Noshwellmenu

So you happen to be in downtown Portland and you have a sudden craving for a pastrami sandwich. You might, then, find yourself on the doorsteps of Kenny and Zuke’s Delicatessen on Southwest Stark Street jockeying for table space.

The deli is an homage to all that good, down-home Jewish diner food: bagels, bialy nosh, potato latkes and even chopped liver. But it’s their own house crafted, seasoned and smoked pastrami that takes the spotlight, featuring as a key ingredient on numerous menu items.

Kenny and Zuke’s makes a nice, early breakfast option with a wide selection of meals for early risers. Consider the extra hearty Big Shot Breakfast sandwich: two eggs, thick slices of tender beef pastrami, melted Swiss between two crisp, nicely grilled Rye. Optionally served with flat top crusted hash for a complete meal.

Or, the frittata featuring shards of beef pastrami baked into a crispy on the edges, spongey 3 egg pie served with a side a toast.

Don’t forget their house made selection of bagels and bialy nosh (all available to go at their bakery section). On the weekends, the distinctly fragrant pumpernickel is available: soft, yet satisfyingly chewy dough. Perfectly tasty on its own or with a generous shmear of cream cheese.

Kenny and Zukes is also for the kids. There’s the 111 (a half order of their 222 menu item): 1 egg your way, a slice of pastrami (beef or turkey) and a single, super crispy (kind of greasy) potato latke.

We’ve heard mixed reviews about the service and some complaints about super long waits, but haven’t had an overly negative experience. We arrived early for breakfast, around 9ish and didn’t experience a wait longer than 5 minutes. The service is on the slightly slower side, mildly stand offish with a side of occasional smile, nothing to praise nor gripe about. The food is decent, particularly the pastrami, while others are average. But definitely grab a few bagels to go.

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