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Mandola's Deli

4.5 (390 reviews)
InexpensiveDelis, Italian, Sandwiches
Closed • 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Updated 2 months ago

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Mandola's Deli Photos

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MANDOLA'S DELI ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Casual
Good for groups
Good for kids

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Recommended Reviews - Mandola's Deli

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Reviews With Photos

Rex C.

Easy five star review! I've been going to Grace's for years and last week I bumped into Tony Carrabba. We talked about the history of Houston restaurants and everything like that. So it may be Google their family and all the different restaurants. I've been to Tony Mandola's before they closed plenty of times . However, I never heard of Mandola's deli, which is the cousins of that family. So I decided to give them a try today. I'm glad I did! I called about 10 minutes before closing today and I had the pleasure of talking with Joseph the owner. I had no idea he was the owner, but he was so nice over the phone. I asked if it was OK if I was ordering right before they close and he was like no problem at all. Just a great nice person answering the phone. It was such a pleasure to talk with him because that type of service these days is kind of a lost Art. So when I get there, we start to talk he shook my hand, asked my name treated me like family. Very personable nice guy running this establishment. Their entire family are just top-notch professionals and they understand how to treat people the right way. This is a lost Art. Food: I went with the deluxe, which is with their special. Absolutely amazing. Fresh bread, all the flavor with their homemade aïoli sauce. The meats were real good as well. I elected for the olives, which were great. Great food I will definitely come back here and try several things off their menu. Being that I live in downtown, this is gonna be one of my go to Spots. I've lived in Houston my entire life for 43 years. I'm not sure how I've never stumbled upon this place. I talked to Joseph and he said he's been eating here for 43 years as he's 43 years of age as well. What a nice guy and a great family. They're doing an awesome job here. I can't wait to keep coming back and try more things off the menu, bringing clients there and becoming a regular. This is my first time ever eating at this establishment and Joseph made me feel like I've been going there for 20 years. Thank you, sir!

Small Deluxe (Ham/Salami/Mozz) Po Boy, side of spaghetti and side of italian sausage.
Mike R.

Decided to make a trip to Mandola's Deli for lunch after they made it onto the Chronicle top 100 list and were featured on Chris Shepherd's "Eat Like a Local" TV show. Showed up on a Wednesday around 11:45 to a mostly empty restaurant. Its counter service ordering, but very friendly and efficient. My selection was a 5" Deluxe Po Boy which has Ham, Salami, Mozzarella lettuce tomatoes and Mandola's Italian spread. Simple sandwich, but oh so perfect. The bread was perfectly toasted, the cold cuts sliced just right and tasty and the italian spread was the perfect condiment. I'm not normally a cold deli sandwich person, but would order this sandwich over and over again. Since I was solo dining, but wanted to try more than just the sandwich on my first visit I opted for a side of spaghetti and the italian sausage. Dumped the italian sausage on my spaghetti and it was like a small side entree. The sausage was the highlight, but the spaghetti was well cooked and the traditional marinara was flavorful. While I expected the restaurant to be a little more bustling at lunch time, it was a very comfortable experience in the bright open dining area with a great deal of Houston Sports Memorabilia on the walls. I'm very glad to have visited this Houston Restaurant Icon.

Fried lasagna
Long T.

Finally made it to this Houston Italian institution... been meaning to make it out here for years but they are more of a lunch spot and I don't live in the area. Everything was super comforting from the fried ravioli to the chicken parm. The Sicilian pizza had a nice buttery undercarriage. The spaghetti and meatballs were nicely homestyle (though I would add 3 meatballs to the 3 included for a more meaty pasta). Overall, was really happy to finally visit Mandolas!

Jacob C.

I gotta admit I was very exited to try this place out. Classmates of mine had seriously recommended it and walking up to the restaurant and going inside only heightened those expectations. The outside is characteristic of what you'd like to see in a neighborhood sandwich shop. The inside felt even more on theme with UH and Houston sports paraphernalia. I must attest tho my chicken Parmesan sandwich was just good. Slightly above average but I wasn't really impressed. Solid meal though. The chicken seems to be marinated to the chicken as it Marinara stuck really well and didn't create too much of a mess. The bread and the chicken were soft and easy to the bite which is an advantage this sandwich has over most. But the flavor was only slightly above average. And the garlic Parmesan bread didn't really make an impact I assume they thought it was (didn't taste it at all). I wish I would've gotten a recommendation before coming here cause I feel like I might've just selected the wrong menu item. I definitely will come back after class one day and try again. It is most definitely worth coming back. The service was welcoming and gives off east-coast neighborhood sandwich shop which I like. Good prices

Diana J.

Nice little mom and pop deli. You order at counter and they'll bring food to table. The staff is super nice. Food comes out pretty quickly and steaming hot. The spaghetti comes with 3 meatballs so we got extra. Garlic bread is crispy on the outside and soft on the middle. The pizza has a really nice buttery crust and crispy edges. The fried lasagne is so flavorful you don't even need marinara. Deviled eggs are normal. The chicken Parmasean comes out hot and crispy and fully sauced up. And the pieces of chicken are huge. They do not skimp. The deluxe poboy was just your standard sandwich but didn't feel deluxe and like a tomato the size of a cherry tomato, bread was nicely toasted tho. Overall great for lunch. Would come here often if it were in my neighborhood.

Fountain drinks
Jacob D.

This is absolutely one of those places, where if ya know ya know. Mandola's seems to have been around for a while now serving the lunch crowd and Coogs faithfully. Walk up counter service with some desserts and chips pre packed as well. It's a casual environment, if not a bit dated. It's just a well preserved spot to watch a game or grab some Italian staples. Wood panel walls and drink coasters above the urinals we're all I needed to see to know what they're about here. The food is standard lunchy fare. I was digging the flavors on the deluxe sandwich, they're called Poboys, but that's not an Italian thing in my brain. They have mandola cola on the drink fountain, seems like a fun inside joke that I don't have a chance to ask about. We also ordered some of their pastas that really didn't leave much to right about. They kinda hit the struggle meal vibe in terms of quality with pasta, totally passable but not restaurant level. Employees are nice and the vibes are college town reminiscent, and the food is priced appropriately.

Jason Z.

Old school one-off sandwich spot in the Eastend area , just north of UH. The interior is very retro and something that you really don't see much of anymore in the city. Parking is available in their gated parking lot. The menu is simple, it's an Italian style deli with sandwiches and pasta dishes. I got their deluxe poboy sandwich and our table shared a pasta brocato and pasta mandola. The sandwich was simple and fine. The bread was pretty tasty but I found the toppings to be very simple and a bit average. Their pasta was fine as well but nothing extraordinary; the dishes definitely used pre-made pasta that you can buy from a store and the sauces were fine but ordinary, like a home cooked meal than a restaurant grade entree. Pricing on the dishes were fairly reasonable considering 2025 post inflation prices. Overall, the vibe and environment is a 4/5, the food is a 3/5, and the old school factor is a 5/5.

Mark W.

Solid as it gets. Reminds me of a few joints in Chicago that my wife and I eat at when traveling. Can't believe I've missed out on this joint while living in Houston for 43 years.

Claudia F.

Went for the Italian sub as a recommendation but left much to be desired. Pizza was ok, if we go back I'd definitely try a pasta dish or meatball sub. Desserts were good and service was also quick and staff was nice. Spacious place and not too loud.

1/2 Chicken Mandola

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Reviews are largely positive. People highlight the fresh, flavorful food, especially the lasagna and meatball sub, along with the friendly, welcoming staff and a nostalgic, casual atmosphere.

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13 years ago

Absolutely amazing. Quality food at a reasonable price. Very cozy and friendly atmosphere. A repeat stop to eat for sure!

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10 years ago

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9 years ago

Welcoming and attentive staff! And food - just like I like it! So much more than just a deli too! Outstanding italian dishes, so wonderful!

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9 years ago

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13 years ago

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12 years ago

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16 years ago

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13 years ago

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12 years ago

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9 years ago

Omg stumbled upon this great place! Amazing food, sweet and friendly staff! Definitely be back!!!

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10 years ago

First time visit yesterday. This place was very good. Very friendly staff. Pasta Mandola was great. Canoli was super.

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15 years ago

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14 years ago

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13 years ago

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15 years ago

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8 years ago

Gross, bland food, wayyy overpriced. I couldn't even stomach finishing my soup (how do you mess up tomato soup?)

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9 years ago

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14 years ago

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14 years ago

Everyone at our table enjoyed it. I would definitely return when in Houston. It was a very nice change of your everyday corporate restaurant

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13 years ago

I know one more 5 star rating won't make a difference but I gotta tell you that the chicken parm is for real. Very nice family too.

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13 years ago

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13 years ago

Amazing fried lasagna! Very friendly people, local craft beer on tap and a great menu. I plan to make this a regular stop.

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12 years ago

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12 years ago

Hands down BEST eggplant Parmesan and Italian sausage I've had in Houston. Don't pass this place up!

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Kenny & Ziggy's New York Delicatessen

Kenny & Ziggy's New York Delicatessen

4.2(2k reviews)
7.3 mi•Galleria/Uptown
•$$

The restaurant was busy, but it was not full…read more When we arrived, the host looked around as they led us inside, appearing unsure where to seat us. We were ultimately shown to a table directly in front of the kitchen. As we sat there, I gradually began to notice some troubling things. Another Asian group was seated at a table next to one of the kitchen entrances. Later, when they finished their meal and left, another Asian family was seated at the same table. In addition, a Black family was seated next to another kitchen exit. A woman in that group asked to be moved to a different table. The food itself was very good, and the server who took care of us was pleasant and kind. My concern was specifically with the way the host assigned tables. Seeing this seating pattern repeated even though other tables were available made me strongly feel that race was influencing the seating decisions. I found the experience very upsetting. Of course, it is up to the restaurant to decide how it will assign tables in the future. I would be glad if this experience prompted the restaurant to recognize the issue and make changes. On the other hand, if nothing changes, I will consider this to be part of the restaurant's character. I am leaving this review to share what I personally saw and experienced.

The very best. Our spot in town. Ziggy's the man!!!…read more All good. Our usual is chopped liver, belly lox & bagels, kreplach, split pea soup, pastrami/corned beef Dagwood, and a black & white. Gotta have the pickles. We thank K&Z's team for hitting the mark EVERYTIME.

Photos
Kenny & Ziggy's New York Delicatessen - Outdoor seating by the entrance

Outdoor seating by the entrance

Kenny & Ziggy's New York Delicatessen - Chips and hummus

Chips and hummus

Kenny & Ziggy's New York Delicatessen - Inside seating with all the movie/broadway posters

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Inside seating with all the movie/broadway posters

Ploughman's Deli & Cafe - Chicken salad croissant

Ploughman's Deli & Cafe

4.6(232 reviews)
8.6 mi•Independence Heights
•$

Ploughman's Deli is the best hole in the wall deli I have stumbled upon…read more The memorabilia makes you stop to stare at every piece collected

We were craving subs again this weekend and wanted to try a new spot. We were not impressed…read morealthough we had high hopes. We pulled up and didn't see a lot of diners, but that's not always a sign that things are bad. We entered and I love the local vibes and decor. We were quickly greeted and the guy at the register answered our questions. We both ordered the Reuben and I went to look at the cookies. I noticed my husband's demeanor change when I ordered an oatmeal raisin cookie.He told me that he had to let the cashier know not to spit in a napkin and then use the same hands, uncleaned or sanitized to grab my cookie. He said the guy responded that he wasn't touching it with his hands, he was using the parchment to grab and wrap it. As a medical professional, I was both nauseated and appalled that he didn't grasp how infection is spread. Yes, your dirty hands are not touching the cookie, but your cooties are still on the outside of it. Thus when I go to unwrap it, now they're on my hands and ingested when I pick the cookie up to eat it. Clearly COVID has taught us much less than I thought... Reuben was okay, but I think the experience was ruined for me because I questioned how sanitary things were as I tried them. I also left the cookie with the rest of the trash in the same parchment it was wrapped in. Goes without saying, but we won't be back...we live in Pearland anyway. So it's not worth the drive for us.....Enter with caution & sanitizer apparently.

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Ploughman's Deli & Cafe - Decor front

Decor front

Ploughman's Deli & Cafe - Reuben w/ ginger slaw

Reuben w/ ginger slaw

Ploughman's Deli & Cafe

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Phoenicia Specialty Foods

Phoenicia Specialty Foods

4.4(893 reviews)
1.8 mi•Downtown
•$$

Wow! I stumbled upon Phoenicia Specialty Foods while sauntering about downtown Houston and boy am I…read moreglad I did! What a special place this is! When I stepped inside I was delighted with the surplus of gorgeous foods and snacks from all over the world. Chocolates, candies, savory snacks, frozen foods, pastry cases that are yards long, a deli case to make others jealous, a chicken wing selection for every fans tastebud, an olive bar boasting 20 varieties, and so much more I didn't even discover. Their fresh foods were some of the prettiest I've seen and the pastry case was one I could have gazed at all day. In the end I left with one of their famous giant cookies and it was delicious. Prices seemed quite reasonable for the quality of the food and the area, and the staff were so nice! I wish I lived closer so that I could enjoy this place on the regular; guess I'll just have to come back soon.

I went to Phoenicia Specialty foods for the first time ever and realized I have wasted the last 8…read moreyears since I moved to Houston having never been here before, because wow! I mean my pocket book is probably better for it because I want to buy the whole store but honestly I've been missing out. The place is cute and welcoming from the corner sign on the building to the moment you step in- bright, inviting, great displays so you know where to go. You can't get lost in here with the signage, but you can't definitely get lost in the aisles with all the great, unique choices. The ready food display has so many Mediterranean treats, some I've had before some I've never heard of and everything I tried was amazing. We got the cabbage rolls and Armenian veggie dolmas. Great flavor, both specific items I haven't had before. Nice citrus, spiced flavor to these. I'd say they're have to try items. Not only found jarred tomato paste, which I've been on the hunt for but they had choices in this category and that's another first for me. Will have to go back and try the others. Also got the cured Serrano ham -amazing. And I thought the prices were going to be insane having a spot right in the middle of the city and nope- pleasantly surprised for my goodies, great prices even less than some of the other stores I frequent in the suburbs. I'll be back again and again and again until I try the whole store lol. Definitely give them a try, you won't regret it

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Phoenicia Specialty Foods
Phoenicia Specialty Foods
Phoenicia Specialty Foods

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Henderson & Kane - We'll handle all the setup for you, keep the line stocked, and clean up when you're done.

Henderson & Kane

4.6(378 reviews)
3.1 mi•Sixth Ward
•$$
Family-owned & operated
Women-owned & operated

Loved it! The food was fantastic - we tried a little of everything and the thoughtful service was…read moreincredible. The environment was very relaxed, enough people but still very chill. We will definitely be back.

I remember when Henderson & Kane first opened in the area. It was clear John and Veronica were…read morelooking to be a neighborhood focused establishment. They offered an assortment of goods and items that are great for gifts and for your own home. I can always find something of interest in the store. I also love that they tend to carry items that are a little more boutique and local which makes it fun to browse. A lot of people visit for the barbecue. If I recall, when they first were serving BBQ it was a smaller, more limited time and they've since extended those hours. When visiting there is plenty of street parking in the area. They have expanded the seating inside since when they first opened which is nice for those not looking to takeaway food. Food & Drink - 4.25* The counter for ordering is in the back. I definitely recommend getting an assortment or a plate. Sausage and brisket are both solid. The sides are good too. I did notice the quality maybe dipped a little as the hours expanded, but it's still a very good option to some of the nearby establishments down the road or over in the North Main area that tend to have giant queues. When I was working downtown we'd swing over here quickly for a lunch. Feel free to grab anything to drink from the coolers as well if it catches your interest. Service - 5* Solid. We've spoken directly with the owners when visiting and it's evident they care deeply about their store, their customers, and the community. Definitely support your local businesses!! Cost - 4.5* Always subjective. I think for what they offer, how clean and well organized the shop is, it shows. They keep prices approachable. Overall - 4.5* Personally, I think it's a great balance of quality, convenience, and an assortment of goods that make it interesting. If you're in the area or live nearby, walk on over and check it out.

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Henderson & Kane - We can provide specialty set ups to fit your catering package.

We can provide specialty set ups to fit your catering package.

Henderson & Kane
Henderson & Kane - Order for pick up

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Order for pick up

Maine-ly Sandwiches - Regular lobster roll with extra meat??

Maine-ly Sandwiches

3.8(899 reviews)
8.3 mi•Spring Branch
•$$

I'd definitely come back to Maine-ly Sandwiches! They're serving some of the best lobster rolls…read moreI've had in the city. I've seen some reviews complain about the pricing, but honestly, I thought it was reasonable for the fresh-tasting lobster and the quality of the food. The lobster roll was definitely the highlight for me, and I'll be coming back for it. The fish and chips were good as well, although I wasn't too impressed with the mac and cheese, even after adding lobster to it. The Whoopie Pies were great, and I really enjoyed their sweet tea too, it was much better than the sweet tea I've had at some other restaurants, and it was perfectly sweet, just how I like it! The food came out within a reasonable amount of time, and I really enjoyed the overall ambiance. The Maine-inspired atmosphere was a nice touch and made the experience feel even more authentic. Overall, I had a great experience and would definitely return for that lobster roll!

The quality here is quite good for being far from the east coast! I was just in Maine in September…read moreand was craving a lobster roll, and saw that I could grab a mayo lobster roll here right off of I-10. I really didn't have high expectations and to be honest, the first visual inspection of the lobster roll had me second guessing... But I thoroughly enjoyed it! The bread was fluffy and plentiful, and I thought there was a good balance between lobster ratio and bread. As of October 2026 - the lobster roll was $17 and to add on fries was $1.50. Pretty comparable to Maine prices actually. Can't say where they source the lobster from, but it didn't taste fishy or off, so I call it a win. I also loved the crinkle cut fries - fresh and crispy, but lacked salt. If it was seasoned with salt, it would get the last star of my review.

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Maine-ly Sandwiches - Inside

Inside

Maine-ly Sandwiches
Maine-ly Sandwiches - Entry with menu

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Entry with menu

Mandola's Deli - delis - Updated October 2026

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