We've lived in Brookline for several years, but have never tried this deli. We ordered three sandwiches to go. I received a call with a question about my sandwich, which was incredibly thoughtful. The sandwiches were huge, expertly made, and super fresh with high quality ingredients. And, we had no idea that each sandwich came with an amazing half-sour pickle! What a treat! The prices are absolutely fair and 10/10 I would recommend. My only suggestion would be to have wraps as an option for the bread with some salad options (i.e. Greek salad wrap, caesar wrap, etc.) read more

" Don't forget the Cookies : For your work meetings" The cookies they sell at Michael's Deli located in a bin near the cash register, are fresh & delicious. I had the honor to buy some for my meeting & they were a big hit . Don't forget the cookies for your work meetings. read more

See all

Always a good choice. The corned beef and pastrami were excellent. Service was pleasant and fast. Mark read more

Been coming to Michael's for many years, and it was always great, best in town. Never had a bad experience there. Recent experience was different and it was not up to past excellence in my mind. Corned beef was lacking, quite tasteless and bland. Also smaller in size but in this case that was fine. Hoping it was a bad day and not a sign of ongoing decline. read more

While I just can't give 5 stars to a utilitarian deli, this is the best sandwich place I know in the Boston area. I had a fabulous pastrami sandwich, and it was practically perfect in every way. The counter service was quick, and they spoke with me as a valued customer. The ambiance is busy neighborhood corner deli with a long history of being the best, and they had a lovely story about an old customer on the wall at the first table. I love this place, and I hope to come back much sooner next time. read more

I used to love this place since it was the best deli around. A recent visit made me think otherwise. The once generous sandwiches are now a shadow of what they were. Too much skimping to justify the high prices. Too bad. I doubt I'll return. read more

A classic, no frills deli! Unassuming, unpretentious, everything you want in a good sandwich! Absolutely delicious! Thanks for making this out of towner feel welcome. read more

Michael's Deli - Corned Beef Rachel - Delis Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

Been here before,still has an AC issue(too warm). Steve is a great guy and owner. Ordered a hot pastrami with mustard and side order mishagas knish),i know it had kishka in it,don't remember what else,but was very small for $4.50. sandwich was very good but the rye bread is too soft and he does nothing to improve on it. Constant issue. Steve makes good food. read more

One of my two all time favorite sandwich shops. The meats on sandwiches are always fresh and delicious. ordered a couple of Italians with everything and a roast beef on pumpernickel. Had to get a pound of the potato salad and a chicken soup. Nothing was a disappoint. Did I mention the lg pickle you get accommodating each sandwich. There is some seating and although there might be other places with visual pleasure; cleanliness here would be hard to beat. read more

I've been living in Boston for decades longer than Michael's has been in Coolidge Corner but I had never had the chance to try them out. Recently I happened to be in the neighborhood on a weekday afternoon so I thought it's high time for a bit of a "cheat day" on my diet. I grew up with great deli's in New England and from visiting relatives in Brooklyn, so I know my way around our culture's great food and I was looking for a culinary visit back to an earlier time in my life. I ordered a pastrami sandwich with cooked onions, sauerkraut and Swiss cheese, just like the sandwiches my father would make at home and call it a "pastrami special". I'm sorry to say I was disappointed. There was less pastrami in the sandwich than is shown in the other Yelpers' photos. I remember Rubin's(RIP), further down Harvard Ave and wow, they had loaded on the meat, as do many other deli's I've been to and this was not that. Also, there was practically no onions and sauerkraut on one half of the sandwich and just a little on the other half and same with the Swiss cheese. The photo shows the half that had relatively more onions, sauerkraut and cheese. To Michael's credit, the pastrami was very tender and nice and lean. Nothing like the ropey, gristly stuff I have sometimes experienced elsewhere. I had asked for the bread to be toasted, but I guess I need to ask for toasted well-done to make sure it feels and tastes toasted more than just a little heat applied to it. I need to add that the pickle tasted a bit funny. I've eaten pickles like this my whole long life and something was off. The only thing that came to mind was that it might have gotten a bit of overspray from a cleaning supply? So, I'm sorry to say this wasn't the sandwich I was hoping for, but on the other hand, I'm very glad many other people take great pleasure in their food and it's been an institution in Coolidge Corner for so long. read more

What a delicious surprise to eat a few sandwiches at Michael's Deli. Really enjoyed our tuna melt, our egg salad on rye and Tongue also on rye. read more

If you're looking for a homey and nostalgic NY Jewish Deli inspired spot in Boston, this is the place for you!! The vibes are bustling and friendly among customers and staff from the moment you enter. Honestly, stepping into this atmosphere immediately boosted my mood and I made me eager for lunch!! Make sure you come with an appetite, though, because these sandwiches are piled high with the most high quality deli meats sliced in house!! They have a plethora of options between meats, breads, and toppings so you can customize your own or chose one of their unique creations! I would recommend the Rueben (a well done classic) or the Thorty (packed with perfectly melding flavors)! If you're craving a good sandwich, I cannot recommend this spot enough! The owner is a great guy and his sandwiches are worth the trip from wherever you are in Boston! read more

Michael's Deli - Rueben, Thorty, Sandy, Cancer Stinks, The Sloppy, Knishes - Delis Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

Was hoping to love this place but honestly had one of the grossest bagels I've ever tried. Got everything with chive and the cream cheese was so off tasting that I took one bite and threw away. Sad also because it took a really long time to wait for despite just being a toasted bagel. read more

Best sandwich in Boston! I tried Michael's choice sandwich and it was delicious. I will definitely go there again.

Amazing pastrami on rye bread... not a lot of food but delicious. Cash or venmo only is a little blah Service was great and the ambiance is just what you expect from a mom and pop place. read more

Michael's Deli - Pastrami sandwich on rye bread - Delis Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

Truly excellent, delicious sandwiches! Mom got the New York Corned Beef and I got the Corned Beef Ruben. They steam the corned beef so the sandwiches are not greasy at all and the wonderful corned beef flavor is front and center. We shared a couple of knishes and our favorite was the potato. It is a nice cozy deli and the restroom is clean. Definitely worth the trip into town! I'm looking forward to trying the potato latkes and Auntie Bev's Noodle Kugel next time we go. read more

Michael's Deli - Two of the tasty knishes: Potato and mishigas - Delis Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

See all

Absolutely incredible sandwiches! We've seen Michael's a few times and have been wanting to try it and my only regret is not trying it earlier! I've robbed myself of delicious food. The thorty black and gold was the perfect balance of salty and sweet with their in house pastrami. It was melt in your mouth soft and such a great mix of flavors. The corned beef Rachel was amazing too. The corned beef wasn't too salty and was also melt in your mouth. The coleslaw was the perfect lightness to balance out the corned beef. The pumpernickel bread was quite light and didn't overpower the sandwich either. There's air conditioned seating (about 5-6 tables). Staff was super friendly and intentional about making recommendations - he didn't want to just tell us the best sellers and explained that since he doesn't know what we like, he doesn't want to just recommend what he likes. If you tell him what you're looking for he can guide you accordingly! Would definitely come back again. read more

See all

Ordered takeout for Father's Day and couldn't have been happier with the meat, service, and pricing. We had corned beef (both reg and lean) and pastrami and everyone was happy. Owner provided great personal service. Cash or Venmo only. read more

Michael's Deli - My Dad, making sandwiches for us - Delis Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

I stopped in for a Black and Thorny pastrami , bag of chips, a root beer, and to try a roast beef Knish served hot. All was $ 26.40 ... a bit pricey for lunch , but knish add on. Pickle was fresh as always and good , needed some a small scoop potato salad . The knish I really liked but was a beef one vs. a roast beef one asked for? But was filled and 2 of those was plenty for a lunch. Sandwich was good as I have ordered before the same sandwich and why I go back... I was annoyed as some guy was hogging one of few tables working on lap top then takes a 2nd table to take a call? WTF ... after call he leaves? I hope he lunch first ? I had to sit at a dirty rear table ? Food all good. Restroom needs a big cleaning as saw older woman using... would gross me out if my mother had to use it . Dirty finish on table needs an upgrade... I would give a 5 stars again but a good cleaning painting is warranted to promote a clean eating vibe...I'll stop back again . They should add a steamed pastrami , provolone, mustard version sub roll steamed or moisten soft like one I eat at Lamberts fruit in Westwood ... steamed vs. grilled or heated . Call it the Stanley Steamer... read more

See all

I've been wanting to try Michael's for ages - I always walk past their sign right at the large Coolidge Corner intersection, but I've always had errands and other things to do. But today, I stopped by the bank and was able to pop in before heading home and order a sandwich. I had done a fair bit of research on the different items and what was popular, and I ended up ordering the Corned Beef Rachel (Coleslaw, Russian dressing, Swiss cheese, Corned Beef on toasted pumpernickel). The sandwich itself was delicious and very satisfying. The coleslaw gave it a tang of sweetness and the corned beef was perfectly fatty and juicy. I've had a lot of dry sandwiches, but this one was not dry at all. The meat had a great meaty texture, the coleslaw was crunchy, and the melted swiss cheese added a nice bit of extra fat to each bite. The only thing that was missing was a little more acidity, but the sandwich came with a pickle! HOWEVER, I thought the pickle was a bit on the salty side. It helped balance out some of the fattiness of the sandwich, but it ended up being a bit too salty. Still, the sandwich was great so they get a 4/5 stars. I'd definitely want to stop by another time to try their knishes, kugel, or another sandwich (the "Michael's Choice" sounds good: Roast Beef and Beef Brisket with horseradish sauce on your choice of toasted bread). It was overall a little pricey for a sandwich, but these are above average sandwiches. read more

See all

great food. better people. the place to go for the best that Brookline has to offer.

Great food, great service, fresh baked bread and outstanding meats. Don't sleep on Michael's! read more

See all

I stopped by Michael's Deli in the morning to grab a quick sandwich to go, and I was warmly greeted even before I got to the door! There is metered street parking around the area, and it is also a short walk from the Coolidge Corner T stop. The interior was very clean, and the decor gave the place character. I ordered the Thorty Black & Gold ($14.75), and a side of the potato salad ($1.45). The Thorty Black & Gold is a sandwich with pastrami, cheddar cheese, peppers, and honey mustard. Although it looked a little small at first glance, the meat was very tender, and the flavors mixed incredibly well! It came with a whole pickle on the side, which tasted very fresh but a bit lacking on the sourness I was expecting from a regular pickle. The potato salad also tasted very fresh but was a little bland for my taste. Overall, Michael's Deli is a great place to stop for a sandwich if you are in the area! read more

See all

TL:DR - If this was a TV show, it's the first season of "The Bear" but a Jewish deli rather than Italian Beef joint. Just a classic, justifiably awesome place. Better than Zaftig's or Mamelahs because it has the soul they are both missing. Michael's Deli has it all going for it - homey, quirky, friendly with a side of good-natured snark (NOT of the rude Durgin Park variety.) Slightly intimidated by the menu I stuck to the tried and true and got a Ruben which was delicious with tons of well cooked meat, a big super crunchy half-sour pickle and added a small side of potato salad doe maybe buck-fifty. Grabbed one of the several 4-tops inside and enjoyed the classic rock and banter of the kitchen staff while I waited for and ate my food. read more

Delicious corned beef sandwich and sides. Excellent service. Comfortable and deli atmosphere.Great find!

Did someone say Anthony Bourdain! Yes the man himself was here for a reason. The place is very small, but the service is very friendly and somewhat quick. This is not my usual fare so I was pleasantly surprised on how tasty and delicious my Rueben was. There is limited seating indoors and 2 small tables outside in front. No parking, so I suggest you park at Trader Joe's, pick up some groceries and then head across the street for your yummy sandwich. Alert: No credit cards accepted. Cheers! read more

See all

These guys went out of their way to fill a larger catering order with practically no notice. They were responsive and completely flexible! Food was delicious!! read more

Stopped in for some good deli and found it - at least part of it. Their corned beef Rachel sandwich was excellent - lean beef, tasty coleslaw. Totally delicious. The bagel (2 choices) with lox spread, however, was a miss. Way too much onion and almost no lox. Harsh taste - threw it out. read more

Michael's Deli - Corned Beef Rachel - Delis Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

See all

These were some delicious sandwiches. The hot pastrami on rye was good but that Reuben knocked it out of the park. We dined in and the food was prepared quickly even though it was quite a busy Sunday! FYI it was cash or Venmo only. read more

Michael's Deli - Hot pastrami and Corned Beef Rachel or Reuben - Delis Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

Probably the best Rachel I ever had. I would say it was small and the potato salad was terrible. Completely tasteless and bad texture.

I had an afternoon appointment in Brookline and decided I wanted a sandwich on a hot *** summer day and decided to pop into Michael's Deli and I'm glad I did. If you're wondering but nobody asked then h-ll yeah I do read the newspaper clippings restaurants and shops have plastered out in the front. I ordered a reuben sandwich (should've asked for it on a rye or sub roll so I'm having small ragrets). You can get lost from their potato chips and soda options (ended up grabbing a Diet Dr. Brown's cream soda by accident - OOPS!) If you're freaking the f-ck out about cash or Venmo only then this probably isn't your joint and if you can't wait 5 mins for one of the best reuben sandwiches you can get around Bahhstann then you should be ashamed of yourselves. I will be returning. read more

Michael's Deli - Reuben, Dirty jalapeño chips, and diet Dr. Brown's cream soda - Delis Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

I was walking around Brookline and decided to stop in to check out the menu. Everything looked absolutely delicious, but since I was on my way to a festival, I just wanted to grab something small to try. I ended up going with the pastrami knish, which was just what I needed. The pastrami had the perfect flavor and texture, and reminded me of what I'd expect at a New York style deli. The knish was reheated, so it was a bit greasy, but nothing a quick dab of a napkin couldn't fix. I most definitely want to come back to try some of their other offerings. They have holiday menus as well, perfect for the upcoming Jewish high holidays. They only do counter service, so it's a lot of grab and go, but there are some tables available as well. Just note that they're cash only, but they do take Venmo as well! read more

See all

Had the potato knish and corned beef on rye. DELICIOUS!!!!! I will definitely go back it was worth the wait in line. read more

amazing sandwich spot. reasonably priced with good service and friendly staff. a must try in brookline read more

Michael's Deli - thanksgiving feast - Delis Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

Stopped by for lunch and we got the steak and cheese and Reuben sandwich. We wish the steak and cheese had more BBQ sauce but the Reuben was EXCELLENT. So juicy and tasty and the staff is very friendly. A great deli to have around! read more

Michael's Deli - Delis Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

Great food with lots of options. Very homey feel to the food, great lunch spot. They are very quick and polite. Restaurant is small and takes cash/ Venmo only. read more

See all

I love the small town feel (distinctive food and excellent customer service) of Michael's. The quality of the food was amazing and the service was fun. I spoke to who I think was the owner and we exchanged some laughs while we discussed the food options and were listening to and singing along with Elvis Presley playing on the radio...overall a great place to stop in for a few delicious knishes. I would highly recommend Michael's. read more

Michael's Deli - Black & Thorty Black and Gold - Delis Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

How have I not reviewed this place? This is the best deli in all of Boston/ Boston metro area. The. Best. Every time I eat from this place, I'm just so happy full. There's no other deli that makes me as happy full as this place. And they have the best pickles. My regular sandwich is a messy mango chicken sandwich on a sub roll. My husband always gets the Thanksgiving feast. I very much appreciate that they sell bai coconut water. That's my favorite coconut water and sometimes I just prefer that over cream soda- also very happy they sell cream soda, too. My husband prefers the root beer. Really great service. It's usually faster to call in and pick up but if you don't mind hanging out, you really don't wait that long. Everyone is very nice. I've never done catering though my husband was at an event catered by Mike's and reported everyone was happy. How can you eat a sandwich from here and not be happy though? I am always telling people to come here so I hope they listen to me! Cash or Venmo only. Worth it!!!!! read more

Awful... to be called a deli is a disgrace. Met some friends here for lunch first time there. it's small , cramped , dirty with boxes of potato chips piled at the end of the few small unkept tables they have. My friends had already ordered their sandwiches and told me you order from the counter in front. I walked up to the counter and ordered my tongue sandwich on rye with side of Cole slaw and a can of soda . I asked for a cup with some ice and he handed me a cup and stated that they don't have ice. I looked at him kind of funny and said no ice ? That's kind of strange. The guy looked at me and said nothing but that'll be $21.95. I knew I was in trouble when he said no ice. A minute later a guy yelled my name and my sandwich in a plastic basket and tissue paper was there. I grabbed it and sat at the table. I looked at a very small sandwich on small pieces of bread with a slide of slaw in a teeny tiny plastic cup that I ate with two forkfuls. I looked at my friends sandwiches and they all had pickles, I didn't wand wasn't served one in my plastic basket. Had to get up and walk back to the counter to ask for my pickle. Wasn't happy bout that either. Should be automatic but not in this place. The sandwich was tasteless and I ate it in about three minutes the rye bread was horrible and I wasn't sure it was even rye. Two guys came in and sat down at the table behind us. One of them ordered a bowl of chicken soup. I was shocked to see him walk over with a steaming bowl of soup in a plastic container. Not any ordinary container. The kind you get at a salad bar if your going to get some olives or similar, what I'm getting at is the container is that cheap thin plastic that's obviously leeching plastic into the soup. And yes the plastic spoon was there as well. YOU NEVER SERVE HOT SOUP IN A PLASTIC CONTAINER !!,, You at least need some kind of ceramic bowl and a spoon that won't melt while your eating your soup. I was appalled had never seen anything like this. Now listen to this... I'm 68 yo and worked in a deli as a teen right up the street on Beacon street. It was called the B &D deli and was the most popular deli in Brookline in its day. I know my delis and Michael's is NOT a deli. The only reason I didn't say anything and believe you me I so wanted too was because I was with my friends who I hadn't seen in a long time and didn't want to upset our meeting. It's a poor excuse for a plastic sandwich shop with horrible overpriced sandwiches and hot chicken soup served in plastic containers ( NOT EVEN BOWLS) which is an abomination and something as an experienced past deli worker had never seen in my life. STAY AWAY FROM THIS PLACE .....!!!! read more

Hands down the best deli in Boston. The food is always fresh and delicious, and the staff is incredibly kind and welcoming. One time they forgot the bacon on my turkey BLT, and the owner personally offered me a second sandwich for free. Can't recommend this place enough! read more