The platonic ideal of New York Jewish comfort food. A single, large matzo ball that is remarkably light and airy sits in a clear, intensely flavored chicken broth. It's seasoned with fresh dill and contains tender pieces of carrot. Reviewers describe it as tasting like home cooking, avoiding the saltiness of commercial versions.
Tips from diners
It's the best thing to order if you're feeling under the weather. The broth is rich and the matzo ball is never leaden or dense.
Widely cited as the best tuna melt in New York City. The tuna salad is incredibly creamy and seasoned with precision, topped with a thick layer of sharp melted cheddar. It's served on perfectly griddled bread that provides a satisfying crunch. It's a brilliant example of how a simple lunch staple can be refined into a destination dish through high-quality sourcing.
Tips from diners
Get it on the sourdough. The tang of the bread balances the richness of the tuna and cheese perfectly. It's the most reliable order on the menu.
A retro side dish that reviewers highlight as a surprising standout. It's creamy and rich but with a sharp acidic bite from the vinegar that prevents it from feeling heavy. It's the perfect accompaniment to the richer sandwiches.
A high-quality take on the NYC classic. The pastrami is cured and smoked to a buttery consistency, hand-sliced to order to ensure the juices are preserved. It's piled high on fresh rye bread with a swipe of spicy brown mustard. While Katz's is more famous, many locals prefer S&P for its consistency and shorter wait times.
S&P Lunch occupies the historic space of the former Eisenberg's Sandwich Shop, which operated for over 90 years. Revived by the team behind Court Street Grocers, it maintains the original counter-service soul while significantly improving the quality of the ingredients. It is a time capsule of New York lunch culture, known for its unpretentious vibe and perfectly executed comfort food.
Sit at the counter if you can. It's the original 1920s marble and gives you the best view of the lunch-rush choreography. It's faster for solo diners too.
They don't take reservations and the lunch rush (12 PM - 2 PM) is intense. If you can, go for a late breakfast or a late lunch (3 PM) to avoid the longest waits.
They have great egg creams and lime rickeys—traditional NYC soda fountain drinks that are hard to find done well anymore. Definitely try one.
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