Carnegie Deli: Home of the Gargantuan Sandwich

Carnegie Deli, situated near Carnegie Hall, was once famous for its sandwiches that weighed in at over a pound of meat each, embodying the New York deli’s reputation for excess in the best way possible. Although the original location closed in 2016, its name and spirit continue through an outpost at Madison Square Garden.

The deli’s signature offerings, like the Woody Allen or the Pastrami & Corned Beef, were not just meals but experiences, often requiring two hands, a good appetite, and some strategy to tackle. The Carnegie Deli was as much about the food as it was about the experience, with its brusque yet endearing service and the motto, “If you can finish your meal, we’ve done something wrong.”

Its cheesecake was also legendary, a dense, creamy delight that complemented the savory sandwiches.