A1 Gourmet Deli

I’m a sandwich guy and I’ll tell you straight how good or bad a sandwich is. It’s really amazing how a sandwich affects my mood (currently and from there on) just after the first bite… so my standards are pretty high. After eating here I can say that THIS is everything a deli should be!
Everything looked and tasted super fresh. Hell, even the staff was getting fresh. They are really friendly and more then willing to give you a sample of whatever. The menu is really impressive from meats, to cheeses, salads, and so on. If you can’t find something to eat here that will make you happy you’re out of your mind.
The place is spotless which in NYC (j/​k well…). There is a table in the back to sit and enjoy the meal, maybe even a chat. I’ll be back.

The cook/​cashier that works there Sunday evenings is really nice. The Philly Cheesesteak is good (I asked for just a tiiny bit of onions– he super mandolin-​sliced red onions), and the hamburger (only $ 4 single order).
Although one weekend night, the burger wasn’t so great, the meat tasted like it was sitting in it’s liquid cooking, not on a grill. I’d like to try their, I think, pastrami/​prosciutto? burgers (they look like breaded falafel burgers). Too bad I never tried their italian rice balls (those may have been the previous owners’ dish).
I agree, a very clean store. Glad they didn’t keep that little salad bar buffet in the back.

Best pancakes!

I’ve tried this place once. The pork sandwich was «fresh». It wasn’t heavy or greasy the way a pork sandwich can be. And yes the guys behind the counter were really friendly. I’m looking forward to going back.

Delish!!! Free samples without asking. Free can of soda with sandwich! Delish chicken cutlet with mozzarella. Will return!!!
Would love it «IF» they offered tossed salads!!!

Great sandwiches and fantastic prices. Recently had the Philly Cheesesteak and I loved it. Probably would have preferred it with cheese wiz, but I’ll reserve being a fatty for the real thing in Philly. The onions and peppers added some delicious flavors. Free soda’s with sandwiches. I find myself waiting for longer than I’d like, even when it’s not too crowded (not a deal breaker though).

Yes, this place is a pretty freakin’ awesome deli.
If the Health Department gave out A++ for sanitation, A1 would receive it. I don’t think I’ve ever been to a public places with tons of foot traffic that was so clean before in my life. Everything is spic and span and the good are neatly lined up on the shelves as if Jerry Seinfeld himself had arranged them. Plus the owners are really sweet and friendly. I briefly spoke to the owner and he was just bursting with pride about his delicious selections. He gave very generous samples (I tasted two different kinds of tuna salad and chicken salad) and talked about other things that he makes. Certain things are stand byes, but there are others things that rotate in and out, so it’s never quite the same.
They make all the deli stuff themselves, along with the baked goods. Nothing fancy, but simple honest home made food that is very reminiscent of what your mother would have made. Actually that was the reason why I was a bit smitten with the tuna salad because it’s the closest in flavor and texture to what my mom made for me for lunch when I was in elementary school. Tons of finely diced veggies sprinkled in like colorful confetti that give good texture and crunch to a sandwich that would otherwise be plain mushy.
The grilled chicken with lemon had tons and tons of garlic (I loooooove garlic). Super easy to get some and toss into your salad for some much needed protein.
Great little deli in my wonderful neighborhood. If you live or work around here, you should definitely stop by and pick something for lunch or stuff that you can pack for lunch for later in the week.

good sandwiches & good prices, with great service
they often offer to try whatever chicken salad/​etc you want before you order so you are sure you like it.

Go for the sandwiches; stay for the hilariously misspelled signage! («Vagie Warp,» you slay me!)
But really, they make great sandwiches here, have a nice selection of drinks and snacks, and the staff is friendly. I usually just stop in to pick up cold cuts by the pound though.
They have a lot of different salads and pre-​made cooked things. They look a little sketchy, but I’ve never tried them, so I can’t judge.

Best Deli in Broadway /​Steinway the area!

This place is getting 5 stars because it is consistently solid with deli staples. It is exactly what you want out of the deli in your area.
The people who work there, the chef/​owner used to be a chef at the UN, are really friendly and let you taste test different things before you buy. In general they go above an beyond in terms of quality and service compared to other delis in the neighborhood.
I recommend the specialty chicken/​tuna salads.

Am loving this new addition. I live around the corner, and have been incredibly happy with the service, prices and food. Very nice (and hot :) guys working behind the counter!

A true deli. The place which is new in business, is one of the cleanest deli’s I have ever been in. They offer alittle selection of groceries, from coffee, cereal, ice cream, bread, a wide assortment of crackers and chips, yogurt, cheese, etc…
About the deli, great great food. Although, $ 5.93 for a sandwich is alittle much. The main guy making the sandwiches is great. He’ll give you samples of what you want to try.
They’re open till about 11 or 12, which is nice. Everything is fresh.

Great service and prices. For under $ 5 (not including tip), you can get a delicious sandwich and drink delivered.
Breakfast: This is the only place in the area (that I have found) that uses a patty for a sausage, egg and cheese on a hard roll.

Best food on the block

Great service and decent prices. Most of the food is pretty fresh and they have some homemade specialties which are pretty good too. I like the sandwiches a lot since they are around 5 bucks and come with a free can of soda. They haven’t had it in a while but the homemade spinach pies really tickle my fancy. They are middle eastern style and seem more healthy then the Greek style ones. The showcase of cakes looks good but I wonder how fresh they could be. They also have a nice assortment of other gourmet items you don’t usually see at an average deli. The guys are super nice here and always strike up a conversation and will prepare stuff to your specification and I really like that.

I just moved to this neighborhood and became an immediate fan of A1. Cheap and delicious coffee, and a nice staff — for example, I wanted mixed veggies in my wrap but onions (my least favorite vegetable) were included in the mix. Instead of asking me to choose something else, the cook insisted on picking out the onions for me! Highly recommended :)

Such a nice staff. New Deli nice and clean. Very good food (I had the meatball parm hero and the veggie tuna is great too) great prices too!

Fantastic service. Nice guys. Clean place. New to the neighborhood and a welcome addition.