8th Avenue Gourmet Deli

Very busy deli near the Polo Grounds in upper Harlem. I come here mostly for the cheap tallboys and 40oz., and because it’s right around the corner. Occasionally I’ll grab a sandwich here if it’s late night and I’m starving and it’s the only place still open.
The Yemeni clerks behind the counter are affable, but there is still a good deal of tension among them and local clientele. Sometimes it’s carnivalesque, sometimes not so nice. This place is just so busy, especially with folk lining up to purchase lottery tickets, then staying at the counter to see if they’ve won. I probably should rate it higher because I come here so often, but the vibe around the place isn’t always positive. But it can often be entertaining.