Cheese-N-Crackers Deli

I am a new fan of this deli. At this time, there is one other review which correctly identifies Cheese n Crackers Deli as a Mom and Pop shop, that is, its not a franchise like McDonalds, Burger King, Wendys etc. To me this is a good thing. This part of the USA is totally over-​franchised, so, that is my upfront bias going in. I went today at lunchtime, about 12:45pm at the tail end of the 12 noon rush. I grabbed the menu and picked two items for me and my friend. I ordered the Reuben sandwich and the Philly Steak Wrap. Both were made promptly on the grill and I could watch them being made. That is a plus. They were nice and hot when delivered. LOCATION: I took the sandwiches out because down the block is a park with picnic tables and it was a beautiful day to eat out which we did. Let me also say something about the location of this deli. It is a good location because there is not a lot of other choices nearby. One has to go to Belden Village or the Strip or up Main Street toward Applegrove and beyond to get to franchises. So, location gives this place an edge too. LOCATION: There are two medical complexes around the corner on Whipple Ave and if you have to go over there for a test or doc appointment, this is a good place to stop before or after your appointment. For example, if I need to go to the medical lab for a blood test I have to be fasting. I do not drive well while fasting. So, this is a really convenient spot to stop and eat when I leave the nearby clinic. There are salads on the menu and a breakfast menu. Also, there are a few grocery items you can buy and you can buy just deli meats or cheese if you like. They sell some bread items and they carry a unique pastry product called POTICA, whis is like a nut roll coffee cake which is not all that common except in Eastern European ethnic neighborhoods. So, I may just pop in some time for a loaf of bread and a loaf of POTICA. There is a seating area to eat inside. The only reason I knocked one star off my rating is because there was a heated discussion, not an argument, but a discussion among four employees that everyone could hear in this open food prep area. Employees in service industries should never air their dirty laundry in front of their customers. It is with understanding that I mention this because they had just come off a rather busy lunch service. Other than that, I will go back here for sure when I am in the neighborhood. When I showed my friend the menu, she said she would have been perfectly happy with any of the items on the menu. Money I spent here today, stays in the local area, which is a good thing. Unlike franchise revenues whereby at least a portion of the proceeds leave this state and Burger King moved to Canada to avoid US taxes and that is another reason to support Mom and Pop joints despite the challenges they face. They have CATERING too if you want something for a nearby business where you work.

I feel bad giving this place 2 stars because it’s not a big chain and the «little guys» are struggling to survive these days, but, then again, there’s a reason.
We came here at 4:45pm on a night when they close at 6pm. We were quickly told that the grill had already been shut off. Again, the «little guy» needs to do what he can to save costs, but that was a bit surprising. We weren’t planning to get anything off the grill, but this was still a red flag.
I ordered a tuna sandwich with cheddar, so the cashier called back for a tuna with American. I thought it might have been an error, so I said, «Actually, do you have cheddar?» She replied, «American is what we use for cheddar.» *Enter dead pan stare here* If you don’t have cheddar, you should tell people you don’t have cheddar. Don’t take someone’s order and just change it because «that’s what y’alls just does around here, hyuck hyuck.» What’s next? I get a chicken salad sandwich because «that’s what we use for tuna»?
When all’s said and done, the sandwich was pretty tasty but also pretty basic. For the cost, I would prefer going to Penn Station or Subway (sorry, «little guys») And keep in mind that 2 stars is «Meh. I’ve experienced better» which I definitely have.

Nice deli by price park. It has a decent selection of meats and cheeses as well as some vegetarian friendly fare.