher style delicatessen 😊😅😂
Good reviews
I already tried 8 of the spots mentioned in this video because of this channel. I am about to try some of the spots in Astoria from one of your Queens video =)
Hi Jon,
Just another one of your best videos! Thank you for all the pleasure that you bring us!
Best Wishes,
Peter
100% agree with Ess-a-Bagel. It is definitely my favorite bagel place in the city (but the lines at lunch time are absurd).
Great video. Can’t wait to go back to NYC and try a few of these places.
Nicely done Jon
You need to try the heavenly cheesecake at Mah-Ze-Dahr
In Toronto, we used to have a "Papaya Hut", same color scheme, same kind of decor but it was a smoothie bar and veggie food! It was kind of an institution too!
For bagels when I am staying in a tourist area is Best Coffee and bagels. Very good. I usually take a dozen home when I fly home.
Yes I agree ☝🏻
Your content just keeps getting better! I first learned about Junior's from the frozen cheesecakes available at some grocers around Chicago. A tough sell with our local favorite being Eli's.
Thank you for your honesty about Joe's. It's a 5.6/10.
Juliana's YUM! I got the personal size margarita pizza and ate the entire thing! Thanks Jon, you're the best! I'm back in NY in 2 weeks..WOOHOO!
Great idea for a video Jon! Thank you so much!!
Solid review New Subscriber🎉
That P Luger plate looked really good.
Burger and FRIES seemed perfect
Their burger is excellent. It won't disappoint.
I want to experience NY just because of your channel👍
I’ve been to grays and it’s good for the price. I went because I was on the way to something else so I stopped for a quick lunch. Also Anthony bourdain used to go a lot. It’s really how I know about it.
Jon instead of visiting NYC every 2 years I will try if possible to visit every year.
Be safe, it's not worth it
For 17 dollars I can buy premium smoked salmon, cream cheese and bagels for a whole week of breakfasts and lunches. Those prices in NY are INSANE.
Old Town Bar - best cheeseburger /potato salad combo in historic setting.
Just checked them out on Google Maps. Pictures don't seem very interesting. Just another pub in the big city.
@@gengis01 Historic....always packed.....never gets old. Not even close to being just another pub in NYC. Go first...then make your comments. Google Maps vs. being inside the place and enjoying the food and history.....come on. Wow! Google Maps?? What? I'm dying laughing here
@@gengis01 Old Town Bar...one of the most historic taverns in NYC ....sorry it didn't meet your expectations. Oh...right...who cares!
Great video. I am orginally from Long Island. I have not been to Katzs but its on my list. I used to like Carnegie and actually ate there the last weekend they were in business. That day the food wasnt as good as normal. I ate Joes Pizza after running the NY marathon in 2023 as the Times Square location was near my hotel. It was great. I came from FL Compared to what I get here it was excellent. I know about all the other top NY places and will try a few on my next trip. For me Juniors is nostalgia. Cheesecake Factory slices these days are 10-13.00. I love Grays! Cant believe only one left. Prices are cheap and the drinks are sweet and great!
Good job m8. I visited Billy 🌭last summer in NYC. My Manhattan cheapest snack and really taste 👍.
3:47 - "You either love it or hate it" immediately contracts himself by saying "I'm in the middle".
He meant "you people".
They brought back papaya king. You may have to come back to the upper east side
I have been just a long time viewer of this channel that I instantly knew the restaurants Jon would choose over the popular ones 😂. Great video as always!
It's 1963. I'm 5. We're at Nathans Coney Island, and that we live only a few blocks away we're there a lot. It was heaven, esp the fries if they were salted right.
Do not take away that magic!
As for hot dogs, any street cart in a busy location will be fine, Just watch the prices. There used to be a felafel place on McDougal where for $2 you could get a felafel that would feed two but then I'm dating myself.
Now I'm in Michigan and would kill for a slice of real pizza (Hey Detroit! Calm down! That ain't pizza!) a felafel or a decent bagel. Luckily, NY Bagel ships overnight, 2 dozen for ~$54 which seems high but at $2.25 each, that's cheaper than the crap they try to sell as bagels out here. (what's the NY secret? Catskill's water running through 100 year old lead pipes.)
I bet in 1963 Nathan’s was a way different experience. I’d love to hop in a Time Machine to see it.
FALAFEL
I have a soft spot for Nathan's. I love on long Island and there were a couple of locations out here that were basically the only hot dog restaurants you could go to, and I did basically whenever I passed them. The Thursday throwback when you could get a hot dog for 10 cents was awesome
@@A_Lion_In_The_Sun When we moved out to the Island we'd go to Nathans down in Oceanside but it wasn't the same as on Coney.
Russ & Daughters used to use bagels from Bagel Hole in Brooklyn, which were fantastic. They’ve since switched to their own bagels, and they’re not nearly as good. The fish is still tops though.
Love Ming in all you videos ❤❤❤
Haven't had all the popular pizza places in NYC but juliana's pizza has been my favorite pizza place in the NYC metro area for several years! Haven't tried many of the hot dog centers but wasn't impressed by the one over by battery park that I went to several years ago so I must rather go to Nathan's instead! I also like joe's pizza but I personally think difara's, juliana's, prince street pizza, and lombardis would be better options to to eat at instead! Always will prefer Katz delicatessen to any other sandwich restaurant in nyc! Was wondering can you do a video of your favorite places for mozzarella sticks?
I was born and raised in Queens Long Island...the City which is part of the Island for those hard-core.
I do miss Sabretts and Slices, but living in Japan now for forty years....no comparison. Japan rocks.
Yeah! Nom Wah Tea Parlor makes you feel like you are in a movie set. In 2012, that area outside and inside Nom Wah Tea Parlor was in the movie - Premium Rush with
Joseph Gordon-Levitt.
Russ and daughters is my favorite
Katz's makes the best hot dog in NYC. We live in Manhattan and go there three times a year and share a $27.00 pastrami sandwich and order one $4.95 hot dog each. For $16.00 each it's a great meal.
You are so right about Ess-a-Bagel. Have lived a couple of blocks away for years and have been there once. Their bagels are really doughy and undercooked on the inside.
Yes, Nom Wah's food is terrible. Pings is the right choice. Nailed it, Jon.
Love this channel.
Eileen’s cheesecake is way better than juniors
Fact
I would love to see Los Tacos No. 1 in this list! The best place for tacos in the town - and not only in my opinion. 😊
I’d like to watch a “go here, not there” video from you with all the alternatives. Thanks for all the info!
Tried 3 times to get to Joes Pizza near Times Square....and the long queue moved painfully slow...so we ditched it 3 times....
I actually like the Joes in Times Square more than the Carmine Street Location (which is what i was basing this review off of)
@@HereBeBarr We went to find another Joes, but Google Maps tricked us....we were led to a Joe G's on W56th :)
@@HereBeBarr I thought the Joe's Pizza in Times Square was not affiliated with the Joe's Pizza in Greenwich Village and there was a lawsuit. Am I wrong?
Scarr's (pizza slices), Veniero's (Italian cheesecake), Pastrami Queen, Black Seed (I love Ess-a-Bagel too).
Papaya in the UES just reopened!
Three weeks ago I did go to Russ & Daughters store (not café) to get my beloved sable & white fish. I then walked down the block to go get deli beef tongue at Katz’ to take back home. The line was around 50-60 people in length. It would have taken me an hour just to get to the takeout counter. 🥴 Sigh. As for Junior’s….hubby and I looooove their chicken soup with matzoh ball (one huge ball). So yummy and rich!
Joe’s is fire. 🍕
My top 3. Katz’s, Lugar’s and Joe’s.
David’s Brisket house is a juicy treat!
I like nom wah because of its outdoor location now. They had to put tables outside now. It works. And the chef is trying to do new stuff is kinda nice.
Hey, how come you didn't mention Yonah Shimel on Houseton? 😢
Sarge’s Deli is great. For a true Kosher Deli, I would go to Ben’s in Bayside, besides Pastrami, do try the Chopped Liver, Potato Pancake, and the Stuffed Derma. . A 1/2 lb Pastrami Sandwich is nearly half the cost of Katz’s or 2nd Ave Deli. If you go to Bayside, walk a bit to Forest Hills and have the best Tex Mex in the city, Five Burros. Get the burritos, steak and shrimp.
I’m not in NyC anymore, but I heard Ben’s and Mr Broadway are merging. So, that should be awesome.
For an Italian Deli, Faicco’s Italian Deli is great. For a great German Deli, Schaller & Weber is a must.
Russ & Daughters is great.
I disagree with a few of these but it's fun watching you do something I've had the idea to do for a long time. Nom Wah is still some of the best Dim Sum imo and Gray's Papaya has never wowed me. With you 100% on Russ and Katz's though haha
This video is to spark debate 🤣
Gray's Papaya was 1 of the best hotdogs i have ever eaten over there!
Super tasty!
I've got to know that restaurant because of your video's
So it deserved it's number 2 spot
Totally agree with the Joes assessment, but I enjoyed the ambience.
Katz’s is literally the worst service experience we ever had at a restaurant. Our sandwiches were dry, but he server wouldn’t bring us any dressing. Additionally, no water was served. We tried numerous times to get the server’s attention to no avail and finally went to the manager, who also refused to get us a ramekin of mayonnaise or water. A dry sandwich with no water for $30. Never again.
I enjoyed Magnolia Bakery cupcakes.
I LOVED Tacos No. 1, which says a lot from a Southern Californian.
Eww Mayo?
@@Mugsy-14I don’t think that Katz’s is a kosher place, so asking for a Mayo is not a big deal, but as far as preference to put on pastrami? 😢😂🙀
@@2Ensta you eat bread and turkey with no condiments?
@@homerb3368 turkey
@@jeannine1991 yeah I don't need any condiments for a sandwich, I just enjoy the bread & meat. With Kosher food you can't mix dairy & meat but you can get mustard on your sandwiches if you like.