Moving to a new neighborhood is more than just packing boxes—it’s about discovering the best local eats that make a place feel like home. And if you’re settling into Brooklyn, you’re in luck: the borough is home to some of the best pastrami sandwiches you’ll ever taste. Whether you’re a lifelong deli lover or just looking for a comforting bite after a long moving day, these legendary spots serve up pastrami that’s smoky, savory, and stacked just right.
Pastrami likely came from pastırma, a Turkish method for preserving meat before refrigeration, and traveled with Eastern European immigrants across Europe and to America. In the 19th and early 20th century, pastrami dishes became a cornerstone of Jewish delis– and many of Brooklyn’s delis keep that tradition alive.
While Manhattan might have Katz’s, Brooklyn’s got salty, layered, pink slices of cured beef without all the bells, whistles, and queues.
There’s no need to leave the borough, or cross the bridge. Here’s where to find the best pastrami sandwiches in Brooklyn.
- Moe’s Pastrami & Burger (569 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn): When it comes to the best pastrami sandwiches in Brooklyn, Moe’s pastrami steals the show. It’s everything pastrami should be–salty, smoky, and savory–without overdoing any of the S’s.
- House of Glatt (385 Kingston Ave, Brooklyn): This longtime kosher butcher and deli has been serving the Crown Heights community for over 40 years, but you’d never know it. The full-service deli, grab-and-go counter, and restaurant reopened with a sleek, modern design in 2024 under new ownership.
- David’s Brisket House (533 Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn): Pastrami sandwiches are this spot’s bread and butter. Just around the corner from Nostrand Ave in Brooklyn, it’s a prime pit stop before or after a visit to the Brooklyn Museum. The exterior doesn’t look like much, but trust us, the pastrami is juicy, tender, and packed with flavor, proving that sometimes the most sumptuous meals come from the most unassuming places.
- Frankel’s Delicatessen (631 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn): A modern-retro Jewish deli with a bit of a rock-and-roll vibe. A go-to spot for Greenpoint regulars who know the pastrami, egg, and cheese on challah never misses.
- Junior’s Cheesecake Restaurant (386 Flatbush Ave Ext, Brooklyn): Junior’s is famous for its legendary New York-style cheesecake, but their pastrami on rye holds its own. The pastrami is layered between corned beef with a crisp pickle on the side. Go halves if you want to save room for cheesecake.
- Essen New York Deli (1108 Avenue J, Brooklyn): This Brooklyn deli isn’t about forging a legacy, just serving Romanian pastrami and half-pickle meals that keep Midwood locals coming back.
- Defonte Sandwich Shop (379 Columbia St, Brooklyn): Defonte’s has been selling legendary sandwiches since 1922, when Italian immigrant Nick Defonte bought a Red Hook corner store for $100 and grew it into a neighborhood institution. The pastrami and swiss sandwiches have been called “Brooklyn’s Best-Kept Pastrami Secret”. To see for yourself, head to Columbia Street in Brooklyn, near the exit to the Hugh Carey Tunnel.
There’s more to Brooklyn than just legendary delis and pastrami sandwiches.
Every neighborhood has its personality, charm, and history. Wherever life takes you, Metropolis Moving can help you get there. Our trustworthy team of moving professionals will help you settle into your new surroundings. Fill out our easy-to-use online form to request a quote from us today.
