87 APRIL 6-12, 2023 westword.com WESTWORD | CONTENTS | SHOPPING & SERVICES | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | FOOD & DRINK | MUSIC & VENUES | d s e s . , g , o e h ’ r m , d p , , h - 8 South Hampden Avenue east of I-25 in Denver is pretty nondescript, a wide street with strip malls and more than its share of restaurants, most of the fast-food variety. But then you come across New York Deli News, a little bit of New York in the middle of southeast Denver. There are lighthearted signs around the front to remind you: You’re entering New York, you’re leaving New York and back in Denver. But the signs aren’t really necessary. The deli cases filled with knishes, pick- les, Hebrew National salami and Dr. Brown’s soda offer clues that you’ve arrived somewhere special. And after you’re seated, the waitress brings sour pickles to munch on while talking to friends or checking out the huge menu. No matter where you’re from, you’ll feel welcome. For owner Larry Bergstein, it’s a dream come true. He was born and raised in New York, where, luckily for Denver, he developed a lifelong passion for food. He met his wife, Danielle, on Long Island more than twenty years ago. He’s catered bar mitzvahs and worked at delis, famous NY restaurants and high-end steak- houses throughout the country. He’s been involved in restaurants all his life — all of them seemingly leading to this one. He’s lived in Colorado almost as long as NY and was once the chef at Capital Grille. No matter how you look at it, Larry Bergstein is obsessed with good food. New York Deli News was estab- lished in 1989, in what was once a Bob’s Big Boy restaurant. The 4,900-square-foot building was built around 1970, which certainly con- tributes to its charm. Since Bergstein and his wife purchased the property in 2017, they have continued to make improvements throughout the restaurant in an effort to keep this Denver landmark around for years to come. There’s a main dining room with windows galore, and a semi-pri- vate room in the back for additional seating, private parties and small events. If you miss the chance to sit in that room, be sure to take a quick peek at the photo gallery on the walls back there. There’s an awesome collection of the NY Yan- kees and baseball legends like Mickey Mantle, Babe Ruth and Roger Maris that was gifted to the restau- rant a few years back. New York Deli News seats about 120 people and is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner 364 days a year, and only closes for Thanksgiving. There’s something for everyone here. Breakfast is served all day; there are savory soups, fresh salads and every kind of sandwich available; and if you’re looking to dine out in the evening, the dinner menu starts at 4 p.m. each day. “It’s like bringing that old- school atmosphere and NY deli cuisine to the Denver community,” says Bergstein. One of the reasons people keep coming back is the deli’s sand- wiches, especially the Reubens. With corned beef, pastrami and rye bread straight from New York, the tradi- tional and combination sandwiches served here are like no other in Colorado. And if that’s not authentic enough for you, try some of the eat- ery’s other favorites, like the delicious matzo ball soup, potato knishes, latkes, black and white cookies, and New York cheesecake. Catering also plays an active role in the New York Deli News operations, and is an area that Larry hopes to continue to grow. The restaurant of- fers catering for breakfasts, lunches, dinners, private parties and special occasions. As part of its catering services, NY Deli News will deliver its trays, platters and boxed lunches across the Front Range. The vast catering menu includes freshly prepared bars: a traditional salad bar (with everything you can think of, and more); a baked potato bar with loads of toppings; a combi- nation burger bar with grilled burg- ers, chicken and hot dogs; a taco bar with all the trimmings; a fajita bar; and a mac and cheese bar. All of them feature lots of different choices so that everyone can have their favor- ite. There are several other catering options to choose from, like the deli’s famous sandwiches; meat, fish, cheese, fruit and veggie trays; various breakfast options; and desserts and pastries of all kinds. If your mouth is watering now and you’re craving some serious deli, have no fear: There are a number of ways to get New York Deli News. You can dine in, get it to go, or have it delivered straight to your door through Uber Eats or Grubhub. Go to NYDeliNews.com or call 303-759- 4741 to learn more. -ADVERTORIAL-
