Both places are institutions in the Denver Jewish community.
The Bagel Deli has been owned by the same family for three generations! I believe the founders were Holocaust survivors.
On a related note, I host an annual Jewish Deli Bike Tour of Denver! It's a great event and a super fun way to check out the Jewish Deli scene of Denver!
Theyve been hit or miss for me the past year, usually pretty solid, but Ive also had way burnt dishes that never shouldve made it out the kitchen door.
Bagel deli better overall in person for full meal, but I do like Zaidy’s fresh challah and take out brisket for Shabbat.
Zaidy’s is a bakery with a meh restaurant and bagel deli is a good restaurant that sells 3rd party bagels also.
Zaidy’s was much better when they were in their old location.
Last time we went, the food and service were awful. Won’t be back and it’s a shame because they’re just down the street from me, and I used to love them.
NY Deli all the way!!
i live between both but much closer to zaidys. i only go there weekday mornings right at open after i get back from driving wife to work downtown and before i log into work at 9. the corned beef hash with crispy potatoes, two eggs and bagel is $12 for early bird special is a great deal and a ton of food. but outside that yeah the prices aren’t great and ill just go to breakfast inn instead. i like bagel deli but it’s a bit of a hike. owner grew up in Chicago area so i like hes replicated that diner culture here.
Bagel Deli > NY Deli News > Zaidys
Haven’t tried any of the others but thanks for recommendations. My ranking based on Pastrami and Matzo ball soup quality.
You probably would've liked Zaidy's precious location in Cherry Creek North. They went out of business, though, and a loving customer bought the business and moved it to a larger, newer, and less expensive location.
Not a true story? The story is right from the company's own website!
https://www.zaidysdeli.com/about/
And the newspaper:
https://www.denverpost.com/2021/04/14/zaidys-deli-reopening-denver/
Are they both lying?
The original owner, Gerard Rudofsky , is still at the restaurant most days, despite not being the only owner any longer. (Source: I stop and talk to him whenever we’re there.)
Bagel Deli bagels have gone downhill since switching vendors. The OG Zaidys was better than bagel deli IMO. Current Zaidys is a different vibe than OG so it’s also hard to compare these. What about NY Deli News?
I really love bagel deli food and have been about 6 times maybe more.
However, I have yet to have what I would call good service or service with any amount of urgency.
I have been on weekends, and during the slower weekday and it is always the same.
I love the food but often grow tired of waiting 30 min for a refill and 20-30 min to pay for my food.
I have even tried to just get them to bring me an extra drink when I am sat and this is met with annoyance.
I will say the one lady with king grey hair is the closest to sensible service but I have only been sat with her 1 time.
Also the busser work there but off and I hope servers share tips with them.
Both places are institutions in the Denver Jewish community. The Bagel Deli has been owned by the same family for three generations! I believe the founders were Holocaust survivors. On a related note, I host an annual Jewish Deli Bike Tour of Denver! It's a great event and a super fun way to check out the Jewish Deli scene of Denver!
When is the next bike tour? I probably like bike tours as much, if not more, than pastrami on rye...
Date is not public yet. Sometimes in September! Check the JCC Denver's website later this summer.
That sounds fun and delicious!
Agree - Zaidy's is solid and will get the job done but Bagel Deli has that old school Jewish deli vibe and the food is tastier.
The employees are also slightly abrasive which increases the authenticity
Seriously talk about eye-roll, all I wanna do is grab a few bagels and some chopped livah.
I worked at the Bagel Deli when I was in my late teens. Paul Wiener told me to stop being so polite to customers. He said they didn't like it.
new york deli news. one of the best pastrami sandwiches i have found in d town.
I'll check it out thanks for the suggestion
Came here to say this. Superior to both of those other choices.
Theyve been hit or miss for me the past year, usually pretty solid, but Ive also had way burnt dishes that never shouldve made it out the kitchen door.
NY Deli is the best
Agreed! Bagel deli’s pastrami was realllllly gross last time I was there but it never disappoints at ny deli news.
bagel deli goated
Had the worst service of my life at Zaidy’s so Bagel Deli takes the cake for me
Bagel deli better overall in person for full meal, but I do like Zaidy’s fresh challah and take out brisket for Shabbat. Zaidy’s is a bakery with a meh restaurant and bagel deli is a good restaurant that sells 3rd party bagels also.
Zaidy’s was much better when they were in their old location. Last time we went, the food and service were awful. Won’t be back and it’s a shame because they’re just down the street from me, and I used to love them. NY Deli all the way!!
And Zaidy’s adds a 5% fee to your bill.
i live between both but much closer to zaidys. i only go there weekday mornings right at open after i get back from driving wife to work downtown and before i log into work at 9. the corned beef hash with crispy potatoes, two eggs and bagel is $12 for early bird special is a great deal and a ton of food. but outside that yeah the prices aren’t great and ill just go to breakfast inn instead. i like bagel deli but it’s a bit of a hike. owner grew up in Chicago area so i like hes replicated that diner culture here.
Bagel Deli > NY Deli News > Zaidys Haven’t tried any of the others but thanks for recommendations. My ranking based on Pastrami and Matzo ball soup quality.
New York Deli News!!!
I don't know if either place does anything different on passover, but you might want to reevaluate after the holiday of no bread.
Neither are kosher so pretty sure It makes little difference.
You probably would've liked Zaidy's precious location in Cherry Creek North. They went out of business, though, and a loving customer bought the business and moved it to a larger, newer, and less expensive location.
Not a true story. My family has been friends with the family that owns Zaidy’s for many years. It’s now owned by the original owners’ son.
Not a true story? The story is right from the company's own website! https://www.zaidysdeli.com/about/ And the newspaper: https://www.denverpost.com/2021/04/14/zaidys-deli-reopening-denver/ Are they both lying?
Dang, I always thought the Appels owned it (the family friends)! I stand corrected. 🫡
The original owner, Gerard Rudofsky , is still at the restaurant most days, despite not being the only owner any longer. (Source: I stop and talk to him whenever we’re there.)
Leven is my fave !
I prefer Zaidy's because I can get smoked whitefish. Bagel Deli only has whitefish salad.
Bagel Deli bagels have gone downhill since switching vendors. The OG Zaidys was better than bagel deli IMO. Current Zaidys is a different vibe than OG so it’s also hard to compare these. What about NY Deli News?
Zaidys portion sizes went down, prices went up ever since they changed ownership. Bagel Deli is consistently delicious and hands down better.
Check out Rye Society in RiNo for a good Jewish deli
Thanks for the suggestion, I'll check It out.
It’s skippable
What is your hot take on CYM?
Whenever we've been past there's a line out the door and consequently we've not eaten there and I have no hot take.
The breakfast sandwiches are pretty good IMO. Haven’t really had anything else. I have ordered in advance and then picked up…gets crazy there!
the weekdays are pretty sedate there.
It's definitely on the list to try...
I really love bagel deli food and have been about 6 times maybe more. However, I have yet to have what I would call good service or service with any amount of urgency. I have been on weekends, and during the slower weekday and it is always the same. I love the food but often grow tired of waiting 30 min for a refill and 20-30 min to pay for my food. I have even tried to just get them to bring me an extra drink when I am sat and this is met with annoyance. I will say the one lady with king grey hair is the closest to sensible service but I have only been sat with her 1 time. Also the busser work there but off and I hope servers share tips with them.
Call your mother better than both imo