Pastrami Queen • 1956

Anthony Bourdain called it the pastrami sandwich he craved most when traveling the world — hand-cut, brined, smoked, and steamed for three days until the meat falls into tender, spiced ribbons. Born as Pastrami King in Williamsburg in 1956, the deli migrated to Queens and then Manhattan's Upper East Side in 1998, becoming Pastrami Queen and keeping kosher traditions alive with thick-cut pastrami on seeded rye from Orwasher's Bakery. Today, the sandwich still draws crowds: juicy, smoky, and served warm with garlicky pickles and mustard — the kind that makes you understand what all the fuss is about.