Gottlieb’s is an institution in the Hasidic section of Williamsburg. Long before Williamsburg became hip, this Hungarian deli was serving delicious hearty meals.
The food is superb, the cost is cheap for New York (a hamburger is $9), and it feels like you’re transported to a simpler existence when you step in side and see the soda cans lining the walls with a decor that suggests they care about cleanliness and quality, but not luxury.
The one drawback to Gottlieb’s is getting there; If you’re coming from Manhattan, it is a shlep.
The staff is pleasant even if you’re not Hasidic and will guide you on the menu, which incorporates some non traditional choices like Chinese food.
Having sampled so much of the menu, try the chicken liver, chopped liver, baby grill chicken, horseradish, roast beef, stuffed cabbage, brisket and mixed meat plate. The cholent is excellent, the coleslaw is tasty and the kugel comes in 6 different flavors.
This is not a fancy place nor is it meant to be – go with friends or a significant other for a hearty taste of Jewish immigrant culture to experience a superb anachronism.