One of the best burgers I've had. Period. Why? Al Burger flavor was succulent with lots of flavor on every bite. The meat was cooked perfectly. The bun was had the right amount of crisp. Al's sauce was the bonus that took it all over the top. I added the combo for a complete meal. The coleslaw had enough a unique tangy taste. The pickle and fries were ok. I will try the poutine fries next. Service was solid. I didn't know you pay at the register, but I was really satisfied with my meal that the extra time waiting to find out didn't matter. Al's Deli is a solid spot for a 5-Star burger. read more

Al's Deli - Al Burger with combo - Sandwiches Near Me - Auckland, AUK

New owners now, sadly it is not the original owner, Al from Montreal. Unfortunately the food and customer service has gone downhill and they no longer offer a genuine Canadian experience when it comes to their food. read more

It's easy to get Al's Deli confused with Al Brown's Federal Delicatessen, especially with the association with bagels. But Al's Deli is a completely different eatery owned by Canadian chef Aleks Lazic. Tucked quietly on City Road just off the slope of Queen Street, Al's Deli is a perfect hangout spot to grab a bite for breakfast or a catchup in town. It's a mix between an American style retro diner and a cafe, complete with mismatched retro style chairs and barstools looking out towards the city. Although famous for their Montreal style bagels, I would still vouch for the Ugly Bagel for the chewier and moist consistency rather than the dense ones here. There were mainly 3 things I went there to try: 1. Poutine - world famous in Canada, originating in Quebec. French fries topped with gravy and cheese curds. 2. Juicy ribs. That is all. 3. Apple pie fries - the novelty here wins my heart. You are spoilt for choice from the menu so if you're a food fattie like me, try the Mixed Grill option - that gives you a taste of the famous ribs, sirloin for the meat lovers and crispy chicken with "secret spice". Surprisingly it was the sausages and crispy chicken that made me come back for seconds. The sirloin and the ribs are replaceable at home or at other eateries. The portions we ordered were huge but I was recommended to try the buffalo wings. And boy was I glad! Opting for the Sweet and Sour option, next time I'd be braver to try Franks Hot Sauce or the bloody Mary option. They're everything you would want in buffalo wings, not overdone in the fryer but soaked in juicy sauce. Over to the poutine - I was so keen to try it - I've never had it before and touted as Canada's national dish, I had to give it a fair go. The fries were soaked in gravy so much that it was soggy. Some say that's the authentic way, others say the french fries should be crispy on the outside. I personally didn't mind it being saturated in gravy, but you can't go bare hands eating this with hot gravy! While the concept of eating fat-on-fat may seem to put off healthy addicts, you just can't go to a Canadian restaurant without trying this. As soon as I went into Al's Deli, I had to be sure they still had apple pie fries available. Word is that they always sell out before closing. Lucky they made a fresh batch just for us! If the words apple pie fries hadn't sunk in, it should have now. These are literally fries filled with hot apple pie goodness in the middle. To top the novelty off, you dunk them into salted caramel sauce. So amazing, I would order this again next time I go back, regardless of how full I am. Al's Deli is comfortable, the atmosphere buzzing and the staff were very friendly and genuine, always up for a good laugh. Whilst the food is somewhat average compared to the hype, I would come here to try the poutine, buffalo wings and apple pie fries. It is comfort food and you'll walk out feeling satisfied and laden with good food. read more

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Expectations were very high and this place didn't deliver. Guys, its tasty, but artery-cloggingingly boring kind of tasty. Everything tastes like the beef flavouring on McDonalds fries. I was super excited about the poutine, but they'd run out of cheese curds. The lovely waiter convinced us it'd be fine with replacement cheese. It wasn't. The hard shakes were also really exciting, but didn't deliver. The alcohol didn't manage to turn a pretty average milkshake into anything more than that. Half a cup of whipped cream on top didn't up the stakes either. Give it a miss and go to the fabulous Korean BBQ downstairs. read more

Al's Deli - Sandwiches Near Me - Auckland, AUK

I have been in the hospital for a week with a severely broken arm and the requisite surgery. The hospital had to get the pain team to work with me, because of the way my case was just not healing according to the textbook. I had no appetite. I was not sleeping. And, the pain was just not subsiding. Uncertain of how to go any further, I turned to prayer. In a my ennui and pain-coloured haze, I looked to Menu log for Divine Scripture. Once I moved past the Old Testament and further from the equally holy, yet not capable of the miracles I require, bagels and sandwiches, God led me to the poutine and kosher pickles. In a frenzy fuelled by the Holy Spirit and pain pump, I called my husband to the true Redeemer and our last chance for Salvation. Their delivery was fast. Knowing the condition of my body and soul, Al's took a truly pastoral approach to my redemption and healing in this mortal realm and threw in a blessing in the form of a donut. This is what my new religion call "The Lard's Prayer". You can practice it at any time, and it will give you strength when you need it. The poutine was perfection. I had to call my Wisconsin-born friend to join me in consuming the divine food from the heavens above, as the days of illness left me in a state of low appetite. The curds were pillows of cheese, melting beautifully into the fries and gravy, leaving me in comestatory ecstasy as I devoured what I could in my feeble state. After the meal, I was able to sleep through the night. My arm feels better. And, with further help from Al's magic poutine, I may be able to go home today. Bless you, Al's Deli. Your poutine should be integral to the complementary and alternative medicine offerings to encourage healing at the hospital. In the meantime, thank you for your Quebecois rongoa. read more

I am not sure how long this place has been around, but it is a pretty cool place. It doesn't have an ambiance per say, but it does have a decent bagel. Oh & try the poutine. Quite alright. Not quite as good as the al brown poutine, but still fries, gravy and cheese curd is a yummy thing. To add a little more realism to this maple flavoured experience my waitress had a thick Canadian accent. Oh and I had the BLT. It really championed their maple smoked bacon. There is something called a moose ear?!?! I don't know what that is about but I might have to indulge myself. Anyway I hope this place does well. The Canadian exchange students seem to dig this little slice of Canada. read more

Al's Deli - BLT, plain bagel toasted. - Sandwiches Near Me - Auckland, AUK

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Excellent bagel breakfast sandwich! The coffee was great. The price on the breakfast special cannot be beaten. Give this place a try! read more

Al's Deli - Wall art - Sandwiches Near Me - Auckland, AUK

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Al's Delis is one of my favourite places in Auckland! Their bagels are amazing, the milkshakes are heavenly good and ooohh their poutine... No words to describe! I love having breakfast there, specially the bacon pancakes which are the fluffier I've ever tried. I truly recommend Al's Deli. read more

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I met a friend here for a quick meal after he got off work one night, and we had such a good time that we closed the place down! I have finally found really good poutine fries in New Zealand! My world is complete! Drool. Al's Deli is a pretty cool Canadian themed Deli on upper Queen St in Auckland. Apparently they make amazing burgers and bagels-which I didn't have the chance to try-but I will! I ordered a chocolate milkshake and poutine fries, and my friend had a banana milkshake and a buffalo chicken burger. The place was pretty busy at 8pm on a Saturday night. Our milkshakes came out first and we downed them pretty quick. Finally the food. Drool. Really delicious poutine. The gravy was on point, the cheese curds creamy and perfect. I ordered the large as a main, and I regretted not getting the small. The large was huge and I wasn't even close to finishing it. We had planned to try their famous "moose ears" for dessert, a Canadian donut, but we were too full. But I will definitely be back again, especially to try the bagels since I have not found any decent bagels in NZ yet. read more

Al's Deli - Chocolate milkshake - Sandwiches Near Me - Auckland, AUK

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Walking in for their breakfast menu was a bit surprising by the looks of the prices, but we found the special's board and got the Coffee/Bagel combo. Definitely the best deal for a bagel sandwich with an egg, bacon/sausage, and hollandaise to fill you up with a coffee on the side for only $10! read more

Al's Deli - Sandwiches Near Me - Auckland, AUK

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Ate here several times, it's a very good value! Very good bagels; their gourmet donuts killed; they know how to cook scrambled eggs when you ask for 'dry eggs' (here's a hint, they shouldn't slide off the fork - why is it nobody else in all of New Zealand can't get that right?); buffalo chicken sandwich nice and spicy without overdoing it; fast service and greasy spoon aesthetics; exactly what you want from an inexpensive but filling and tasty breakfast. Bonus points for being 2 blocks from the Cordis Hotel. read more

Cronuts, alcoholic milkshakes, poutine - all exceptional. I went here after some knee surgery as I was feeling sorry for myself and the self indulgent things available cheered me up no end. I cannot recommend it enough if you are nearby. A cool diner for a date night too! read more

Al's Deli - Vodka peanut butter milkshake is awesome - Sandwiches Near Me - Auckland, AUK

Awesome food. For expats living in Auckland, this is the real stuff. Bagels are to die for and the brisket is amazing. Service is great with really cool, down to earth people. Love this place and am going back soon. read more

Al's Deli - My plate minus a bite. :) - Sandwiches Near Me - Auckland, AUK

Seriously the best find we've made regarding food nearby. This is somewhat unfortunate as we've been the the Korean BBQ directly beneath it, which is easily my most hated restaurant within a 50 km radius. Seriously. And we didn't even see that Al's was upstairs! ARGH! I am mystified by the less-than-5-star reviews here. We've been twice now and intend to return today. Our first visit consisted of the Main (the kinda brisket that melts in your mouth) and a hot dog, with fried pickle chips. If any issue could be had it'd be that it was a lot of food. Awesome food. We went another day for The Works Bloody Caesar. Now, a Bloody Mary is a rare creature in Auckland for whatever reason. If you ask the average bartender to whip one up they'll just look at you like you've got a severe social disorder. So hunting down a tasty one is rather on par with finding a unicorn, a parking space near my house, or an honest politician. This The Works drink has me considering changing my will in favour of Al. We also tried to wings, somewhat reluctantly given that hot wings aren't a 'thing' in NZ. As far as I've been able to tell for 3 years. They're always terrible. Except for Al's! Holy wow. I can have wings again. We're going back today, and presumably many times to come. Looking forward to trying out the poutine. You rule, Al. I know it's a Canadian feel but this American is thrilled to have found you. OOh, I DO have a suggestion. Ever consider having a Reuben on the menu? I'd do unspeakable things for a proper Reuben. Cheers! read more

I like the concept of this place, especially the logo design! It portrays its style VERY well. seriously, touché. ANYWAYS, we ordered a lot between 4 girls, where do i even start? well first of all we shared everything (so we could have a taste of everything haha those are our rules), we ordered full rack of ribs, poutine, buffalo chicken wings, Al's burger, chicken salad, broccoli/kale, 2 root beer floats, 1 peanut butter chocolate shake, 1 coke (and later another two girls joined us but only one ate so we ordered an additional hotdog, root beer and apple pies fries) and omg our table looked ridiculously small with all this food. BEST DISH: to be honest, nothing really STOOD out to us. as the Sals pizza buffalo wings are nicer with their blue cheese sauce mmmmmmmm soo good. The poutine was very tasty but gravy makes everything taste good (just like how kewpie sauce does too). The ribs were a little dry but still tasty, a little hit of sour too which was interesting. SOOOOO I'm going to say it's the brioche burger because i could keep eating that bun... i don't know why..... but so crispy and buttery....that patty just complimented it haha. WORST (or better put most hyped) DISH: Apple pie fries... Yo, where the apples at? the pastry was overpowering the apples, as was the sauce. I like how they challenged the traditional apple pie and tried to give it a new modern hipster twist but nah i'm ok, i'll stick to the traditional one haha (i'm sorry i cheated on the original... never again) CONCLUSION: ordered way too much. waddled out with food babies. love the design and concept. love the way they think and presented a modern hipster twist on some traditional dishes but they also stayed classic with their root beer floats and poutine. Would i go again? i ate faster than i found a parking so not very likely... or maybe that shows i should eat slower............. read more

Best breakfast in Auckland. Happy I was at Langham next door. I had a flat white coffee and brisket hash and poached eggs which were probably the best I've ever had... Everything was cooked to perfection read more

Al's Deli - My breakfast and flat white - Sandwiches Near Me - Auckland, AUK

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I've come here a number of times with a variety of different people, and I always feel the same thing; if they tried 10% harder in all fields, this could be an incredible spot. For example, why not finish those bathroom reno's or wash the windows more frequently? Why not douse the buffalo chicken a little bit less so that you can appreciate all the flavours? If you want to create a social media chair, invest in some signs and promotion. Why not get a graphic designer to do a beautiful job of the menu? There are all these little things that prevent the Als Deli experience, and bother me enough to not go there more frequently. And a side note: I'm not a chef, so can't seem to understand the need for so many different specials and directions the food seems to go in. Paleo lunchboxes next to the deep fried waffle donut with bacon? Us customers just want to understand in a second what to expect. Then we can get onboard with. read more

Had a very average experience here. The wait staff we're rude- treated me and my partner like we were a hassle, the food took forever, they had run out of an item we wanted, and they forgot about our drinks. We've been here a few times before and every time an item we've wanted to order they've run out of it which is a little frustrating- to have it happen once is an okay thing but three times is a little inexcusable. In saying that, the food we did get was nice and they had generous servings. read more

If you want a taste of Canadian goodness, this is the place to be. Reasonable pricing, novel, and pretty good food. The smoked meat sandwich on rye is an experience you can't pass up. Had the ribs once, and they weren't the best, but the portion was solid. Managed to share their Thursday night special between two. Poutine, glorious poutine. I prefer mine with chicken gravy rather than beef, but it's definitely a must have. Oh also. The shakes. Try them. Mmmm read more

The federal is good, but not that very impressed me. I like this place more. Chicken wings are fantastic, desserts r ll hit my spot, as well as the prices are more reasonable than the one on federal st. read more

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What a great piece of Canada in New Zealand! The owner is from Montreal. Though I don't agree with their themed hockey team of choice (Hab's), the atmosphere was great. I had 'Al's Burger'. It was delicious along with the fries and slaw that came with it. There's a TV for the hockey game. They also serve a poutine burger that looked great. Lastly, they recently acquired Canada Dry for those Kiwi ginger ale lovers out there. read more

This is the first review I'm writing and I regret that it has to be a poor one, but I wasn't too pleased with my last experience at Al's. Although the server was constantly checking up on us (that was good), once the food came I received more than what I asked for . The pancakes were really thin, a little too burnt for my liking, and just not how I remember their pancakes being the first time I'd gone. Then when it was time to pay, the restaurant left the cook in charge of everything and the cook didn't know how to use the cash register very well. Therefore, he couldn't forgive the charge of what I didn't order and I had to pay for it as a consequence of that. I left pretty unhappy but it could've just been a bad day for them. Who knows! read more

Really enjoyed the food and vibes here. Friendly staff. Best donuts I've had in my life.

I have ordered delivery many times in the past. The only negative is that delivery usually takes a very long time so you have to plan in advance. In saying that, the food is definitely worth the wait so I'm more than happy to give it five stars. I usually order The Mount with a sesame seed bagel and added avocado. It's hard to believe that a BLT bagel could be worth five stars but it is! The bacon is always perfectly crispy, the perfect amount of mayo, and the creaminess of the avocado. The poutine is a harmonious mass of chips, rich gravy and squeaky cheese. My only complaint is that I can't have it wveryfay read more

A nice brunch spot with quirky retro decor. Good eggs bene, especially good on the onion bagels. Good coffee. Pancakes are nice. The avocado smash is delicious. Good service. Would be better if they had complimentary Sunday papers and magazines. No fresh juice menu. read more

Dined here for lunch today and my softshell crab burger was completely raw! I sent it back tot he kitchen and they gave me a refund. Hope I don't get sick. The service was good, a little slow to get the food out. My partners poutine burger was good. Coffee was great. Such a shame about the raw seafood though. A real let down. read more

If I were stuck with one choice of food for the rest of my life it would hands down have to be Al's Deli Poutine. Crunchy yet fluffy chips covered in gravy made for the gods? The only disappointing thing about this place is when the food is finished and you go home and realize you should have bought that extra large poutine to go. This is Artisan food so bear that in mind when you pay the place a visit. Ensure you plan ahead. Nothing is more unbearable when people expect fast food paced service from restaurants that make their food with love. Very nice place to chill out with friends -kudos to whomever curates the playlist, very good taste in music. read more

This place has retro furniture for casual dining with amazing deli food. Everything tasted great. I had the maple smoked salmon salad which was delicious and filling, my husband raved about his brisket bagel called "the main" . The staff were also super helpful. read more

Omg food-a-rama. The food here is amaze & not forgetting the cro/wonuts (goes without saying really). I had the coke float (or whatever its called) and that was a pretty amazing experience in itself. I had the Bagel with gorgeous salmon & poutine also (i know right) & all of it delicious. Definitely recommend! read more

Al's Deli represents all that is good about food. They're aware of trends and they also respect good old fashioned comfort food. I'm constantly surprised and impressed by the new additions to the Als menu. Plus, it's great to know I can try something new or go back to a regular favourite knowing both will be wonderful. While some of the staff aren't so great, most of the people involved are awesome and I hope they continue to do well and become an Auckland institution read more

That's an excellent place to go!!!! The waitress is so friendly and the food is so delicious!!!! read more

Al's Deli - Sandwiches Near Me - Auckland, AUK

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I'm a huge fan of The Fed Delicatessen, and the menu looked so interesting I had to go. First of all - beautiful place! It was warm on a chilly rainy Auckland morning, the staff were welcoming and informative. I ordered the Brisket Hash, and as brilliant of an idea it was, the quantities were all wrong and completely ruined the meal. The salad was drowned in thick gunky olive oil, so much so that you couldn't even taste the leaves. Ordering a Brisket Hash you expect the brisket to be the star of the meal, yet there were a few sad chunks hidden underneath the rather soggy potatoes. The hollandaise wasn't too bad, but very heavy and lots of it with unidentifiable taste I wasn't sure matched the meal. Then there was the bagel, very doughy and raw; I could only eat a bit at a time, then I gave up altogether. I think Al's has big potential and great ideas, but they've got a while to go yet in the breakfast department (my partners meal and coffee were equally disappointing). Some places do excel greatly on some areas and falter in others, so I wouldn't write off going for dinner another time as their dinner menu looked like fun. read more

I was lured in (finally!) by a FB post with the day's special - Al Burger and Fries for $10 & $1 Bagels - and regret not coming here sooner! I had my food to go after a veeery long day at work, and the bagels were for work the next day. YUM. That pretty much covers it - quickly made & quickly eaten, portion size was very good value for money with quality ingredients nonetheless. But they offer perogies and Ribs **drool** on occasion too! There is a limited selection of popular Canadian junk food available as well. Oh, and my bagels were amazing, cannot recommend the onion ones highly enough - FYI, they are the more doughy Canadian style bagels. read more

This place has delicious sweet cronuts, milkshakes and massive burgers that leave you in a Food coma! I love the decor and the American diner feel of the place and it's perfect for when you just want to eat some greasy or sugary food that tastes soooo good but may not be the best for you :-P I highly recommend this place! read more

What an awesome find, can't believe I never knew about this place one of Aucklands well kept secrets. Welcome to Canada, food is amazing have The Saint. Bagel with salmon cream cheese and onions the best bagel I have had in Auckland by far. Very cool surrounding. To my partners delight they even sell Dr Pepper and as a bonus they had a TV screen showing the Stanley cup Playoffs. If you want to try somewhere different try this place. Service is excellent the guys couldn't be more helpful and pleasant. read more

Cappuccino and best hot cocoa were excellent and highly recommended. The sausage and eggs were very good. Potatoes came out barely warm and were the only lowlight. I would definitely eat here again. read more

Great food, fast, friendly service, and of course excellent coffee. What more could one ask?

So awesome, my kinda food. Ribs, brisket and beers. For those who love diner styles totally recommended

I always enjoy a visit here though I think the poutine needs a few more curds! They make their own though so I can see how it'd be difficult to load up the fries with curds like they do in Canada. Their milkshakes and sweets are divine (don't go past the maple and bacon cronut/moose ear thing) and my boyfriend really enjoyed his brisket sandwich. read more

I ordered the eggs Benedict with spinach ,was nice ,but the eggs weren't even runny which was a bit of a let down.However the service was good :) read more

Al's Deli - Eggs Benedict with spinach - Sandwiches Near Me - Auckland, AUK