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Shamas Deli
Master Critic Review
Shamas Deli
7.8
Vibes:
Hidden Gems Heaven
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A tiny, takeout-first deli that plays like a neighborhood secret: big sandwiches, friendly energy, and a no-frills Midtown setup. The best orders are classic deli builds—pastrami, chicken salad, Italian-style heroes—where the bread and portioning do the heavy lifting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pastrami sandwich, Italian hero, Chicken salad sandwich
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Tiny deli, big sandwiches—pure Midtown grab-and-go satisfaction.
Who should go: Deli-sandwich loyalists who value portion and speed.
When to visit: Late morning or early afternoon weekdays.
What to order: Pastrami, Italian hero, chicken salad
Insider tip: It’s takeout-first—plan to eat at nearby public tables.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is extremely limited; nearby paid garages are the realistic option. Best accessed on foot or via subway.
Dress code: Very casual—work clothes, jeans, or grab-and-go Midtown attire all fit.
Noise level: Low to moderate—mostly counter noise and short interactions, not a sit-and-chat space.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—primarily a weekday lunch deli and often closed or limited on weekends.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes during the rush; near zero wait off-peak.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—basic options like cheese sandwiches, egg-based builds, and veggie add-ons.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with bread and vegetable fillings, but not a core strength.
Gluten-free options: Limited—no dedicated gluten-free bread or prep; best avoided if highly sensitive.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? No—it’s a takeout-first deli with minimal seating, better suited for solo meals or quick workday lunches than a social setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There’s little to no table service—plan to take your food to go or eat at nearby public seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who like classic sandwiches, but there are no kid-specific amenities or seating.
Best For
Better for: Big, satisfying deli sandwiches at a low price with fast Midtown execution.
Skip if: You want to sit, linger, or need broad dietary accommodations—full-service delis or cafes will suit you better.