Hornet’s Nest Deli

I had really high hopes when I ordered my breakfast wrap. Normally I go to shoreline café, but I wanted to give this place a try. The service was fine, as I ordered and picked up. The wrap itself was extremely underwhelming. It was a sausage, egg, spinach and cheese. It was wrapped into a cold wrap which in turn made the whole thing cool when I ate it and there was little flavor.
Here’s hoping their lunch is better.

I stopped in to the Hornet’s nest to grab a light lunch while heading to Madison. The sandwich selection was awesome and it was very hard to decided. I ended up getting a steak and cheese in a wrap which I shared. The sandwich was cooked wonderfully and it was delicious.
The service and staff were very pleasant and knowledgable. If I lived closer this would be a staple place for me stop at.

Love this place. Owner/​managers are great. It’s clean and the food is fresh. I always look forward to coming here each week.

Went here for lunch. I had a #4 panini with mozzarella, tomato, roasted peppers and artichoke hearts. Very good, could have been a bit warmer. Partner had steak and cheese sandwich with mushrooms and onions, which he loved!

This is one of the better delis in the area. I prefer some others but this one is very comparable. This is a 4 star because of the food only. Service is ok, wait can be long, and it’s not by an means classy. But it’s a deli that have the some of most amazing sandwiches. Very creative and tasty. I love New England delis that do chicken cutlet right. And boy do they do it right.

Perfect spot for a quick breakfast or lunch. I took the kids this morning. Counter service is friendly and fun, gracious & attentive owner, good coffee, got the «sweet Pete» breakfast sandwich… hot and delicious. I won’t need to eat for another 8 hours! We love going to Hirnets Nest… always good.

This is my first visit to Hornets Nest Deli and I am impressed. I ordered the Bourbon Chicken Ceasars salad. The place was packed, yet my order came up within 10 minutes. The staff is friendly and courteous, the place is very clean. The salad is delicious, the chicken is tender and juicy and the greens are fresh. I would have given them five stars except their drink selection is limited. (Unless I missed a drink case, they only have one). I would definitely stop again if in the area and would recommend this deli.

Love this place. Love the owner’s energy. Remains consistently delicious. Congratulations on the new location. Keep up the good energy!

VERY good. Had a #16 which is shaved pastrami, melted swiss, tomato, grilled onion and spicy mustard. When I say this pastrami was perfect, it was perfect. Everyone says get the #8 but he’s got so many options. Fries were good too; battered and not sickening.
Today was my first visit to the new location, and I’ve been to Dino’s old spot a handful of times over the years he’s been there. I always felt that nothing quite came close to the original Hole In The Wall deli, and even Hornest’s Nest was always ‘good’ but I was never wowed by it, honestly. I don’t know what’s changed, if it’s just the relief of getting out of that small basement and having room to spread out, but I’ll tell you I’m extremely impressed with what he’s done with the place and the quality of the food, friendliness of the staff, speed of the orders… all of it was very impressive. And I also am glad that Dino was able to rehab that location because he deserves it; it’s been a wash of businesses since Vincent’s was gone and had that stigma like nothing will ever be good there. But this was a welcome addition. And it’s close :)

We never had tried their old location, but today we tried their new place and we were blown away! Great bright, open space with seating area and lots of parking. Super friendly staff, owner Dino walked around serving lunch and saying hello to his guests. Very clear menu selections, they serve breakfast all day and the best thing for me was they serve Snapple! Love it!
My BF had the #2 Housemade hot roast beef with Swiss cheese on rye with caramelized onions and a side of au jus. I had the #7 which was Italian ham, pepperoni, provolone, roasted red peppers, and oil & vinegar which I got on a panini. Both sandwiches were delicious! We also had their onion rings which we raved about! Beer-​battered and crispy-​not greasy at all.
Service was fast and friendly, prices were reasonable and food was delicious! We highly recommend it here and we’ll definitely be back Dino!

I was very disappointed with the #8 I got on a spinach wrap. The sandwich was supposed to be a chicken cutlet with bacon, smoked mozzarella, and Chipotle sauce. They forgot to add bacon, but the worst part was the chicken cutlet. Thin, overcooked, dry, and old. It was devoid of chicken flavor. It tasted like I was biting into a wrap full of bread crumbs, which is basically true since there was more breading than protein to the cutlet. Nothing was fresh or flavorful about it. The garden salad I got with my wrap was good, but did not make up for one of the most regrettable sandwiches I’ve eaten in a long time. If this place makes good sandwiches, this was not one of them. I’m not sure I’ll be back to try another.

Stopped in today for lunch with my husband. You place your order at the front counter. I had a #11 on a panini which had a chicken cutlet, roasted red peppers, fresh mozzarella and a basil mayo on it. It was warm, fresh and delicious. My hubby had a #8, don’t recall what was on it besides some chipotle-​ness also with a chicken cutlet, but I had a bite and it was great tasting as well. Our sandwiches arrived to us at our table on actual non-​paper plates. Nice to see. The place is very clean, including the bathroom.
I’m assuming it was the owner who helped us and took our order. He was very friendly and as we were paying for our transaction, he asked us what plans we had for the day, how beautiful the weather was, etc. You could tell he actually cares for his customers unlike many other business. As we were eating, I noticed he showcased the same kindness and generosity for the other customers who came and went as well.
We will definitely be coming back, I’d love to try breakfast sometime too!

The best deli in Branford! The best part about hornets nest deli is the breakfast delivery! Definitely recommend the Sweet Pete breakfast sandwich! I’ve had breakfast and lunch here before and it was delicious both times. Friendly and helpful staff here too.

I have been to the hornets nest about 3 times since they opened their new location. What a wonderful place to go and grab a quick lunch to take to the office. The options are so plentiful and all seem so delicious I’m sure I’ll be back many times ordering something new with each visit. The staff was so friendly and the owner came right up to me while the food was being prepared and asked me how I was and started engaging in small talk. Customer service done right! I only wish they would stay open late enough for me to grab a light sandwich when I don’t feel like cooking dinner.

WOW!!! Just stopped into their new location and was blown away! The set up is very efficient! The chalkboard menus are clear and descriptive of the options. I was greeted by the owner, I think Dino. Shake of the hand, smile, full intro. This is what makes this place five stars! I ordered the sweet spring salad with grilled chicken yum!
Wonderful job Dino!!! Everyone from your counter folks to the folks in the grill area were all pleasant and professional. Good luck and I’ll be back real soon!

Fast service delivered right to the table. #20 shaved ribeye, onion, mushroom, and peppers. Very good and friendly staff. Will return when in the area!!!

Hornet’s Nest has become our regular stop for breakfast and if it was closer to work would also be here for lunch all the time! (I apologize in advance for gushing about this place.)
The owner is doing everything right and he’s all about being tied into the local community, which I really like. He supports the local sports teams and buys local whenever he can — for everything. He is in the process of relocating down the street to a bigger place — and used his customers to do all the work exclusively. He’s always looking out to make sure everyone is getting taken care of and that your order is not only right — but to your liking. Once you show up more than once he learns your name and starts to remember your orders and how you like stuff. Regulars get to knowing each other and it feels real nice. Honestly, it’s like Cheers in there — without the bar.
Oh, and did I mention that the food is good too? Breakfast is great, but lunch is where this place really shines. Unique sandwiches and daily soups and specials. Order up a roast beef sandwich — it’s from a roast they cooked on site. Chicken cutlets — made on site that day (and delish!). Soups, rib-​eye for steak sandwiches, salads — all made that day. An enormous menu of things to choose from.
Couldn’t be happier for the owner that he is growing and getting into a new, bigger place. Looking forward to keeping this a regular stop for a long time.
A+++

For a number of years now foodies across the globe have been promoting the concept of supporting your independent local restaurants; and why wouldn’t you? A quick look around your town and I am sure you will find a cornucopia of delectable options, with something available for each and every meal. One of the things I have definitely been looking for is a local, Jewish deli serving up a killer pastrami and I plan on finding this location by trying one deli at a time. So with a quick drive right off I-​95, I found myself at The Hornet’s Nest Deli.
Although not a Jewish deli, there is no mistaking what this location offers. As you walk through the front door you know that you’re not in a formal restaurant, rather you almost feel as though you are in the basement of the building, where you find a few tables so you can sit down and enjoy your meal. Off to the side of the room, just beyond the crowd of people, hanging on the wall there is a giant chalk board containing the entire menu. Once you know what you want, literally spin around 180 degrees and there is the counter where you can place your order.
Since I am on the hunt for pastrami, I couldn’t help but to order the Pastrami Nightmare. Not exactly the simple sandwich that I am looking for, but if done right, I may actually end my search right here and now. The Pastrami Nightmare is pastrami and swiss with onion and tomato on grilled rye slathered in spicy mustard.
Although there were only three people in front of me, the wait was a little unexpected considering the small army of employees behind the counter preparing sandwiches. While I waited I watched, who I took to be the owner, engage in conversation with the awaiting patrons. What I found different was the fact that he knew them by name and the discussions were personal; this was obviously a local’s favorite. As orders came to the pass, the last question seemed to be «Do you want pickles?» which only raised my hopes that there was a fresh deli pickle included with my sandwich.
I took my order to go and five minutes later I got home, sat in my chair and opened my bag. Disappointingly there was no pickle, but I did find a decently sized Pastrami Nightmare wrapped in deli paper. I unfolded the corners and immediately the aroma of pastrami filled the air. Excitement and hunger took over and jumped right in. Before the sandwich even got to my mouth, my excitement dissipated as the crusty grilled bread wasn’t really crusty at all and it had actually turned it into a wet soggy mess. Aside from the missing texture, the pastrami was average at best and I was missing the pickle. Don’t get me wrong, it was an ok sandwich, but nothing more than something that any teenager could put together in their mothers kitchen.
Would I go back? I would say that I am sure I would, but for a couple different reasons. This location had the local feel that I was looking for, and you don’t get a following like that by serving average sandwiches, so I have to assume that my experience was out of the ordinary. Plus, I still want my deli pickle.

Hands down best place in Branford for a sandwich. I’ve tried a lot here– the Thanksgiving sandwich, the roasted veggie, the buffalo chicken, and all have been stellar.
The #8, however, is GOD’S GIFT to the people of this town. Broken down: Crispy Chicken Cutlet, Bacon, Chipotle Mayo, and Gooey Mozz. Do it in a tomato wrap and it will bring you to sweet tears of satisfaction.
I mean, this probably goes without saying, but do not forget to take the pickle.
That’s all my friends. Enjoy!

Once I saw a duck walking down the street so I went into Subway and ordered two pieces of bread, and they informed me that they could not do that, like there was some speical rule at Subway that two pieces of bread weren’t allowed to touch. So the woman asked me what I wanted on the sandwich and I said I do not care it is for a duck, and she was like oh then it’s free. I was not aware that ducks eat for free at Subway. It’s like give me a chicken fajita sub, but don’t worry about ringing it up, it is for a duck.
Hornet’s Nest makes decent sandwiches. The first time i went my to go order didn’t have the fries i paid for in the bag. It gets hectic in there at lunch time. Fries i had the second time were pretty good. I had the #4 and it was aiiiight.