My Jewish Learning has put together a list of The Best Jewish Delis in America, with restaurants featured in 44 states. Because I love that kind of food, I was excited to see what the options are. To my dismay what they’ve called a “Jewish deli” is quite the stretch; Jewish-inspired would be much more accurate.

Take the location closest to me, Bubby’s NY Style Delicatessen. Do they offer familiar favorites like challah, latkes, bagels with lox, and pastrami sandwiches? Yes. But would I call it a Jewish deli? Absolutely not. Other menu items include Eggs Benedict with ham, Monte Cristo sandwiches with ham, Breakfast BLT with bacon, and on it goes. Even the foods that are okay (meat) have slices of cheese on top, which is definitely not the Jewish way. 

The author offers an interesting interpretation about which places were selected and why: “In making this list, we sought delis with Jewish roots, serving standards like matzah ball soup or overstuffed sandwiches—kosher or not. Some are Jewish-owned, while some are owned by folks whose appreciation for Jewish food and culture run deep.”

I have no problem there, and if the article had been titled differently to reflect that, it would’ve been fine. Obviously, most of the patrons who frequent these restaurants are not Kosher and probably not even Jewish. They don’t follow the dietary laws. But those who do observe Kashrut can not eat at these ” Jewish delis” which is rather ironic. A true Jewish delicatessen does not serve ham or bacon or melted cheese turkey sandwiches. Saying otherwise is misleading.