Pomperdale Famous New York Deli — Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale

Great NY style deli. If you know what that is you'll be happy. If not ymmv.

Edit: I just wrote this review for Goldbergs but I think it's revenant here:

It seems only fair to compare this (Goldbergs) to the other NY deli in the area, Pomperdale. The king vs the young upstart!

Sandwiches: most important imo. If we're talking classics like the Reuben, corned beef and pastrami they're both 5-stars but I give the slight edge to the newcomer, Goldbergs! You'll pay more but they're both expensive. On the other hand Pomperdale has a more extensive sandwich menu with better options. Edge: push. You're in great hands either way.

Bagels: Pomperdale takes this handily but with a caveat. I've only had bagels at Goldbergs once. Here's my issues. Pomperdale runs out of bagels if you sleep in. Goldbergs didn't even ask if I wanted it toasted and toasted it anyway (not my preference). It was fine but the toasting hides a lot of bagel flaws so I'm skeptical.

Also Pomperdale's lox is excellent. I don't think they make it in-house but it's tender, tasty and they give you a nice amount. It was still good at Goldbergs but I felt they skimped on the amount and it was bland, tbh. And the tomatoes were mealy. Don't get me wrong it was adequate and sufficient-it wasn't bad per se (and maybe it was a bad day?) but Pomperdale's has been consistently good with excellent lox.

Breakfast: I don't know because I don't eat breakfast (outside of bagels)!

Ambiance: Goldbergs all the way. You can eat at Pomperdale but it's just some tables and you're better off taking it home-it's a deli for crying out loud! Goldbergs is more like a restaurant so if you're looking to sit and be served go to Goldbergs.

Misc: I think Pomperdale offers more traditional deli miscellaneous fare like different fish salads, etc., but Goldbergs offers more take home desserts like coconut macaroons and things like that.

Winner: I'll call this a tie! I'd probably say Goldbergs for eating in but Pomperdale for take out because it's slightly cheaper and has a better selection of special sandwiches and their pastrami and corned beef-though I give the slight edge to Goldbergs -is still fantastic.

Either way we're all better both exist and I'm happy...

Wow .. such a disappointment… I placed a “To Go- Catering” order - based on the current menus in the store… I have a really hard time with Businesses that think that they are above the law and have no moral compass. With my order, Rick (owner) agreed to provide -Cole slaw, pickles and their famous mustard along with overstuffed pastrami sandwiches and a bountiful Chef Salad. Here’s what happened… They ‘FORGOT” to include the Cole slaw, pickles and famous mustard.. Pastrami sandwiches although charged for overstuffed were no more than slightly above 1/2 pound of pastrami… the chef salad had no cucumbers, olives, green peppers and onions and the lettuce that was LESS then 1/4 of the container…On top of this … the prices mysteriously were inflated from the printed menu prices and although we were there last week and were charged what was on the menu, the owner, said that “ALL PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE”…and new menus are being printed. I suspect that if you go and order during the week the prices that are on the printed menu will be in effect.. Botton line, in my humble opinion, they “JACKED UP” the prices because its a holiday and used the menu disclaimer as their ability to rip off the customer. Here’s where their integrity is in the toilet… Perhaps at the time of placing the order, Rick could have given us a heads up on the price change?? Nope - not only that, what makes this establishment worse than ever, is, Rick made it my fault, the customer, for their forgetfulness… so they charged me inflated prices, did not provide what was ordered and told me it was my fault for not checking their order. I call this stealing from the customer!!! They dont … and they think this is the best way to do business… rip off the customer and then take no responsibility for their mistakes… Absolutely disgraceful ! In this crazy world, you want to be able to count on the integrity of those you do business with and when you cant count on the simple things in life - the end result is - dont waste your time with loosers!!! They charged, they did not provide and they told me too freakin bad!! Please think long and hard before visiting this place of business …ps. My bill today was $123.91...

Hate to share this review but it's for those who were once upon a time loyal customers of Pomperdale (20 years or more ago)....The place looks the same BUT the prior reviews stating the corned beef and/or pastrami is tough is 100% true....Went on Saturday for the first time in 18-20 years (I no longer live in Florida) and the pastrami was indeed hard to bite through it was that tough, coupled with the fact that now they apparently slice their pastrami on a slicer (so thin) AS OPPOSED to by hand with a knife.....flavor of the pastrami definitely not there as well....Whatever Pomperdale is now doing differently in the process the end result is no where near what it once was, which was simply as good a Jewish Deli that existed.....

I appreciate the owner responding to this review and welcoming me to come in and give it another try but I do not agree with the toughness comment happening once in awhile. Brisket is either tender and flavorful or it is not. I have had at the very least 50 of the best pastrami and/or corned beef sandwiches at Pomperdale but each of those 20 years ago. This last one was no where close to those OR close to the level of the delis I go to in Manhattan where I live.

I didn't complain because I brought 2 friends that I haven't seen in years that I had previously sung the praises of how great Pomperdale and ho w Pomperdale is as good if not better than any deli in NY....the sandwiches we received were acceptable but not great which was our...