To me, lazy Sunday nights necessitate comfort food. While it also usually requires staying in, I had a Groupon for Sarge’s Delicatessen, so I dragged CT out for dinner. It wasn’t easy considering she had a bachelorette party and bridal shower over the weekend, but I guess she really does like me enough to come out even when she is exhausted.
I consider Sarge’s to be one of the most underrated Jewish delis in Manhattan. While it doesn’t have the history of 2nd Avenue Deli or Katz’s, it still has been around for almost 50 years. While prices have gone up over the years, the food has stayed consistently good and quite filling. It had actually been a couple years since I had eaten there; usually I just get delivery.
After being seated, we were given a couple things to nosh on.
Coleslaw. It was light and refreshing. They don’t go too heavy on the vinegar, so it wasn’t too acidic. The cabbage was fresh and crunchy.
Pickles. Three half sours and three dills(on the bottom). That was a lot of pickles for two people, especially when one of us loathes them. They have really great half sours(which are my favorite kind) and I ended up eating all three throughout the meal.
We were also given a large scoop of chopped chicken liver with slices of challah. I was quite surprised by this since I didn’t remember getting this freebie the last time I was there. As you know, I am not a fan of chicken liver but I had a taste anyway. It was actually pretty inoffensive tasting. No metallic taste at all.
CT says: What a delightful start to the meal! I was surprised by the array and amount that we received. I happily crunched on a small bowl of coleslaw, which was very refreshing to my exhausted palate. The chicken liver was also pretty tasty. Nothing special, but a nice treat to start the meal. I also love challah, so I was happy to have the soft bread to scoop my chicken liver on top.
As mentioned previously during my visit to Ben’s Best, Cel-Ray is the required drink at Jewish delis. I gave up soda years ago, but continue to drink this enthusiastically.
It was chilly on Sunday night, so I decided to start with some soup. I had never had the matzo ball soup from Sarge’s before. The broth was light and flavorful. The matzo ball was big and airy. Sorry Mom, but I think you finally have some competition.
One of the best types of a comfort food dinner is when you have breakfast for dinner. This was the route CT decided to go down with French Toast and a side of Canadian bacon. As you can see, this was a HUGE serving consisting of six pieces. The Canadian bacon was also a hearty portion. I believe this hit the spot for CT as she wanted to continue eating although she was stuffed less than halfway through.
CT says: Mmmm… Breakfast for dinner! This is how TT wooed me off the couch. The French Toast was really good. I’m one of those weirdos that likes their french toast slightly undercooked so it’s soft in the middle. These were fully cooked, but still soft in the middle. The toast was slightly sweet on its own and became perfect with a drizzle of syrup. The Canadian bacon was fine, but completely unnecessary (especially after the chicken liver!)
I went the classic route and got the corned beef sandwich. They pile the meat just high enough that it might be a bit too much for a normal person. Luckily, the tangy, fatty meat wasn’t too much for me and I was able to take down the whole thing.
All of the tables have a container of fresh mustard. A must use condiment for your meats!
I also got a side order of fries. Usually, the fries are fantastic, but occasionally you get a mediocre order. Unfortunately, that night was one of those off nights. Although they were still 100x better than the fries at Ben’s. Just make sure to ask for them to be cooked well done.
All in all, it was great meal for a quiet Sunday night. At first glance of the menu, you may think the place is overpriced, but the serving sizes more than account for it, unlike the prices at 2nd Avenue Deli. It was nice to save $10 through Groupon, but I found it strange that Sarge’s thought they needed the additional business. Sarge’s is open 24 hours a day, so stop in or call up the next time you need some Jewish comfort food.
T.C. says
DAMN. Corned beef looks awesome!!
Fries look meh but good to have unless you go the potato salad route.
Never had cel-ray. I probably prefer Doc Brown’s root beer instead.
MLC says
I like my french toast cooked that way too. Just some powdered sugar and it is so good. Glad the matzoh balls were good and I have some competition. I could go get a good corned beef sandwich like that soon.
Feisty Foodie says
Yum. I wonder how the pastrami is – I used to be a corned beef gal too but then I discovered really good pastrami and made the leap. Either way, yum!!!
PS Usually guys try to woo girls ONTO the couch, not off! Love it! 🙂
CT says
hahaha…. well, I probably wasn’t looking particularly attractive passed out and grumpy.
Feisty Foodie says
What? You always look attractive! And if grumpy girls aren’t hot, then… man, I shudder to think what that says about me, hahahahahah
skippymom says
Laughing with Yvo – so true! But wow, nice meal. One dish is more awesome then the last. Mmmm – I would have to eat that sandwich with a knife and fork [blasphemy, I know, but contrary to popular belief I don’t have a big mouth] It would be so worth it slathered in mustard.
Mmmmm