NYC's famed Carnegie Deli reopens in Midtown Manhattan

The legendary Carnegie Deli reopened its doors Tuesday in Midtown Manhattan, after closing almost a decade ago.

The classic New York-style deli first opened in 1937 and was known for its gigantic pastrami and corned beef sandwiches. Photos of celebrities who ate there were hung around the restaurant before it closed in 2016.

The deli will now be a block south of the original location, on Seventh Avenue. The establishment's new home is the former site of the Stage Deli.

For years, the two joints were fierce competitors during the city's pastrami wars. 

Crowds lined up outside around 7:30 a.m., itching to get in. The restaurant is first come, first served, and no reservations. 

Customer No. 1 was John Model, who obviously went with the pastrami. 

"Having the same meal I had 10 years ago when it closed," he said.  

Many customers said the line was worth the wait.

"I love pastrami, I love cheesecake, which is amazing, and it's nice to see all the famous people from back in the day," said Katerina Yadidim.

"Everything's big at Carnegie Deli. That's what it's always been known for. No small portions or anything, so I often take it. If I sit down in the store, I eat as much as I can, then I wrap it up and take it home," another customer said. 

The Carnegie Deli brand is owned by Sarri Harper, who is the granddaughter of former owner Milton Parker. 

"We always knew the timing and the opportunity had to be right," Harper said in a statement. "When the former Stage Deli space became available, it felt incredibly fitting. There's so much New York deli history in this space, and the opportunity to continue that legacy on Seventh Avenue made this feel like the right next chapter for Carnegie Deli."  

A news release stated the sandwiches, cheesecake and other classic foods will be on the menu. The wall of fame will also return with original photos and frames from the former restaurant. 

"Carnegie Deli has always been about more than the food -  it's about the memories people have here," Harper said. "We want the people who grew up with Carnegie Deli to walk in and immediately recognize it, while giving a whole new generation the chance to make those same memories of their own."

The beloved deli rose to fame in the '70s, becoming a destination for entertainment stars such as Robin Williams, Mel Brooks and Stevie Wonder. 

It was featured in many movies and TV shows, including Woody Allen's "Broadway Danny Rose," which filmed opening and closing scenes there.

"Everybody's trying to be modern, everybody's trying to be cool and chic, and this is just nostalgic and original," one customer said. "There aren't many around like this."

The new Carnegie Deli will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.