Newark Eatery Makes it to Top 20 List of Best Jewish Delis in the Country
By: Ellen Cans
Hobby’s Deli in New Jersey made it on the top 20 list of best Jewish delis in the country, as ranked by TastingTable.com.
Located at 32 Branford Place on the corner of Halsey Street in downtown Newark, the Jewish-style deli is not certified Kosher. It specializes in Eastern-European delicacies, adding some modern options to the menu. Best known for its pastrami, corn beef, potato latkes and matzoh ball soup, it has been family-run for the past 60 years. It is currently owned by brothers Marc and Michael Brummer, whose father, Sam, had purchased the business in 1962. The restaurant has been at its spot for more than 100 years, in all.
“Hobby’s understated style and no-holds-bar food make it a culinary legend within US Jewish deli culture and, most importantly, a beloved local go-to,” TastingTable wrote on its popular food tasting website. The deli just re-opened earlier in August, after shuttering at the beginning of the pandemic on March 17, 2020. As per NJ.com, it is remaining closed for renovations till this month. Its regular customers had missed the old school deli, which has become a classic spot to hit before a Nets or Devils game. “Their grandparents took them to Hobby’s,” Michael Brummer told NJ.com. “So they bring their grandkids to Hobby’s.”
The deli also boasts an “Excellent” rating and a “Top 10 Best Buy in New Jersey” by Zagat. In 2014, the street on which the restaurant stands was renamed “Hobby’s Plaza.” As per the NY Post. the Garden State culinary landmark was also featured in the 2021 “Sopranos” prequel film, “The Many Saints of Newark.” Hobby’s has also gained acclaim as the proud sponsor of Operation Salami Drop, an effort to send salamis to American soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. OSD has sent over 18 tons of salami to thousands of American troops, thanks to donations from all across America.
As per the foodie site TastingTable.com, other Jewish-style delis (also not Kosher) honored in the top 20 rankings, included: Katz’s Deli on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, first open in 1888; Liebman’s Deli in the Bronx, opened in 1953 when there were hundreds of kosher-style delis in the area, and it is the only one still standing; Frankl’s Deli in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, opened in 2016; Larder Delicatessen in Cleveland, Ohio, boasting three time James Beard Award-nominated chef Jeremy Umansky; Jack’s Deli also in Cleveland, OH, open since 1980; Hymie’s Deli in Merion Station Pennsylvania opened in 1955; Call your Mother Deli in Washington, DC, opened in 2018; Langer’s Deli in Los Angeles, CA, first opened in 1947, and two-time winner of the James Beard Award; Wexler’s Deli also in Los Angeles since 2012; Shapiro’s Deli in Indianapolis, IN, first open 100 years ago in 1905; Manny’s Café & Deli in Chicago, IL since 1942; Zingerman’s Deli in Ann Arbor, Michigan; The General Muir (TGM) in Atlanta, GA since 2013; Josh’s Deli in Surfside, FL; Stage Deli West in Detroit, MI; Perly’s Deli in Richmond, Virginia; Steingold’s in Chicago, IL; and Kenny and Ziggy’s NY Deli in Houston, Tx.