Hometown Bar-B-Que Has The BEST Pastrami in NYC! Better than Katz’s!
I eat at and review the pastrami sandwich at Hometown Bar-B-Que in Red Hook, Brooklyn of New York City. The restaurant serves some of the best barbecue in NYC, but also offers what I think is the best pastrami sandwich in the city.
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Пікірлер: 164
I really appreciate the "pickiness" in your reviews. It lends one to trust that you are giving an honest opinion. Here in Hawaii, I don't feel that there are any honest reviews because it is such a small place and people want to support local businesses. Most "reviews" are just features of restaurants. Your videos are fun to watch, especially since we don't have the same caliber of restaurants on the islands.
@Jamesnu
3 күн бұрын
Thank you! Yeah, I'll always share my honest opinion, but at the same time, I don't want to be mean about it, especially if I'm only at a restaurant once and even the best places aren't perfect.
Love your videos! I might be crazy, but it looks like they cut the pastrami “with the grain” instead of “across” … Cheers from Chicago suburbia!
@Jamesnu
Жыл бұрын
Thank you! I'm not sure how they cut it. I should've paid better attention, but flavor-wise, it was a winner!
@lolocarter7837
9 ай бұрын
@cito4633 I agree, it looks like it was cut with the grain instead of against the grain.
Love your food reviews James! That sandwich looks so good I would sleep for 2 weeks after i finished!
@Jamesnu
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much! I know what you mean! That sandwich was intense!
That would have to be one of the best Pastrami sandwiches I’ve seen. That looked amazing!
@Jamesnu
Жыл бұрын
Absolutely! It's a beautiful sandwich, but it even gets better eating it!
Tried Frankel’s today after hearing you mention it on here. Had never heard of it because it’s never mentioned in the best pastrami in NYC discussions, but I must say it’s some of the best I’ve had. I’ve also tried all the places you mentioned and Frankel’s is a strong contender for best around. Will have to try Hometown’s at some point…
@Jamesnu
11 ай бұрын
Nice! I'm glad you enjoyed it! It's one of my favorites too! I feel like it doesn't get as much coverage compared to places like Katz's and 2nd Ave Deli because it hasn't been around nearly as long, but it's top tier pastrami for sure!
Thanks for another great video. Red Hook is a hidden gem of NYC!
@Jamesnu
Жыл бұрын
Thank you! Yeah, it was my first time in the neighborhood and I really enjoyed it. I really want to go back again.
I think your channel will grow exponentially soon, you have some really great content!
@Jamesnu
Жыл бұрын
I hope so! Thank you so much!
Loved this video! We went there before the pandemic but they were sold out of the pastrami. We had the brisket, which was fantastic. Additionally, their barbecue sauce was incredible. We are lucky enough to have a car, so getting there was a breeze.
@Jamesnu
Жыл бұрын
Nice! Yeah, the brisket looked amazing! That will definitely be the first thing I order on my next visit. It's usually the first thing I get at a BBQ restaurant. I just want to try everything on that menu! Still, it's quite a journey to get there, but it's worth it!
Their pastrami sandwich is my favorite in the city also! Hometown has a second location in Industry City (Brooklyn), much more convenient to mass transportation.
@Jamesnu
Жыл бұрын
It's an incredible sandwich for sure! I'll have to check out the Industry City location sometime. The only negative of Hometown is just how much of a journey it takes to get there. It's nice to have that Industry City location as an alternative.
Toasting the bread with butter and keeping the fat in meat is the trick. Though they can add more butter to bread… something like 5 times what they added. Also, meat didn’t look tender enough though retaining the fat in meat saved the day.
@Jamesnu
10 ай бұрын
Butter is an amazing ingredient that can improve a lot of foods. I thought the amount of butter in the sandwich was a good amount especially since the flavor from the pastrami was already so intense.
The food at this place is amazing! Like really the brisket is so good and the Mac n cheese.
@Jamesnu
Жыл бұрын
I was envious looking at everyone else's food! It all looked so good!
@mysteriesuntold3393
Жыл бұрын
@@Jamesnu yeah me 2 I always do that at restaurants I go to i was there many years ago glad to see it's still good
Wow....amazing place. This totally fell off my radar because Red Hook is so isolated from the rest of Brooklyn. Due to the freeways, etc. But I appreciate the tip that we can take the ferry. I definitely have to try this spot, given that you have ranked this above Katz's, Sarges, 2nd Ave Deli, etc. So this has to be the cream of the crop. I really appreciate their unique take on the old Jewish Classic. It's nice to see some innovation and creativity on such a classic NYC dish. And really make it their own. That was one sweet ass meal. Thanks for the wonderful contact my brother. I also noticed that you don't use a cell phone case/protector. I don't either. Thanks for the wonderful and informative content, as always it is greatly appreciated. Really looking forward to watching you on the next one.
@Jamesnu
Жыл бұрын
Thank you! Yeah, getting to Red Hook is the worst part of the neighborhood, but at the same time, it seems a lot quieter than other neighborhoods in NYC. However, if one's in Lower Manhattan, the ferry from there takes a little bit over 15 minutes to make the journey, which isn't bad. Still, that pastrami was so good that however long it takes for one to get to Red Hook, it's worth it!
@brandonwaagan2096
Жыл бұрын
@@Jamesnu Absolutely!!! Thanks again James. Appreciate all of the wonderful knowledge and information. Your videos are packed with so much great content. Can't thank you enough.
@Jamesnu
Жыл бұрын
@@brandonwaagan2096 I'm happy to share my experiences! Thanks so much for watching!
Great video. I wonder how the brisket and other bbq meats are. Will you check out any other bbq places?
@Jamesnu
Жыл бұрын
I will definitely be going to other bbq spots! I want to go back to this restaurant sometime specifically to try the brisket (it's one of my favorite things!) and some of their other meats. I'll also be getting to some other bbq restaurants in the city and around NYC.
Your smile while eating the pastrami seems to say it all! Too bad the banana pudding didn't have their signature vanilla wafers. Perhaps you'll need to order a second sandwich instead to end on a high note next time.
@Jamesnu
Жыл бұрын
Oh yeah! Not even a banana pudding without nilla wafers could dampen my happiness!
Great video and love the watch;)
@Jamesnu
Жыл бұрын
Thank you! That watch is my favorite!
Man oh man this sandwich made my mouth water. It looked over the top delicious!!! I am wondering If someone posted a picture of another restaurant’s banana pudding? Looked more the banana pudding at Magnolia bakery in NYC. Thanks for the video.
@Jamesnu
5 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching! Yeah, that sandwich was amazing!
OMG I went yesterday, arrived at 11:30 for noon opening and line was 20 people deep. Took your advice and had the greatest pastrami sandwich ever. It is in my opinion by far better than Katz‘s deli, The only con was $28 and small 😢
@Jamesnu
10 ай бұрын
Awesome! Yeah, you've got to go early, but it's worth it! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Nice brother! I haven't been in the hook for years, but I used to work 32X a now defunct NYC unit down there. This looks great, and may actually make me go to Brooklyn again!
@Jamesnu
Жыл бұрын
Yeah, it's not the easiest place to get to, but I actually really enjoyed the neighborhood. Hometown alone is worth making a trip to Red Hook, but there's also a lot of nice breweries in the area. Plus, there's Red Hook Tavern, which supposedly has one of the best burgers in the city. I'll definitely be trying that one in the future.
@2Wheels_NYC
Жыл бұрын
@@Jamesnu I hope you had a safe and blessed Memorial Day 🙏
@Jamesnu
Жыл бұрын
@@2Wheels_NYC Thank you! I hope yours was nice as well!
That pastrami looked insanely good. After watching this video, I wished I would have ordered that sandwich when I visited last week. Next time! I can already tell it's superior to the Katz's pastrami, based on looks alone. Now, I had a similar issue like you did with the pudding. My chicken tacos did not come with the chipotle lime crema that was mentioned on the menu...I guess they tend to have lapses in preparation.
@Jamesnu
Жыл бұрын
Yeah, accidents happen, but it was overall a small blunder in an otherwise great meal! Indeed, Hometown's pastrami was better than Katz's in my opinion, but I also really appreciate the whole Jewish Deli experience that one can have at Katz's.
I adore this place! Spectacular! I miss Tony Bourdain. prefer the West Village and Greenwich and UES but I regularly make the trek to Hometown - outstanding pastrami and worth every penny!! I do minimize these kinds of meals too often as they aren't great for overall heath - tons of beef and sides. You must exercise a lot to stay slimmer!
@Jamesnu
2 ай бұрын
It's a great place! Luckily, I'm pretty active and running is one of my favorite hobbies.
@christinecamley
2 ай бұрын
@@Jamesnu Fabulous! I run too!
Man that looked like the best sandwich I ever seen…send one my way…good job man
@Jamesnu
Жыл бұрын
Haha! Thank you! I wish I could! That was something really special!
I love a good pastrami sandwich. I can't wait to visit.
@Jamesnu
Жыл бұрын
Pastrami is one of my favorite things to eat! I hope you enjoy your visit!
An Excellent video! Just had a breakfast bbq taco at a Gas Station. I'm hungry now
@Jamesnu
Жыл бұрын
Thank you! Breakfast tacos sound good! I haven't had breakfast yet and I'm hungry now too!
As always, great video and review James. Very much enjoyed this one. I poked around and saw some of your burger reviews. Although not as good as in the past, Donovans in Woodside (58th and Roosevelt) has been pretty solid through the years. Get the bacon cheeseburger, medium rare. Ask for the fries more well done as they wont taste mealy. Lastly, glad to see you like living in Astoria. I grew up on 45th Street and 30 Avenue and attended St. Josephs as a child. Stay well James and happy Memorial Day weekend.
@Jamesnu
Жыл бұрын
Thank you! I really appreciate that! I hope this weekend has treated you well too! Every time I'm in Woodside I always say to myself that I've got to check out Donovan's the next time I'm in the neighborhood. I really have to try that burger! And I love living in Astoria! I'm a bit biased, but I think that it's the best neighborhood in Queens.
@kevin7151
Жыл бұрын
@@Jamesnu
@kevin7151
Жыл бұрын
@@Jamesnu
Been there twice and waited 2+ hours both times, well worth the wait regardless. Can’t imagine the place that empty, guess timing is everything. Never tried the pastrami, definitely looks great !
@Jamesnu
Жыл бұрын
Yeah, I heard it can get to be a pretty lengthy wait. I can't even imagine how long the wait would be if this restaurant was in Manhattan. But you're right! It's worth it!
@SN-fl1qy
Жыл бұрын
@@Jamesnu go back and try the bbq, you won’t regret it 😇
Ya all need to open a place here on Staten Island!!!
That pastrami looked mind blowing! Rosie's in Port Credit, Ontario makes a killer banana pudding.
@Jamesnu
5 ай бұрын
That was really good!
That’s a beautiful sandwich
@Jamesnu
Жыл бұрын
Absolutely! It's a stunner!
Va a ser lo primero que haga al llegar a NY
@Jamesnu
11 ай бұрын
It's definitely an amazing sandwich!
WOW !
@Jamesnu
6 ай бұрын
It was an amazing sandwich!
John Brown in LIC has it for 15 bucks. Great BBQ. You really should give a shout to your locals. Great channel BTW
@Jamesnu
8 ай бұрын
Thank you! Absolutely! I've been to John Brown and it's definitely a great spot.
❤❤❤❤Your Videos you are the best I am so nungry thank you
@Jamesnu
Жыл бұрын
That makes me happy to hear! Thank you so much!
@coolatta75
Жыл бұрын
I know! I'm salivating as I'm watching this. It's inspiring me to find something comparable in Boston 😊
@Jamesnu
Жыл бұрын
@@coolatta75 👍👍👍
Awesome video! Love that you're a big fan of BBQ. Clearly worth the trek! For something a little closer, have you ever been to a Tikkun BBQ popup in Astoria? Sooooo worth the hype. They popup about once a month, have a different but always fantastic menu every time, and all proceeds go to a good cause. The lines can be long but they absolutely nail it.
@Jamesnu
11 ай бұрын
Thank you! Yeah, I'll go to great lengths for good BBQ! No, I haven't been to that one yet, but I just looked it up and I'm definitely interested in checking it out. Thanks for the recommendation!
Love Hometown BBQ 🤤
@Jamesnu
Жыл бұрын
It really is a great restaurant!
I agree, I’m a deli freak, I have to get pastrami if I see it on the menu. I lived in Texas and I went here looking for bbq brisket, it was average compared to good Texas bbq but the pastrami is the best I’ve ever had
@Jamesnu
9 ай бұрын
Nice! Yeah, that pastrami is special!
They got it right just by toasting the bread. Looking at the cut, you can see hot juicy and fatty the meat is. Looks so bomb
@Jamesnu
Жыл бұрын
The meat was just perfect! Plus, that simple act of toasting the bread made such a difference!
To go to hometown and not order the brisket or beef rib takes some discipline! Next time I go I'll order a side of beef rib with that sandwich haha!
@Jamesnu
Жыл бұрын
Haha! Yeah, I looked on with envy at everyone else's plates. All of the food looked so good!
Glad you liked it but going to Katz’s on the Lower East Side is sort of like going to Rao’s in East Harlem, part of the experience is the environment, the clientele and the history of the establishment. Team Katz’s all the way.
@Jamesnu
Жыл бұрын
I know what you mean! Hometown and Katz's provide two very different experiences and I feel like Katz's is more representative of New York City. Both serve amazing pastrami and I still love Katz's. It's probably my second favorite pastrami sandwich in NYC.
@amyt2400
Жыл бұрын
💐 Thank you for your response. There’s another once very iconic Manhattan restaurant that was in a league of its own called Shopsin’s. It was located in the West Village and resembled an Old General Store. The owners were real NY characters. I recalled going there and watching Kenny Shopsin and his wife cook clean and serve while their kids would play on the floor with their toy cars. Kenny Shopsin would sometimes shoot back at customers who’d ask questions or make requests that he’ deemed ridiculous. Or throw them out. Woe to the patron who’d fall into that category. For the rest of us it was practically Dinner Theatre. 😂 I used to sit there on my best behavior. His food was that good! Today Shopsin’s General Store (as it’s called) is run by their children in the newish Essex Market. The original menu of Kenny Shopsin is still in use including his famous “Slutty Stuffed Pancakes”. I recall once having a delicious scrambled egg dish made with sharp cheddar cheese and fresh corn. Phenomenal. All of the menu items work because of the combination of ingredients used. The latest incarnation of Shopsin’s General Store is open until 3PM most days. They’re closed Monday’s and Tuesday’s.. Shopsin’s should be on everyone’s radar. 🍳
@Jamesnu
Жыл бұрын
@@amyt2400 I'm not familiar with Shopsin's, but it sounds like a special place! I really appreciate restaurants that offer a real experience along with good food. I looked up some pictures of the restaurant and its food looks great! This place is definitely on my radar now. Thank you for the recommendation!
The fact that it’s even MORE expensive than Katz’s is crazy lol I’m not even sure if I’ll bother, David’s Brisket House right here in BedStuy is pretty great
i am new love it
@Jamesnu
8 ай бұрын
Welcome! Thank you!
Love the looks of that samich! No, never ever want vanilla wafers.
@Jamesnu
3 ай бұрын
That was an amazing sandwich! It tasted as good as it looked.
Nice watch!!
@Jamesnu
4 ай бұрын
Thank you!
It looks outstanding. Is it available every day or only on weekends like Fette Sau?
@Jamesnu
11 ай бұрын
It was so good! Unfortunately, I think that the sandwich is still only available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
@OnlyGaruda
11 ай бұрын
@@Jamesnu Thanks for the response, I'm only in NY for 5 days and want to make sure I get this in.
@Jamesnu
11 ай бұрын
@@OnlyGaruda No problem. I hope you enjoy it!
@OnlyGaruda
11 ай бұрын
@@Jamesnu I will! Really excited, especially if it is better than Katz as you suggested. Now I just need to figure out how to get to it haha.
@Jamesnu
11 ай бұрын
@@OnlyGaruda Haha! Yeah, that's the one negative. At least if you're in Lower Manhattan the ferry is a pretty quick trip. I hope you enjoy it!
Looks delicious! But it also looked like they didn't slice cross grain, and yet it was tender? I think $28 hits the high-water mark for a NYC pastrami sandwich. Nevertheless, great video! Thanks
@Jamesnu
9 ай бұрын
Thank you! Yeah, it looked like it too, but it was very tender and very tasty!
@mistergrendel32
5 ай бұрын
Agreed. They definitely did not cut across the grain.
Watching this is true torture when you're hungry
@Jamesnu
8 ай бұрын
I'm hungry now too just thinking about that sandwich again. It was really special.
For 28 dollars I hope it amazing , that’s pretty pricey for what they give you
@Jamesnu
Жыл бұрын
Yeah it's expensive, but it was worth it!
Safe Journey! CHOLULA!!!
Have you tried Magnolia Bakery's banana pudding?
@Jamesnu
Жыл бұрын
I have! It's great stuff!
@therealgumby2937
Жыл бұрын
@@Jamesnu your resto reviews are top notch! Keep up the great work! 👍
@Jamesnu
Жыл бұрын
@@therealgumby2937 Thank you! I really appreciate it!
Home towns is delicious
@Jamesnu
Жыл бұрын
Definitely!
Doubt it’s better than Katz People complain about spending money too much (cheap) Which is why Katz becomes the whipping boy But still is the king Although I’ll give this a shot Just doubt it’s better
@Jamesnu
10 ай бұрын
I was skeptical that this would be better than Katz too, but I was blown away. I still love Katz though.
But is it better than Sarge's (or 2nd Ave Deli)?
@Jamesnu
Жыл бұрын
To me, it was better than both of them even though I love each of those establishments. That pastrami sandwich was more suited to my preferences since I like a thicker cut of beef while Sarge's and 2nd Ave Deli slice it thin. But don't get me wrong, Sarge's and 2nd Ave Deli serve incredible pastrami for sure!
I've watched many of your videos lately, and besides the fact that you are a fantastic host for this type of presentation, here is what strikes me the most: How in the world do you maintain your weight and continue to have a svelte body while consuming all of these astoundingly calorie laden foods! LOL......
@Jamesnu
7 ай бұрын
Thank you! I'm happy that you've been enjoying my videos. Besides food, running is my other passion and I think I got lucky with my genes.
@DrGargani
7 ай бұрын
some people have all of it! LOL...@@Jamesnu
Beautiful neighborhood? Redhook?
@Jamesnu
9 ай бұрын
Yeah, I did some exploring of the neighborhood after I ate the sandwich and found it to be a really nice place.
I live in Red Hook and try they pastrami sandwich. It’s OK the best pastrami in New York City is at 161 court, Street diner thank me later Bronx, New York
@Jamesnu
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the recommendation! I'll have to try it sometime!
@mistergrendel32
4 ай бұрын
Try “their” pastrami sandwich. 😜
28? Lmaooooooooooooooooo
My only prob with this restaurant it’s a pain in the ass to get there
@Jamesnu
Жыл бұрын
I know what you mean.
Too bad he didn’t have the sack to ask them what the hell was up w HIS _‘nana poodin_ denuded of BISCUITS while showing that IG photo. 😣 That would’ve been more satisfying content than the SANDO in fact. 😄🤷♂️
@Jamesnu
6 ай бұрын
Haha! Yeah, I should've.
5:34 I thought you were eating mayonaise.
@Jamesnu
Жыл бұрын
Haha! Yeah, it looks like it.
1800 sandwich
@Jamesnu
10 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching!
28 bucks for a kinda skimpy sandwich? In friggin' RED HOOK? You're all nuts.
@Jamesnu
Ай бұрын
It's expensive, but it was worth it to me considering how good it was!
$28 bucks for a sandwich, i dont think so. Don't care how good it is!!!!!!!!!! 😱
@Jamesnu
Жыл бұрын
No doubt about it, it's expensive, but it's only 2 bucks more than the tourist hotspot Katz's.
@shanemcandrew2443
Жыл бұрын
@@Jamesnu Katz's sandwich is twice the size though
@Jamesnu
Жыл бұрын
@@shanemcandrew2443 Yeah, that's about right and I love Katz's, but I would still choose this one over Katz's any day of the week.
@OZUGURU
Жыл бұрын
Doesn’t worth waiting 2 hrs
@Jamesnu
Жыл бұрын
@@OZUGURU That's why I went first thing on a week day. I only waited a minute for the couple in front of me before ordering my food.
What? No Jewish deli pickles with that? That's like buying a Porsche without leather seats.
@Jamesnu
9 ай бұрын
I know what you mean, but the potato salad wasn't bad.
Pretty skimpy for $28, just sayin.
@Jamesnu
4 ай бұрын
Yeah, it wasn't the largest sandwich, but in terms of flavor, I think it's the best.
Why don’t you drive your car there? It seems like it would be faster than a train or boat, I’ll be awaiting your response
@Jamesnu
Жыл бұрын
It's pretty simple. I don't have a car and Uber would be pretty expensive.
@mistergrendel32
4 ай бұрын
@@JamesnuLet’s take up a collection and get our man James a car? 😜🤔
@Jamesnu
4 ай бұрын
@@mistergrendel32 Haha!
Could do without the funeral music.
@Jamesnu
Жыл бұрын
Haha! Yeah, it was a bit somber at points.
Been there ridiculously overrated place
@Jamesnu
Жыл бұрын
Everyone's entitled to their opinion.
THIS PLACE IS SOOOOOOO LAME sorry
The views🥰
@Jamesnu
Жыл бұрын
Definitely! From the views on the ferry to my sandwich, I saw some beautiful sights that day!
I'm gonna go to this place and be like I know James Andrews and see if I get it for free ❤️🤌🏻
@Jamesnu
Ай бұрын
Haha!