Pastrami Underground

- 999 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238

Introduction / Overview

In a city that prides itself on legendary Jewish deli fare, finding a spot that honors tradition while delivering exceptional, hand-crafted quality is a treasure. Pastrami Underground, located in the vibrant heart of Brooklyn at 999 Atlantic Avenue, is precisely that—a modern gem built on old-school principles. This restaurant isn't just serving sandwiches; they are continuing a culinary heritage, one perfectly brined, cured, and smoked slice of meat at a time. The atmosphere is consistently described as casual, making it an ideal destination for New Yorkers seeking high-quality comfort food without the pretense. Since its opening, Pastrami Underground has established itself as a must-visit for serious deli enthusiasts, gaining popularity especially for solo diners looking for a satisfying, quick bite in a welcoming environment. The focus here is simple: premium meats, classic noshes, and oversized portions that pay homage to the Jewish grandmothers and mothers who inspired the menu. From the painstaking, days-long process of preparing their signature meats to the careful assembly of their massive triple-decker sandwiches, every offering at Pastrami Underground is a labor of love for the New York palate. This attention to detail has carved out a loyal following in Brooklyn's diverse and demanding culinary landscape. Whether you are craving the rich, smoky flavor of their pastrami or the savory tenderness of their corned beef, this spot offers a genuine, deeply satisfying taste of authentic New York deli culture right in the heart of Brooklyn.

Location and Accessibility

Pastrami Underground is situated at 999 Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn, New York, an address strategically positioned near the intersection of several dynamic neighborhoods, including Fort Greene, Prospect Heights, and Downtown Brooklyn. This location is not only easily accessible by car but is also a hub for major MTA public transit routes, a critical factor for any thriving New York City establishment. For local Brooklynites and visitors alike, the restaurant's proximity to one of the borough's major transportation centers makes it a breeze to get to.

The location on Atlantic Avenue is exceptionally well-served by the New York City subway and bus systems. The most significant transit hub nearby is the Atlantic Avenue-Barclays Center station, which provides access to the 2, 3, 4, 5, B, D, N, Q, and R subway lines, in addition to the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) at Atlantic Terminal. While a walk from Barclays Center will take a few minutes, this multi-line junction provides excellent coverage from across Brooklyn and Manhattan. Other nearby subway options, depending on your route, may include the Lafayette Avenue station (C train) or the Fulton Street station (G train), which are located closer to the Fort Greene area.

For bus riders, the area around 999 Atlantic Avenue is serviced by numerous MTA bus lines, including but not limited to routes like the B25, B26, B37, B41, B45, B52, B63, B65, B67, and B103, many of which stop near the Barclays Center and cover the surrounding neighborhoods. For those relying on accessibility features, all MTA buses are wheelchair accessible. The Atlantic Av-Barclays Ctr subway station is also an accessible hub, featuring elevators that connect to the LIRR and the various subway lines. Patrons planning their trip should always check the MTA’s service status for real-time information and specific accessible routes. This convenient access confirms Pastrami Underground’s status as a true New York neighborhood eatery—easy to get to from almost anywhere in the borough and beyond, making it a reliable spot for your comfort food fix.

Services Offered

Pastrami Underground focuses on providing flexible and convenient service options to meet the needs of all Brooklyn residents and visitors. Their service model prioritizes ease of ordering and a comfortable experience, whether you plan to sit down or take your meal to go.

• Curbside Pickup: A convenient option for quick, pre-ordered meals where staff can deliver your food directly to you at the curb.
• No-Contact Delivery: Offering a safe and easy way to enjoy their full menu from the comfort of your home or office.
• Delivery: Standard delivery service is available, extending their reach across the local area.
• Takeout: The traditional grab-and-go option for customers to pick up their orders in-store.
• Dine-in: Available for those who wish to enjoy their meal at the restaurant in a casual setting.
• Dinner Service: The restaurant is primarily open for evening dining, offering a late-night fix on weekends.
• Catering: Offering service for larger orders, ideal for events, office lunches, or family gatherings.
• Dessert Options: A selection of classic Jewish deli desserts, including rugelach, linzer hearts, and the iconic black and white cookie.

Features / Highlights

The menu at Pastrami Underground is a carefully curated selection of classic deli offerings, centered around house-made quality and nostalgic New York favorites. The true draw is the dedication to traditional preparation methods for their signature meats, which sets a high bar for deli quality in Brooklyn.

• House-Made Pastrami: The star attraction, their pastrami, is brined and cured for a minimum of 7 days and then smoked low and slow for over 7 hours with a blend of cherry and apple woods. This meticulous, time-intensive process ensures maximum flavor and tenderness.
• Signature Corned Beef: The corned beef is also prepared in-house, wet cured for a minimum of 14 days in a savory brine of herbs and spices, promising a juicy and flavorful bite.
• Oversized, Tribute Sandwiches: The menu features massive sandwiches, including the triple-decker 'The Big Nunnas' and 'The Charlotte Baker,' which are offered as homages to family members, reflecting the deep personal connection to this classic comfort food.
• Unique Reuben Variations: Beyond the Classic Reuben with corned beef, they offer the 'Neo-Classic Reuben' with pastrami and the "Big Macher" 'Underground Uber Reuben,' a colossal triple-decker with both pastrami and corned beef.
• Classic Jewish Noshes and Sides: The menu includes beloved favorites like Hebrew National All Beef Hot Dogs, Gabila’s Famous Coney Island Square Knish, and Potato Latkes served with applesauce and sour cream.
• Late-Night Hours: The restaurant maintains later operating hours, especially on weekends (Friday and Saturday open until 2:00 AM), making it a reliable spot for a late-night meal in the neighborhood.
• Casual and Comfortable Atmosphere: The vibe is laid-back and unpretentious, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, and is noted as a popular spot for solo dining.
• Artisan Desserts: They feature high-quality treats from local bakeries, such as Erica’s of Park Slope Rugelach and Mini Almond Linzer Hearts, alongside classic Black & White Cookies and Joyva Halvah/Marshmallow Twists.

Contact Information

For New Yorkers looking to place an order or inquire about catering, here is the direct contact information for Pastrami Underground.

Address: 999 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238, USA

Phone: (646) 657-7267

What is worth choosing

When navigating the menu at Pastrami Underground, what's truly worth choosing revolves around the quality of their expertly prepared meats. For first-timers, the undeniable choice should be the Pastrami. This house-made specialty—brined, cured, and cherry and apple wood-smoked—is the foundation of their reputation. You can order it a la carte ($23.95 per half pound) to take home, or, more traditionally, as a standard 'Pastrami Sandwich' ($13.15) on rye with a pickle and mustard.

However, if you are looking for an immersive experience, you must venture into the specialty sandwiches. The Neo-Classic Reuben ($30.25), which substitutes pastrami for the traditional corned beef on marble rye with Swiss, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing, is an absolute must-try for any deli aficionado. For those with a serious appetite, the oversized, triple-decker "The Big Nunnas" or "The Charlotte Baker" (both $28.50) offer a true New York challenge, combining both corned beef and pastrami with Russian dressing and coleslaw for a flavor bomb that captures the essence of a massive Jewish deli sandwich.

Beyond the main event, the 'Noshes' section provides essential deli sides that complete the meal. The Gabila’s Famous Coney Island Square Knish ($6.85) is a classic slice of nostalgia, and the Potato Latkes ($16.95), served with applesauce and sour cream, are a savory delight. Finally, no New York deli meal is complete without a classic beverage, so be sure to pair your sandwich with a Dr Brown's soda ($4.00) or, for the ultimate throwback, a Fox's Ubets Egg Cream ($8.00). In short, the pastrami, any of the massive Reuben variants, and a traditional potato latke side are the cornerstones of a truly worthwhile visit to Pastrami Underground.

Pastrami Underground

999 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238, USA