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2nd Ave Deli

162 E 33rd St, New York, NY 10016
$
Breakfast, Brunch, Sandwiches
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ZipPicks Awards

Best Breakfast in Murray Hill & Kips Bay Best Brunch in Murray Hill & Kips Bay Best Sandwiches in Murray Hill & Kips Bay

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

2nd Ave Deli 8.6
Murray Hill
Vibes: Comfort Food Classics Family Friendly Favorites Business Lunch Power Players Group Dining Gatherings
Since 1954, 2nd Avenue Deli’s Kips Bay location has delivered classic Jewish deli breakfasts and brunches, from challah French toast to towering pastrami sandwiches. High-volume traffic and decades of regulars make it a benchmark for comfort-heavy, old-New-York morning meals.
Must-Try Dishes: Challah French Toast, Matzoh Ball Soup with rye, Hot Pastrami Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 8.3 Service: 8.2 Consistency: 9.1 Food Quality: 9.2 Atmosphere: 7 Cultural Relevance: 9.4
What makes it special: Historic kosher deli where challah French toast and pastrami anchor brunch.
Who should go: Diners craving classic New York Jewish deli breakfast staples.
When to visit: Late morning on weekdays to dodge peak weekend crowds.
What to order: Challah French Toast, Matzoh Ball Soup, Hot Pastrami Sandwich.
Insider tip: Order pickles and knishes for the table to share before mains.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking is very limited and competitive; nearby garages on 2nd and 3rd Avenue typically run $18–$35 depending on duration.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear are perfectly appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours—conversation is fine but you’ll need to speak up slightly at busy brunch times.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially late morning into early afternoon.
Weekday lunch: 10–20 minutes is typical, with faster turnover earlier in the morning.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple dairy-based and egg-focused breakfasts, blintzes, salads, soups, and potato-centric dishes.
Vegan options: Limited—some vegetable sides and salads work, but the menu leans heavily dairy and meat.
Gluten-free options: Limited—matzoh-based items dominate, but some egg dishes and salads may work with staff guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual daytime date than a romantic one—great food and energy, but not intimate or quiet.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect a wait during weekend brunch and late morning peaks; weekdays are far more forgiving.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—families with young kids are common, and the menu works well for picky eaters and shared plates.
Best For
Better for: Classic New York Jewish deli breakfasts, nostalgic atmosphere, and indulgent comfort-focused brunch plates.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet, health-forward, or vegan-focused breakfast experience.