Sarges Deli & Restaurant   

In 1964, police sergeant Abe Katz opened this eatery so people could find a decent late-night meal -- a rarity at that time. Still true to his credo today, Sarge's remains a family-run business and is a venerable Midtown East institution -- in part due to its old-school decor, with Tiffany-style stained glass chandeliers and light fixtures, shiny burgundy vinyl booths, and faux-wood Formica walls adorned with photographs and newspaper clippings. But the main reason diners still flock here is the food: It's traditional Jewish-deli and it's plentiful. Offerings include the Smoked Fish Supreme (Nova Scotia lox, sturgeon, whitefish and sable, lettuce, tomato and onion, served with two bagels and cream cheese), the Delicatessen Omelet (assorted deli meats lightly grilled pancake-style), the Twin Double (any two meat sandwiches on twin rolls with potato salad or cole slaw) and Sarge's Favorite (beef brisket on a potato pancake with gravy and applesauce.) Service is generally fast and friendly, but if you're pressed for time, get your order to go at the take-out counter (keep in mind, there is an additional charge for orders served in aluminum or microwaveable containers), and remember to throw in some noodle kugel, bread pudding or rugula for dessert. -- Amanda Dorato