Jack's Famous Deli is one of the few surviving physical artifacts of a once-thriving regional franchise that quietly died in the early 2000s. Back in the '90s, Jack's was modeled after New York Jewish-style delis like Katz's and Carnegie, serving counter-service, high-volume lunches with hot sandwiches, corned beef, pastrami, breakfast items, and soups -- perfect for office workers, commuters, and anyone needing a fast, hearty meal. What makes this DC location truly unique is that it evolved beyond its original deli roots to include Chinese-style hot food by the pound. While the sandwiches and breakfast items remain classic deli fare, the hot entrees are now served by weight, offering a hybrid lunch experience that blends traditional deli offerings with the fast, customizable portioned meals more commonly seen in DC's Chinese food by the pound takeout spots. I ordered the Grilled Chicken Gyro (pita, tomato, lettuce, tzatziki, hold the onion), and it was flavorful and satisfying. With a bottle of water and DC's oppressive 10% takeout tax, my total was $12.79 -- excellent value for lunch. Service is brisk but a little unconventional: order at the grill, pay at the register across the space, then return to order your food. It's a bit clunky but works, preserving the fast-paced, high-volume energy of a classic deli. Jack's offers something for everyone: sandwiches, breakfast items, salads, sides, and the unique hot food by the pound. Visiting here isn't just lunch -- it's a glimpse into DC's lunch culture history and a rare surviving deli operation that adapted in a truly unusual way after the franchise disappeared. read more

Jack's Famous Deli - Grilled Chicken Gyro (pita, lettuce, tomato, tzatziki, hold the onion) - Delis Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

My co worker told me about this place because it's right across the street. Lady who takes the order just think all people like the same thing on there subs. I said no tomatoes, mayo or fried onions and she added all. I picked out the stuff I said I didn't want the whole time. Waste my time and money in here.. And they just do whatever and rude. It's so much more I want to express but... read more

Grungy deli with a shoddy hot bar. The Veggie Panini was okay and overloaded with grilled veggies - red peppers, onions, and mushrooms. The avocado didn't quite fit into the sandwich and the mozzarella cheese didn't pair well. It was a bit of hodgepodge of ingredients slapped together on a sandwich. I specifically asked for no balsamic vinegar and to swap it out for pesto. While the busy staffer assured my request would be fulfilled, it wasn't. There was no pesto in sight and the veggies had a coat of balsamic vinegar. I'm also not sure about the sanitation of the grill and the sad looking food overheated at the hot bar. While the tourists flock to Potbelly's and the Tavern next door, there is hardly any line at the deli during the lunch rush and I can see why. Most folks that come here seem to be construction workers or cops working in the area. It has a certain vibe. $11.45 for a subpar veggie sandwich with no fries or chips is a bit steep. I think I'll take a earlier lunch and head over to Potbelly's or Chop't across the street. read more

Jack's Famous Deli - Veggie panini, not as good as it looks :( - Delis Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Very clean and very good prices and very good service. I forgot to get a picture of my food but I just got eggs and bacon and it was fantastic. read more

See all

I has grilled chicken over salad some pieces of my chicken that were raw and it also tasted like a dirty grill. Will never go back. Lady at the register will charge you for a napkin if she could. Don't go there go there are plenty of other choices. Dept of health should make a visit to inspect. read more

I went to get an order of bacon from Jacks. The entire 5 min experience was nothing short of POOR!! The Chinese lady over charged me and she was a little rude. This place is not clear and the service is very poor. Im starting not to like doing business with Asian people. Their service is starting to be poor. Also they will do everything in an attempt to over charge or cheat you.. The balled up my money and gave me all dimes in change. This place is a nasty dirty hole in the wall. Stay away. I dont not recommend. read more

Jack's Famous Deli on Indiana Avenue in DC is a great place to go for all things quality sandwiches and much more. I really like the location and being able to eat inside or outside here. The staff here is very friendly and accommodating to make sure that you get everything you need. read more

Jack's Famous Deli - Jack's Famous Deli - Delis Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Great food and people. This place survived and it thrives! High quality breakfast hot bar. Also known for great sandwiches for the lunchtime crowd. Glad they're still in business. read more

I love me some jacks it's a little different now because of rona of course. But its an inexpensive one stop shop for most of the business people needs who are always on the go. And Cecelia is the absolute best. And get the lunch specials while you're at it. read more

They got my order wrong but the food was still pretty good. It's close to the National Archives.

Don't even think this place has any resemblance to the original in Baltimore from days gone by. The corned beef and pastrami sandwich was edible enough just to carry you over. Counter staff were curt. The only reason this did not get a lower rating was because the lady at the register was very sweet and polite. read more

I must've order the wrong food. Chicken Caesar with chicken and romaine came with iceberg and no chicken. Croutons made the "dinner salad" greasy tasting. I ordered the Turkey pastrami which was described horribly on Ubereats and it was also greasy tasting. I should've took the hint when the Turkey pastrami is described as corned beef. Wish I could give zero stars. read more

See all

A-OK! Penn Quarter staple with another location near by the Mayors Office. They offer a small hot bar and salad bar; food sold by weight with a deli counter to order hot and cold sandwiches and other items like quesadillas. Coffee and tea station available. The food is generally fresh and the bars are tidy and well kept. They are reliable and quick and a good option when needed in a pinch. Late lunch (after 2pm)? Sorry, they will be closed. Usual food breakfast items on the bar: pancakes, french toast, biscuit, gravy, oatmeal, plain scrambled egg, veggie scrambled egg, sausage links, home style potato, crispy potato wedges with onion, sliced fruit on the cold bar. Usual food for lunch: fried chicken, corn, string beans, mixed veggies, cabbage with corned beef...two other possible meats? Cold bar: fruit and salad options. read more

This place is seldom my first thought for food in the 'hood and that's more because it's not as obvious as neighboring chains (Starbucks! Au Bon Pain! Potbelly's!) but it came on the radar again after leaving the office early on the Friday before Memorial Day. When I showed up after 2:30 pm, the hot food and salad bar had SLIM pickings and yet somehow, I managed to walk away with a plate that cost over $14 so I think it's a little pricey. That said, my plate had everything from potato salad, roasted chicken, meatloaf, orange chicken, mac and cheese, spanakopita, mushroom in phyllo dough, and more. There is also a counter to place orders for sandwiches, and they have fridges with drinks. read more

Jack's Famous Deli - Delis Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

You know the drill. I go to these pay by the pound places when I need to get in several components of a meal. My body was in need of something green, but deep down I just wanted rice and chicken. I snagged the rice and chicken, as well as greens, broccoli, and a slice of turkey. The turkey was very well done for a buffet. Jacks is one of the better PBTP places I've come across, value wise. The food is decent and my meal came to a little over $8. read more

Jack's Famous Deli - Pay by the pound - Delis Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Came in for a quick Bacon Egg and Cheese on a roll, left satisfied and happy how crispy the bacon was. A Friday ritual going forward

This place is steps away from where I work, so the masses all come here in the mornings for breakfast. Buffet is pricy as hell. It'll cost you a different amount every day, even if you get the same exact thing at the same exact weight - a coworker of mine tested THAT theory out and there's always one particular girl that overcharges, every time. Service isn't downright rude but it's not overly friendly, either - I guess it's too early in the morning to be nicey-nice. Breakfast items are much better than lunch. Plenty of options, which is a positive. The most annoying thing about this place is that it's cash only - no plastic, which is a huge negative. Cash-only places make me wonder if the business owners are trying to avoid the tax man, if you know what I mean. A passable option for breakfast, but not much more. read more

It doesn't get worse than this, and I'm very easy to please. It started with an attitude when I asked a few questions. I then decided on the buffet food and it was close to stone cold. They insisted on microwaving it so I insisted they give me my $$ back. He wasn't happy but finally did. My brother had an egg salad sandwich and he said it didn't taste right. He didn't get sick but he didn't feel good after it, either. And worst of all, I asked for water and they would only sell me bottled water, they took the water button off their drink machine and wouldn't give me tap water. FYI - I was on vacation from California and in Cali, it's a law that they supply at least tap water no charge. That's to stop people like this from blackmailing you. In the end, I walked out with nothing but a lost dollar (he weighed how much of the cold food I had eaten which was 2-3 bites, and took a dollar from what I originally paid) and went next door to the new Au Bon Pain and got treated like I expect - like a happy, valuable customer. And got good food, too! read more

Great place that I found which was close to the metro at the archives. They have a area you can order sandwiches from and they have a buffet area. Pay by the pound for the buffet and they have set prices for the sandwiches. I had the Cubano sandwich and it was around $9.00. Add less than half a pound onion rings from the buffet was around $2.00. The restaurant was really clean! You would think differently if you had to choose a restaurant on Indiana Ave I think this should be your place! Jack's Deli is amazing! read more

This place is perfect if you're in the mood for a greasy-spoon-style breakfast - eggs, bacon, breakfast potatoes, etc. The breakfast sandwich I get here hits the spot on days I'm craving an egg and cheese on a croissant. I've never done the breakfast buffet, but they have everything you can think of (grits! fruit! toast!) and it looks fresh. It may look crowded in the morning, but the line moves quickly. read more

Let's all be fair here. You get what you pay for and if you walk in and think you're going to be "wowed" by the food, service, and cleanliness, you should probably turn around. It's a buffet, you pay by weight, or you can also order from the "deli" portion. I have only had lunch here and salad bar with sometimes a piece chicken or a chicken wing. It's always good, it's always fresh, and I'm always satisfied with what I'm paying for it. No complaints from me about Jack's. If you just want food but nothing fancy, this is a great option for something to grab and go. read more

Jack's has finally opened after a building-wide problem was fixed and, as a regular, I couldn't be happier. The food is good and fresh. The employees are pleasant to me and handle the lunch crowds so we are in and out of there. The prices are reasonable Sure, it is not the highest end around, there are many choices in the neighborhood, but Jack's is a great place to eat. read more

Their sandwiches are pretty good and the pay-by-the-pound food bar is as to be expected - good deal for good food. An enjoyable casual lunch spot read more

This is a great place to have breakfast or lunch. In both instances you can either make your own selections from a LARGE by-the-pound breakfast or lunch buffet. Or, you can ask for special orders at the counter during both breakfast or lunch. This place opens early, at like 6:00 am and closes around 3pm - its only open on weekdays. And, with regard to customer service, a bonus is that the owners are always on the premises so if you have a problem or need special assistance they are there to help. read more

My steak sandwich was excellent and the woman who was making it was very nice. Other than the guy giving me WAYYYY too many napkins with my order I have no complaints. I would go back if I was hungry and in the area. read more

Jack's has been closed for some sort of repair or renovation for months now... Not sure what the story is... I used to have lunch here...mostly carry out... It and breakfast were both good... I wish they'd reopen... read more

I absolutely love this place. This is THE place for an amazing sandwich and breakfast/ lunch buffet. I personally love the Reuben sandwich. Salads and fruits are super fresh! read more

Jack's Famous Deli - Hot food buffet - Delis Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia