Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Food
Beloved Sarge's Deli In Murray Hill Ravaged By Three Alarm Fire
By
John Del Signore
Published Nov 26, 2012
Modified Nov 26, 2012
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
John Del Signore
Published Nov 26, 2012
Modified Nov 26, 2012
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Sarge's Delicatessen, a beloved Murray Hill institution since the '60s, was severely damaged by a three alarm fire last night. Several firefighters sustained minor injuries while battling the blaze, which ripped through the popular Jewish deli and the three floors above it shortly before 7 p.m. "My room started filling up with smoke," one top floor resident tells the Daily News. "We looked out the fire escape window and I saw a column of flames in the back of the building."
It took more than 150 firefighters to get the fire under control, which took about 90 minutes. The cause of the blaze is still unknown. The good news is there were no deaths or serious injuries, but the bad news is what Division 3 Deputy Chief Thomas McKavanagh tells the News: "The restaurant sustained some severe damage and will not be open for a while." Sarge's, which opened in 1964, claims to be "the only deli in New York that currently cures their own corned beef and pastrami on premises."
Tagged
delis
fires
sarge's deli
John Del Signore
Originally from the Albany area, John Del Signore has called NYC home since 1995. In addition to his thousands of meticulously-crafted bespoke blog posts for Gothamist, his writing has also been published in The Awl, Deadspin, The Nervous Breakdown, and performed at The Brick Theater in Brooklyn.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE food
Why NYC restaurants are playing coy about sustainability
Though it has multiple benefits, the practice remains popular for one basic reason: it saves money.
By
Samantha Dady
Published Oct 26, 2026
Where are the cheapest drinks in NYC? A new report details the city's average prices.
The median price of a cocktail in the city is now $16, and $9 for a draft beer.
By
Hannah Frishberg
Food
Where are the cheapest drinks in NYC? A new report details the city's average prices.
The median price of a cocktail in the city is now $16, and $9 for a draft beer.
By
Hannah Frishberg
North African restaurants are rare in NYC. These 10 are the best.
By
Robert Sietsema
10 dishes that demonstrate the delicious diversity of curry in New York City
By
Robert Sietsema
Frozen yogurt is back in New York City. So are the super long lines.
By
Sonia Rao
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .