I would give six stars if I could.
From the website: "New World Deli came into existence because owners Greg and Sarah Bontempo wanted to create a restaurant where their young children could come to work with them and they would not have to rely on day care."
Seriously, what's NOT to love about this place. it is located in Hyde Park in an old-school Market center right across the street from the State School entrance. Just outside of NeWorlDeli's back entrance there's a history of Hyde Park.
Today Claire, the owner's daughter on summer break from High School took my order... she was friendly and very cool. Her two sisters were around as well. The youngest approached mom (owner) and said in her... I don't know... 8ish year old way, "Mommy, can I have a job?" And mom sweetly said, "sure, I'd love to give you a job." Minutes later, little cutie was putting paper in serving baskets. Then mom came over and joked about how she and Claire are sisters. Awesome.
I'm all about supporting family businesses with family values. And there's just something about talking to Claire and seeing this family interact that screams "this family loves one another WELL... very well"
And the food. Yesterday I had the cup o' soup and 1/2 sandwich combo for $6.89 (after 5 it is $7.20). I asked for a Mixed Deli (Ham, Salami, Provolone) and the Chicken Poblano soup. The 1/2 sandwich was really more like a whole sandwich and was excellent. As was the soup and pickle. My friend had the (mild) curry chicken sandwich and the cup of tomato basil... both were also very good. A great value.
And our waiter (order at counter before 5, at the table after 5) Beth, was super friendly, awesome, sweet, and helpful.
Today I came back (good sign, right?) and had the Reuben. There are signs that say it's the best in Austin. I'm no Reuben expert... I think I've only had one here and at Little Deli (another MUST for Austin sandwich shops) but it was very good.
I read some of the other reviews complaining about service. I've had no problems. Quite the opposite, actually. The owner stopped by to ask how everything was. And while writing this review I overheard Claire ask if everything was ok when she picked-up someone's 1/2-eaten food... she said they always ask when it looks like there might be a problem (btw, the guy said everything was fine, he just wasn't that hungry). One of the best service experiences I've had around town.
Free WiFi... bottomless coffee for under $2. Lots of light coming in from the enormous plate glass windows facing the huge oaks of Texas State School, sweet people, high ceilings... Awesome vibe.
If you swing by here tomorrow, you'll probably see me. This is my new favorite place to camp.
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The rest of the "about us" page on their website says:
"When you enter NeWorldeli you are greeted by the aromas of simmering sauces, homemade soups, and roasting meats wafting from the kitchen. This casual Hyde Park cafe caters to those who crave an old-fashioned sandwich piled high with fresh deli meat, cheese and all the trimmings.
In the early days you would often see little Abigail taking a nap on the bread shelf while Claire glided around visiting customers on her red scooter! Now a days Claire is in high school and enjoys working at the counter during the summer months, Abby loves to help on the grill and little Emma can be seen occasionally riding the red scooter. Greg has had a life long affair with the restaurant industry. He grew up working with his father, who was the quintessential "Deli Man", in their butcher shop which was the heart and soul of a small town community in New Jersey. He wanted to continue the tradition by creating a restaurant where people in the area could come together and enjoy freshly prepared food and great conversation.
Both Greg and Sarah earned their degrees at UT while working in all facets of the business. They met after college when Sarah applied for a job at a restaurant that Greg was running. It goes without saying that he hired Sarah and the rest as they say is history.
Finding it mutually rewarding and a personally satisfying way to make a living while raising a family they decided to create the New World Deli. So come on in to see us to enjoy a delicious meal in downtown Hyde Park." read more