Restaurant Review
New York Deli Offers a
Taste of the Big Apple

New York Deli
8150 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 am-7:00 pm ; Sat-Sun 10:00 am-4:00 pm

By Andy Pribulka (November 2, 2006)

My father has always despised popular sub sandwich chains because of their lack of meat. Whenever my siblings and I ask for Subway or Quiznos, he is quick to respond by saying, "What's the point in paying eight bucks for bread and some fancy-shmancy dressing?" Instead of letting my father believe that the only place to get a "proper" sub was in Philadelphia or New York, I decided to show him the New York Deli on Leesburg Pike in Vienna.

As soon as you walk in, you can tell it is a genuine establishment. The walls are plastered with a plenitude of New York City memorabilia. Pictures of the Empire State Building and the late World Trade Center are the most common. The Deli offers a small dining area with five or six tables as well as seating along the walls and windows.

The main attractions, of course, are the sandwiches. One of the most unique things about this place is the bread, which is baked fresh everyday. Opposed to Subway's breadstick-like shape, New York's bread takes the shape of an actual loaf. The ingredients inside the sub differ from the popular chains as well. The meat is at least twice as good in both quantity and quality, and for an extra two dollars you can double that amount. The vegetables and seasoning meet the same refreshing quality. Along with savory ingredients packed inside your exquisite bread, you can find a wide variety of chips and drinks to accompany your sandwich.

With the much improved quality over the popular subway chains, New York Deli is still comparable in price, with the subs ranging from six to eight dollars, and a full meal including a drink and chips for around ten.

The New York Deli also offers classics such as the Reuben, Ham & Cheese, and Roast Beef, as well as some specialties. The Long Island with double meat and cheese is my favorite. It consists of delectable hot Pastrami, tantalizing Corned Beef, brisk lettuce, vinegar, salt, and pepper. With a bag of chips and Strawberry Lemonade, this is the perfect lunch for anybody longing for a taste of New York's subs.