Finding a real-deal Jewish deli in the suburbs is getting tougher every year. Everything is turning into a "bistro" or a chain. But tucked away at 30 Clarkton Drive, right in a strip mall in Clark, New Jersey, there is a place that feels like it’s frozen in the best possible version of 1985.
Deli King Clark New Jersey isn't just a place to grab a quick sandwich. It is a full-service, strictly kosher institution that has been the "de facto Jewish community center" for Union County since the mid-80s. Honestly, if you walk in and don’t see a regular debating the quality of the matzo balls with the staff, you might be in the wrong town.
The Family Legacy Behind the Counter
Kenny Lavroff is the man "on the throne" these days. He took over from his father, Richard, in the early 2000s, keeping a tradition alive that spans three generations. Most restaurants lose their soul when the kids take over. Not here. They’ve modernized the dining room a bit, but the deli counter—the heart of the operation—remains the same bustling hub it’s always been.
It's rare to see that kind of continuity. You’ve got people who ate here as toddlers now bringing their own kids back for a first taste of real pastrami.
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The crowd is famously seasoned. The average age of the regulars is said to be over 75, which, if you know anything about food, is the ultimate seal of approval. These are people who remember what a "real" deli is supposed to taste like. They aren't looking for fusion or microgreens; they want a sandwich that requires two hands and a stack of napkins.
What to Actually Order at Deli King of Clark
If you’re new to the place, the menu can be overwhelming. It’s huge. But let’s be real—you’re probably here for the classics.
The Heavy Hitters
The Pastrami on Rye is the undisputed champ. They slice it thin, and it’s served with a side of coleslaw that actually has some bite to it. If you’re feeling particularly hungry, people swear by the Sloppy Joes. Now, in most of America, a Sloppy Joe is ground beef in a bun. In a Jersey Jewish deli, it’s a triple-decker masterpiece with two types of meat, coleslaw, and Russian dressing on thin-sliced rye. It's basically a workout for your jaw.
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- The He-Man Sandwich: This is for the brave. It’s corned beef, pastrami, or brisket sandwiched between two potato pancakes. Yes, you read that right.
- Open Faced Brisket: Served with a boatload of gravy and French fries. It’s the definition of comfort food.
- The Hot Dog Deal: This is a local legend. Buy one hot dog, and you get the second one for five cents. Five cents! In 2026, you can’t even find a penny on the ground most days, but you can get a second frank at Deli King.
Beyond the Meat
The "Appy" section is no slouch either. The Smokey Joe—featuring whitefish salad and Nova lox—is a favorite for those who want that salty, smoky hit without the heavy brisket. And we have to talk about the soup. Their Matzo Ball Soup is the gold standard in Clark. It’s the kind of soup people drive miles for when they’re sick. The matzo balls are fluffy (no "sinkers" here) and the broth is rich.
The Kosher Factor
Deli King of Clark operates under the strict supervision of Rabbi Dr. Bernard Rosenberg. For the uninitiated, this means no mixing of meat and dairy. You aren't going to find a cheeseburger here.
But honestly? You don't miss it. The richness of the brisket and the spice of the deli mustard do all the heavy lifting. This strict adherence to kosher laws also makes it a go-to spot for the local Halal community, who often find common ground in the dietary restrictions. It’s a cool bit of cultural crossover that happens naturally over a plate of knishes.
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Catering and Community
They do a massive amount of business beyond the dining room. From Shiva trays to Bar Mitzvah platters, they are the backbone of local event catering. They even have specific holiday menus for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, featuring things like:
- Tzimmes (sweet carrot stew)
- Stuffed Derma (kishka)
- Kasha Varnishkas
- Chopped Liver platters
Why It Still Matters
In a world of fast-casual dining, Deli King Clark New Jersey is a survivor. It survives because it doesn't try to be anything else. They aren't trying to be "trendy." They are trying to be a deli.
There’s a specific kind of "deli service" you get here. It’s fast, it’s efficient, and it’s a little bit loud. It’s perfect. Whether you're grabbing a Belly Lox bagel at 8:00 AM on a Sunday or picking up a quart of Mushroom Barley soup on a Tuesday night, you know exactly what you’re getting.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
If you’re planning a trip to this Clark landmark, keep these things in mind to make the most of it:
- Check the Calendar: They are closed on Mondays. Don’t show up on a Monday craving a knish; you’ll be disappointed.
- The Hot Dog Special: It’s usually a specific deal of the day. Ask about it to save a few bucks.
- Portion Control: The sandwiches are massive. Most people can easily get two full meals out of one "overstuffed" sandwich. If you're with a friend, consider splitting one and getting an extra side of Potato Pancakes.
- The Bakery: Don’t leave without checking the baked goods. The Ruggelach (chocolate or cinnamon raisin) and the 7 Layer Cake are authentic and better than anything you'll find in a grocery store.
- Parking: It's in a private lot, so you don't have to worry about street parking, which is a blessing in this part of Union County.
Deli King remains a testament to the idea that if you do one thing exceptionally well—like steaming pastrami for forty years—the world will keep beating a path to your door. Or at least, all of New Jersey will.