Stage Deli (CLOSED)

This deli is a weird deli, there are many waiters doing nothing some of them have a bad mood the restaurant has high prices and you get small portions

We were seated immediatly by a friendly waiter. Our waitress was prompt and friendly. My two companions ordered corned beef sandwiches, which arrived promptly, I don't think we waited even 5 minutes for them. My order of onion rings took maybe 2 minutes more to arrive. The food was quite good, the service was excellent, and we DID get refills with no problem. I didn't try the pickles which came with their sandwiches but they looked fresh and tastey, NOT something cheap from a jar, these were bright and crisp. My companions LOVED the corned beef. The place is a little small but hey, its New York City. We were there on Friday evening, the night before Christmas Eve. We WOULD go again.

I went there Sunday evening. The place was largely empty. After I was seated the waiting began for somebody to take my order. Several waiters were standing around doing nothing yet when I finally got the attention of one of them I was told that none of those standing around can take my order, only "my waiter" can. It turned out that "my waiter" was serving a large table at the opposite end of the room. Later than sooner, "my waiter" came and took my order, a pastrami sandwich, which supposed to be one of the specialties of the house. It arrived completely cold. The french fries, which had to be ordered separately, was soggy and not much warmer than the pastrami. The plate also contained a small shriveled pickle. When I asked for another one I was told that the house policy allows only one pickle per order. I got my second pickle onlyafter I said that I will pay for it extra. This is symbolic, as it shows how far this place has gone from its roots as a traditional Jewish delicatessen where, invariably, the guest was treated with a plate full of pickles and coleslaw on the table even before the guest gave his order. I guess, to be 75 years old, as this place so proudly advertises it, is not necessarily an advantage. As far as this once a vibrant and full of chock restaurant is concerned, it definitely shows its age and not for the best.

Sandwiches were huge. Pickles were delish! Our waitress, Eve, was busy at first but then she really helped us out by suggesting that my friend and I split a sandwich which was cheaper and she brought out samples of pastrami and corned beef for us to try. Very worth the time and money. Atmosphere is a little cramped but definately worth it!

Took my cousin there, we both love Pastrami. The waitress was picking her teeth as she walked us to the table. She asked if we wanted a drink as she threw the menus on the table. When our sodas came we tried to give her our orders but she told us to hold our water as she hurried to pick up a tip on another table. She returned and we both ordered pastrami and fries. She said: No wonder you both are so fat, eating that much. When the sandwiches came, she flung them on the table and bent over quickly to pick up a dollar bill under the table. The Pastrami was not lean, the fries were cold and the drinks were tepid. All in all, I would rather starve to death then return there.

I met a French friend in NYC back in March for a little reunion. I will not give all the details of our dining at Stage Deli; however, it was subpar. I wanted him to experience a NYC deli and have some cheesecake....believe it or not, they don't have that in France. Anyway, this was the worst part of the trip, and I felt so bad for dragging him into this place. Everything was poor....from my sandwich, his salad, no refills, overpriced and surly waitstaff and management. Needless to say, we did not stay for that cheesecake.

Must concur with negative reviews I have read. Tour Books make it sound like a winner. They must write their own descriptions. Pastrami sandwich was very dry, bread was stale, waiter seemed perturbed to have to serve us and price was exorbitant. My bad for not checking web site for 10% discount coupon. Still would not have softened the experience. Will never return.