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Garo's Deli
Master Critic Review
Garo's Deli
8.8
Tucked into the European-style St Vincent Court alley since 1989, Garo's Deli turns French baguettes and Armenian-influenced fillings into big, deeply satisfying sandwiches. Regulars come for generously stacked cold cuts, old-school hot pastrami, and a long list of cheese and veggie options served with pickles and little yellow peppers.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mortadella Sandwich on 10" French baguette, Garo's Special Combo Sandwich (turkey, mortadella, salami, provolone), Basturma Sandwich with provolone and pickles
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Long-running alleyway deli known for overstuffed baguette sandwiches and Armenian specialties.
Who should go: Sandwich obsessives who love classic deli flavors and big portions.
When to visit: Weekday lunch before the alley crowds peak around noon.
What to order: Mortadella sandwich, Garo's Special Combo, Basturma sandwich.
Insider tip: Head into St Vincent Court courtyard and look for the modest storefront behind the jewelry shops.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking around the Jewelry District is limited; meters are available but competitive during weekday business hours. Several paid parking lots sit within a 1–3 minute walk.
Dress code: Totally casual — come as you are. Office attire, jeans, or gym clothes all fit in.
Noise level: Generally low to moderate; it’s an outdoor alley setting, so you can easily hold a conversation unless the lunch rush gets lively.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — Garo’s primarily operates daytime hours and closes before dinner.
Weekday lunch: Expect a short line during peak noon rush (5–10 minutes), but usually no wait outside of that.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several veggie sandwiches and customizable builds with cheeses, spreads, and fresh toppings.
Vegan options: Limited — you can assemble a vegetable-only baguette, but most spreads and breads aren’t fully vegan.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free bread; the menu is largely baguette-based.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Great if your date appreciates low-key, delicious food over formality. The alley setting is charming and unique, but it’s definitely casual and more about eating than lingering.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — there are no reservations. Grab your sandwich at the counter and find a seat in the courtyard; turnover is quick, so seating usually opens up.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy sandwiches and quick meals. There’s no dedicated kids’ menu, and seating is outdoors, so very young children may need extra supervision.
Best For
Better for: Overstuffed baguette sandwiches, classic deli flavors, and that tucked-away alley charm you won’t find at most sandwich shops.
Skip if: You want gluten-free options, a full-service dine-in experience, or a dinner spot — Garo’s is a daytime, bread-forward operation.