(412) 434-5800
2840 Smallman St
Pittsburgh,
PA
15222
40.4579
-79.9754
Neighborhood: Strip District
What People Are Saying About Smallman Street Deli
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene – Happy eaters stand elbow to elbow around tables converted from barrels in this stand-up deli. Trays of pickles and sour tomatoes are on the table to accompany big meals. Chalkboards with menus sit above a long service counter, with hand-written signs offering daily specials. Service is made-to-order, but remains fast and friendly. – – The Food – This is a true kosher-style deli. Meats are processed in the factory behind the restaurant, and are steamed for each sandwich. The corned beef, pastrami, and roast beef are all stacked up on excellent rye…
10/22/09
Greatly Disappointed
by Hillcrest David
We have been customers of the Smallman Street Deli ever since it opened several years ago. We are retired now and get into town less than we used to. My wife used to work at Nordic in the Strip. It has been about two years since our last visit.
When the Smallman Street Deli first opened on Smallman Street there was an absolute effort to be a genuine deli. It was never cheap but true quality rarely is
inexpensive. I enjoued going there and was always satisfied both with service and with quality.
Something has happened! They no longer care!
The tomatoes and pickles that used to be on the tables have disappeared. When I asked about them they blamed the health department and did not offer to get us anything.
I ordered chopped liver and learned that it had been removed from the menu. I ordered a hot pastrami on rye with swiss cheese and a side of cole slaw. The pastrami was shavings off the end, was dry, chewy and far below average. The side of slaw had been pushed onto the sandwich. and the bread was dry. Apparently the highly trained sandwich builder was a Pramanti's reject.
I did not complain because my wife was trying to enjoy herself.
We had looked forward to this lunch. It was aweful. We will never go back.
What a disastrous reversal.
- Pros: None
- Cons: Sub standard fare. Untrained, rude, inattentive help
08/27/09
Rude Service
by krs26
I had the opportunity to visit the Smallman Street Deli for lunch today. The gentleman (I use this word loosely) behind the counter - it could be the manager was so rude and condescending. He made disparaging comments about me and said that I looked confused. If I wanted help I could seek psychiatric counseling in the back. He was not funny. He then came around to all the tables and insulted people again. I will never go back there again. It is not worth the rude and disrespectful service.
- Pros: None
- Cons: Rude Service
06/10/09
Best Sandwich in 'Burgh
by JDubz23
I absolutely love The Smallman Street Deli. Since the Sq. Hill location has opened I much more frequently make it to that location. It's closer to home, open evenings and weekends and offers a larger menu...including great breakfast options. To me, there is NOTHING BETTER than Smallman Street Deli's grilled Reuben Sandwich. Go try one, with fries and a cold beverage. It is heaven on earth. Plus I love to much on fresh crunchy pickles (they serve for free) while my sandwich is being grilled. I have never had a bad meal here, I love the atmosphere, the staff and above all the old-school-style rib sticking great grub.
- Pros: Best Corned Beef Sandwich in Pittsburgh
The Details on Smallman Street Deli
Easy Does It:
For those with reasonable self-control, a half-sandwich and cup of soup special is offered.
Take It With You:
Over 50 cheeses, as well as fresh steaks and chops, are offered to take home.
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