Debbie's Deli on Liberty Street in Hamilton, NJ, has been in business for thirty years in the same location. The sandwich emporium is as small as your master bedroom closet, but managed to turn out excellent breakfasts and lunches within its miniscule confines.
It is a Boar's Head joint, but with the license to roast the turkey, ham and roast beef on its own when delivered there by this provider. That extra touch of freshness and originality shows that it is trusted to do excellent work to maintain the brand, and that they succeed in doing so. Impressive.
Today, I ordered a blackboard special - a cup of Potato Leek Soup, and a third of a Roast Turkey & Swiss Hoagie. The price; $5.95. While waiting, I spoke to "Debbie," who is really her former partner after she left the business many years ago. He is proud of his shop, and it shows in the clean, cozy atmosphere, and the outstanding quality of his products.
The Potato Leek Soup was heavily chunked with spuds and leek in a rich, creamy base. Delicious. Obviously, made with love that very day. The sandwich came on fresh, light Italian loaf. The home baked gobbler was cool, tasty and a pleasure to consume, with a couple slices of Swiss nuttiness to complement the more savory turkey. A delight.
If Debbie's gets too famous, it will have to move to larger quarters, as there is room for at most ten standing people in there. Nice problem to have. It is somewhat surprising that these guys haven't run into this situation before.
Street parking can be a challenge on the narrow one-way streets in that neighborhood. But, worth the effort. read more