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Sarge's Delicatessen & Diner
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
Sarge's Delicatessen & Diner
8.7
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Business Lunch Power Players
Quick Bites Champions
A classic Jewish deli in Murray Hill dating back to the 1960s, Sarge's serves crinkle-cut fries that are treated as seriously as its towering pastrami sandwiches. The fries come out hot, salty, and generously portioned, making the diner a go-to when you want old-school New York comfort with a proper fry basket.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crinkle-Cut French Fries, Pastrami Reuben, Open-Faced Hot Turkey Sandwich with Fries
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Old-school deli where crinkle-cut fries share top billing with stacked pastrami.
Who should go: Diners craving classic New York deli fare and fries.
When to visit: Midday or early evening before peak dinner crowds hit.
What to order: Crinkle-cut fries, pastrami Reuben, matzo ball soup.
Insider tip: Order fries on the side even if your sandwich already comes with them—they disappear fast at the table.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is very limited; nearby paid garages typically run $30–$40 for a few hours.
Dress code: Casual and practical — jeans, sneakers, and everyday workwear are all standard.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — you can hold a conversation, but expect classic diner buzz during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 25–45 minutes during peak early evening hours
Weekday lunch: 5–15 minutes, with faster turnover at counter seating
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — fries, soups, classic egg dishes, salads, and several deli sides work well.
Vegan options: Limited — fries and a few vegetable sides are the most reliable options.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some soups and plated proteins can work, but cross-contact risk is present in a deli kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a laid-back, food-focused first meeting than a romantic one — it’s casual, bustling, and all about comfort over ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-ins are the norm, though short waits are common during lunch rush and early dinner.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — families are common, high chairs are available, and the menu is easy for kids to navigate.
Best For
Better for: Old-school deli atmosphere, late hours, generous fry portions, and pairing fries with classic NYC sandwiches.
Skip if: You want gourmet fries, quiet dining, or a polished date-night setting.
Sarge's Delicatessen & Diner
8.3
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Business Lunch Power Players
Quick Bites Champions
Open since 1964, Sarge’s is a classic Murray Hill deli-diner where crinkle-cut fries, omelets, and massive sandwiches power all-day breakfasts. It’s the move when you want bottomless coffee, old-school booths, and portions big enough to feed you well past lunchtime.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheese Omelet with home fries, Crinkle-Cut Fries, Pastrami Reuben
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 6.8
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Old-school deli-diner known for huge portions and all-day breakfast plates.
Who should go: Hungry diners wanting classic New York diner breakfast staples.
When to visit: Mid-morning or late night when you crave hearty comfort.
What to order: Cheese Omelet with home fries, Crinkle-Cut Fries, Pastrami Reuben.
Insider tip: Split a sandwich and fries if you want room left for cheesecake.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive; nearby paid garages are the safest bet, especially during peak hours.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed — jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — you can hold a conversation, but it gets louder during rush hours.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak comfort-food hours.
Weekday lunch: 10–20 minutes on average; quicker off-peak.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — omelets, eggs, grilled cheese, salads, and several breakfast plates work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited — some sides, salads, and vegetable-based items, but no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Limited — a few naturally gluten-free items available, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, low-pressure dates than romantic first impressions — it’s fun and relaxed, not intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — most guests walk in successfully, but expect a short wait during peak brunch and late-night hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common, and picky eaters do well with pancakes, fries, and simple breakfast plates.
Best For
Better for: Beats most competitors on sheer portion size, late-night availability, and classic New York diner atmosphere.
Skip if: Skip if you’re looking for trendy brunch plating, lighter health-focused breakfasts, or a quiet, romantic setting.
Sarge's Delicatessen & Diner
8.6
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Business Lunch Power Players
Quick Bites Champions
Open since 1964, Sarge's is a classic Murray Hill Jewish-style deli where omelets, crinkle-cut fries, and massive sandwiches power all-day breakfasts and brunches. With thousands of reviews and decades of regulars, it functions as both a neighborhood canteen and a destination for hearty, old-school plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheese Omelet with Home Fries, Pastrami Reuben, Crinkle-Cut Fries
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Long-running deli-diner where all-day breakfast meets giant deli sandwiches.
Who should go: Hungry diners craving classic New York deli-style brunch.
When to visit: Mid-morning or late night when comfort cravings hit hardest.
What to order: Cheese omelet, pastrami Reuben, a side of crinkle fries.
Insider tip: Portions are huge; split an omelet or sandwich and save room for cheesecake.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking is limited and competitive; nearby garages are the most reliable option for longer visits.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable — jeans, hoodies, and everyday wear are completely normal.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak brunch hours — conversation is easy but expect constant background buzz.
Weekend wait: 30-60 minutes during peak brunch and dinner hours without a waitlist.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait outside of the 12–1pm lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — omelets, salads, veggie sandwiches, and breakfast plates work well.
Vegan options: Limited — mostly sides, salads, and basic vegetable plates.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some egg plates and salads work, but cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, low-pressure first dates than romantic ones — it’s bright, busy, and built for comfort over intimacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — Sarge’s operates mostly as a walk-in spot, but peak brunch hours may involve a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — high chairs, large booths, and familiar comfort food make it easy for families with kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Big portions, no-frills Jewish deli classics, late-night eats, and all-day breakfast reliability.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet, trendy brunch scene or a refined, design-forward dining experience.
Sarge's Delicatessen & Diner
8.6
Opened in 1964, Sarge’s is a Jewish deli and diner known for its towering Monster sandwich and house-made pastrami served day and night. It’s the go-to in Murray Hill when you want huge, old-school deli sandwiches with bottomless pickles, late hours, and a bustling dining room.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Monster Sandwich, Hot Pastrami on Rye, Reuben Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Classic Jewish deli-diner hybrid famous for one of NYC’s largest sandwiches.
Who should go: Hungry diners wanting huge, old-school deli sandwiches.
When to visit: Evenings before the late-night rush for shorter waits.
What to order: The Monster, pastrami on rye, corned beef Reuben.
Insider tip: Order The Monster to share; it’s built to feed several people and still leave leftovers.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive in Murray Hill, especially after 6pm; nearby paid garages on 3rd Avenue and Lexington typically run $20–$30 for a few hours.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—jeans, sneakers, and relaxed outfits are completely normal.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours—easy to talk at lunch, but conversations compete with diner bustle at night.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait before noon; 10–20 minutes during the lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several options like veggie omelets, eggplant dishes, salads, and grilled cheese.
Vegan options: Limited—mostly salads and a few vegetable-based sides; not a strong vegan destination.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free plates like eggs, meats, and salads, but no dedicated prep area and bread is central to the menu.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, no-pressure first date than a romantic one—the food is great, but the portions are massive and the vibe is lively, not intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, most people walk in successfully, but expect a wait during weekend dinner hours and late-night peak times.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—classic diner menu items, big booths, and a relaxed atmosphere work well for kids, especially during daytime hours.
Best For
Better for: Late-night deli cravings, oversized shareable sandwiches, and old-school diner energy that most modern delis don’t offer anymore.
Skip if: You want a quiet, romantic meal, lighter portions, or a more health-forward menu.
Sarge's Delicatessen & Diner
8.6
Open since 1964, Sarge's is a classic Jewish-style deli in Murray Hill where overstuffed sandwiches, matzo ball soup, and all-day breakfast come out of an old-school dining room. It has the review volume and TV appearances of a landmark, but day-to-day it still operates like a comfortable neighborhood diner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pastrami on rye, Matzo ball soup, The Monster sandwich
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Old-school Jewish deli with house-cured meats and a huge menu.
Who should go: Deli fans who want classics without tourist chaos
When to visit: Off-peak midafternoons for minimal waits and quick service
What to order: Pastrami on rye, matzo ball soup, or The Monster to share
Insider tip: Split a sandwich and soup so you can still leave room for cheesecake.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is extremely limited; nearby paid garages on 3rd Ave and 2nd Ave typically run $20–$30 for a few hours.
Dress code: Very casual — jeans, hoodies, work clothes, and sneakers are all normal here.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — classic diner hum with chatter and kitchen noise, but you can still hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak hours, especially after 7pm
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days before noon or after 2pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — egg dishes, grilled cheese, veggie sandwiches, salads, and blintzes.
Vegan options: Limited — mostly salads, veggie sides, and basic builds without dairy.
Gluten-free options: Partial — meats and soups are naturally gluten-free, but bread substitutes are limited and cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, low-pressure first dates than romantic ones — it’s comfortable, unpretentious, and great for conversation over comfort food.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — reservations aren’t really part of the culture here. Walk-ins are standard, especially during off-peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — kids love the pancakes, grilled cheese, and milkshakes, and staff are used to families and strollers.
Best For
Better for: Classic Jewish deli comfort, massive portions, late-night eats, and a true neighborhood feel without tourist chaos.
Skip if: You want a modern, polished deli experience, lighter portions, or a quiet, refined dining room.
Sarge's Delicatessen & Diner
8.6
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Open since 1964, Sarge’s is a classic Murray Hill Jewish deli where overstuffed sandwiches, matzoh ball soup, and cheesecake anchor a long menu served all day. With thousands of reviews and a steady stream of locals, it’s the move when you want an efficient, no-nonsense business lunch that still feels distinctly New York.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hot pastrami on rye, The Monster sandwich, Matzoh ball soup
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Old-school deli with enormous sandwiches, fast service, and deep neighborhood history.
Who should go: Teams wanting classic New York deli without lingering for hours
When to visit: Late lunch window after the busiest midday rush subsides
What to order: Pastrami on rye, The Monster, matzoh ball soup
Insider tip: Split a sandwich and an extra side if you need to go back to the office productive.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive during lunch hours; nearby paid garages on Third and Second Avenue are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual and workday-friendly — suits, business casual, and jeans all fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — you can hold a business conversation, but it’s not a whisper-quiet room.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak evening hours
Weekday lunch: 10–25 minutes during the noon rush; little to no wait after 2pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie sandwiches, soups, salads, and breakfast-style options are available.
Vegan options: Limited — some salads, sides, and vegetable-based plates can be modified.
Gluten-free options: Limited — soups, proteins, and select sides work, but cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, daytime meet than a romantic first impression — it’s more about food, speed, and comfort than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — Sarge’s operates primarily as a walk-in spot and turns tables efficiently throughout the day.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are welcome, with simple menu options and a relaxed atmosphere suitable for kids.
Best For
Better for: Fast, no-frills New York deli power lunches with massive portions and reliable execution.
Skip if: You want a quiet, upscale business lunch with polished service or modern presentation.
Sarge's Delicatessen & Diner
8.8
Open since 1964, Sarge’s is a classic Jewish deli in Murray Hill where families share giant pastrami sandwiches, matzo ball soup, and cheesecake in roomy booths. High review counts and decades of loyal regulars make it one of the most reliable family-friendly spots in the neighborhood for hearty, old-school comfort food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Monster pastrami and corned beef sandwich, Chicken in the Pot with matzo ball soup, New York–style cheesecake
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Long-running Jewish deli with house-made pastrami and true New York diner energy.
Who should go: Families craving big deli plates and roomy booths.
When to visit: Weeknights for easier seating and less of a rush.
What to order: Monster sandwich, chicken-in-the-pot, classic cheesecake.
Insider tip: Portions are huge—split sandwiches and add sides instead of ordering one plate per person.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is very limited; paid garages nearby typically run $15–$25 depending on time and event traffic.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—jeans, sneakers, and family-friendly attire fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—easy to talk at your table, but it’s an energetic diner environment.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially after 6pm.
Weekday lunch: 10–20 minutes during peak lunch hours; earlier is usually a quick seat.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple options including blintzes, grilled cheese, salads, and various egg-based dishes.
Vegan options: Limited—mostly salads and a few vegetable sides; not a strong vegan destination.
Gluten-free options: Limited—some salads, egg plates, and meat dishes without bread, but cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, laid-back dates than romantic ones—great if you bond over food and nostalgia, less ideal for a quiet, intimate vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect a wait during peak dinner hours and weekends. Off-peak visits usually seat you quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—high chairs, big booths, familiar comfort food, and noise tolerance make it ideal for kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Hearty portions, classic Jewish deli flavors, late-night comfort food, and large family groups.
Skip if: You want a quiet, upscale dinner experience, a romantic atmosphere, or strong vegan/gluten-free options.