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Mike's Cafe

4.0 (205 reviews)
Closed 7:00 am - 3:30 pm

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MIKE'S CAFE ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Quiet
Casual
Outdoor seating
Good for kids

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Recommended Reviews - Mike's Cafe

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Reviews With Photos

Becca H.

I ordered the KBBQ sandwich online for lunch. It was tasty and reasonably priced for this area. Essentially all the food options in Ballston Quarter are $15-20+ which is ridiculous to spend on lunch. This place has options for everyone including vegetarians. The sandwich had good flavor and texture. I might suggest a thicker sub roll as the sauce and other juices from cooking made the roll soggy pretty quickly. I'd come here again though!

Tuna Melt
Ailun H.

So I live incredibly close to Mike's Cafe and have been in the area for almost two years. I wonder how long it would take me to try Mike's and I guess today was finally the day. I was craving a sandwich, out of groceries and on a time crunch. It was either Mike's or Potbelly's but I'm glad I chose Mike's. Mike's is literally downstairs. Potbelly's would have been a trek across Welburn Square and that was too much for me. I walk by Mike's at least once a day and have never glanced inside for more than a second. But the interior is a lot more spacious than I thought with several high tops. There's also seating outside, perfect during nice summer days. They also sell "pharmacy check-out counter distractions" aka candy bars, granola bars, and other snacks that you can think of. I also saw a few Costco muffins sold individually, lol, along with a couple vending machinese filled with drinks. Overall, lots of snacks and an extensive menu -- a large list of breakfast sandwiches, subs, melts, salads, soups, and more (very much your deli cafe basics) along with Korean bento boxes. I saw that there were a bulgogi meal and bibimbap along with other Korean options. TUNA MELT - 11.99 I saw that this was the most popular option on Yelp and the person who ordered right before me got the same thing. Now, I'm normally a cold subs kind of a person, but I'm so glad I got the tuna melt with rye bread. The rye bread was toasted to perfection and every bite had a nice crunch. The turkey was grilled nicely with the melted cheddar and Swiss cheese on top. I love that they give a generous amount of avocado here which made the sandwich extra creamy (along with a bit of mayo on both slices of bread). The lettuce and tomato really helped to make the sandwich less dry. Overall, a very balanced sandwich with lots of ingredients. I thought I was only going to eat half of it and save the other half for dinner, but I ended up eating the whole thing because it was very good. I was very satisfied with my sandwich because it was tasty and went beyond my expectations (to be fair, it was kind of low). I'm glad I was able to try Mike's after living here for awhile. Maybe I'll stop by again before I move, but the timing needs to be right.

Small chili is large in flavor.
Russ I.

The best chili, fast service, nice and clean and great prices for that munchie. The sushi service is no more so I opted for chili before an early movie. Yum.

Breakfast BST! -- Bacon, Spinach Tomato w/ Egg over Easy...on a Crossiant!  Pure Love!!
DON C.

Diamond in the Rough! This place has been my secret breakfast and lunch spot for years now....ever-since my office moved to this neighboorhood! Among all the glitz of the rebuilt Ballston Quarters Mall, the many new high-end condos developments, more recognizable brand name restaurants & fast food eateries now blanketing this once bleak neighborhood....there stands this little gem. Mike's is a small, unassuming "mom and pop" cafe that puts a lot of love in their eats. Don't let the "plain Jane" Mike's sign throw you...this is flat out the best little cafe in Ballston. For sure the love and pride that go into everything from the excellent coffee to the super generous omelettes of all varieties as well American fare....to Sushi is very good. All orders are made to order and the folks here are very accommodating with your request to augment their menu items to your liking. Their breakfast is delicious with the breakfast and lunch sandwiches being the highlight. My go-to is the Breakfast BST!...Trust me on this and thank me later. BST stands for a Bacon Spinach Tomato on a croissant, with a fried egg and cheddar cheese! One word....HEAVEN!! The toasted croissant and the combination of the egg and tomatoes with the crisp bacon satisfy the taste buds for sure. Although you can get the sandwich on toasted sliced bread, I suggest the croissant. When it is buttered and toasted it adds the perfect salty-chewy crunch with each bite of the moist egg, tomatoes and cheese gushing everywhere! Uggggh....my mouth is watering just thinking about it while I write this review. They fold the egg around the cheese so it's perfectly melted. They also seem to have a legit sushi, ramen and bulgogi for lunch, although I have never tried it. My coworkers on the other hand, have given these options a thumbs up tho!! In all, outstanding food and great prices.....with special touch of home cooked taste to your meal....something you can't get from the neighboring fast-food eateries around this place. Only one note of caution, the line particularly for lunch can get long but it moves quick --thanks to the many sandwich makers. You see, Mike's makes all their meals and their notable sandwiches to order; including roasting their meats for the sandwiches and making their soups from scratch. For under $10 you can whole sandwich and a cup of hot soup. They also offer daily specials: a sandwich of the day, chips & soda for $8.99! You can't beat that in this posh neighborhood where a lunch meal or even just a salad can run you $12-$15 bucks alone. The place was very clean with some eating tables within the space. Mike himself is sometimes on hand to meet and greet his guests and a few lucky souls, like me, got a free mint patty to end my lunch today! Great little place in the Ballston-Arlington area. It's been my little secret for years when looking to break away from the typical ordinary - everyday "brand name" lunch options in the area. Ssshh!!...Just don't tell everyone!

Veggie Patty BB Box
Monica C.

+ great for lunch + great selection of sandwiches, American breakfast items, and Japanese options (rolls, ramen, rice bowls) + busy but not crowded + friendly service I came here for lunch and loved their veggie patty BB box. If I'm in the area again, this will be my go-to lunch spot. There seemed to be a lot of regulars and people on their lunch break getting food to-go. There's some seating inside too (convenient on rainy days).

Menu
Anh N.

Mike's Cafe is your perfect get-lunch-quick before your next meeting joint. Located below the Meridian at Ballston Commons, Mike's Cafe can't be missed with their window signs. They have everything from chips, sandwiches, sushi, iced tea, and even freshly brewed coffee. For lunch I got the Bulgogi BBQ Box and salmon roll. Bulgogi BBQ Box: I think their bbq boxes are a great value because you get rice, beef, and two refreshing sides for less than $15. The Bulgogi is pretty standard, and good enough for a quick lunch. Salmon Roll: I personally didn't like the salmon roll - despite what the other reviewers wrote about the sushi from here. The rice was on the soggy side and the salmon's cut made it a lot chewier than normal. I would order this again if I was absolutely craving sushi and couldn't go to my usual spots, but probably wouldn't order it regularly. Overall: Mike's cafe is efficient and affordable. It's a great spot to pick up a quick lunch, and dash home for your next meeting.

Chicken & cheese

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13 years ago

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10 years ago

Very Nice cafe, Very good food for the price. Ate there multiple mornings on our vacation

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15 years ago

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14 years ago

Sandwiches are delicious and big

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7 years ago

Very big portion, ordered a Western Omelets! Surprisingly big! Very nice neighborhood Deli Cafe. Nice staff!

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New Yorker Deli - The Menu

New Yorker Deli

4.3(14 reviews)
3.8 miCrystal City
$

This could be because they were a deer in the headlights and not anticipating the lunch crowd from…read morea conference occurring in a nearby hotel. But I would think they would have some heads up on conferences in the area just due to their location. Anyways, I bee-lined it here during lunch break to get a sandwich, with only one person in front of me at the counter. I had the ribeye cheese with added onions, peppers, and mushrooms (a $2.00 upcharge), and was told to have a seat and they would bring me the food since I was going to eat in the building lobby where this location is. And right after I ordered groups from the conference started coming in and soon enough the line was 15-20 people. At the end of that line were two co-workers that found this place by getting lost. They (co-workers) took over 20 minutes before they were even able to make it to the counter to order their food, chili and another ribeye cheesesteak sandwich with fries. After they placed their order, I looked inside and realized they were overwhelmed and were probably not going to bring out my sandwich so I went to the pick up area to ask the status of my sandwich. The panic behind the counter was telling me they lost my order. And they had me wait at the counter for my sandwich an additional 4-5 minutes. When I got back to the table I realized that all I got was the ribeye cheese sandwich with shredded iceberg lettuce, no peppers, no onions, no mushrooms. I wanted to go back, but with the panic behind the counter I said I am just glad I got something to eat. The sandwich was good, not bad, with a nice toast on the hoagie bread. About 10 minutes after I got my food, my co-workers got their food and the person that ordered the chili was very disappointed, they said they have had better chili and Wendy's. My other co-worker agreed that the ribeye cheese sandwich was not bad, but the fries were flavorless, like they were not salted. Anyways, maybe management could take initiative in finding out what conferences are occurring in the immediate area and be prepared that first day, because you only have one chance to make a first impression. I am not likely to return to this establishment due to the incorrect order and the slow service. I wish them much success.

This place is a hidden gem!…read more Breakfast, lunch, snacks, drinks. Friendly service. The greek breakfast burrito is 10/10! Love this place.

Celebrity Delly - Outdoor Patio Seating

Celebrity Delly

3.9(544 reviews)
4.7 mi
$$
50 years in business
Family-owned & operated

Yes....whenever I'm out here in Va side or close ....It's a beacon to stop by and actually treat…read moreyourself for something out of the past ...wanting now. A hidden meal...unknown but remembered always from 80s. The Virginian sandwich.....ohh god ham turkey bacon cheddar mayo with a side onions . It must requested and enjoyed always.

Too long don't want to read: Go eat here, you'll love it!! Sandwiches are fattt, but price is a…read morelittle high. A MUST TRY! I randomly came across this spot and was craving a sammy. They're family owned and been going for 50 years! Made me feel even better cause you're supporting a local business. I've never seen a deli spot that matches the vibes (thick & delicious) of a NYC deli. This place reminded me of the famous Katz Deli in NYC. You get a loaded sandwich with tons of meat, a pickle, and I love the fact that they toast the bread. $15 Half a sandwhich $25 full sandwich $6 side of fries (if you order a whole sandwich it's included) It was crazy busy inside so we opted for a seat at the bar. The bar seating was first come first serve. We actually met the owner Will!!! I feel like he provides more customer service than our waitress. Will is a dope guy and seems down to earth. As stated though, they were busy so I'm sure she was having a hard time keeping up. Elliot Segal 12/10 (yes that juicy) The Boss 8.5 Salt & pepper fries 7/10 Buffalo fries 7/10 The fries were alright. The Buffalo flavor was not spicy a tad bit odd to me. The salt & pepper were also okay. They were thicker cut, but didn't really stand out. A nice thin crispy shoe string fry could really slap with these sandwiches / subs. Pro tip: try their coleslaw!

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Interior Shot

Eddie’s Little Shop and Deli

Eddie’s Little Shop and Deli

4.7(128 reviews)
6.0 miOld Town Alexandria
$$
Locally owned & operated
Family-owned & operated

Second best sandwiches I have ever had, but best on the East coast…read more I'm in Arlington on business from the West Coast and was looking for a quick lunch spot when I stumbled into this little hidden gem. I've eaten at plenty of delis over the years, but Eddie's Little Shop completely surprised me with flavors I've genuinely never tasted before. The sandwiches here are incredibly unique, creative combinations that just explode with flavor in ways I wasn't expecting. What really stood out were the huge, fresh chunks of real mozzarella, paired with their homemade-style dressings, sauces, and condiments. It's easily one of the best sandwiches I've ever had, and I've tried a lot. The portions are generous, the bread is spot-on. I'll definitely be back before my trip ends. If you're in Arlington, do not miss Eddie's Little Shop Deli. Highly, highly recommended!

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - Hello, 911? I'd like to report an attempted murder…read more Eddie's tried to kill me with a monstrous sandwich. Saturday, midafternoon, I stop by for an Eddie Mootz ($17) (salami, ham, sopressata, mozzarella, on seeded italian). I'm handed this brown paper bag that weighs, I dunno, 3 lbs? I have to carry this back with me to the Metro. Twice along the way, I have to stop and catch my breath. I get home, my kitchen counter sags a bit where I put the bag down. Cripes, Eddie's. And the sandwich itself? 2 meals, easily. Thick thick piles of meat and a shovel-full of mozzarella. Very chewy bread. I work up a sweat just eating this, there's so much labor involved. I ordered online from the Metro, around the DCA stop, and got a notification it was ready before I got to the King Street stop. Fast turnaround. Eddie's is now on my list of places to make a point of going to for sandwiches in the DMV. Really good sandwich, and a lot of it.

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Eddie’s Little Shop and Deli - Authentic Italian  products and goodies.

Authentic Italian products and goodies.

Eddie’s Little Shop and Deli
Eddie’s Little Shop and Deli - Outside dinning area

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Outside dinning area

Mike's Cafe - delis - Updated May 2026

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