One Kendall Square, Cambridge; (617) 252-3347
Tip-free
A little slice of the Big Apple right in Technology Central. Come here when you have a craving for a nice big knish (potato, beef, or turkey) or a bowl of homemade matzo ball soup. But be sure to save room for the centerpiece of any meal at Sammy’s deli sandwiches, which come in two sizes: large and overstuffed. The names don’t lie; Mine’s chin hit the table right alongside his pastrami sandwich. Packed with spicy, lean meat shipped in from New York, it was a meal in itself for only $5.75 (with a nice, big pickle). Chopped liver ($3.75) is also a good bet.
Full dinners include roast brisket ($8.50) or meatloaf ($5.50), served with two side dishes. These are quite wonderful in themselves, like real noodle kugel or potato pancakes.
Skip the meat and nosh on a big order of three pancakes with fresh fruit for $6.
Of course, Sammy’s is a great place to have breakfast, with a list as long as your arm of three-egg omelettes (from $3.20 plain to $6.50 with lox). Good bagels, too. Sammy’s is popular with transplanted New Yorkers, local businessmen, M.I.T. profs, and anyone else who enjoys real deli food. Open during the week from 6 A.M. to 11 p.m. and on weekends from 8 a.m. to 2 A.M. (!)
