Sarges, In Memoriam

[vvv03]

Does anyone know if the fire at Sarge's was a real fire or a "fire"? I mean...are they going to reopen some day or is it gone for good? Tonight I schlepped 1/2 hour out of my way in this crazy weather to Katz's because my daughter wasn't feeling well and I always used to get chicken in the pot for her from Sarge's when she was sick and she'd feel better. (And a pastrami sandwich for us so we'd feel better, too.) So tonight I went to Katz's (2nd Ave Deli was too far from where I now work). Bleck! First of all, I think the stupid ticket/ wait in multiple lines system is stupidly inefficient (don't get me started on cash only at that overpriced joint). The pastrami was kind of dry/not marbled and there was literally about half as much as we'd get at Sarge's. Sarge's always added some extra rye which was great since our whole family of four could eat one sandwich. I had to ask for the extra bread (I believe I was charged), it was as dry as day old bread, and had no real rye flavor. I can't even discuss the matzoh soup. It was brown, salty and flavorless, whereas Sarge's matzoh or chicken in the pot were both so flavorful and lovely. What a bummer! Is there anywhere left that makes that kind of amazing deli? I have been underwhelmed by 2nd Ave as well (though it sure beats Katz's. ) Please someone be kind and tell me a lie. Tell me Sarge's will be back some day. I can't imagine NYC without it.

[iluvcookies]

Katz's is not cash only--if you want to use a credit card you can pay at the back counter.

[foodwhisperer]

I will confirm that Katz's is not cash only. If you sit at a table with waiter/waitress service you can pay with a credit card and avoid the long line to pay. You give up the extra meat you get from tipping the counter guy, but you get plenty of meat anyway. My tip: get table service and avoid paying with cash, waiting on line to get food, waiting to pay.
On another note: I hated Sarge's , the food was horrible.

[iluvcookies]

I was never a fan of Sarge's either... and I think the lines are part of Katz's charm.
But it takes all kinds to make the world go round.

[Pan]

Sounds like you need to ask for your pastrami to be juicy at Katz's. Although it also sounds like you won't be back. More for me!

[thegforceny]

They are still tweeting and said "this summer."

https://twitter.com/SargesDeli

[vvv03]

Their tweet to God's ears...

[ellenost]

Thank goodness! I'm one of their biggest fans and miss them!