The best delis often develop their reputation through word of mouth, much like doctors and chia pet obedience trainers. Feed from the grapevine with today’s Groupon: for $10, you get $20 worth of fresh deli creations and bakery treats at City Delicatessen.
Owned and operated by a New Yorker and a Minnesotan, City Delicatessen’s cooks populate an eclectic menu of homestyle café fare. Sandwiches such as the hot pastrami ($9.95) or the cold roast beef ($9.95) are served on rye bread with a choice of side, and the Staten Island burger ($10.50) lays melted cheese atop a half-pound of steer meat. All-day breakfast disrupts the space-time continuum with a three-egg spanish omelet ($10.95) or a breakfast burrito ($9.95), and vegetarians can stalk the gourmet salad ($5.95), served with a choice of house-made dressing. To appease sweet teeth, patrons can dig into lemon meringue pie ($4.95), New York–style cheesecake ($5.95), or assorted brownies and bars ($3.75). Patio seating allows guests to gain a double shot of energy by undergoing photosynthesis as they eat, and a full bar provides liquid meal sidekicks.