March '23 Had half of a Pastrami Reuben, Matzoh Ball Soup, and a Square Knish. Everything was very good with a character of freshness and quality to it.

Soup- Good salt balance, matzoh had ideal density, not spongy, nor tough, nor loose, and pleasingly seasoned with a fresh cracker taste. The broth leaned slightly light, with some vegetal and herbal complexity. Overall, classic comfort food done right.

Reuben- I prefer a butter-grilled seeded rye to their virgin slice of unseeded, but it's just a preference. The bread had a classic rye flavor, nothing special but no notable flaws, and held up as well as can be asked of that preparation. Beyond that, a home-run. The pastrami was stunning, especially for thickly sliced. Perfect salt level let the meat and its other seasonings shine to the last bite, the fat ratio, oiliness, and moisture were ideal, and the tenderness was spot-on for handling and mouthfeel. The toppings all hit the mark as well, including the excellent, relishy, spiced house Russian with a lightness and acidity that worked with the kraut to balance the fat of the meat and cheese, unlike heavy Thousand Island. Surprisingly, the ratio of meat to all else didn't throw the flavors off-kilter enough to wish for less of that primo pastrami or more of a mess. I might risk their wrath to ask if butter grilled bread is an option next time, though I can't recall if their line is equipped for it.

Full-Sour Pickle is correct of course, and theirs is classic and delicious.

Square Knish- Simple, savory, well made and kept. The pastry and filling remained distinct and in their proper states. Flakey, crispy-ish pastry outside, fresh, savory potato mash inside.

Atmosphere at something like 3am Saturday night was what you'd expect. A slice of the neighborhood, buzzy (and buzzed), a bit touristy-- let's call it 25% --but incidentally and deservedly so. It doesn't flaunt its full age like an Irish pub might, but it's evident in the details-- like it pragmatically adapted to the march of time in incriments while casually documenting its place in history with an eye for self-aware yet unapologetic self-promotion. And why would you expect or want anything else?