deli

Red Scooter Deli, Paso Robles, CA., 3/14/26

~ hsnixon ~ 4 Comments
patio –1102 Pine St, Paso Robles, CA 93446-2521
Red Scooter Deli is on the main square in Paso Robles and open 7 days a week for breakfast and lunch.  Stephanie Johnston opened the deli in December 2010 and is actively involved in the Paso community.   The place has no indoor dining options but does have a number of outdoor tables where you can eat your selections.  It’s a tiny place to go inside where you order and pick up any chips, drinks or cookies, etc that you want to go with your food.   They have tons of sandwich combinations or you can design your own.  We tried 2 of their plain sandwiches as opposed to the box where they come with sides.  They also have options for gluten free, vegan and vegetarian eaters.  I love the idea of a female owned and operated business and the people working there were very nice, but the food we tried was mixed and smaller in portion than the sandwich we had at High Street Deli.

Continue reading →

High Street Deli, San Luis Obispo, CA., 3/12/26

~ hsnixon ~ Leave a comment
entrance – 350 High St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

High Street Deli is an historic landmark in that it’s located in the what was the main market for Railroad workers and their families in 1927.  Even then it sold delicious deli sandwiches along with grocery staples.   They now have 2 locations but the High Street one is the original and it’s open daily.  The corner spot is packed with people and there is no inside dining.  The building is just for ordering and looking at merchandise.  You pick up a clipboard from the middle round table and mark your selection but prices are not on it.  (Ours was $13.50, which is what most were priced at.)   Then get in line for the register and pay, leave your name and try and find a place to sit.  Outside there are tables and a long bar along the side of the building.  People were coming and going so seating was not really an issue but it does take about 30 minutes to get your sandwich.  The drink counter is inside and it does have free cups if all you want is tap water.   Paper napkins were available here as well as on some tables outside.  Everybody was super friendly and the sandwich was outstanding.  I can easily recommend this place if you’re looking for a casual bite.  The sandwiches are big enough for 2. Continue reading →

Legend Deli, Charleston, 12/6/25

~ hsnixon ~ 2 Comments
exterior – 41 George St, Charleston, SC 29401-1464

Legend Deli is in downtown Charleston making sandwiches from local ingredients.  Near Charleston College they opened in Spring 2023 by Chaz Wendel and Chef Tyler Hunt, formerly sous chef at Husk.  They serve a selection of custom sandwiches and salads.  Opening early they also offer breakfast sandwiches, but go for the lunch ones.  Their breads come from Normandy Farm Artisan Bakery in West Ashley and their produce from Limehouse.  There are a few tables in the space but a lot of the business was to-go.  Howerver we were on our way to the airport so stopped to fuel up before that.  Inside on one wall is a giant mural with references to lots of Charleston landmarks and the bathroom was full of carticatures with sandwiches.  A fun and friendly place with great sandwiches, it’s one I’d highly recommend to you. Continue reading →

Sam’s Italian Deli and Market, Fresno, 10/29/25

~ hsnixon ~ 5 Comments
building (seating behind grate) – 2415 N 1st St, NW Corner of First & Clinton, Fresno, CA 93703-1202

Sam’s Italian Deli and Market was opened in 1980 by Sam and Angela Marzilliano and their son Nick.  It’s a popular place as you read online but reality proved it, in that we arrived at 10:10, they open at 10:00 and there was already a line to order food.  They offer freshly made deli sandwiches and a huge selection of Italian meats, cheeses, pastas, salads, dry goods and a large selection of wines.  There’s a lot of parking on 2 sides of the corner building with a small covered patio and tables next to the entry if you want to eat on site.  As you enter the building get your number and then study the huge menu hanging above the deli counter so you can order when your number is called.  You can then pay or shop and pay when you name is called and your food is ready.  You can also pre-order online and pick it up that way.  The sandwiches were cut in two and first rate in quality.   I’d go back often if I lived nearby.  Check it out on your way to visit Yosemite or if you’re in the Fresno area. Continue reading →

Princess Seafood, Fort Bragg, CA, 5/9/24

~ hsnixon ~ 4 Comments
entrance – 32096 N Harbor Dr, Fort Bragg, CA 95437

Princess Seafood also has a market shop about 100 yards away but we were interested in eating not taking seafood home to fix.  The restaurant had a window to place your order and then 2 large tented open areas to sit in.  The seating areas looked right out onto the water where we had a very fun show of gulls, seals and sea otters.  After you place your order and pay they give you a number and will bring your food out to you.  It took a fairly long time to arrive but the wild life show gave us plenty to focus on while waiting.  They have lots of beers as well as non-alcholic drinks and a few specials of the day.  Primarily a seafood spot, they also have burgers and Philly sandwiches.  It was founded in 2018 by best friends Wendy  Holloway and Heather Sears who shared a passion for seafood.  Heather, who had a commercial fishing background, purchased the Princess named boat in Canada in 2009 and couldn’t change the name due to nautical superstition.   A small replica of it is out in front of the entrance. Continue reading →

Summer’s Market & Deli, Healdsburg, CA., 5/8/24

~ hsnixon ~ Leave a comment
exterior – 557 Powell Ave, Healdsburg, CA 95448

Summer’s Market and Deli was an “old-fashioned neighborhood market.”  They sold a variety of snacks and drinks as well as sandwiches and wraps, coffees and ice cream.   The day we went they also had smoked sandwiches but had already sold out of some meats.  It was a large place with a number of tables to eat at and some interesting decorations.   Brightly lit, it was helped by a wall of windows across the front.  Friendly staff took the order and prepared our selections quickly.  The bread on both was quite soft and a tad floury.  The crunch roll was supposed to be topped with crunchy stuff but it was just as soft.  The bread overall was too much in proportion to the fillings.  They had quality ingredients but none of them stood out on the flavor scale.  It felt like a healthy quick snack but not a place I’d frequent regularly.  Maybe with different choices I could have left with a better impression.  Let me know if  you go and have other reactions. Continue reading →

Fink’s Delicatessen, Bozeman, 10/24/23

~ hsnixon ~ Leave a comment
building – 600 N Wallace Ave #4, Bozeman, MT 59715

Fink’s Delicatessen is a small place serving specialty sandwiches, soups and salads in addition to cured meats and cheeses sold by the pound.  Located in an area that has residential and warehouse buildings, it is in the same building as Wild Crumb the artisan bakery that supplies its breads.  Wild Crumb was opened by twin sisters Lauren Heemstra and Caroline Schwitzer, who is married to Jonathan Finkenauer who opened Fink’s Deli.  Lauren’s sister-in-law is the manager and cheesemonger at Finks – a truly family-owned business.  As you wind your way through the building you find the long room that houses Fink’s  Two refridgerated cases are at the end, one with pre-made sandwiches and salads and one with cheeses.  Bench seating lines one wall and a few small tables are around the various racks of good for sale.  Open every day except Sunday, the cold sandwiches are ready at 8 but the warm ones are available at 10.  They do make the warm ones while you wait and they are large and delicious.  I would be a frequent customer here if I lived closer.  I snapped some photos of the bakery but was way too full to try any of the stuff. Continue reading →

Schnitz Delicatessen, Grand Rapids, 9/29/23

~ hsnixon ~ 2 Comments
exterior – 1315 Fulton St E, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Schnitz Deli  seemed to be a local favorite with good sized portions and moderate prices.  It’s an old-school deli where you line up along the meat, cheese counter to place your order.  They did a steady to go order business also.  Lots of sandwich combos are in a numbered format but you can also order it your own way or by the pound.  They say the Reuben is the most popular, estimating they go through 300-400 pounds of corned beef and 100 pounds of pastrami a week.  The bread is from Schnitz Bakery that is close by.  The sandwiches come in half or full size with half sandwiches the same size but with half the meat.  Most of the sandwiches charged an extra dollar to go to full – to me that was a no-brainer.  Inside are scattered tables with extra condiments at the order counter, as is the drink dispenser.  The interior room opens into the “Common Ground Coffee House” space,   There were some fun decorations on the walls along with windows that looked out to the street.  It wan’t the best deli sandwich I’ve ever had but certainly good enough for me to go again if I’m in the area and I hope you’ll visit too. Continue reading →

Trading Post Cafe, Taos, 9/14/23

~ hsnixon ~ Leave a comment
exterior – 4179 NM-68, Ranchos De Taos, NM 87557

The Trading Post Cafe was an eclectic cafe with a deli offering meats and cheeses by the pound as well as coolers selling produce and other supplies.  There were several rooms with the main one having a long bar in front of the grill area.  The aroma of cooking burgers greeted you when you walked in.  We were there to have a snack and mostly visit with some friends so we didn’t try too many things.  I gather it’s only recently opened as they did not yet have a license for beer or wine, but that is in the process.  Also when I googled it to get details it sent me to a coffee roasting site and then another linked me to an Italian restaurant.  Regardless, if you’re in Taos and looking for a little spot to eat I’d give this one a try. Continue reading →

Elk Store, Elk, CA., 8/24/23

~ hsnixon ~ 3 Comments
building – 6101 CA-1, Elk, CA., 95432

The Elk Store is not just a deli but also a grocery and a general store, selling lots of specialty and locally made goods.  The old building has a good selection of meats, cheeses and breads some ready made into sandwiches which they will heat for you.  Filled with charm and a creaky old floor it is fun to browse around while you’re waiting for your order to be filled.  Near the cash register the 2 menu boards hang overhead and the counter on the opposite side holds the ingredients and heating area.  Other parts of the store have fresh produce, wines, dry goods, beans, teas and a surprising selection of things.  The people were all very friendly and I’d go if you’re in the area.  Such a unique little place and the sandwiches have good ingredients. Continue reading →

Alimentari Deli, Madison, 5/11/23

~ hsnixon ~ 2 Comments
exterior – 306 S Brearly St, Madison, WI 53703

Alimentari is basically Italian for food/groceries.  This deli is in an 1,800 square foot former laundromat space and sells fresh pasta, sauces, freshly cut meats and cheeses as well as sandwiches and other dry goods.  The sandwiches are made to order and there is no place to eat in the store.  They also had a gelato counter but we didn’t try it.  It looked like a great place to shop for Italian ingredients but for us we wanted a sandwich for the car.  Similar to last week, we wanted a snack before we went on a tour of a Frank Lloyd Wright site, but this time is was Taliesin.  I must say this sandwich was way better than the last both because of the filling but also the bread.  The buns for their sandwiches are made daily by Madison Sourdough.  They have a great chew with a crisp crust and a soft interior but it’s not too big that it dwarfs the fillings or hard to get your mouth around.  I actually found myself wanting to eat parts of the bread without any filling, it was that good.  If you need ingredients or just a snack, I’d head to this place right away. Continue reading →

Groceria Merante, Pittsburgh, 5/4/23

~ hsnixon ~ Leave a comment
entrance –3454 Bates St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Groceria Merante is an Italian grocery store selling supplies and sandwiches.  It started in the late 1950s and moved to its present location in 1979.   The family had seven children and some of them still take part in this family run business.  We were on our way to visit Falling Water, the Frank Lloyd Wright designed home about an hour and a half from Pittsburgh.  We wanted something we could keep in the car and eat before going in and this was perfect.  The little corner store had wonderful products and a deli counter in back.  Some sandwiches were ready made and in the cooler.  At check out she gave me napkins and mayo for our meal.  The sandwiches were well stuffed but did want the mayo for extra moistness.  If you need Italian supplies I highly recommend this place and if you want a sandwich to go it’s a fine choice.  There is no place to eat at the store. Continue reading →

Goose the Market, Indianapolis, 4/19/23

~ hsnixon ~ Leave a comment
exterior – 2503 N Delaware St, Indianapolis, IN 46205

Goose the Market offers a daily selection of sandwiches, soups and small plates as well as a deli counter with meats, cheeses, breads, gelato, specialty foods and beer/wine.  The market and butcher shop are all about the love of good food and the people who produce it.  Housed in a corner building, there are a few stools by a counter at the window to the street and some outside seating.  Inside is a long counter where the meats, cheese, and gelato are displayed and you can place your order.  Across from that are shelves of specialty items and downstairs is the wine cellar.  You could see them slicing and assembling your sandwich while you waited.  Different sandwiches are specials daily.  It’s a wonderful shop and the sandwiches are quite good. Continue reading →

Perly’s Restaurant & Delicatessen, Richmond, 4/6/23

~ hsnixon ~ 4 Comments
exterior – 111 E Grace St, Richmond, VA 23219

Perly’s is a Jewish Restaurant and Delicatessen serving “traditional Jewish cuisine with a twist.”  In the heart of downtown, they are open Wed. to Sun. from 9:00 am till 3:00 pm. The place originally opened in 1961 and has had 3 owners with the current ones taking over in 2014 and adding the twist.  It’s a long place with one side taken up by the long bar that ends in the kitchen space.  The area that’s left is divided in two with booths and tables.  The marble bar had stools opened and we took that as there was a wait for tables even later in the afternoon.  Music was in the background, windows to the street provided additional light to the many fixtures, a black and white movie played silently on the screen above the bar, the ceiling looked like an old tin one and a pair of larger semi-circular booths flanked the doorway. Continue reading →

Frank’s Deli, Louisville, 4/1/23

~ hsnixon ~ 3 Comments
exterior – 3342 Preston Hwy, Louisville, KY 40213

Frank’s Deli also sells meat and produce.  They offer a selection of made-from-scratch food choices, with sandwiches made while you wait.  Frank has been in business over 40 years.  His background was in butchering so he started the store with meat and produce in the late 70s.  The corner building offers an array of produce, meats, sauces, chips and snacks – as much locally sourced as possible.  Most of the folks in there were in the line to order food to go.  There is no seating inside or out but we were fine to eat in the car.  The line moved quickly and the person taking my order was nice enough to suggest the spicy mustard instead of regular with the corned beef.  The sandwiches were well stuffed and I bet if I lived in town I’d be there all the time getting something to bring home or eat in the car.   They do have a good-sized parking lot. Continue reading →

Ranelli’s Deli & Cafe, Birmingham, 3/17/23

~ hsnixon ~ Leave a comment
exterior – 1225 20th St S, Birmingham, AL 35205

Ranelli’s Deli has been on the southside of Birmingham serving sandwiches, salads and pastas since 1971.  It is family owned and operated and has live music some nights.  The place was a former gas station so there is parking on 2 sides.  Inside you approach the counter and make your order from the sign above and pay.  They will call out your name when it’s ready.  In the meantime, you can look around at the jam-packed room filled with music memorabilia and other things.  In the back of the room is a small stage where live bands can play.  There is an assortment of small tables crowded into the room with soft music in the background.  Their Italian dinners looked like quite a deal and they were served all day.  I’d go back and try those but we just wanted a sandwich midway through the day.  We should have split one – they are large and packed with ingredients.  Nothing outlandish here, just good solid plain food. Continue reading →

Hero’s Welcome General Store, North Hero, VT, 10/19/22

~ hsnixon ~ 1 Comment
entrance – 3537 US 2, North Hero, VT., 05474

Hero’s Welcome General Store serves sandwiches on wonderful housemade rolls along with having a huge country store of Vermont products.  Other buildings house the bakery and marina – where you can gas up or rent a canoe/kayak.  The main building is over 100 years old and packed with items from wine, cooking supplies, toys, clothing to interesting gift items.  There really was a wide array of items which were fun to browse while you waited for your sandwich to be made.  There were about 3 tables at the front of the place where you could sit and eat with the register and order counter directly to your right as you enter.  We read about it also in the Washington Post article about the Champlain Islands of Vermont.  The sandwich was wonderful and the browsing was good. Continue reading →

Wally’s Place Bagel & Deli, South Hero, VT, 10/19/22

~ hsnixon ~ 3 Comments
building – 260 US 2, South Hero, VT., 05486

Wally’s Place was named for owner Matt Bartle’s grandfather Wally Nieblin, who was a great supporter of the local food shelf/pantry.  It was established to provide a healthy and delicious alternative to current breakfast and lunch restaurant trends.  They bake their own breads and pastries and use locally sourced ingredients.  They are located in a shopping center just off the main highway between Burlington and Montpelier, VT in the small town of South Hero.  When you enter there are a number of counters that hold pastries, breads and refrigerated items.  The menus for breakfast and lunch are hanging above and the coffee bar is at one end of the counters.  Behind the cases is the kitchen that bakes all the bread.  The staff was super friendly and willing to customize.  There are tables inside to eat at but many got items to go.  Everything we tried there was first rate and I’d go back often if I could. Continue reading →

Attman’s Delicatessen, Baltimore, 4/30/22

~ hsnixon ~ Leave a comment
exterior – 1019 E Lombard St, Baltimore, MD 21202

Attman’s Deli was established in 1915 by Harry Attman and is now run by the third generation of the same family.  It is the oldest continuously family-owned deli in the country.  They have 2 locations – the one we went to in Baltimore and another in Park Potomac.  The location on Lombard Street opened in 1933, on what was then known as “Corned Beef Row” because there were 7 delis on the street. (Now just 2 delis remain operational.) They are known for their corned beef and on a busy day can sell 2,000 pounds of it at the Baltimore location only.  Hot dogs are another signature and are topped with a slice of bologna or pastrami – a consistent favorite.  They also sell lots of sides and other meats.  When Harry’s son Seymour took over in 1968 he bought the building next door to open a place for customers to eat and talk, named the Kibbitz Corner, and established names for a number of sandwich combinations.  When we went the line was long, but people were friendly and it gave you a chance to walk by the counters and decide what to order.  The corned beef was worth the wait. Continue reading →

Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen, Chicago, 2/24/22

~ hsnixon ~ 1 Comment
exterior

Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen is a huge place with a cafeteria style serving line.  It is a traditional Jewish deli that has been open for more than 75 years.  Going through the line you could tell that many of the customers are regulars that know the servers.  In fact during the pandemic, July 2020, when people were not dining-in, Manny’s alerted people on social media that they were struggling and needed support.  Supporters lined up around the block to order to go and keep the place in business.  They offer the usual meats but also salads and various hot dishes, with a couple specials every day.  They also have a bread and pastry shop which you walk through as you exit. It seems to have survived and is worth a visit if you are in the area. Continue reading →

Katz’s Delicatessen, New York City, 10/17/15

~ hsnixon ~ Leave a comment
exterior
exterior

A NYC institution that is now contemplating a second location. We got there just after 11:00 am and got in easily but it didn’t take long before the place was packed. You have 2 options, either table service where you are waited on or order at the counter and find your own place to sit. The adverting of the latter is that you can see your meat cut and the cutter will give you samples of other meats if you want to try them.

Continue reading →