Sarge's Delicatessen

548 3rd Avenue, New York, NY - (212) 679-0442

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Posted By Bill Homan on 11/27/2007 10:09:00 AM

Sarge's is located in the Murray Hill neighborhood of Manhattan and was started by retired police Sargeant Abe "Sarge" Katz. The ceiling is tin and the booths are well worn; definitely a place without pretensions. One gets the feeling that the waitresses have been there for many years as well. When I went to take a picture my waitress was just inside the frame and said "You better not take my picture, I'll break your lens. I'm too ugly." You can't get that kind of banter at most places these days.

They start you out with a complimentary plate of coleslaw, and a sour and a half-sour pickle. The slaw is lackluster, mayo-based and a little too wet for my taste. The sour pickle is good, with a nice vinegary brininess. The egg cream is good, though I've had better, and I do love it in the traditional soda fountain glass. That being said, I saw my waitress make it and she certainly knew how to put a proper white head on it.

The pastrami sandwich comes on rye and is thinly sliced, moist and perfect with a nice schmear of strong deli mustard; a meal unto itself. A real winner at Sarge's are the french fries. Crispy on the outside and so utterly, incredibly creamy on the inside and not at all greasy. They are cut in the style of Nathan's Famous, but these are far superior. Probably my second favorite fries of all time.

They have a pretty big menu and are open 24 hours. All kinds of people show up at Sarge's and it's definitely worth the trip.

Scorecard

Overall: Excellent - Worth a Detour

Hot Pastrami Sandwich	French Fries
Stuffed Cabbage	New York Egg Cream
Chopped Liver	Matzo Ball Soup

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Reviewers Photos [Upload Your Photos]

"A mountain of delicious moist meat only made better with a nice schmear of mustard."
Bill Homan

"Crispy, creamy, and not at all greasy. Some of the best fries I've ever eaten."
Bill Homan

"The sour pickle on the left is good, but the coleslaw is too wet for my taste."
Bill Homan

"Lots of smoked fish and salads to choose from."
Bill Homan

"The flavor and appearance are right on the money, but I wish they would serve it in the traditional soda glass."
Bill Homan

"A shot of a NYC institution that hasn't changed much since 1964."
Bill Homan

"Sarge's is open for business 24/7."
Bill Homan

"When dining in larger parties, pickles and coleslaw are brought out in these metal bowls."
Bill Homan

"Nothing like chopped liver and challah bread to get the appetite going!"
Bill Homan

"Sweet and sour stuffed cabbage. "
Bill Homan

"A warm bowl of matzo ball soup hits the spot."
Bill Homan