Dee Dee’s Deli & Grill

I can only speak to one item as this was my first visit to this well-​hidden and very reasonably priced place downtown.
The pizza is ok. Not great, not bad — just ok. Honestly, sometimes that’s enough and this was one of those times.
On my next visit I will try something from their sandwich offerings and the salad bar as well. I saw a few things on other tables that made me believe that my hasty decision to grab a slice (due to time constraints more than anything) was not the best idea.
I had a slice and a soda for about five bucks. There are not many places you can go to find a five dollar lunch downtown.

Lunch stop here today. Very good pastrami sandwich. I will surely return. Close to convention center, like a block away.

Without its small sandwich board on the sidewalk, it’s really easy to completely miss Dee Dee’s. That ‘almost-​insider’ nature is a big part of this little deli’s charm: even long-​time Downtowners can easily overlook this spot.
Located on the main level of the Lammert Building (as architecturally interesting a lobby as any on Washington Avenue), the deli looks like it might’ve expanded over the years, taking over office spaces by punching doors into drywall and swapping out desks for tables.
In the first room, there’s a counter, overhead menu rack with chips and soda fountain. The kitchen is situated somewhere behind this, out of sight. The middle space includes a pizza pie or two in warmers and a salad bar, along with seating for maybe 15 – 20. The third office looks like a converted conference room. Descriptions of the space are almost as awkward and nondescript as the rooms themselves.
When it comes to the sandwiches, expect a low-​frills, no-​nonsense approach. Portions, as previous reviewer Nowell G. noted, are quite generous. For most, a half-​sandwich will be enough for lunch.
As far as sandwich spots go, this one plies the craft well. Maybe it’s not the stuff of legends, but I was pleased with my acceptably priced, hot, fresh-​tasting sub off of the beaten path (yet right on Wash. Ave.).

Go here for a cheap breakfast or lunch downtown. For some reason, I like their biscuits and gravy, even though the gravy is pretty standard in taste. Maybe it’s just a hearty meal, but it serves it purpose.
When I was on a salad kick, I’d come here for lunch because they have (to the best of my knowledge) one of the few salad bars downtown. I like the feeling of controlling the destiny of my salad. It just seems… right.
The sandwiches here are better, and are in sizeable portions. Throw in a bag of chips and a fountain soda, and you can be on your way back to the office in no time… Unless you hit the lunchtime rush.
You can also check your email at the bank of computers in the back of this place. I feel like it’s more private eating establishment. While not a stereotypical «power lunch» it’s decent enough to get some work done, or read the paper, while enjoying an affordable downtown lunch.

Decent food and a good value. Nothing amazing here, but a nice place to check out for lunch if you work downtown.