Carnegie Deli Reopens in New York City After Decade Hiatus

Carnegie Deli has reopened its doors at 834 Seventh Avenue, marking its return to New York City after a 10-year absence. The legendary deli, once a staple of West Midtown, aims to bring back a piece of old-time New York to a rapidly changing neighborhood. The new location occupies the former site of the Stage Deli, which closed in 2012.

Owner Sarri Harper had been searching for a suitable spot to relaunch the establishment for years. Products from Carnegie Deli had previously been available only online and at sports venues. The spokesperson for Harper described the location at the former Stage Deli site as a "twist of fate."

The reborn Carnegie Deli features its signature four-inch-tall pastrami on rye sandwich, priced at $29. The pastrami, described as house-brined beef navel, is sliced thinner and is noted as being tastier than remembered, though some found it had a little too much fat. The establishment also offers homemade chicken soup with matzo balls and golden noodles, and three chicken sausages for $9. The menu includes other deli classics such as Reubens, corned beef, breakfast dishes, hot dogs, and burgers.

In addition to the food, the new Carnegie Deli incorporates vintage decor, including a "Wall of Fame" featuring photos of showbiz stars, reminiscent of films and TV shows associated with the original location. The ambiance is complemented by jazz standards, avoiding more stereotypical New York-themed music. The reopening offers a nostalgic element to Seventh Avenue in the 50s, an area that has seen significant changes and the closure of several establishments, including Petrossian, Redeye Grill, Rosie O’Grady’s, and Molyvos.

The deli's revival is distinct from unrelated establishments named Carnegie Diner. While the pastrami sandwich is a central attraction, the eatery also offers improvements in service, with friendly waitresses replacing the more brusque service of the past. The deli acknowledges that while its offerings are not precisely the same as before, they are considered better.

Pastrami remains widely available across New York City, with notable mentions including Second Avenue Deli, Katz's Delicatessen, and modern interpretations like Morgan's Brooklyn Barbecue and Tatiana at Lincoln Center. However, the Carnegie Deli offers a return to the original experience on its home turf.