Eisenberg's Sandwich Shop

Walk around Flatiron nowadays and you’ll find the following: a Chipotle “but with Indian food” concept, a Chipotle “but with free range meats” concept, and a place that specializes in kale bowls. Unsurprisingly, all of these establishments have graced us with their presence in the past year. Beyond that, you’ll find Eataly, the original Shake Shack, and a Chopt filled with some startup’s business development team working on a group weight loss challenge. It’s the picture of the 2000′s so far, encapsulated in a neighborhood.

But in the midst of it all is Eisenberg’s, an old school lunch counter that’s been open since 1929. Sure, you might see some kids who just finished a coding class eating a matzo ball soup in the back, but you’ll also find a guy eating a reuben alone at the counter who’s been coming here weekly for the last 30 years.

The food is solid - more comforting than it is amazing. The turkey and pastrami aren’t Katz’s, but did you expect them to be? It’s still a good sandwich.

Eisenberg’s makes for a great takeout option, but if you can, pause your life for 15 minutes and grab a seat at the counter. There’s something about the signed photos of celebrities, most of whom are Broadway actors you’ve never heard of, on the wall behind you; and the thick sandwich-topped plate in front of you that makes things feel right. Can you get that at the kale bowl place? Didn’t think so.

Food Rundown

Turkey Sandwich

A classic fresh roasted Jewish deli-style turkey sandwich. Get it on toasted rye with mustard, and manage to have a great lunch without feeling like you’re going to die.

Reuben

Another Jewish deli classic done well - you can get it with pastrami, turkey, or corned beef. You probably want pastrami.

Matzo Ball Soup

Slightly oily, and needs some added salt on most days, but also exactly what you need on a hungover Friday.

Tuna Melt

This is the kind of place you get a tuna melt. You know?