Chelsea Deli

Apparently I took too long to publish this review and now the place is closed. Sad times indeed.
Amazing sandwiches, amazing service, amazing atmosphere. Sandwiches were crafted with care. They may be messy, but totally worth it. I will go back again and again!

This is a lesson for me and anyone else who loves a restaurant but may not get there often. One just assumes it will always be there, but that is not always the case.
This is more a memorial than a review, since Chelsea Deli closed December 7, 2011. I work in Columbia City and, other than being cheap, I had no excuse for not patronizing this place more. The first time I went there I ordered the Hula Pork sandwich. Oh. My. God. This may have been the best sandwich I’ve ever had. I made a complete spectacle of myself by *licking the wrapper* when I was done. Sad, but true.
My boyfriend and I went there on a Sunday afternoon, slightly hungover, moving slowly and not having eaten all day. He got a basic Italian sub and said it was the best he had tasted since living in upstate New York. If you know any East Coast deli connoisseurs (and really, aren’t they all?), you know what high praise this is. While we ate we were very entertained by the owner and his interactions with the other patrons. He was the perfect combination of helpful, funny and down-​to-​earth. Combine that with the amazing food, and you have the perfect neighborhood joint.
I don’t give 5 stars that often, but this place was really that good. All I can do now is dream about the Hula Pork, the Cuban, the Hodgepodge, the Meatloaf, and all the ones I never got to try. I can only hope that they try again, and you’d better believe that this time I will put my money where my taste buds are.

It’s your traditional sandwich deli in Columbia City, with some extraordinary sandwiches! I’ve had a few things here, and from the most simple turkey sub to the very complex and interesting version of a Cuban, this place rocks! Not sure if people are driving out of their way for Chelsea yet, but I work near Columbia City (EAT LOCAL FOLKS), so this is a staple option! Compared to other lunch spots on Rainier, this place beats them all on price AND taste.
Check the specials board, and have some soup!
I want to have them cater a lunch, I will report back on how that goes.

Chelsea was off to a great start in my book because they have a placard by the counter that says «I love to drink tea, but would never party with it.» My sentiments exactly. Located a couple doors down from Lottie’s, I entered Chelsea to be greeted by the Roberta Flack singing «The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face» at full volume. That I like.
I had my eye on the Italian Meatloaf sandwich, but wanted to be sure I knew what I was getting myself into. I asked the friendly young guy at counter what spices were in the meatloaf. I’m sure «dread of rosemary» was written all over my face. He didn’t know what spices were used, and asked me to wait until a co-​worker came out of the back so he could ask her.
The gal finally appeared and stated that the spices were «basil, oregano and parsley». Those are decent spices for a meatloaf, but in the meantime, I had discovered a pulled pork & ham sandwich ($ 8.50) on the blackboard and decided I wanted that instead. They had several soups of the day, and I asked for a cup of the bacon potato ($ 3) to be added to my take-​out order.
I liked that it took a full ten minutes for my sandwich to be prepared. That meant it wasn’t pre-​made and slapped together. A good sign! I also liked that the cup of soup was carefully and tightly swaddled in Saran Wrap, preventing a leak.
It was not until about twenty minutes later that I was actually able to chow down, but the sandwich was still piping hot. Excellent sandwich roll — it had a perfect combined crunch and softness. Everything was delicious, and it was layered with pulled pork, white cheese, hearty pickle slices, ham and sweet mustard. Bonus points for the fact that the ham was shaved. Overall, a great sandwich.
The bacon potato soup was interesting. I liked that instead of going with a predictable spice like basil, thyme or rosemary, this soup was seasoned with dill, which now that I think about it, you don’t find used very often. However, the soup would have been better if a just a tad less dill had been employed. Unfortunately, the soup contained unpeeled potatoes, and that does not work for me. Just peel those babies :-)

Uprading from four to five stars because I’m addicted to this place. It is downright delicious. It’s starting to get busy too… I think the word is out. I tried the Vegilicous Eggplant Parmesan yesterday and it was really yummy. I have also had the Cuban and the Chelsea; I think the Chelsea still stands as my favorite. I grabbed one for my husband as we were leaving on vacation last week and he was like, «WOW.» No wonder you want to go to this place all the time. I’m also enjoying working my way through the various treats they keep on the front counter; brownies and scotcheroos. Oversized and oh so amazing.

I tried this place for lunch after finding it on Unilocal and I think that was the best sandwich I’ve ever had in my life.
I ordered the Mushroom Field Roast hot sub (hooray for Field Roast!!). The four inch is $ 6.25 and that’s one of the more expensive options since it’s specialty. It comes all hot, toasted, melty, and comforting with caramelized onions, sauteed mushrooms, provolone, and big slices of Field Roast on a wheat bun. Plenty for one and enough to share!
The place had plenty of seating (indoor and out), local art, friendly service, and whatnot. The only annoying thing is that they charge a fee for debit cards transactions under $ 10, which is annoying to me since I never have any cash, but I understand why small businesses should do that.
I’m very pleased with my sandwich and I will definitely be back to try to Smoked Tomato Field Roast and other vegetarian options too.

.zing. Try the Hodge Podge hot sub. The staff is super friendly and the food delicious.

Best sandwiches ever! macrina bread and vegan friendly with soy mayo.

Damn, that Italian Meat Loaf sub was smokin’ hot. I had to wait a bit for it to chill out. It took awhile to come out so I’m guessing it was preppin’ this bad boy… also had the soup + bread of the day (beef rice & curry?). All in all, a satisfying afternoon meal/​snack. Staff was cool. I like this local joint. Lots of neat reads and art along the walls.

Columbia City has some serious gems, you know? Chelsea Deli is one of them. And I don’t even like sandwiches! (I think I’m going to have to examine the truthiness behind that statement soon, though.)
This place is cool. Simply decorated, friendly but not over the top staff, locally owned, and clean. Nice! Bonus? They have Field Roast for those days you just can’t stomach meat (especially nice if those are ALL of your days).

Popped by Chelsea Deli for lunch the other day. Ordered the Chelsea which to quote the menu is a sub with «roasted turkey and red onion, tomato, a spicy chipotle mayo sauce and melted pepper jack.» The sandwich was gorgeous and huge, plus super scrumptious. The chipotle mayo was actually smokey AND spicey. The sandwich is served hot and the melted pepperjack with house smoked turkey make a superb combination. I also ordered a cup of the Chicken Noodle soup which was equally good. They offer four soups a day, perfect for the soup lover in me. Chelsea Deli offers vegan options with locally made Field Roast as well as sandwiches that are a tip off to the neighborhood including an intriguing Banh Mi. I will be back!

This place is nice and clean, with simple décor and a friendly staff. But you can tell where they put their efforts: really tasty sandwiches! Everything we’ve tried there is top notch.
They don’t skimp on the meat, so the «half size» is plenty unless you’re a big eater. They also have field roast options for the vegetarians. If you have little ones, ask them to make you kids-​sized versions of sandwiches like the ham + cheese on wheat bread.
The owner said eventually they will be open on Sunday.

The signature sandwich, the Chelsea, is an ill conceived, overpriced, sloppy gut bomb. I don’t remember the last time I regretted a meal this much, and that includes late night post-​bar visits to street vendors in Mexico.
For the price ($ 13+ for the 8″ which you probably can’t and definitely should not finish), you could have lunch at the Met. Not that the Met is all that, but still.

As a transplant from New Jersey, the Other Coast Café was long my haven for great sandwiches that reminded me of home. When I learned of a new Deli from OCC’s founder, I had to go! My wife and I headed down to try it out and were not disappointed.
Chicken Thigh Bahn-​Mi: Very tasty. The juicy, somewhat fatty (in a good way) things were cut through nicely by the acid in the pickled veggies.
Hula Pork: Messy, but d’lish! Made us think of a sweet version of the Rajun Cajun. Gooey, creamy, a bit messy, but nice juicy pork with a sweet sauce made our day.
I can’t wait to get back and keep working through the menus. If only a shop like this was open on the East Side!

This place is not a New York deli. A New York deli makes their own pastrami and corned beef. There is absolutely no craft involved in the sandwich making here. Anyone can go buy decent ingredients and assemble them atop bread. And I can guarantee that this can be done for less than the quarter of the price of a sandwich at the Chelsea Deli. I find this place offensive, not because the food is so disgusting or made me sick, but because it is so soulless and absolutely no care is put into the food. There are so many great places to eat in this city, why have a restaurant when it is clear that you have no interest in food? This place is a complete waste of time and money.

The most intense 4″ you can eat.
We’ve been here several times in the last week, and the sandwiches are all fan-​frackin-​tastic. Believe the hype: this 4″ makes their 6″ look sad and droopy.
Beware the spices though — this guy is serious. I found the meat loaf a little too spicy. Family favorites are the turkey & cheddar and the Rueben.

LOVE this place, I am attempting to work myself through the hot sandwich menu to no avail… I keep going back to the HODGE!
HODGE: Magnificient masterpiece of delightfulness with crisp BACON! My Mr tried it and is hooked too!!!
GO!!! Pay, bite, ENJOY!!!

Since WHEN should a really good sandmich NOT get all over your face?
I demand a sandwich that forces me to dislocate my jaw for a full bite.
The Chelsea deliveres, and how!
Ive tried the Hodge podge. 5star, a must try/​and the roast beef sub, just perfect on the horseradish. Bread fresh crisp and tender (though id prefer the Columbia city Bakery bread, just sayin…)Their soup so far has been solid. Especially the bean and ham, ALWAYS a must on a rainy day.
I love the no bull layout, clean and fits right in with the neighborhood. great and very friendly service.
All in all I havent found another place in the Seattle area thats any better so 5 stars it is.
Pricey? sure, a little but you try to cover the rent, my friend…
2x a week is likely for now!

Best meatloaf sandwich I’ve had.
Nice and garlicky, fresh marinara sauce, toasted to mouthwatering perfection. Too big? Please. They’re just right.
Might go get one right now…

I’ve said this about the Other Coast Café, and I’ll say it about Chelsea Deli: the sandwiches are just TOO big. I think to enjoy a sandwich completely, I need to be able to fit it in my mouth without having half of it end up on my face.
Todd and I went there on Saturday and split a chicken salad sandwich on rye, with a side of potato salad and a Martinelli’s. The total was about $ 16. The chicken salad itself was really, really good, as were all the ingredients, but it was just piled a bit too high. The potato salad was disappointing though — so bland.
While I mostly liked Chelsea Deli, I think it’s just more of a novelty.

I wanted to love this place because I really wanted a great soup, salad, and sandwich spot in Columbia City. I love supporting local business as well but…
I ordered the meatloaf sub and was very underwhelm. Especially for the price I was paying. I only got a half sandwich and it ran me about 7 bucks. I was hoping the sauce and cheese would make the meatloaf pop but it didn’t. There wasn’t much flavor to it. The bread was burnt because I think he toasted it too long.
I wanted to walk in with a bigger selection of soup but there were only three that I was not feeling. Maybe that day was just not my day. I was really hoping for an awesome experience but I just got a mediocre one.
They also has this banh mi style sandwich on the menu for around 6 bucks for a half… I would recommend driving a couple blocks to tony’s bakery for an authentic one. When I saw that on the menu I was almost offended. I would never pay any more than $ 3 for a banh mi.
The owners are nice and the service is cool but the food and prices are just blah to me. I might have to give it a second try but for right now I think I am good for awhile.