Best of Boston

2011 Best Deli

Rubin’s Kosher Restaurant Delicatessen

Sure, the sandwiches are just as good at Michael’s Deli, located half a mile down Harvard Street, but what sets Rubin’s apart is the atmosphere. Step inside, eavesdrop on the old frummers a booth over, and chomp into a half-sour pickle, and you’ll feel transported back to a time when ordering corned beef, pastrami, or chopped liver stacked to the moon on rye didn’t make you despair for your cardiovascular system—it just made you very, very happy.

500 Harvard St, Brookline, 617-731-8787, rubinsboston.com