Hey New York, Come Over The River

Marque For Pasrami Bistro- Photo: Bob Nesoff
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Story and photos by Bob Nesoff

We all know New York, and particularly Manhattan, is the center of the universe for entertainment, activities and dining out. People drive from New Jersey, Connecticut and other places for a great meal. But if they stop and look, they may find something not only closer to home, but a destination that could even lure New Yorkers across the river.

With the demise of the Carnegie Deli, the Stage Deli and the memories of what the Second Avenue Deli used to be, not what it is today. The one bright spot for locals, guests from around the country and a “Must Stop” for politicians looking to boos their exposure, the “must-go-to place is on the lower East Side, the venerable Katz’s Deli.

Hand sliced and thick pastrami

Nelson Rockefeller was pictured chomping on a Katz’s hot dog. And a table sits under a sign proclaiming this is “Where Harry Met Sally.” Th lines often go down the block waiting to get in and sample the pastrami and corned beef, offered up in huge sandwiches. 

But many New Yorkers like to get out of “The City” for interesting experiences. Well, New Jersey has just such a spot that can easily rival Katz’s. It’s in the small town of Garfield, an easy jaunt through the tunnels or over the George Washington Bridge. It’s loyal following prefers staying here instead of fighting their way into New York. And the “cash grab” being pushed by the transportation dictator, the $400,000-salaried man, Janno Leiber, called “Congestion Pricing,” that will push people away, will be a boon to the Pastrami Grill Bistro in Garfield.

Not a fraction of the size of Katz’s, the Pastrami Grill Bistro has a following that is, arguably, more loyal and dedicated than Katz’s. The place is a hole-in-the-wall with only a few booths and several tables. If you are not there early (it opens at 11 a.m.), you’ll be on a line through the eatery and out the door. There will be local politicians, cops and even the police chief, celebrities and tons of plain people.

What on earth can draw so many people to a local little restaurant? 

It’s the pastrami, Baby. Or maybe the corned beef? Brisket? Turkey? Yeah, all of that and so much more. 

Most restaurants and diners use a slicing machine the cut meats for sandwiches and such. The slices are thin. Paper thin. At the Pastrami Grill Bistro, in true Katz’s style, the delicious, oozing meats are sliced by hand. Thick slices. None of the paper-thin stuff. And the taste…every bit as good as Katz’s. Maybe better. And they have adopted a tradition from New York. When you place an order, you are offered a fairly large “schmear,” several slices of your order to get you started. The get your salivary juices flowing in anticipation of what is to come.

At the New York eatery, for the most part, the customers are strangers except to those they have arrived with. At Garfield’s Pastrami Grill, every stranger is merely a friend you have not met before. Conversations among total strangers sound as though they are lifelong friends. There is a camaraderie on the line waiting to be served that you just don’t find in the places east of the Hudson River. 

With limited seating many customers come to get their sandwiches and head back to wherever they came from. But for those who want to sit and eat, there is a method. Place a hat, a jacket, or anything you’d like at a booth or table while you wait on line and no one will object. You might even invite a “new friend” to sit with you if there’s room.

Parking? Well that could be a minor problem. But nothing as bad as parking at the New York eatery. The Pastrami Grill Bistro is located in a strip mall where the vehicular turnover is fairly rapid. So, sit for a minute or two and something will open up. Or, if you are with others, let one of your group go inside to line up and snag a table or booth.

Don’t be surprised it you admire another person’s order, if he offers you a bit of it to taste. That’s how friendly that are here. Never happen at Katz’s. That’s not to knock Katz’s, it’s just the way locals are in Garfield.

Sandwich ready for delivery

The PGB (Pastrami Grill Bistro) is located at 83 River Drive, Garfield, NJ. Pronounce it like a local: Gah-field, with emphasis on “field. The phone number, if you want to order ahead, as many do to avoid the line, is (973) 458-1238. You can do that and then, your choice, pick up and leave or grab a seat.

You won’t meet Harry or Sally there, but you will run into many very friendly people and enjoy one of the best, huge, mouth-watering sandwiches you’ve ever had.

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