Classic Pastrami at Schlesinger’s, But did they Keep the Pickle Bar?

In December, The Kibbitz Room changed owners and became Schlesinger’s. Luckily, Center City did not lose out on a Jewish style deli, the general gist of the restaurant has been maintained. But the hours of been expanded and the menu has grown a bit.

I stopped by to check out the quality of the deli sandwiches. But the question on my mind was a serious one, what became of the briny heaven that I loved about Kibbitz Room, what happened to the pickle bar?

The glorious pickle bar is still there, smart move Schlesinger’s, you would have had one disgruntled lady to deal with if you took that away. The complimentary bar is yours to ravage if you are dining in, but take out pickle orders are $4 a pound.

I am pretty sure that an option of a half sandwich and soup or salad ($8.95) was not offered when this place was the Kibbitz Room. I clearly love a good lunch duo. I got the pastrami, which was served as simple as you can get- slices of meat on rye bread, nothing else. I had to add my own mustard, but beyond that can’t see any other additions improving  this sandwich. Frills aren’t really needed here. I was quite content with my pile of meat on bread. The pastrami had a lovely spiced rind and just a touch of appropriate fat laced throughout.

The other half of my combo did not fair so well. The matzah ball soup was abysmal. The soup was watery and lacking salt or any other real flavor. The matzah ball was grainy and tasteless. Maybe the pick two was not the right move here. But, there are other soups on the menu, perhaps the cabbage or barley would be less disappointing.

My enjoyment of the  classic pastrami made up for the soup. I would head back to Schelsinger’s for more of that or have a go at their potato pancakes and blintzes. And of course to hit up the pickle bar.

THE + (What somebody who likes this place would say)

  • Pickle Bar!
  • Great classic deli meat

THE – (What somebody who doesn’t like this place would say)

  • Very poor matzah ball soup

Schlesinger’s, 1521 Locust St, (btw 15th and 16th St) 215 735-7305

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