PJ Bernstein
“Corned Beef on rye, matzoh ball soup and any of the sides are my go-to's.
Delivery on seamless is fast and super easy.”
“Hot Pastrami is Fabu, but ChoppedLiver/Pastrami/Turkey combo sandwich was my Fave!”
“I had to add another star because the hot borscht there is really good – great for a cold day and the portion is huge.”
PJ Bernstein
Delivery: Yes
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Good for Kids: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Caters: Yes
PokéStop Nearby: Yes
Price range.
$$ Price range $11-30
8 reviews
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My go to when I am sick. Kind of like an East side Fine and Shapiro. Not perfect, but pretty damn good and when you are under the weather PJ Bernstein will get your Jewish Penicillin on for you.
Certainly not the best Jewish deli in the city; however, not a bad choice either.
I enjoyed my hot pastrami sandwich. My son's hamburger platter with fries looked fantastic but he did not eat much of it. My mom raved about her tuna sandwich platter. My ex and my daughter spit a large bowl of chicken soup with matzoh balls; they loved it. My ex-mother-in-law seemed to enjoy her half-order of a hot corned beef sandwich.
I like this place but I think Carnegie Deli or 2nd Avenue deli are likely better choices for this type of fare
This is a great kosher style restaurant! We ordered our food via seamless (my latest obsession). We had:
Matzo ball soup – delicious
Knish (not fried) – so so good!
Pastrami Sandwich – terrific
Roast Beef with Cheese Sandwich – Great and rare
Tuna Fish Salad – Very good
In my opinion, this place is better than 2nd Avenue Deli. The staff is really nice – they called us when they didn't have a plain bagel for my daughter's tuna fish. We will definitely order from them again!
Although many autographed B and C list celebrity pictures adorn the walls of PJ Bernstein's, proclaiming the greatness of their fare, I'm going to have to disagree.
The seating is cramped, everything is a bit dingy, the food is overpriced for a deli/diner, and the quality isn't so great. The service, however, is wonderful.
My tomato and feta omelet had a small smattering of tomatoes and no feta to be noticed, save for a bite or two. The eggs were burned on top, and my tomatoes on the side were not too ripe. Very sad.
Coffee was decent, my hot chocolate was gigantic and delicious with a wealth of whipped cream piled on top. The challah bread french toast that I stole off my boyfriend's plate was pretty tasty, but nothing extraordinary. We asked for a side of fresh strawberries and we were told that they don't have that (what?!). But a few minutes later, another guy came over with some he had taken out of the fruit salad. Pretty sweet move!!! The friendly and eager-to-please service is definitely the only thing that sets this place apart in my mind.
I went here for lunch the other day, since it was recommended by a co-worker.. and I wasn't all that impressed.
First of all, everything here is extremely overpriced. I know, we're on the Upper East Side, but come on. The sandwiches are quite expensive, and the homemade 'perogen' (AKA pierogies) I got were $10.50. $10.50!! There were about 6 pierogies on the plate, and they came with sauteed/slightly burnt onions and sour cream. I've had much better pierogies elsewhere – and for much cheaper!
The service was decent, but everyone around us got their food before us. I ordered the perogen and my coworker ordered a cheeseburger. I don't get what took so long, but I didn't complain.
As we left, I waited at the counter to pay the check, where the cashier rudely snapped "Can I help you?" as if I was standing there for no good reason. That's when I pointed out the check in front of me that I wanted to pay.. and then she lightened up, realizing she was getting an attitude for no good reason. I mean, I only wanted to pay for my overpriced meal!
So, not the best lunch experience, and you guessed it, I probably won't return here.
Was walking by and decided to stop in for a pastrami sandwich. I have been eating pastrami for nearly 50 years so my standards are pretty high. I had not heard about Bernstein's so expectations were low but I was blown away.
The pastrami was melt in your mouth, much better than Pastrami Queen and at least as good as 2nd Avenue Deli. Sandwich wasn't as big as those other two but more than large enough, just not the Instagram event type sandwich.
I also loved the potato pancake (latka). It was really crispy and served with more than enough sour cream.
The waitress was also great. I had trouble using their wifi so she actually took my phone and connected.
Overall, great experience.
So I came home last night, not too hungry, I opened my fridge and found the bag pictured below. Curious that I am, of course I am opening the bag to pick at my husband's left overs. He says it's a Reuben sandwich, I am immediately turned off, ugh corned beef, gross. But still, I've tried 'cause I could hear my mom "don't say you don't like it until you try it." OMG. First of all, this was half of his sandwich, filling up an entire entree size container, there must have been something like half a pound of meat in this entire thing lol. Anyway, I've tried the meat and didn't stop eating it until there was only cold melted cheese, pieces of cabbage and a soggy slice of bread in the box, just like that, right standing in the kitchen. Best corned beef ever. Just best, nicely sliced, awesomely packed and perfectly seasoned. -salivating-
Local deli for the older kids from the 'hood. Empty during the day………this is a pricey spot with food that is "Old School" and not in a good way.
I had a borscht with sour cream and boiled potatoes- $6
Spinach- potato knish- $5
Watery canned beets borsht, sort of souless
Kinish was heated in microwave and also flavorless
Friendly locals talk to you like nice older lady who sat with me…Foodwise this spot is obsolete.