Midwood, Brooklyn, boasts a vibrant culinary scene, and its delis are a significant part of its charm. These aren't just places to grab a quick sandwich; they're community hubs, offering a taste of tradition and a comforting escape. This guide explores eleven of the best delis Midwood has to offer, highlighting their unique offerings and what makes them stand out. Whether you're a Midwood local or just visiting, this list will be your essential guide to the best deli experiences in the area.
Midwood's Must-Try Delis: A Neighborhood Guide
1. Abe's Delicatessen: A Midwood Institution
Abe's is more than a deli; it's a Midwood landmark. Known for its classic pastrami on rye, generous portions, and friendly atmosphere, it's a true neighborhood favorite. The quality of their meats is unparalleled, and the service is consistently warm and welcoming. They've been serving the community for decades, and their loyal following speaks volumes. Don't miss their homemade potato salad – it's a perfect accompaniment to any sandwich.
Key Features: Classic deli fare, generous portions, friendly service, Midwood institution.
2. Izzy's Brooklyn Delicatessen: Pastrami Perfection
Izzy's is renowned for its perfectly smoked pastrami. The meat is incredibly tender, juicy, and flavorful, making their pastrami on rye a must-try for any deli enthusiast. They also offer a wide selection of other meats, cheeses, and sides, ensuring there's something for everyone. The atmosphere is lively and bustling, reflecting the popularity of this Midwood gem.
Key Features: Excellent pastrami, wide selection, lively atmosphere.
3. Lenny's Deli: A Midwood Staple
Lenny's is a Midwood staple, offering consistently delicious sandwiches and a comforting, familiar environment. Their corned beef is a highlight, prepared with care and seasoned perfectly. The menu also features a wide variety of other classic deli options, ensuring a satisfying meal no matter your preference. Their friendly staff adds to the overall welcoming atmosphere.
Key Features: Excellent corned beef, varied menu, friendly staff.
4. Manny's Delicatessen: Family-Friendly Fun
Manny's offers a great family-friendly atmosphere, making it a perfect choice for a casual meal. They're known for their delicious matzo ball soup and a wide variety of sandwiches, sides, and desserts. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable, making it a great value for your money.
Key Features: Family-friendly atmosphere, delicious matzo ball soup, generous portions.
5. Sammy's Delicatessen: A Midwood Secret
While perhaps less well-known than some of its neighbors, Sammy's is a true hidden gem. They offer high-quality meats and cheeses, prepared with care and attention to detail. Their reuben sandwich is particularly noteworthy, boasting perfectly tender corned beef and a tangy sauerkraut. The cozy atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for a quiet lunch or dinner.
Key Features: High-quality ingredients, excellent Reuben, cozy atmosphere.
6. Brooklyn's Best Bagels & Deli: More Than Just Bagels
Don't let the name fool you; this place offers much more than just bagels. While their bagels are indeed excellent, their deli sandwiches are also worth exploring. They offer a wide variety of fresh meats and cheeses, ensuring a delicious and satisfying meal. It's a popular spot for locals, known for its friendly service and fresh ingredients.
Key Features: Excellent bagels, wide variety of deli sandwiches, fresh ingredients.
7. The Corner Deli: Your Neighborhood Go-To
The Corner Deli lives up to its name, serving as the go-to deli for many Midwood residents. They offer a classic menu of deli staples, prepared with fresh ingredients and a focus on quality. Their simple yet delicious sandwiches are consistently well-made and satisfying. It's a great place for a quick and easy meal without sacrificing quality.
Key Features: Classic deli menu, fresh ingredients, convenient location.
8. Midwood Deli & Grocery: A One-Stop Shop
This deli isn't just a place to get a sandwich; it's also a convenient grocery store. You can pick up your lunch and your groceries all in one place. While their deli selection isn't as extensive as some of the other options on this list, their sandwiches are consistently good, and the convenience factor makes it a popular choice.
Key Features: Convenient location, grocery store combined, reliable sandwiches.
9. Royal Delicatessen: A Taste of Tradition
Royal Delicatessen offers a more traditional deli experience, with a focus on classic dishes and a cozy atmosphere. They offer a wide selection of traditional Jewish dishes, alongside the classic deli sandwiches. It's a great option for those seeking a more authentic deli experience.
Key Features: Traditional Jewish dishes, classic deli sandwiches, cozy atmosphere.
10. The Bagel Pub & Deli: A Unique Twist
The Bagel Pub & Deli offers a unique twist on the traditional deli, blending pub fare with deli classics. They offer a creative menu with unique sandwiches and a fun, lively atmosphere. It's a great choice for those seeking something a bit different from the usual deli experience.
Key Features: Unique menu, creative sandwiches, lively atmosphere.
11. Your Favorite Local Deli (Fill in the blank!):
Midwood is full of hidden gems, and your favorite local deli might not be on this list! This is an invitation to share your own favorite Midwood deli experience in the comments below. What makes your go-to deli special? Let's build a more comprehensive guide to Midwood's culinary delights together!
Finding Your Perfect Midwood Deli Experience
This list offers a starting point for exploring the best delis in Midwood. Each deli provides a unique experience, from the classic pastrami on rye to more creative sandwich combinations. Remember to check their hours and consider making a reservation, especially during peak times. Happy eating!
