Corned Beef vs Pastrami — Which Sandwich Reigns Supreme at Mikey & Mel’s Deli in Downtown DC?

If you’ve ever found yourself debating Corned Beef or Pastrami, you’re not alone — it’s one of the most heated (and most delicious) matchups in deli history. And there’s no better place to settle the score than at Mikey & Mel’s Deli, located steps from K Street, Farragut Square, and just a short walk from The White House.

Welcome to DC’s power lunch battleground — let’s break it down.

🥩 Team Corned Beef — Brined, Tender, Classic NYC-Style

Corned beef at Mikey & Mel’s is brined in-house for days, slow-cooked until it’s fall-apart tender, and sliced thick with that deep, salty-savory bite New Yorkers swear by.

Best enjoyed on:

• The classic Super Reuben (an absolute tower)

• A simple corned beef on rye with Stadium Mustard

• Melted with Swiss and sauerkraut for pure deli joy

Strong, nostalgic, buttery-soft — no chewing battle necessary.

🔥 Team Pastrami — Smoky, Peppery, Extra Personality

Pastrami brings the attitude. Also cured in-house — but then smoked and coated in a black pepper crust for that signature pastrami bark. Slightly juicier, more layered in flavor — and a little seductive if we’re being honest.

Best enjoyed:

• Piled obscenely high as a Pastrami & Swiss melt

• Half pastrami / half brisket (for the truly unhinged)

• On a triple-stack Manhattan-style beast sandwich

It’s smoky, peppery, drippy — and makes your tie dangerously at risk.

So… Which One Wins?

Here’s the truth — there is no wrong answer.
At Mikey & Mel’s Deli, both are:
✅ Made completely in-house
✅ Cut fresh to order — never pre-sliced
✅ Served deli-style, stacked higher than your inbox

Pro move: Ask for a Corned Beef + Pastrami Combo and make it “Mikey-sized.”

Visit Mikey & Mel’s Deli in Downtown Washington, DC

📍 1828 L St NW — Just off K Street
🚇 Farragut Square Metro — 2-minute walk
🥯 Breakfast, lunch & sandwiches served all day
🌤 Outdoor seating available
💚 All-You-Can-Eat Pickle Bar (yes, it’s real) and it is FREE!

Whether you’re Team Corned Beef or Team Pastrami — this is where DC comes to decide.

ORDER NOW: www.mikeyandmelsdeli.com