2nd Ave Deli: A 70-Year Kosher Pastrami Institution in Murray Hill
2nd Ave Deli doesn’t run a happy hour at its Murray Hill flagship — it’s a certified-kosher Ashkenazi deli, and you come for the towering hand-carved pastrami and corned beef, not a drink deal.
Founded by Abe Lebewohl in 1954 (originally on Second Avenue in the East Village), it won a James Beard ‘America’s Classic’ award in 1998. The honest read: portions are huge, prices are high, and it’s a no-frills, walk-ins-only counter — exactly as it should be.
What to Expect
There’s no happy hour here. The move is a hot pastrami or corned beef on rye with the complimentary pickles and cole slaw, and the matzoh ball soup. If you specifically want the brand’s $29 half-sandwich-plus-cocktail happy hour, that’s at the 2nd Floor Bar & Essen above the separate Upper East Side deli (1442 First Ave), daily 5–7pm — not at this location.
The Room
The 33rd Street flagship is a plain, bustling deli — counter up front, tables in back — open 11am–8pm daily, a block from the 33 St 6 train. It relocated here from the East Village in 2007. Expect a mix of neighborhood regulars, office lunchers, and pilgrims.
Who 2nd Ave Deli Is For
| Occasion | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Pastrami on rye | The signature — hand-carved, piled high, with pickles to start. |
| Matzoh ball soup | A bowl of the classic, year-round comfort. |
| Old-school NYC | A James Beard ‘America’s Classic’ deli, walk-ins only. |
| Cocktail + sandwich deal | Head to the 2nd Floor bar above the UES location for that. |
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2nd Ave Deli FAQ
Does 2nd Ave Deli have a happy hour?
Not at the Murray Hill deli. The brand’s $29 half-sandwich + cocktail happy hour (daily 5–7pm) is upstairs at 2nd Floor Bar & Essen above the UES location.
Where is 2nd Ave Deli?
162 E 33rd St in Murray Hill, one block from the 33 St 6 train.
Is 2nd Ave Deli kosher?
Yes — it’s a certified-kosher Ashkenazi delicatessen.
What should I order?
The pastrami or corned beef on rye and the matzoh ball soup.
Happy hour times and deals last verified June 2026. Details can change — confirm with 2nd Ave Deli before visiting for a specific deal.