Rosenfeld’s Jewish Delicatessen menu is a vibrant tapestry of tradition, flavor, and community—a culinary journey that honors the deep-rooted heritage of Jewish food culture while embracing a modern appreciation for hearty, soulful meals.
Walking into Rosenfeld’s is stepping into a world where every slice of rye bread, every bowl of matzo ball soup, and every smoked meat sandwich tells a story. The rich aromas drifting from the kitchen evoke memories of bustling New York City delis and family gatherings, drawing patrons into a warm embrace of hospitality and nostalgia.
Each dish, prepared with care and reverence for tradition, offers more than sustenance; it connects generations and celebrates the timeless art of Jewish cuisine.
The menu is a living archive, proudly displaying recipes passed down through families, perfected over decades, and adapted to delight the contemporary palate. Whether you’re a deli aficionado or a newcomer eager to explore, Rosenfeld’s provides an inviting environment where everyone can find something to savor.
Their offerings go beyond mere food; they represent history, culture, and the enduring power of a shared meal. With an array of signature sandwiches, house-made salads, classic soups, and sweet baked treats, Rosenfeld’s captures the essence of what makes a Jewish delicatessen a beloved institution.
Here, every bite is an opportunity to experience tradition, flavor, and the joy of gathering around the table.
Signature Sandwiches: The Heart of Rosenfeld’s
The classic Jewish deli sandwich is the beating heart of Rosenfeld’s menu. Featuring hand-sliced meats, freshly baked bread, and house-made condiments, these sandwiches honor tradition while standing out for their generous portions and bold flavors.
Each sandwich at Rosenfeld’s is thoughtfully assembled, aiming to strike the perfect balance between savory, tangy, and satisfying. The selection ranges from towering pastrami on rye to the beloved Reuben, each crafted to evoke the comforting atmosphere of a classic delicatessen.
These sandwiches are not just meals—they are a celebration of culinary heritage.
A typical visit showcases the deli’s commitment to both quality and variety. Whether you crave the peppery punch of corned beef or the tender, smoky notes of brisket, Rosenfeld’s delivers with authenticity and flair.
The bread itself, often overlooked elsewhere, is a cornerstone of these creations—always fresh, hearty, and expertly chosen to complement the fillings.
- Pastrami on Rye: Juicy, hand-carved pastrami, spicy brown mustard, slices of tangy rye bread.
- Corned Beef Special: Piled-high corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, Russian dressing, grilled rye.
- Turkey Club: Oven-roasted turkey breast, crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, triple-decker challah.
- The Reuben: Corned beef or pastrami, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, Russian dressing, grilled rye.
“A proper deli sandwich is more than just meat and bread—it’s a memory, a tradition, an experience you carry with you.”
For those seeking customization, Rosenfeld’s offers a build-your-own option, allowing guests to mix and match proteins, cheeses, and toppings. This level of personalization ensures every sandwich is uniquely satisfying.
The deli’s attentive staff are always eager to recommend pairings, ensuring that each guest enjoys a meal tailored to their taste.
Soups and Starters: Comfort in Every Spoonful
No Jewish delicatessen menu is complete without a selection of soul-warming soups and tantalizing starters. Rosenfeld’s excels in delivering classic favorites that offer comfort and nourishment, especially on chilly days or during family gatherings.
The matzo ball soup, often considered the gold standard of Jewish comfort food, is a highlight at Rosenfeld’s. Each bowl features a light, flavorful broth adorned with fluffy matzo balls, tender carrots, and a sprinkle of fresh dill.
This soup is both simple and profound, anchoring the menu with its rich tradition.
Beyond matzo ball soup, the deli offers hearty chicken noodle, split pea, and borscht—each prepared in-house and brimming with robust flavors. These soups are ideal starters but can easily serve as a satisfying meal when paired with fresh bread or a small salad.
The care in preparation is evident in every spoonful, with slow-simmered broths and thoughtfully selected ingredients.
- Matzo Ball Soup: Light chicken broth, matzo dumplings, carrots, dill.
- Chicken Noodle Soup: Hand-pulled chicken, egg noodles, fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs.
- Split Pea Soup: Slow-cooked split peas, smoky bits of brisket, carrots, onions.
- Borscht: Vibrant beet soup served hot or cold, topped with a dollop of sour cream.
Appetizers here are equally inviting, featuring classics such as potato knishes, stuffed cabbage, and chopped liver served with rye toast. Each dish is made from scratch, capturing the flavors that have brought comfort to generations.
“Soup is the soul of the Jewish kitchen—simple, nourishing, and always made with love.”
When you start a meal at Rosenfeld’s with one of these dishes, the experience is more than just culinary; it’s a heartfelt embrace of tradition and care.
House-Made Salads and Spreads: A Fresh Take on Tradition
Rosenfeld’s commitment to freshness shines through in their selection of house-made salads and spreads. These dishes offer bright flavors, inventive pairings, and a refreshing counterpoint to the heartier fare on the menu.
Classic deli salads like egg salad, tuna salad, and chicken salad are staples, but Rosenfeld’s elevates them with high-quality ingredients and unique seasoning blends. Each salad is crafted daily, ensuring crispness and flavor in every bite.
The result is a spread of options that can serve as entrées, sides, or sandwich fillings.
Spreads are another highlight, with options such as chopped liver, whitefish salad, and smoked salmon spread. These are best enjoyed atop a slice of pumpernickel or a toasted bagel.
The deli’s signature pickles and coleslaw, served alongside many dishes, add a tangy crunch and balance to the richness of the other offerings.
- Egg Salad: Creamy eggs, scallions, a touch of mustard, served on rye or as a scoop.
- Whitefish Salad: Smoked whitefish, capers, lemon juice, fresh herbs.
- Tuna Salad: Albacore tuna, celery, mayonnaise, black pepper, served on a bagel or as a platter.
- Chopped Liver: Rich chicken liver, onions, hard-boiled eggs, perfectly seasoned.
Comparing Salads: A Taste Test
| Salad | Main Flavor | Texture | Best Served With |
| Egg Salad | Mild, creamy | Light, fluffy | Rye, challah, as a scoop |
| Whitefish Salad | Smoky, tangy | Chunky, spreadable | Bagel, pumpernickel, cucumber slices |
| Tuna Salad | Fresh, savory | Creamy, crisp from celery | Bagel, lettuce wrap, crackers |
| Chopped Liver | Rich, earthy | Smooth, dense | Rye toast, matzo, pita |
Rosenfeld’s salads and spreads are more than just sides—they’re an opportunity to sample the deli’s commitment to homemade quality and culinary creativity. For those seeking lighter fare or vegetarian options, these dishes deliver satisfaction without compromise.
Bagels and Breads: The Foundation of Every Meal
Few elements are as fundamental to the Jewish deli experience as bread. At Rosenfeld’s, bagels and breads are baked fresh daily, providing the perfect canvas for sandwiches, spreads, and more.
Each variety is crafted with expertise, ensuring flavor, texture, and authenticity.
The bagel selection is both classic and creative, featuring plain, sesame, poppy seed, everything, and cinnamon raisin varieties. These bagels boast a chewy interior and a crisp, golden exterior—a testament to the traditional boiling and baking process.
They’re equally delicious toasted with cream cheese or piled high with lox and capers.
Rye bread, with its distinct caraway aroma and firm texture, is the backbone of many iconic deli sandwiches. Challah, a soft, slightly sweet bread, is beloved for its pillowy crumb and rich flavor.
Pumpernickel, dense and earthy, adds depth to sandwiches and pairs beautifully with smoked fish.
- Plain Bagel: The classic, perfect with any spread.
- Everything Bagel: Topped with sesame, poppy, garlic, onion, and salt—bold and flavorful.
- Rye Bread: Tangy, aromatic, the essential base for pastrami or corned beef.
- Challah: Soft, golden, slightly sweet—ideal for French toast or sandwiches.
“A good bagel is the cornerstone of a great deli—it should be chewy, flavorful, and made with care.”
These breads are available by the loaf or dozen, making it easy for patrons to bring a taste of Rosenfeld’s home. The bakery’s commitment to traditional recipes and fresh ingredients ensures that every bite is as memorable as the last.
Smoked Fish and Lox: An Ode to Old-World Flavors
Smoked fish, particularly lox, is a cherished staple of Jewish delicatessens, and at Rosenfeld’s, this tradition is celebrated with reverence and artistry. The menu offers a curated selection of smoked salmon, whitefish, sable, and herring, prepared according to time-honored techniques.
The most popular choice is Nova lox—delicately smoked salmon with a buttery texture and balanced saltiness. It’s typically served with sliced tomatoes, red onions, capers, and a schmear of cream cheese atop a fresh bagel.
This combination is a beloved breakfast or brunch option, but it’s satisfying at any time of day.
Smoked whitefish and sable provide contrasting flavors and textures. Whitefish is flaky and robust, while sable is rich and silky.
Herring, pickled or in cream sauce, offers a tangy, bold bite. Each option is carefully sourced and prepared, ensuring peak freshness and authenticity.
- Nova Lox Platter: Thin-sliced smoked salmon, cream cheese, bagel, tomato, onion, capers.
- Whitefish Salad: Smoked whitefish, lemon, fresh herbs, served as a spread or on a bagel.
- Sable Plate: Silky smoked sable, traditional accompaniments, rye or bagel.
- Pickled Herring: Marinated herring, onions, served in wine or cream sauce.
Comparative Table: Smoked Fish Selection
| Fish | Flavor | Texture | Best Pairing |
| Nova Lox | Delicate, buttery, lightly salty | Silky, thin-sliced | Bagel, cream cheese, capers |
| Whitefish | Smoky, robust | Flaky, firm | Pumpernickel, horseradish, cucumber |
| Sable | Rich, subtle smoke | Velvety, tender | Rye, tomato, onion |
| Pickled Herring | Tangy, sweet, savory | Soft, marinated | Crackers, potatoes, sour cream |
For those new to smoked fish, Rosenfeld’s offers sampler platters, making it easy to explore and compare these distinctive flavors. Each bite is a nod to the Old World, lovingly preserved and shared with today’s diners.
Hot Plates and Hearty Fare: From Latkes to Brisket
Beyond sandwiches and cold platters, Rosenfeld’s shines with a variety of hot plates and comforting entrées. These dishes embody the essence of Jewish home cooking—rich, satisfying, and infused with love.
Latkes, or potato pancakes, are a perennial favorite. Crisp on the outside and tender within, they’re served with applesauce or sour cream for a harmonious blend of flavors.
Each batch is fried to order, ensuring maximum freshness and crunch.
Brisket, slow-cooked to perfection, is another star. Slices of tender, juicy beef are bathed in savory gravy, often accompanied by roasted vegetables or fluffy mashed potatoes.
This dish is a centerpiece at family gatherings and holiday celebrations, bringing people together around the table.
- Potato Latkes: Shredded potatoes, onions, fried until golden, served with applesauce or sour cream.
- Braised Brisket: Slow-cooked beef, savory gravy, carrots, potatoes.
- Stuffed Cabbage: Ground beef and rice wrapped in cabbage leaves, simmered in sweet-and-sour tomato sauce.
- Kasha Varnishkes: Bowtie pasta, buckwheat groats, sautéed onions, a hearty vegetarian option.
“Jewish comfort food is about nourishment—of the body, the soul, and the spirit of community.”
These hot plates invite guests to slow down and savor, reminding all who dine at Rosenfeld’s that good food, lovingly prepared, is always worth the wait. Each dish is a testament to the enduring appeal of Jewish culinary tradition.
Sweet Endings: Baked Treats and Desserts
Every meal deserves a sweet conclusion, and Rosenfeld’s excels with an enticing array of traditional Jewish baked goods and desserts. These treats evoke celebration, comfort, and the simple joy of sharing something special.
Rugelach, a crescent-shaped pastry filled with fruit preserves, nuts, and cinnamon, is a perennial favorite. Each bite offers a balance of flaky dough, sweet filling, and warm spices.
Babka, with its rich layers of chocolate or cinnamon swirled through tender bread, is both decadent and deeply satisfying.
Challah bread pudding, made from leftover slices of the bakery’s signature challah, transforms humble ingredients into a luscious dessert. Mandelbrot, often compared to biscotti, is perfect for dipping into coffee or tea.
These baked goods are made fresh daily, using time-honored recipes and the finest ingredients.
- Babka: Swirled bread with rich chocolate or cinnamon filling.
- Rugelach: Buttery pastry rolled with nuts, fruit, and spice.
- Mandelbrot: Twice-baked almond cookies, crisp and perfect for dunking.
- Challah Bread Pudding: Soft challah, custard, raisins, warm spices.
Comparative Table: Dessert Selection
| Dessert | Texture | Main Ingredients | Best Enjoyed With |
| Babka | Soft, swirled, rich | Yeast dough, chocolate/cinnamon, butter | Coffee, tea, as a snack |
| Rugelach | Flaky, tender | Cream cheese dough, jam, nuts, raisins | After meals, with hot drinks |
| Mandelbrot | Crisp, crunchy | Almonds, flour, eggs, sugar | Tea, coffee, dessert wine |
| Challah Bread Pudding | Soft, custardy | Challah bread, eggs, milk, raisins, spices | Warm, with vanilla sauce or whipped cream |
For special occasions, Rosenfeld’s offers custom cakes and seasonal pastries, making it the perfect destination for celebrations both big and small. Each dessert is a reflection of the deli’s dedication to tradition and quality.
Beverages and Sides: Classic Complements
A well-rounded meal at Rosenfeld’s is enhanced by a curated selection of beverages and classic sides. These offerings round out the menu, providing the perfect accompaniment to sandwiches, soups, and sweets.
Dr. Brown’s sodas are a staple, with flavors like Cel-Ray, Black Cherry, and Cream Soda lending an authentic deli touch.
For those who prefer something warm, a fresh cup of coffee or tea pairs beautifully with baked goods or a mid-afternoon snack.
Pickles, coleslaw, and potato salad are essential sides, providing crisp, tangy contrast to the deli’s rich main courses. These sides are prepared in-house daily, ensuring freshness and flavor.
Each bite adds another layer of enjoyment to the meal—whether it’s the crunch of a half-sour pickle or the creamy tang of coleslaw.
- Dr. Brown’s Sodas: Cel-Ray, Black Cherry, Cream Soda—classic deli sodas with bold flavors.
- Pickles: Half-sour, full-sour, and garlic dills.
- Coleslaw: Crisp cabbage, carrots, creamy dressing.
- Potato Salad: Red potatoes, mayonnaise, celery, dill.
“No deli meal is complete without a pickle on the side—it’s a tradition that brings every bite to life.”
These sides and beverages are more than just add-ons; they are integral to the full deli experience, ensuring every meal at Rosenfeld’s is memorable and satisfying.
Conclusion: Preserving Tradition, Inspiring Community
Rosenfeld’s Jewish Delicatessen menu is a vibrant testament to the enduring power of food to connect, comfort, and inspire. Each dish on the menu is a bridge between generations, honoring time-honored recipes while inviting new guests to become part of the tradition.
The careful preparation, quality ingredients, and warm hospitality have made Rosenfeld’s a beloved gathering place for families, friends, and food enthusiasts from all walks of life.
From the first bite of a hearty sandwich to the last crumb of freshly baked babka, Rosenfeld’s offers more than just a meal—it offers an experience steeped in history and flavor. The menu’s variety ensures that every guest can find something to savor, whether they seek the comfort of matzo ball soup, the boldness of smoked fish, or the sweet satisfaction of rugelach.
Each visit is an invitation to slow down, share stories, and celebrate the richness of Jewish culinary heritage.
As the world moves forward, Rosenfeld’s remains a steadfast guardian of tradition, adapting and innovating without losing sight of what makes a delicatessen truly special. The legacy of Rosenfeld’s is written not just on its menu, but in the hearts of those who gather around its tables—one delicious meal at a time.
