Kenny & Ziggy’s New York Delicatessen, Restaurant, and Bakery brings authentic New York deli food to the Bayou City.
It’s been a few years since I have darkened the door of a NYC deli, so my critique of the Houston deli may be a little stale. Friends who have recent experience with both say Kenny & Ziggy’s is the real deal.
The deli in the Galleria neighborhood of west Houston certainly has an outstanding pedigree. Chef, founder, and owner David “Ziggy” Gruber is a third-generation Jewish deli man. He learned the business on Broadway in New York City from his grandfather, father, and uncles.
In 1999, Houston businessman Lenny Friedman persuaded Ziggy to decamp from Los Angeles, California, where he owned Ziggy G’s Deli, to Space City. Partnering with Lenny’s son Kenny, the pair opened what has become one of the top delis in the country.
Walking into the restaurant is almost overwhelming. The noise and smells add to the chaos of the waitstaff rushing between the tables. On one side of the large dining room are brightly lit display cases filled with house-made baked goods with bright red salamis hanging from the ceiling. Another case is filled with deli meats. Along the walls are cartoon drawings and photos of celebrities.
The menu is insanely long. All the classics are there like pastrami, corned beef, and roast beef, plus lots of vegetarian options. The skyscraper-size sandwiches might be the stars of the show, but the dinners are something special, from Hungarian stuffed cabbage and Ukrainian meatballs to old-fashioned meatloaf.
And don’t get me started on the massive size of the servings. Suffice it to say you’ll want to get a to-go container before waddling out the door.
Kenny & Ziggy’s is at 1743 Post Oak Blvd. The kitchen is open daily from 8am to 9pm. Come hungry.
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This article appears in May 8 • 2026.
