I grew up going to H&I in Oceanside, NY, which is long gone, but we had a neighbor who worked at Ben's in Baldwin and often had food from there, too.

But the deli I dream of (and make pilgrimages to when I can) is the 2nd Avenue Deli. It's expensive and crowded and surly (and no longer on 2nd Ave), but the food is wonderful.

I like Pico Kosher Deli in L.A., too.