One of the truly iconic institutions of New York  is the Kosher Delicatessen.  Unfortunately in the past years there has been a serious decline in the delicatessen. In the 1930's there were nearly 1,300 delicatessens in the city. Now there are twelve. I have long been an ardent enthusiast of the delicatessen and do my best to continue to visit all those remaining and enjoy each for their own specific feel. However, my favorite, and the delicatessen that I visit most frequently is Ben's Best in Rego Park Queens.  Best of Ben's is now celebrating seventy-one years of delicious home-cooked kosher foods with a homey warm staff that makes you feel like family.

The pastrami sandwich at Ben's Best is good sized, but don't expect the HUGE sized sandwich that some of the other delicatessens in the city serve which border on the ridiculous. But . . . what is HUGE is the TASTE of the pastrami at Ben's Best. The pastrami dark, slightly spicy and so juicy, and is still cured by hand in barrels.  And the Rye bread such a vital ingredient to the satisfaction of the sandwich is custom baked daily.

The Matzo Ball Chicken Soup so satisfying and heartwarming.  After eating, I could only agree with the the survey which Ben's Best conducted in 1986 . . . of 110 Grandmother's they found that 104 stood behind chicken soup as opposed to over-the-counter remedies. 

Jay Parker has been the owner of Ben's Best for thirty-two years. Jay who was previously a successful bond trader on Wall Street and took over the restaurant when his father, Ben, passed away in 1984. The youthful and gregarious Jay is a man of  multi-interests.  He was featured last year in the documentary film "Deli Man" by Erik Greenberg Anjou, a film which chronicles the history of the delicatessen and select deli owners across the country today.  It is highly informative, entertaining and also somewhat poignant. 

One of the reasons I like Best's Best so much is that it has stayed true to itself, it does not try too hard, and feels so comfortable. The walls at the restaurant are adorned with old black and white photos of Rego Park. There is also a handsome painting of Jay's father Ben, the original owner.

Stuffed Cabbage, you can get this as an appetizer (as shown here) as well as an entree portion.

One of the best things about Ben's Best is the staff. Hard working, but a sense of enjoying what they do and playfulness with customers. (from left to right - Richy, Anna, Steve and Ivan)

The poster from the documentary - Deli Man

Address - 96 - 40 Queens Blvd  Rego Park (Queens)   (718) 897-1700