Best Jewish Delis: Philly's 'The Famous'

May 12, 2009 at 11:21 AM | by BS | Comments (0)

The world of Jewish delis can be divided down a very distinct line; there are those that try to put a modern, all-inclusive spin on the classic delicatessen and those that will tolerate absolutely none of that blasphemy.

Firmly a member of the latter, authentic camp is Philadelphia's Famous 4th Street Delicatessen, which has been luring hungry diners to the corner of 4th Street and Bainbridge in Queen Village since 1923. From the very retro signage to the massive, art deco dining room, the restaurant almost looks like it should be viewed in black-and-white.

Known to locals as just "The Famous," the deli has been a Philly standard for almost a century, and yet its heart it still in Brooklyn. The reason for this is clear from the moment you try to order; the giant sandwiches are each named for Brooklyn blocks. You've got the Nostrand Avenue (pastrami and chopped liver) and the Franklin Ave (essentially a reuben, but with both corned beef and pastrami). Minus the smoked meats, this could be a Jay-Z song.

The never-ending, classic deli menu has your standard s'wiches too, from hard salami to chicken salad and all available in regular and "zaftig" portions. Don't forget the Jewish Deli treats: knishes, hot dogs, whitefish, lox, stuffed cabbage, goulash, and apple strudel for dessert. You name it, they can make it.

Of course you couldn't leave the Philly crowd hanging without a (very un-kosher) cheese steak on tap as well. Oh well, so much for authenticity.

Related Stories:
· Famous 4th Street Delicatessen [Official Site]
· The Best Jewish Delis in the World:: Katz's in New York [Jaunted]
· The Best Jewish Delis in the World:: Chicago's Ashkenaz [Jaunted]

[Photo: Famous 4th Street]

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