Located in the Upper East Side. of NYC is a staple of the Jewish Deli dining scene, PJ Bernstein. Although it may not get the attention of some more notable counterparts—Katz’s Delicatessen and 2nd Avenue Deli—PJ Bernstein has been beloved by many New Yorkers for since the 1960s including legendary celebrities Lucille Ball, Liza Minelli, Mayor Ed Koch and numerous others.
A multi-generational restaurant now owned and operated by father and son team, Steve and Eugene Slobodski, PJ Bernstein serves all the traditional dishes of an authentic Jewish deli.
Best sellers from the menu include:
- Homemade soups—the chicken stock for the deli’s bountiful soup menu is produced each morning in a vat with over 25 pounds of chicken bones, celery, and carrots which produce nearly 50 gallons of broth. The most amazing of which is the “Triple Delight” chicken soup—delicate, clear chicken consommé with matzah balls and noodles, and delicate ravioli-like kreplach filled with melt-in-your-mouth brisket and onions, a rarity in contemporary New York. They also feature both cold and hot Russian borscht.
- PJ’s Famous New York Sandwiches are each served with a half-pound of meat and side of cole slaw and pickles, all served on a wide selection of Eli’s Famous Breads. The Cardiologist Special features hot pastrami, tongue, and chicken liver pate for those who have some serious hunger.
- PJ Bernstein Smorgasbord of Smoked Fish, including Nova Scotia, Whitefish, and Sturgeon served with bagels, cream cheese, lemons, and capers.
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PJ Bernstein may not be as well-known as its downtown compatriots—Katz’s and the Second Avenue Deli—but this Upper East Side Jewish Delicatessen and full-service restaurant—one of the few remaining authentic restaurants of its kind—has perhaps an even more storied history than its predecessors. PJ Bernstein has been a staple in its star-studded neighborhood since it first opened its doors in 1965. For Russian-born Alex Slobodski, this Jewish delicatessen was a reminder of home and a refuge from his working life as a cab driver. He took comfort in the aromas,and flavors of his favorite foods and the friendly atmosphere. He spent many evenings chatting with the owner, Mr. Bernstein, and brought his family there on his days off.
In 1983, Mr. Bernstein was looking to move in a different direction, and offered Mr. Slobodski,his most devoted customer, a chance to buy his favorite neighborhood spot. Slobodski took that chance and never looked back. He carried on the tradition of delicious, savory, appetizing food and a warm, caring atmosphere, and made it even better. And passed that passion and dedication onto his family: his son and grandson, Steve and Eugene Slobodski, carried on the tradition, adding a much-needed delivery service as well as an outdoor seating area.
PJ Bernstein’s continues to be a popular destination for locals and celebrities. Landy Hunt, has worked at the deli for 50 years, starting with the Bernsteins and staying on to maintain the deli’s traditions with the Slobodski family. Starting out as a dishwasher he worked his way through the ranks and became floor manager, and boy, does he have stories to tell! He served Lucille Ball corned-beef sandwiches and matzah ball soup nearly every day when she lived around the corner on East 70th Street. Liza Minelli was another regular, sitting at the counter with a corn muffin and coffee. Other stars including Mel Brooks and two James Bonds, Sean Connery and more recently Daniel Craig. New York Yankee Giancarlo Stanton also had an appetite for PJ’s towering pastrami sandwiches and homemade soups. Another regular notorious for his discerning appetite was “Hizzoner” Mayor Ed Koch.
Chef
Tommy Jedrzejezyk has led the kitchen at PJ Bernstein for more than 20 years. His unique preparations are based in years of experience as a chef in Germany and Poland. The moment they step inside, customers are hypnotized by his deli case specialties including stuffed cabbage, chicken liver pate, and homemade gefilte fish as well as classic cuts of mouth watering pastrami, corned beef, and turkey.
Menu ( Please click here for the full version.)
PJ Bernstein’s best sellers are their homemade soups—the chicken stock for the deli’s bountiful soup menu is produced each morning in a vat with over 25 pounds of chicken bones, celery, and carrots which produce nearly 50 gallons of broth. The most amazing of which is the “Triple Delight”chicken soup—delicate, clear chicken consommé with matzah balls and noodles, and delicate ravioli-like kreplach filled with melt-in-your-mouth brisket and onions, a rarity in contemporary New York. They also feature both cold and hot Russian borscht.
Traditional Favorites include unique specialties starting with the “Jewish Whopper,” a fried potato knish stuffed with pastrami and sauerkraut. For the whole table, the house-made pierogies are a perfect selection; one can request these handmade dumplings either boiled or fried, filled with fresh chopped brisket or potato and onions. Cheese blintzes are another sharable favorite, thin Russian-style crepes wrapped around a house blend of soft, ricotta-like cheese, sauteed and served with sour cream and a cherry compote. Smoked Fish Specials include whitefish salad, served with house bagel chips, Nova Scotia, served on a bagel with cream cheese, and Alaskan Sable, which is lightly cured and smoked.
PJ’s Famous New York Sandwiches are each served with a half-pound of meat and side of coleslaw and pickles, all served on a wide selection of Eli’s Famous Breads.
The Cardiologist Special features hot pastrami, tongue, and chicken liver pate for those who have some serious hunger. The Lucky Latke is an unusual sandwich, with tasty brisket or pastrami between two hot potato latkes. Dinner Specials include Beef Goulash, a cozy, rustic stew with chunks of brisket and served over egg noodles, Broiled Scottish Salmon with fresh vegetables or a baked potato, and a secret favorite standard, Two Hebrew National Jumbo Franks with a side of baked beans or French fries. The Catering and Party Menu is also perfect for organizing any events you may be planning in the coming summer months, providing options for gatherings of anywhere from 10–20 people. With a choice of classic salad options to start such as Potato, Macaroni, or Cucumber Salad, among others, customers can request from PJ’s Vegetable Platter, served with carrots, peppers, cauliflower, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, celery sticks, and house made onion dip; the Whitefish Platter served with an assortment of bagels, cream cheese, olives, Bermuda onions, tomatoes, and fresh lemon. Cold Cut Platters are prepared with three and a half to five pounds of select meats as well as Eli’s Bread. house dressing, and pickles. Lastly, PJ’s Famous Sandwich Platter comes with either 12 jumbo sandwiches and five pounds of a choice of side salad, and 20 Jumbo sandwiches and seven pounds of a choice of side salad.
Interior
PJ Bernstein’s entrance greets customers with a clean, accessible counter top and window showcasing their choice meats and other deli products and pastries. Lining the walls are framed photographs illustrating the famous clientele who frequent the deli including theDavidCopperfield, Marisa Tomei,andCuba Gooding, Jr. creating a familiar and warm ambience for the whole family to enjoy. Now available is a new outdoor patio dining lined with beautiful hanging plants and ample spacing.
Their address is 1215 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10021
Their phone number is (646) 692-4123
Hours every day are 10:00 am–8:30 pm
The Seating Capacity is 65 (indoor), 25 (outdoor)
