Deli City Restaurant

Reviews

• Carl T.

  star star star star star 24 May 2026

  Bomb. Always and forever. My dad used to take me here for as long as I remember. I take my daughters there. It is, far and beyond any other local dive. This is a must go if you're in DC mon-fri. They don't open on the weekends. That actually should convey everything you need to know. Oh. And that fish... you're not going to find a competitor. Period.

• Aysia F.

  star star star star star 24 May 2026

  Cute little deli restaurant that serves up some great breakfast. My boyfriend recommended this place and I am so glad that I stopped by - can't wait to visit again
  
  This is a really no frills spot that accepts CASH only. Great service and nice people. Parking is easy.
  
  I came in on a morning and they weren't busy and my food came out hot and quick.

• Jeffrey R.

  star star star star star 20 May 2026

  I am ashamed that I have lived in DC for 4 years, working a majority of that time working in hospitals in NE, and had never heard of Deli City.  Thankfully, that has finally changed!
  
  This is easily the best sandwich I have had in DC, possibly even trumping my hometown of Philly (I'll deny ever saying that, though).  For $4.95, I had the most fresh pastrami sandwich of my life.  Seriously.  The pastrami was just cooked.  The rye was perfectly toasted.  And the mustard was just the right amount of spice/kick.  Oh, and they give you two pickles! Coupled with the exceedingly kind employees, this spot cannot be missed.
  
  They clearly have a very strong takeout business, but I encourage you to sit in at least once so that you can experience the warmth and happiness that is Ms. Delores.  She knows all of her regulars' orders down to the exact quantity of sauce they prefer.  I can only hope to attain that status someday in my life.

• Austin G.

  star star star star star 17 May 2026

  Best pastrami sandwich in DC....by a landslide! A few other places had a decent one (like now closed On Rye in Chinatown), but they were always overpriced and just not worth the money. For under $9, you can get a large hot pastrami sandwich that will rock your taste buds (and it comes with a really, really good pickle).
  
  Don't get me wrong. This place doesn't look cool and it's a hike to get there (it's nowhere close to a metro), but it's worth it. It's a 1960s small hut with a orange mural marking its location. When you walk in, it feels like a small cafeteria filled with locals eating their sandwiches. You'll see construction workers and old men in suits and hats having lunch (they aren't open for dinner...darn!). After reading the very old menu, a friendly woman will take your order. Wait until it's ready and pay up front (cash only- there's an ATM at the gas station next door).
  
  You can't go wrong here, but the hot pastrami sandwich on wheat with cheese and mustard is to die for. They sell old school Dr Brown's soda, which is fitting.
  
  To "make it" on Yelp, you either have to believe in the power of peer reviews and surprise and delight (Rose's Luxury on Barracks Row does this well) or own who you are and don't give a damn. Deli City is the latter and it works...like five star works.

• Chris T.

  star star star star star 14 May 2026

  The Yelpers turned me on to this one for sure! Thank to everyone for rating this so highly. It's true that I have only been to Deli City one time and only had one Pastrami sandwich but I really don't need anything else or any other reason to come here. It is simply one of the top (best) outside of NYC.  I thought I had a very good Pastrami about 4 weeks ago but this sandwich reminds me that I haven't had a good one for a long time. I will be back.
  
  I took it to go so didn't have time to experience the feel of the old-timey sit down service.