Famous 4th St. Deli

[phillybakingqueen]

Is the one on 19th Street the same/as good as the one on 4th St? I haven't been to the 19th St location yet, but it is so much closer to my house.....

[bonappetite]

hey there, hope you are well-------I think it is as good, but comparing from being at Bainbridge years ago! I've been a few times and had takeout a couple of times, all was good and same overwhelming huge portion size.

[bluehensfan]

I was not enthralled by my visit at the 19th St. location but apparently am in the minority. Had very dry brisket and other people in party had pastrami that was decent but not great. Personally I think the pastrami is better at Hershel's in Reading Terminal.

[BewilderedLineCook]

I have frequented the 4th street location for the two years now (at least once a week while my wife was pregnant) and have found 19th street to be not quite as good. Specifically, the corned beef hash at 19th street has been consistently dryer than the Baingridge location. Along the same lines, the pastrami on my reuben was also dryer than the Bainbridge spot.

[Delucacheesemonger]

The reason IMHO opinion why the pastrami at Hershels is moister, hotter, and better is very simple. They handcut to order for each sandwich. Even if asked Famous will not, as a result it sits, and sits, and there you are. FYI, Hershels is one of a few in the country that still handcuts and is the only way l will eat a sandwich. Thus l go to Hershels, Katz's, Schwartz's in Montreal, and Langer's in Los angeles on a good day, which it was not the last time through

[barryg]

Same for Corned Beef?

[Delucacheesemonger]

Would assume, but l am a pastrami kind of guy, so do not know.

[Seeker19104]

Yes, Herschel's hand carves their corned beef. I understand the owner is related to the Katzes; however, his wife is from our area. We are fortunate to have him here.

[Delucacheesemonger]

Regretful news flash. Had a Herschel's today for lunch. For the third time in a row it was not hot, dry, bread was ice cold. It was a disaster, l am through for a while and have taken this spot off my pastrami list.