Fair Deli by the NYS Fairgrounds is one of those places that will absolutely knock your socks off. The Reuben? I might actually commit crimes for it. No joke. Perfectly stacked, flavorful, and just everything you want in a deli sandwich done right. And the fries... hands down some of the crispiest I've ever had. Not soggy, not greasy, just that perfect crunch. Honestly, my mouth is watering just thinking about it while writing this. It's always a solid choice when you want real deli food that actually delivers. No gimmicks, just consistently great food. read more

My husband recommended trying this place out since he stopped a few times during his lunch break. I've seen great reviews as well. I decided to order the infamous chopped Italian but heard they're huge so I got the half. The half was still huge lol, it tasted amazing and I had it for lunch and dinner. The bread held up nicely. I took mines home along with my kids meals (tender and fries they loved). But there were seating inside, the staff was very welcoming and friendly. We'll definitely be back to try more items. Side note: I picked up a whole sandwich(a week ago) and got it through a food delivery service and it came perfectly packaged. read more

Fair Deli Craft Beer - Half Chopped Italian - Delis Near Me - Syracuse, New York

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Fair Deli is a true NY deli. The food was so good that I came back the next day to get it again. Get the Awesome Reuben or the Shaved Steak. There are plenty of drink options and chips to choose from to accompany your meal. Order ahead for pickup to save time, it was busy both days and took about 20-30 minutes for the order to be ready. Can't wait to be back in Syracuse, might go straight here! read more

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Amazing selection of craft beers. Lots of local breweries. I've been coming here for over 20 years and the food just keeps getting better! Service is outstanding and everyone is so friendly. This sandwich is an 8" My Cousin Vinny! Chicken cutlets, prosciutto, provolone, lettuce, roasted red peppers Mayo. 5 star winner. read more

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Sandwiches are delicious with fresh ingredients and the portions are huge! French fries are crispy and not at all greasy. We travel an hour just to eat at Fair Deli. If you are anywhere near the Syracuse area, stop in, it is well worth the trip! read more

Fair Deli Craft Beer - Delis Near Me - Syracuse, New York

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Wow this sandwich was messy and worth every drop I got on my clothes. This was only half of the Hot Annie. It was one of the best sandwiches I've had. Loved the pepper relish and Italian dressing. Had the perfect kick to it. Meat and roll were really fresh. I appreciate that the roll was toasted just right. I feel like a lot of places overlook this. My order was ready right on time. They have a ton of rotating beer options if you're into that. I liked the atmosphere inside even though I took my order to go. Reminds me of my fav deli back in my college town. read more

Fair Deli Craft Beer - Hot Annie - Delis Near Me - Syracuse, New York

Went to a Taste of Syracuse and so happy I was able to hit their food truck. I have always wanted to try their Gotti sandwich. Chicken Cutlet on a sub bread covered in their Vodka Riggie Sauce. This dish was fantastic. Large and had to share. The service at their food truck was friendly and efficient. If available at the store, a must try. Wish I was closer, I would buy many more of their sandwiches. Also, the corned beef egg roll was crispy and also good. read more

Fair Deli Craft Beer - Gotta Vodka Sauce over chicken cutlet - Delis Near Me - Syracuse, New York

When I was 14 I walked into a Deli in NYC and had no clue what I was doing there. It was 11:15am. Did I order breakfast or lunch? That hesitation led to a brutally loud suggestion I hurry my order the fuck up and I got a plain chicken breast on a plain bagel. About as white as I was after that adrenaline rush of a deli line. What is the point? Similar vibe, shorter line and no screaming. I mean not much. Best sandwich I've had in a long time. Perfect execution, fresh ingredients. I'll be back with my order ready with no substitutions because I learned my lesson at 14; you don't fuck with perfection. read more

Everything from the service to the food is always excellent here. The deli has some tables to sit there and eat if you want. They also have a food truck and go to many local events. Everything I have had at the store and the food truck has been delicious. They truly care about the product they are putting out and make you feel like part of the family when you are there. read more

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First time at this place. The inside is pretty cool. Great beer selection. Took my food to go but looks like a great spot to have a quick dine in lunch. Took the cooks recommendation and got the special, The Vinny. Bread is great, cutlet was great. Would definitely return here. read more

Fair Deli Craft Beer - The Vinny: cutlet, roasted red peppers, prosciutto - Delis Near Me - Syracuse, New York

Best Italian ever , Fast and cheap !!! CLEAN bathroom , They have EVERYTHING, Even beer read more

I have a collector's mentality when it comes to trying a lot of things, and Reubens are near the top of that list. Since we moved to Syracuse, we've been to a lot of places just to see where they stack. Since we moved here in 2020, the only time we ever really passed through this area was when we were lost on our way home off the thruway. (More times than I'll admit here.) But every couple months, Look - there it is again! A huge banner taking up an entire wall just to say "Awesome Reubens". That sign has been taunting us for years, but for a while, every time we saw it was either on a Monday or after we'd eaten. Finally we looked up the name of the place and made plans to go see for ourselves. We doubled down on the Reubens when we ordered. First was a standard issue "Awesome Reuben", paired with a "Sun Drop Reuben", because it had never occurred to us to put eggs on a Reuben. We labored over a bunch of other things, but ended up throwing in a breakfast pizza to complete the order. They were cool about everything, including all our deliberation over the phone, and put us on with the chef (I think?) to verify when they thought there might be a delay on the pizza. The breakfast pizza turned out to be my favorite. We did half bacon, half sausage. It was cut into strips, Syracuse style. The dough was firm but perfectly soft, almost buttery. Nothing stood out for the sauce, but it wasn't dry like many breakfast pizzas tend to be. Even left over days later, it held its amazing taste and texture. As far as the Reubens, they were about as good as any other well made Reuben, with nothing to set them apart. They don't skimp on the ingredients, and the meat was cooked but not overcooked. Aside from the non-marbled rye, they check all the boxes, but to the same extent as any other good sandwich place. The only difference is the big sign they put up singling it out. But hey, it got us to come out. The Sun Drop Reuben was about the same portion, but none of the sauce and maybe half the sauerkraut. I think the intention was that the yolks from the eggs would replace the moisture, but ours were cooked straight through, so no yolks or moisture. We're assuming the yolks were the link that would have made the eggs work with the Reuben in the first place, because the sandwich was just some undressed corn beef, a dash of kraut, and some dry eggs. In hindsight we wish we'd just tried another item off the menu instead. I should emphasize that their Awesome Reuben is plenty Awesome, and you won't regret ordering it if you're a fan of reubens. I think all in all the sign was the biggest letdown. It's what got us in the door in the first place, but it set the bar too high for a Reuben that would have otherwise delivered just fine. read more

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We went to this little gem near the NYS fairgrounds and I have to say the sandwich that was recommended and prepared for me by the chef (turkey, basil, pistachio, lemon, etc) was one of the best things I have ever eaten. The ingredients were fresh and complemented each other perfectly. I cannot stress enough; this is the best deli I have been to in NY! The only disappointment is that it isn't located closer to me, but I will definitely be back any time I pass through Syracuse. This was our second visit, and both times exceeded any expectations. Husband loved his meatball sub, too. Absolutely a must try! read more

So we follow their page on Facebook, to catch any specials they have going on. We've been here many times before, and their deli sandwiches never disappoint. The "Scrooge" peaked our interest. A perfectly toasted and buttered Di Lauro's sub roll, loaded with fresh seared ribeye steak, roasted garlic potatoes, and sautéed onions. Horsey mayo on top. Side of au jus. Prolly one of the best damn sandwiches we've ever had here. Beef was tasty and juicy, and not overcooked. Even some pieces were medium rare. Potatoes were also tasty, cooked til just done. Horsey sauce was perfectly balanced, with enough to compliment the sandwich. We also ordered a side of Mac salad which was great as well. Special runs today and tomorrow. Check em out!!! read more

Fair Deli Craft Beer - The "Scrooge" - Delis Near Me - Syracuse, New York

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Absolutely great food, I went there for a BEC sandwich. Excellent service and great food plus they had a wide range of bottles drinks to choose from to quench your thirst. I will be returning for now on as this place is affordable and delicious. read more

Tucked behind a Byrne Dairy on State Fair Blvd is a little, unassuming building containing a hidden gem in the town of Lakeland. I recently started a new job out in Lakeland and there's not too much close by to grab some lunch. I went out intending to grab a sandwich at Byrne Dairy, but then saw the Fair Deli Mart behind it, and figured I'd give it a try after passing by so many times. Walking in, it looks much like a normal little corner mart. Snacks, plenty of drink choices. Craft beers. In the back is the deli. I headed back and took a look at the menu. They have most usual sandwiches with some other interesting twists. I ordered a Zack Attack, a grilled sub with chicken tenders, ham and honey mustard. The, I'm assuming, owner was behind the deli and was extremely nice, offering me suggestions for stuff to try next time. The sub was delicious. So the next day, I went back again. I went for a pastrami sandwich this time which was awesome. Tons of meat, grilled onions, light rye. The owner also wrote his number on my carry out tray, asking me to give him my honest opinion on the sandwich. Extremely nice people. Food is cheap, fresh made, huge portions, and friendly employees. I'll be a regular here. read more

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We were looking for some good and hearty food after a long run and picked this place because of other good reviews on yelp. Excellent choice! We both got sandwiches on pita bread. Mine was veggies and cheese, hand made to order. Everything was fresh and delicious and the owner was very friendly. He obviously takes pride in his food. It's a few hours later and I'm still thinking about how good my sandwich was. I wish we would be in town when he makes falafel - sounded delicious! read more

Fair Deli Craft Beer - Yummy sandwich in pita bread - Delis Near Me - Syracuse, New York

I avoid this place normally, but when my wife saw the Syracuse Eats post for The Gobbler, a Thanksgiving sandwich featured now until the end of November, she had to have it. Now I get it, we are all looking forward to turkey day, but this creation DOESN'T EVEN COME CLOSE. To put it kindly this was undercooked thick slices of turkey on a roll with onion filled STOVE TOP stuffing spread all over it. There was 5 people working, no line, and upon arrival after waiting about 20 mins from when I made the call I still had to wait another 15 minutes for them to make the food. They had to make gravy while I waited, they forgot we wanted the cranberry on the side and the gravy was basically tan water with no flavor at all. Also when I called I was instructed it would be 20 mins because they were still letting the turkey cook... just say your sold out until all the ingredients are done. The kid who put the sandwich together was the slowest I've ever seen someone work in the food industry. All in all I knew when I showed up to this place the food was not good but tried again and now I have totally confirmed that for a fact. 37$ for 2 subs a bag of chips and a side of Mac n Cheese?! What is this world coming to? The pizza shop on Milton does a sheet pizza, 30 wings, a salad, and a 2 liter for cheaper then this. Overall very BAD. The picture is the part of the sub I didn't eat. Couple bites in, stomach turned, n that was that. It doesn't even smell like Thanksgiving it just smells like feet and food that doesn't smell good is insanely hard to eat. read more

Fair Deli Craft Beer - The Gobbler - Delis Near Me - Syracuse, New York

I love a good sandwich. Lombardi's- solid, Vince's- solid. Fair Deli is the best sandwich I have found locally. Plus, they have a phenomenal selection of good beer. Go with the prosciutto, salami, provolone, tomatoes, onion with balsamic on a stretch bread sub roll. This place is Awesome! read more

Outstanding sandwiches Great customer service and a wide selection of beverages to choose from. I personally call this place "Murad's" after the fantastic sandwich they have. I've been coming here for over 3 years and they always have something new to eat drink or chat about. A true Central New York staple and it's pretty cool to be able to give a five-star review to a place I actually enjoy read more

Doesn't look like a deli, restaurant or even a place that is much more than a convenient store upon first glance....until you walk to the back where you will be treated like family. The menu is vast! From your typical deli menu selections to a number of home cookin' specials that is similar to Ma's _________ (fill in the blank here). No joke! Murad and the crew do a wonderful job. The portions are large and always delicious! It is known to many locals as Syracuse's best kept secret but you would never know it was a secret if you went there at lunch time. It also has a wide variety of craft beer selections from all over as well. Highly recommend!!!! read more

We stopped here on a road trip to Canada. Quick yelp search and map view lead us to the neighboring gas station to fill up and then off to lunch. Cute local spot with a decent selection of craft beer. We decided to order the Ruben and Tuna Melt both on dark rye toast and a small order of fresh cut fries. The Ruben was definitely the better choice done perfectly as a classic deli option should be. The tuna melt was delicious and full of warm tuna salad, chose to order because it was a daily special. The fries were also done perfectly. Everything was made to order and prepared rather quickly. The staff was polite and the gentleman working the register, who we believed was the owner, was just as pleasant. There are many other menu options and the next time we are road tripping through we will be back to try them out! read more

Food was great! Service was fantastic. I yelped for a diner close by while staying on the river in B'ville NY - had been to B'ville diner several times and wanted something new. This gem of a secret was less than 10 miles away and was great! I've lived nearby most of my life and never knew about the State Fair Diner! You don't need to use Grub Hub - just call and order. Much less expensive read more

Amazing service by owners but also guy at front of the store. Very friendly. Nice menu that you order at the counter. But be warned you can share one sandwich. Great selection of beers and bags of chips. Would definitely go back whenever we travel through the area read more

The best Reuben sandwiches around. Amazing deli a must stop. Oh and if your looking for a special beer they probably have it too. Great selection. read more

Fair Deli Craft Beer - Grilled meatloaf sandwich... super flavorful amazing sammies. - Delis Near Me - Syracuse, New York

Just had the Philly cheese steak sandwich and it was awesome ! Looking for to coming back for the Reuben sandwich

A go to when I'm working on the job site. Always great food and friendly people! If you don't know what you want the owner is always willing to recommend something or you can just let him pick your lunch for you! read more

Just received my so-called Awesome Reuben from grubhub and it was a soggy thrown together mess for 14.99. I've eaten their Reuben before and been pleased. However, now they don't care obviously and want to rob their customers. I won't be ordering their slop they call food again. read more

This deli is fantastic! Excellent beer selection, super friendly staff. We were invited inn and the owner encouraged us to try a lunch special. He is a master sandwich maker and really enjoys his work. Lots of creative options and traditional ones as well. This place is a winner. read more

Fair Deli Craft Beer - Juicy roast chicken, grilled squash, cheese, tomato, lettuce, blueberries, on French bread. Delicious! - Delis Near Me - Syracuse, New York

They have the BEST steak sandwiches in the area. All their lunch specials are homemade and delicious. Worth a trip.

Reubens that are out of this world! The place may not seem like much, but the food is awesome as is the service. Nice people and great food. Sure, not exactly a restaurant, but it works for a quick and casual early dinner or lunch. Prices are great for the quality and quantity of food you get. Highly recommend this place. read more

Great Food....The stuffed cheeseburger is the bomb. Not sure what the 1 star guy is saying...anyone who has been there knows the people that work there are more than accommodating and the food is great. I would definitely go out of my way to get some great homemade food there...and if the food is not good I am positive they will give you a refund or make you something else. Always someone who is not happy but I have had many sandwiches there and keep going back. Last thing......if the food and or service was bad why is there always a line there???????? Robert J. read more

Reuben here is about the best and biggest I've ever had. They often have great beer sales in the market too. I try to stop here whenever I am in Syracuse. read more

Where do I start!!!! The food was sple awesome. Big sizes for a great price. A while sandwhich can feed two people. If I'm ever back in town I'm definitely stopping!!! read more

I guess the young gentlemen who was working this fine morning 8/18 8:29 am doesn't have to be nice to you unless you're a friend of his.....go figure! read more

I am sorry to say that I was very disappointed with my recent visit to the Fair Deli Mart. The breading on the fish was very thick and soggy. It appeared the fish had been frozen prior to preparation for sale to the public. This was not the first experience. I was hoping for improvements over the months. The fries and coleslaw were adequate, but barely. read more

After recently moving to this local area -and having this deli referred to me by my property owner for their sandwiches - I was happy! Reubens piled high with corned beef - closed face, kraut stacked high, fairly decent Russian dressing and a dill pickle. A welcome treat after moving for two days! Try it! ***UPDATE*** Scratch the 5 stars during NYS Fair week - this place NOW just plain is TERRIBLE - last week I had 3 wonderful sandwiches on 2 seperate visits - today(8/25) I went to get another Ruben and instead of being freshly made- it came out of a refrigerator premade, had a whopping FOUR SLICES of corned beef on it - about an 1/8th of an inch of kraut, and soaked through - due to being in the fridge for who knows how long - russian dressing ( I think) - aka: MUSH... I went back in after opening the foam container and was told - "that's as fresh as they get"... When I stated I wanted a refund, as i had just stepped out to their picnic type tables - I was told "No - get the he** out of my store" - by the supposed owner... Further the price on the blackboard is $6.95 for a whole, on a dry erase board it was $7.95 - and after looking at my credit card receipt was charged $9.95 - THREE DOLLARS MORE THAN WHAT IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE... While I was trying to discuss the issue with "the owner" who appeared about 17 years old - two guys were questioning a clerk why they had been charged $3.00 MORE for a six pack of beer than what was on BOTH the shelf price, AND THE STICKER - on the beer... Only to be told if they didn't like it they could go someplace else... AVOID THIS PLACE LIKE THE PLAGUE THAT IT IS - A BUNCH OF IDIOTS JUST TRYING TO RIP OFF HARD WORKING FOLKS.... WISH I KNEW HOW TO CHANGE MY INITIAL POST FROM 5 STARS TO ZERO............................................................................. read more

LOVE this place!! We've had lunch on numerous occasions and tried most of their sandwiches and they are always large and piled high. They also have a large assortment of craft beer so you'll always find something you'll like. read more

Awesome sandwiches. I work near by and stop here for lunch. The staff is really nice. The sandwiches are delicious. I usually order a half and have enough for lunch and dinner. read more

I have been coming to the fair deli mart in lakeland for 11 years and all I have to saw is WOW. The sandwiches are huge, the quality of food is great, and most of all the service is fantastic. Also they have over 240 kinds of beer. If anyone goes here you will be impressed by the family atmosphere and the great food will have you comeback time and time again. read more