PJ Bernstein: A Jewish Landmark Worthy Of Praise

PJ Bernstein is a staple in the New York Jewish Deli dining scene. Although it may not get the attention of some more notable counterparts such as Katz’s Delicatessen and 2nd Avenue Deli, PJ Bernstein has been beloved by many New Yorkers since the 1960s, including legendary celebrities Lucille Ball, Liza Minelli and Mayor Ed Koch. Located on 1215 3rd Ave, PJ Bernstein is a multi-generational restaurant now owned and operated by father and son team, Steve and Eugene Slobodski. Whether it’s one of their homemade soups or sandwiches or the Smorgasbord of Smoked Fish, you’re sure to get some good eats you won’t soon forget.

I went with my usual guest (my girlfriend) and we started off our meal with some of their summer borscht (a cold soup served with vegetables, boiled egg, and sour cream) and the triple delight (another soup served with beef kreplach, matzoh ball, fine noodles, and carrots). This was my first exposure to borscht (they added this summer iteration just two years ago), and while I don’t like cold soup, all of the…