It's so sad I've been to this place a few times. And everytime it has got increasingly worst. This most recent visit put the icing on the cake. My fiancé and I ordered a chicken sandwich and crab cake sandwich. After waiting 30 minutes I was informed my crab cake sandwich still was not ready after we were told this would only be 10 minutes of a wait. Instead of trying to do anything to remedy the situation we were told we would need to wait another 15 minutes. 45 MINUTES FOR A CRAB CAKE SANDWICH? That's absolutely insane. When my fiancé got his chicken sandwich it was cold and thrown together. Instead of offering anything for our inconvenience they told us "oh crab meat is high, there's nothing anything we can do here" We got a refund and left. We will not be back. This is sad as we truly wanted to continue to support this black establishment, but sadly the quality, service and professionalism that should be is simply not up to par. Extremely disappointing! read more

That 1/2 lb crab cake sandwich was slappin !!! Cooked to perfection, flavorful and all that. The sauce that comes wit it was good as well. The deli is in the cut so dont get nervous if you cant find it. read more

When you think of a neighborhood deli, you may not think of jumbo, lump crab sandwiches as an offering. Well, MLK's owners must have read your thoughts because they got you fam. Popped into this local spot one afternoon (parking is pretty easy if you come during an off-peak time), and submitted my order for the now-famous crab cake sandwich. I also tacked on another sandwich (the 'Mr Luke Fried Chicken' sandwich), and two blueberry lemonades. The crab cake sandwich IS worth the hype, I must say! There was no filler I could detect, and the seasoning used proved delicious. Yum! While the overall cake fell apart a little, I just used a fork to assist me in enjoying that meal. The lightly toasted bun tasted great as well. The Mr. Luke sandwich was pretty tasty, but I thought of two suggestions to make it better: add more spices to the batter, and using chicken thighs vs. thin cut breasts for the meat. An observation: most of the items are ala cart. So even the sandwiches don't come with any sides or even a pickle. It would be nice to get a small bag of cheap chips or a pickle with these items. But that's just me! And lastly, the blueberry lemonades: tasty and clearly made in-house. While I picked up two cups to try, I would have preferred another flavor. So it'd be nice if at least two flavors were always available to order. So in summation: would definitely recommend this deli, and plan to return to try some more of their other menu items! read more

What can I say about MLK Deli! This place is nothing short of amazing. Anything you order here is guaranteed to not only satisfy your appetite but leave you wanting more! My personal favorite is the crab cake! It's huge, tasty and loaded with jumbo lump crab meat (minus the extra filler that so many places love to include now ugh). The food always feels like it's made with love. My family and I come here faithfully and will continue to do so. And the best part is: it's black owned! So do yourself a favor and support. It's one of the few good places we have on the south side of the city and I hope more people grow to love it as much as I do! :-) read more

To all my Foodies on the Southside this is a good eat! But BEWARE the wait time during lunch is ridiculous. I waited 50 minutes for a crab cake and a chicken sandwich..not good!!! The food is no doubt fresh, hot, and made to order, however if your in a rush, like I was, I highly suggest that you call your order in at least 30- 40 mins ahead. They have several items not on the menu that are popular like the Seafood Lasagna $22 (a lot of people were ordering this). Check out their Instagram for the Chef's special. I will definitely go back (#1 since it's down the street from my job #2 there are not that many options to eat on MKL) So stay tuned for part 2! read more

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Love this spot! Food is good each and every time! Pro tip: just call your order in ahead of time.

I've been here a few times and it never disappoints. So far I've had the chicken sandwich, turkey sandwich and salmon cakes. Still have to try the crab cakes but I'm sure they won't disappoint either. Everything here is really good! read more

My favorite local restaurant. Consistency and care of food are key. MLK flexes them both. I've had the John Wall, Mr. Luke's, and the Marion Berry and they are all EXCELLENT. I've also had the Congress Heights crab cake sandwich and it too is mouthwatering. The fruit lemonades are well crafted. The wait can be long, but the soul of the place makes up for it. Glad to have it in my neighborhood. read more

Sweet Chili wings & the crab cake sandwich best in the city! They never disappoint! Call & order ahead for no wait.

Being at work and trying to grab a bite to eat convenience is everything. I attempted to call in my order the phone rang literally 9 times before someone answered. Only to say that they aren't accepting call in orders. Despite my time restraint I went there and ordered only a chicken salad sandwich. I waited for 30mins for my sandwich. The sandwich was great meat was very juicy and the croissant was buttery but the staff seems to lack communication amongst each other and the customers. I will give them a second chance solely for the delicious food service needs improving. read more

MLK Deli - Delis Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Reuben sandwich and crab cake were so good. Real lump meat crab. No short cuts. Glad to have a neighborhood deli. Moving on up. I will be back. read more

John wall sandwich is so good and every about it is just so perfect MLK DELI IS THE BEST DELIIII

I love this spot so much had to do a second review!! I have yet to be dissapointed by anything on their menu - even stuff not shown on the menu!!! Trust me this place is a jewel in this absolute food desert that is Congress Heights. You know a spot is superb when 99% of the negative reviews have to do with the wait time (yes they do take a good minute or 20-25), and lack of greasy options to go along with your food (no fries/hush puppies, etc) But none of those should stop you...You WANT to wait for this (or call ahead and still wait an extra 5 min lol) because they make everything to order from scratch. The crabcake I have already shown love. Im here today about an item that isn't listed on the menu but should be!! All you vegetarians take note - they have the best Black Bean Burger and Garden burgers I have ever tasted! You will not miss ground beef or turkey with this one!! Im not a vegan/vegetarian, but sometimes I go here just for the veggie burger. It is made to order from scratch (no frozen patties here jack). Put a little cheddar cheese, you will swear you were back in your meat eating days at the family cookout!! Also for you non red meat eaters - that Turkey Reuben is amazing!! Full Disclosure - I usually HATE rye bread = but their bread is fresh and amazing tasting!! By far the best rye bread I have ever had. In fact the buns and bread they use on every sandwich (the Brioche buns, and the texas toast for sandwiches like the jive turkey) are nothing short of amazing. Just wanted to show love to something other than the Crabcake (but about that crabcake WOW!!) P.S. - FOr those complaining about the price of the 1/2 pound crabcake. Name a quality crabcake (100% all lump no filling) going for less than $25 from here to Baltimore?????? Now if you want to drive 2 hours to the eastern shore for dinner? Maybe? Otherwise, this is MARKET RATE for quality cheapskates. Y'all must be used to them Timbuktu Filling festival crabcakes too much! lmao. But inside THIS Beltway? Jerry's cost as much if not more. Go to a high quality restaurant like Oceanair and see how much they charge for 1/2 pound. the 1/4 lb is a decent all killer no filter meal and will fill you up if you being cheap for only $14.99. Otherwise it's well worth the extra $10 for that half lb. My favorite spot in Baltimore - Jimmy's Famous (shouts to them!) charges the exact same thing. This is just as good, and I don't have to drive 45 minutes to Balmer for it! Faidleys is charging you the same amout give a few bucks - and you gonna eat that in gas to Baltimore anyways. So if you in DC and want the best crabcake INSIDE the DC Beltway - this your spot! read more

This is my favorite place to stop at and get lunch with a lemonade. Everytime I go I try a different flavored lemonade and I think it's safe to say my favorite Is mango. To eat my go to is a glizzy w/ chili and cheese. One day they ran I out of chili so I decided to try something else and it was the best decision ever. The chicken sandwich with the Mumbo sauce is soooooo goood!! The king club is also really amazing. I will be honest I wasn't a fan of the big beef but I also don't eat roast beef often but the king sauce that comes on the sandwich is really good. Reminded me of Mac sauce read more

Food is fresh, delicious and worth the wait. The veggie wrap is always on point. I try to stop in and support every time I'm in the neighborhood. read more

I have not been here but when I learned this was a business invested in safety of young people I was on board. It is about a 30+ minute drive from where I am but I would love to patronize the business just for that reason. The menu looks great and I think very reasonably priced. Thank you owners for being invested in our community's youth and hope to get there soon. read more

I am upping this place to a 5 because: 1. They really make the best chicken sandwich I've ever had. Seriously. 2. The people who work there are soooo friendly. The woman at the register saw my friend and I eying their selection of fresh-baked cakes. She gave us a free slice. It was sooooooo good. I really can't believe how many incredible restaurants are so thoroughly overlooked by the DC yuppie set. read more

Ducked into this place on a grey afternoon to escape the chilly weather. Def a neighborhood spot; no seating. Warmly welcomed by the locally sourced staff (lol). Loved the DC Bullets vintage fitted hats that seemed to be a part of the unis. The menu was ji like DC themed, moe. With all that said, tried the Mr. Luke's fried chicken sandwich and the Marion Berry salmon cakes. Portions were generous. However, the salmon cakes sandwich was a bit oily, and the fried chicken sandwich a bit over-sauced (and I love me some sauce). I should have gotten this sweet-chili mambo sauce on the side. The potato salad was MEH to say the least (added hot sauce to supplement). Overall, really liked the place. Service was great. But there is certainly some room to improve. Can't wait until my next time. read more

I love this place!!! First time there lastnight (2/8/2020)... Great place just to order great food & be in an atmosphere with not only the ppl that I grew up with (I know the owner as well as most of the staff), but to receive the love at all times!!! Phenomenal customer service, reasonable prices & it's definitely worth it. If I had money, this would be one of the places that I would give back to... read more

Very good food and great customer service!!!! I got crab cake sandwich (real lump crab meat, buttery bun, and fresh lettuce and tomato). The potato salad and mango was great. I will be back getting the bigger crab cake just to be greedy. The 1/4 pound was enough I just want more. read more

Definitely some good food. Not a fan of how long the wait is always feels like I'm waiting 30 mins.. the salmon cakes are probably my favorite thing on the menu. read more

The crab cake sandwich is delicious. I want to try other things on the menu but that crab cake calls my name each time. I have had their wings though and they were tasty. Back to the crab cake. It's made with the lump crab meat, the good stuff not the cheap meat that you find at most places. Also they are quite generous hardly any filters. I highly recommend it. The wait is a bit because it's made fresh to order so keep that in mind or perhaps call in. The owner is professional and courteous. I will definitely make my way back when I am on that side of town. read more

Excellent! 11 of us went in for lunch. They were very friendly and the orders came out in a timely manner. It was also very delicious.

Just had breakfast from MLK Deli! Had to update my review. It was excellent. I will for sure be back! read more

MLK Deli - Yummy waffles... Perfectly seasoned scrambled eggs. - Delis Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Not really that good if you ask me. Decent at best. Got the MLK DELI sandwich. For it to be named after the street... it serves no justice. But I didn't try the crab cake sandwich so I won't troll to bad. read more

The salmon cake sandwich was so good! I think I've found my new favorite lunch spot! I can't wait to try more items from the menu!

Nothing pretentious. Just a tidy shop, selling good sandwiches and lemonade. (Also, cake, but I haven't tried that yet). Sandwiches are $7-9, and everything I've tried has been fresh and tastes great. read more

This is my favorite place to eat in southeast! They put so much heart into each sandwich and you can tell by the quality. I've had the MLK King Club, John Wall ham sandwich, and the crab cake sandwich, which were all incredible! read more

I love this spot. I did not like crab cakes at all. Now I'm a fan because of them. I love their crab cakes

This was the first time I ordered from MLK Deli. The deli was recommended from a friend of mine so I decided to try them out for lunch. I must say the Salmon Cake Sandwich was delicious!!! I almost ordered another today....lol. I definitely will be back for another Salmon Cake sandwich or I might try the crab cake sandwich next time. Also, the staff was really cool. read more

One of the few black-owned restaurants within the District and one of the handful of businesses who produce quality food! MLK Deli's selection has something for everyone and tend to offer a daily special. Sometimes those specials can be a little pricey, but it's worth every dime! I suggest you follow them on Instagram for their daily special shout outs and order ahead if you can! I still give them a full five stars even though the parking can be hectic and the wait can be a little longer than usual on some days, but patience is a virtue! read more

I drive over an hour (a few times in a week) just for the crab cake. Can't find one near me or just about anywhere else that compares. Lump crab meat is ALL that they use and it is worth every mile. The staff is friendly and professional each and every visit! read more

I ordered food from milk deli salon sandwich was really bad greasy lacked any real taste . Customer service over the phone was pathetic

The best chicken salad melt I've ever had! If you are looking for a local spot to grab a sandwich, this is your place. These guys take good care of their customers and sandwiches! read more

I came here on Saturday night for a sandwich and I ordered the crab cake sand which with a fruit cup. The crab cake was moist, fresh and simply amazing!!! The fruit cup was fresh and was a perfect compliment to the sandwich. The customer service was excellent and the wait time was not bad at all, especially considering the quality of the ingredients! If you want great food at great prices, look no further! read more

It's a nice little spot emphasis on "little". Food is delicious so far I've had the salmon sandwich and will be back to try again. Their service would flow a lot smoother if they talked to each other less focused on prepping client orders. Their specialty lemonades are great and so is their menu minus one star for service read more

MLK Deli is an exemplary model of a high quality deli. The food consistently exceeds my expectations, it's clean and the customer service is always exceptional. I've recommended it to countless friends and their experience has mirrored mine. I'll definitely continue to be a repeat customer and recommend it to others. read more

I visit for the first time and the service was thee worst I was there for 5 minutes before I was acknowledged they where in the cooking area debating on the food been delivered and put away then the guy comes up to the register and said they got him f$@cked up smh the crab cake was soo little for 15.00 and wasn't to tasty I want be going back. read more

Big classic deli sandwiches and crab cakes. The only thing that could be improved is the wait time. Other than that, great experience. Good addition to the community. read more

So this spot is under new management and it is still black own...my oh my the new owners revamp the hell out of this spot...it is nice and they have a decent system going on with how the food is ordered, prepared, and picked up. Ordered the salmon cake sandwich, chicken salad melt, and the uncle luke fried chicken breast sandwich...along with a strawberry and mango lemonade. Okay soooooo what I didn't like was that the menu was not that extensive with the choices listed. I did not like the sweet chili mambo sauce on the uncle luke it was just too much and made my bread soggy as hell I think I would have to ask for additional fixings like cheese, bacon, mayo, and the garlic parmesan sauce... but if I got to add all of this i just wont order it again because I will be changing the entire concept of that sandwich...for the uncle luke was a plain fried chicken breast with lettuce and tomato and drench in the sweet chili mambo sauce. The sauce is good but I think it will go best on chicken wings only but for me it wasn't working for that sandwich. The other two sandwiches were good...However, I will ask for some mayo on the side for the chicken salad melt. The homemade sauce for the salmon cake sandwich was good. The lemonade and potato salad were good too. They have breakfast but I haven't tried the breakfast yet. read more

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