Manny's Deli

We went to dinner at Manny's Cafeteria and Deli.  We had heard about it from many friends and also saw it mentioned on the Food Network's "The Best Thing I Ever Ate" program. It was a hot and sticky day and you wouldn't think that we would want the massive amounts of food that deli's usually offer but we certainly did not want to go home and heat up the kitchen; and we knew we could probably get in and out quickly and we were not disappointed.

Chaffer Sandwich (pastrami & corned beef)

Nick (with his Jewish heritage) has had a lot of exposure to deli's and therefore and has strong opinions on what is good and great. This was some great food.

When we walked in there wasn't any line so we told the guy behind the counter that we had never been there before.  He proceeded to give us samples of both pastrami and corned beef and tell us about people's usual favorites.

We chose:
Chaffer Sandwich - corned beef and pastrami, muenster cheese and coleslaw on rye (not toasted). This gave us a great sampling combo of both the corned beef and pastrami.  And it has the coleslaw on in which Nick likes instead of sauerkraut. It was a mile high due to all of the meat, hard to get in your mouth, and messy but wonderful taste in your mouth. 

Pastrami Reuben - Reuben with Pastrami, Swiss cheese and sauerkraut.  Natalie decided on just the pastrami because during the sample time she liked that better.  Pastrami, in reality, is just corned beef with more spices on it. It had a little more smoky flavor due to the spices, so it might not be able to be called a traditional Reuben but we liked it. The sauerkraut wasn't to strong or overwhelming so it complemented the sandwich nicely.

Pastrami Reuben with Latke

Noodle Kugel - Ted Allen chose this item as The Best thing he ever ate - at a deli, we agree that it is great.  Maybe not better than the sandwiches, but definitely the best noodle kugel we've ever had at a deli. It compares favorably to homemade.  Manny's Noodle Kugel is more of a dessert with noodles and raisins with an egg based custard.  It is served as a slice, like a casserole. 

Matzo Ball Soup - we really didn't want to order soup on such a warm day, but the broth didn't look too piping hot.  The matzo ball was tasty and large.  It wasn't grainy like Nick's attempts to make it at home. But it didn't quite match up to his favorite in Michigan, but could be a good Chicago substitute. 

Matzo Ball Soup

Noodle Kugel

Latkes - potato pancakes, theses came with the sandwiches for $1.00 more so we went for it. Thye were a little too crispy and not all that inspiring as far as latkes go.  Just stick with the sandwiches.  

Final Thoughts on Manny's Cafeteria and Deli:

Food - really good, the sandwiches had massive quantities of meat.  Great variety of Jewish deli food.

Service - the guy at the counter was very helpful, maybe it wouldn't have been that way when it is more crowded at lunch but it helped us out.  

Atmosphere - old school cafeteria style restaurant; you take a tray, you order at the counter, they give you your food, you get a receipt for what items you ordered, you eat and then you pay before you leave