I think Cohen's right about the fate of delis; much of anything that bills itself as a deli is actually a bodega or convenience store. The 7-11 model of business has more than taken over in that area, and the remaining delis like Katz, Stage and Carnegie are considered by most to be more like restaurants or cafes than the modern definition of a deli.

Actually, I've never tried to go to any of the Jewish delis and order a pound of this or that; I probably could, but I imagine they'd look at me really weird (although I could probably get a pint or quart of whatever salad). The other thing is they are expensive for sandwiches, so a working stiff like me could not be a regular (unless production was giving me a fat per diem), but man is it worth it when you get it.

...yeeeeeah, I need to make a trip to the lower east side, and pronto!
I need a Katz's fix.