For National Cheesecake Day on July 30th, it is time to treat yourself to a true NYC icon.
Carnegie Deli’s award-winning cheesecakes are the stuff of culinary legend. They are still handmade from a generations-old family recipe.
Best of all? They ship nationwide, making it incredibly easy to enjoy a massive slice of New York history no matter where you live.
A flavor for every craving
Whether you are a traditionalist or a chocolate lover, every single cheesecake is individually handcrafted. Here is a look at the mouthwatering lineup:
- Award-Winning New York Cheesecake: The original masterpiece that made them famous. This classic features a rich, velvety, dense-yet-creamy filling sitting perfectly atop their signature thick, crumbly cookie crust.
- Confetti Cake Cheesecake: Need a festive spin? This playful dessert blends nostalgic vanilla, butter, and sugar with colorful rainbow sprinkles. It is the absolute perfect treat for birthdays or a fun self-care day.
- Chocolate Marble Cheesecake: For the ultimate indulgence, this handcrafted beauty features ribbons of rich chocolate swirled throughout the classic filling, striking a perfect balance between classic and decadent.
A delicious slice of New York history
Rooted deep in Jewish deli tradition, Carnegie Deli is much more than just a sandwich shop—it is an indelible piece of New York pride.
The beloved flagship first opened its doors in 1937, sitting just a matzo ball’s throw from Manhattan’s theater district. By the 1970s, under co-owners Leo Steiner and Milton Parker, it evolved into the ultimate hangout for entertainment industry elites.
Regulars included comedy legends like Robin Williams and Mel Brooks, alongside music icons like Stevie Wonder. Decades later, it continued to draw in major celebrity regulars like Stephen Spielberg, Alec Baldwin, and Conan O’Brien.
Today, the brand is proudly owned by Sarri Harper (Parker’s granddaughter), who fiercely upholds the exact same standards that earned Carnegie its iconic name.
The show-stopping timeline
This beloved institution has seen it all. Here is a quick look at its incredible journey through the decades:
- 1937: The deli officially establishes itself as a staple of NYC’s Jewish delicatessen culture.
- 1958: Carnegie Deli thrives with legendary hosts Max, Lou, and Bernie at the helm.
- 1962: It transforms into an informal stage for the New York comedy scene, acting as a rite of passage for young comics testing jokes before hitting the nearby clubs.
- 1979: A glowing New York Times review by Mimi Sheraton calls the pastrami “simply wonderful.” Lines form that exact day, and the deli famously runs out of meat by mid-afternoon!
- 1984: Woody Allen’s film Broadway Danny Rose opens and closes with scenes filmed at the deli, cementing its nostalgic New York vibe.
- 1990: The team kicks off a famous tradition of honoring celebrities with massive, uniquely crafted sandwiches that play on their reputations.
- 2011: Carnegie Deli expands, opening a spot at Madison Square Garden.
- 2013: Comedian Steve Harvey films an episode of his daytime talk show at the deli, surprising Sarri Harper with an impromptu matchmaking event.
- 2018: Amazon partners with the deli for a massive 1950s immersive pop-up experience to promote The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
- 2024: The deli makes a highly anticipated return to the U.S. Open in Queens.
- Today: Carnegie Deli is still serving up nostalgia with seasonal spots at the Saratoga Race Course and The Belmont Stakes. They have also recently launched amazing local collaborations, including a “Deli After Dark” menu at Temple Bar, plus menu crossovers with Serendipity 3 and Black Tap.