I'm a bit of a fanatic when it comes to pastrami, and have sampled a vast number of inspired varieties all across the United States. Truthfully, I was a bit sad that I hadn't found a place nearby that came anywhere near the best pastramis I'd had elsewhere. All that changed when I first visited Bixby's Brooklyn Deli.
While I'd eagerly anticipated the restaurant's opening, I tried to keep my expectations low. I did not want my hopes to be too high only to suffer needless disappointment. On my first visit, it didn't take me long to settle onto the Bixby Special, a sandwich that features thousand island dressing (home made), coleslaw (home made), cheese, and a choice of either corned beef or pastrami on rye bread.
The coleslaw is crisp, bright, and balances tangy and sweet flavors perfectly. The bread plays a huge roll, with the crust having a crunch, and the bread being dense and chewy, and packed with flavor. It holds up well to the moisture and heft of the other ingredients.
You may be inclined, not knowing any better, to believe that I'm going to move into the realm of poetic hyperbole, now, but I'm not. The pastrami is, without a doubt, the best I've had anywhere. They obviously begin with very high quality meat, but the preparation (a mystery to me) must involve some sort of magical process where they imbue it with a subtle vegetal sweetness that serves as a frame for the substantial succulence and meaty flavor.
I'm not one that's prone to flights of fancy so, just today, I took one of my dear friends, and a devout pastrami lover, to BBD for the first time. Like me, he too was skeptical and almost insultingly dismissive of my claims but, once he took his first bite of their pastrami, his countenance changed and he was an instant convert.
I've not explored their entire menu yet. Their potato salad is very good, and they serve amazing pickles. They also make cheesecake that's simply to die for, and their carrot cake is amazing, too. Both are made in-house, I believe. They serve excellent bagels, too.
I was less enamored of their pastrami and eggs, as it seemed to dry the pastrami out more than I like. I've also heard tell that their matzo brei is good. The wait staff is very polite and attentive. For the budget minded, the prices are perhaps a little bit on the high side, but sharing a sandwich and ordering an extra side works well for my wife and I.
I'm thrilled to have a place so close that really understands how to make pastrami right. I've been back many times, and look forward to trying their entire menu.
The best pastrami & corned beef in Long Beach! Sandwichs are very fresh including the bread, sides, and produce. Great place. Highly recommend. Haven't tried the desserts, but they look fab.
Great fresh deli sandwiches. The bread even had a fresh baked taste. I got the Country Club with the pasta salad and was especially pleased with it. Their customer services was by far one of the best.
Went in on a random visit with my GF. First time going. Got a Bixby Special. It was a good sandwich, added garlic fries because it sounded good. Couple of things on the fries, A.) they tasted like Ore-Ida B.) Garlic Parmesan was not fulfilled. Fries weren’t a deal breaker just not a fan. And to finish I got bread pudding, she got 18 Karat Cake. Took it to go, bread pudding was awesome! Cake as well. Server was great also. Will return.
Flavors that triggered beautiful vague memories. Something about the old world meats, old school care, traditional deli cuts, classic menu options, timeless brands of cheeses, sodas, mustards, or service that reminds me of downtown LA or New York 30 years ago. This place tricked my senses into thinking I was in another place, and another time.. Thank you for fooling me and I will definitely be back.
Best Reuben in the South Bay area! Limited parking and price is high but comparable to the area with decent portions. New favorite deli.
The Mediterranean omelet at the Bixby Brooklyn Deli is the best! Love it with a short stack of hot cakes. All the gals that work here are super nice and attentive, even when under staffed which is quite frequently. Coffee also can't be beat, really perks you up. The wait sometimes is a little to long from the kitchen that could certainly be improved on.
Omg... I found the best Ruben sandwich at this joint!!
My dad use to make the most tender corn beef Ruben sandwich. I never thought I’d find one like his again but today I did!! Everything delicious and fresh!
The potato salad so good had a sweet taste to it which made it off the chain delicious!!
I can’t wait to try the desert!!
First time here and I will say the service was EXCELLENT! Even though I still had to wait when I went to pick up my food the waitress made sure I was taken of and not ignored. After that,I didn't care what happened next,the place had a nice ambiance to it that made you just want to relax for a bit. My food was great I had the pastrami burger and I could taste the quality of the meat. I also had a Jewish pizza and the bread that they use for the pizza is like no other! Great place to relax and eat and great customer service!
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