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

11/10/08

Soup BAD, food is okay / mediocre but way way over priced!!!

by BadFoodBadService

One star, If I could give them less I would, over priced! I've had better soup at Subway! The soup which they charge close to $5 ($4.66) for might as well be from a can, 95% water and this isn't the first time. The deli sandwiches are okay... and that's it. I've always said give places a few times to get it right... well they've consumed at least 9 lunches from me all of which were sub-par. Save yourself the money and get a good lunch at Lot 17 or Tesaros.

• Pros: Nice building
• Cons: Over priced, soup quality is bad to poor (it's a deli come on... soup is easy), $12 > for lunch is way to expensive for a drink and a sand.

02/13/08

Avoid this place! The good reviews are fake and were all written on the same DAY!

by sobigandhungry

The sandwiches were so expensive! The atmosphere was nice but the food was average. I like to eat but after vsiting there twiceI am convinced the owners are reviewing their own product, just look at the reviews they were all writtten within three days of ech other!

• Pros: pickles
• Cons: price, bread, not fresh, and poor quality...

12/16/05

Fabulous food!

by smweinst

The salami sandwhich is just amazing and so is the matzoball soup (just like grandma's)! The pickles and pickled tomatoes on the table just add such an authentic New York deli touch. What a wonderful deli, just what Pittsburgh needs!!! The variety of side dishes is awesome, I especially love the pepper and olive tapenade type spread and the cucumber salad! The service is friendly and wonderful. You have to try this place - you won't be able to wait until your next visit!

12/14/05

"Smallman" BIG SANDWICH

by jpw194

As someone who has lived in Pittsburgh their entire life I can honestly say that this is the only deli in the city that can "stack up" to the old deli's of yesteryear (no pun intended). This old fashioned, family owned deli is known for stacking the meat and toppings on high. For people working in the area or those just passing through the trendy Strip District, this is a great place for lunch, where you can get a great meal (often with leftovers for a second), at a great price, and have a good old time while doing it. I think the service is great and the daily specials keep the menu fresh. This is a great place to take the family.

• Pros: Great Value, Friendly Staff, Homemade Food
• Cons: N/A, N/A, N/A

12/14/05

Best Corn Beef in the Burg'!

by rkitay

I always look forward to sinking my teeth into a delicious corn beef sandwich from the Smallman Street Deli! Then I wash it down with a bowl of hot and tasty matzo ball soup and a side of the refreshing cucumber/tomato salad. What could be more scrumptious and refreshing to fill up your belly? Last but not least, I top it off with an oversized cookie that melts in your mouth for dessert. Now that is what I call a perfect meal! The food, service, and friendly atmosphere keep us going back again and again..

12/13/05

BEST CORNED BEEF EVER!!

by jjonas

I had the BEST Corned Beef sandwich I have ever had in my life. More specifically it was called the "Rachel." This heavenly treat consisted of Corned beef, coleslaw (homemade, of course), 1000 Island dressing and melted swiss cheese on Rye bread. It was grilled to perfection...possibly the best lunch I have had in years, if not ever. Would I recommend to others...what do you think? RUN do not WALK to the Smallman Street Deli for this sandwich.

• Pros: Tasty, great service, pleasant atmostphere

12/13/05

Delicious Deli!

by laurenroseou

I love the quirkyness of this restaurant! The menu is fantastic with lots of choices and the staff is there to please! My meal was hot and the portions are huge!!! Definately worth your money and time to give this great little secret a shot!

• Pros: Inexpensive, Fast, Fresh
• Cons: More seating