#SecondReview #PJBernstein @pjbernsteindeli Since 1965 by #AlexSlobodski #SteveSlobodski and #EugeneSlobodski #JewishDeli #UpperEastSide 1215 Third Avenue at 70th Street
Up with Cold Russian Borscht during this heatwave!
A most delicious way to cool off!
Perhaps pair it with the succulent Salmon:
Hot on the heels of their stellar inaugural performance at the end of 2025, PJ Bernstein has shown us they are no one-trick-pony! Today, we show you how you might explore the lighter side of a deli in a heatwave. The menu here boats tremendous depth, and we began with the Traditional Favorite L.E.O.: that is Lox, Eggs and Onions. Formulated with an ideal ratio of components, this omelette was not overdone or underdone and was just right for picky Goldilocks Peachy. Homefries and (yes they do have great ketchup) and rye sang backup wonderfully.
Smoked Fish Specials are another classic not to be ignored in the heat: The Nova Scotia lived up to the hype with a fresh onion bagel, dreamy chive cream cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onions and capers. This standout performance totally hits the spot and makes for an especially nice world cup munch.
Every element of this superb classic is simply sublime and mastered by the chefs at PJ Bernstein, evidencing exactly why this venue has been an enduring classic since 1965.
We simply cannot say enough about the majesty of the Cold Russian Borscht.
This is a highly underrated menu item across the board on menus in Manhattan, and is just as spectacular as many gazpachos we have had. This is our first experience with this dish and it is absolutely just the trick for the summer heatwave. You know it's pure authenticity when you see the tiny beet components and PJ Bernstein ups its game with perfect dollops of sour cream.
When you meet it, you will say, Cold Russian Borscht, where have you been all our 90F degree life?
Does your chicken salad sandwich smile at you like this?
PJ's Classic Sandwich section has over twenty choices alone, and there is definitely a sandwich for everyone here. Please meet Chicken Salad above, perfect for the carnivorous among our readers, and the Egg Salad below, perfect for those that choose not to eat meat. Or in Peachy's case, both perfect for those that like to eat quality period! Each is crafted respectively every day, and the freshness is evident in every bite. AND THEY HAVE RYE! Peachy loves rye and cannot find great rye like this at many places.
It insisted on another glamour shot:
A real showstopper without a doubt is the Roast Beef.
The menu dictates that all sandwiches have half a pound of meat (extra lean and extra meat are additional options) and they are served with coleslaw, pickles, mustard and russian dressing. You're not going to find fresher roast beef than this beauty, which has the divinity of juicy taste to back up the good looks. For variety, Peachy deviated from the beloved rye to show you the seven grain is also a good idea and nicely balances this rich meat in a super sandwich.
Returning to the lighter side, the PJ's Famous Dinner Specials showcases a lovely seven-ounce Salmon dinner, and we chose to add options of sweet potato and broccoli which is not only tremendously nutritious but also delicious. The freshness in the poisson was clear in every bite, and we liked the accent which we believe is paprika. Usually this is served with cole slaw, but we opted for a chopped salad instead which was exactly what we were looking for, and they listened and put the dressing on the side as we asked.
Another convincing choice under this dinner specials section is the Roasted Chicken, served with potato and vegetable, which in our case was our choice of creamed spinach and mashed potatoes! Any time of year, this dinner would be a wining choice and the chicken itself measures up in a most victorious juicy fashion. Note all pictures in this review are unedited: you win like Eugene and family or we do not publish. Also, if you are reading us closely, you'll see there are many that are featured once, and fewer that are featured twice. And the very best go on to be enduring Peachy's Picks.
Without a doubt, the winner and still champion is The Classic Reuben, Open-Faced Corned Beef. As an Irish American, Peachy has a pronounced experience eating this meat during her entire life, and PJ Bernstein measures up a second time. It is even better with cream soda and a true Manhattan experience. With the death of storied venues like The Carnegie Deli, where we once avidly ate this sandwich, PJ Bernstein proudly carries on this tradition with great skill.
We continue to be impressed by this family that has shown us they are in it to win it.
Also, don't miss the pictures on the wall.
We love Lucy.
Look at what Lucy loves:
