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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?
Casual
Moderate noise
Outdoor seating
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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2 years ago

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1 year ago

First time here this place is awesome!! Recommend the deluxe and lasagna bites. Everyone is very friendly and helpful.

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5 years ago

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6 years ago

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3 years ago

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3 years ago

Ive been hooked on the Italian beef sandwich since the 80's. Franks homemade fig cookies are the bomb.

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4 years ago

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2 years ago

Love the place , very nice an home owners the family business make you feel at home , the whole place is special.

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2 years ago

The most delicious ever. I love the bean soup and the fried eggplant sandwich. A little pricey but well worth it!

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8 years ago

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3 years ago

Food was good. The fried lasagna was different very tasty. The chicken parm was excellent

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4 years ago

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8 years ago

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2 years ago

Delicious food, my daughter and i had the roast beef and THE best sweet ice tea we've had in a while

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11 years ago

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3 years ago

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8 years ago

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3 years ago

Best place to get spaghetti w/ meatballs and deviled eggs! Very family oriented. We have 3 generations coming here now

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6 years ago

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8 years ago

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4 years ago

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3 years ago

Great food, great people, great service .Food is made after ordered.Always fresh & DELICIOUS.

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4 years ago

The food is delicious you can taste the home cooked meal. Definitely a hole in the wall in 2nd ward.

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5 years ago

I love everything about Mandola's from the food to the low prices .I'm going to try the pizza next

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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

Phoenicia Specialty Foods

Phoenicia Specialty Foods

4.4(893 reviews)
1.8 mi•Downtown
•$$

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

My niece and I checked out Phoenicia's for lunch, which was surprisingly delicious…read more My niece has simplistic tastes, so she opted for the chicken burger, which I tried of course. Perfectly seasoned, crispy exterior. The sweet potato fries were equally delicious. I got the Hill Country salad. Same tender but crispy chicken on a bed of greens with berries. So good. Definitely bookmarked as a return option.

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

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.

Food: Food tasted different. BBQ smoking flavor and seasoning tasted unique. Not good or bad but…read moreits own flavoring. The garlic green beans was ok. The Mexican pinto beans was salty. 3 Stars Service: Friendly. 4 Stars Ambiance: Vintage feel. Store front with restaurant, similar to Cracker Barrel. 5 Stars Overall: 4 Stars

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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(898 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!

Absolutely delicious. My wife and I went on a Sunday afternoon. Short 30 minute drive from Cypress…read more OMG was it worth it. We've had lobster rolls all around the east coast. Now we found 30 minutes from home and it's actually better! The bun for the roll complimented the lobster! We both had a bowl of the lobster bisque. Definitely not short changing the lobster in the soup. Was amazing. The coleslaw was very good also. Food was brought to us fresh and hot. Cute shop and a great location right off the highway. We will definitely return. And note the owner was there working on a Sunday. The dedication shows in the food. Can't wait to be back

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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

Sourdough & Co. Houston - 6" Smoked Brisket Specialty Sandwich

Sourdough & Co. Houston

4.2(171 reviews)
3.9 mi•The Heights
•$$

Tried this spot and had to come back again for their chicken salad sandwich. Their clam chowder…read morebread bowl is also 10/10. Service is always good and swift. Environment is always clean.

I've been coming here since they opened when they were known as World of Sourdough but rebranded…read morenear the end of 2024. It's a California-based deli chain. I was excited to have more food options within walking distance. Their food is on the pricier side for sandwiches, but their sourdough is really good. It's crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Everything tastes fresh. My friends and I would walk over and grab soup and sandwiches with chips. Sometimes I'd dine in and sometimes I'd take it to go. My favorite is their Italian sandwich which comes with a pickle. I'd add a bag of Miss Vickie's jalapeño chips or potato soup. I'm a creature of habit when I find something I like, so I haven't tried other sandwiches though I do like turkey. Maybe next time. Panera still makes a better broccoli and cheese soup. The small chicken Caesar salad is loaded for a small bowl. I appreciate the large chicken pieces and toasted sourdough as croutons. It takes a while till you get your food, but you can order online in advance. People come and go during their work lunch. Service is friendly, and I haven't had any bad experiences. I will definitely be back.

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Sourdough & Co. Houston
Sourdough & Co. Houston - Kid's Kids Meal Mac and Cheese

Kid's Kids Meal Mac and Cheese

Sourdough & Co. Houston - Crispy Chicken Sandwhich

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Crispy Chicken Sandwhich

Mandola's Deli - delis - Updated October 2026

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