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    The Original John's Deli

    4.0 (477 reviews)
    ModerateDelis, Salad, Sandwiches
    Closed 9:45 am - 9:00 pm

    Order The Original John's Deli Takeout or Delivery

    The Original John's Deli Photos

    Business Info

    THE ORIGINAL JOHN'S DELI ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - The Original John's Deli

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    Reviews With Photos

    Joe C.

    Sadly, not good. Amazingly overrated. I could have given this place 1 star but I am feeling generous. This is our first try of the infamous roast beef, fresh mootz, and brown pan gravy classic. I am not sure if this place is owned or ran by new staff, but the hero was just not good. Mushy, dried out dark roast beef, and a gravy with no beef flavor. You're talking about a 25 dollar sub, it should always be good. The bread wasn't even good. Just a mess and a waste of money. Stomach ache, in an area with so many great sandwich shops, this should be a pass. Sorry, have to be honest. Thanks

    This is the "Tony Manero" - Divine!!
    Janine P.

    (short & sweet) Never -NOT- incredible, The Original John's Deli offers a wide array of sandwiches (amongst other things) to choose from; One to satisfy every diverse palate. Their sandwiches are plentiful - Stuffed full of all the ingredients you choose, and as much as the bread can handle (without splitting into something unrecognizable). Just the right amount of 'saltpeppahoregano Have the urge for Sandwiches? The Original John's is a sure bet - 100% of the time.

    Johnny Roastbeef
    Brandon Y.

    I said I would come back to try the Johnny Roast Beef and I did, eventually haha. The sandwich is super good and messy and very worth it overall. The roast beef has good flavor and matches with the gravy and onions really nicely. It soaks into the soft bread well, exactly what I'm looking for in this kind of sandwich. The mozz is good, but I think I'd probably substitute it for provolone or white cheddar if I could next time, just a personal preference. Very good sandwich though! Service was nice and quaint and the atmosphere has that old school charm and vibe to it. I will be back on occasion o7.

    Henry R.

    I remember when the sandwiches were as big a baby's head. Still good but I guess inflation hits sandwiches too lol

    The famous Johnny Roastbeef
    Danny M.

    Old School sandwich shop located in South Brooklyn. They've been here for decades and the sandwiches haven't changed. Still good and excellent value for the money. Service is quick and friendly. There are 4 tables to dine. It's a casual vibe, eat quickly kind of sandwich shop.

    Godfather
    Kelly N.

    Ordered on Toast and sandwiches were ready when we went to pick up. The deli is small with an entire wall with the menu on it. There is parking since it was next to CVS. We ordered the Godfather, Johnny's Roastbeef and riceball with Pistachios. Godfather was delish with the roasted red peppers, tomato salad and hot sliced cherry pepper. I also had the Italian bread toasted and scooped out. The roasted beef was ordered as is with the gravy on the side so it's not as messy to eat. The gravy was dark & looked like teriyaki sauce. It added more umami to the Roastbeef sandwich. The riceballs were ok. Overall good sandwiches and service was quick.

    The wall
    Tony L.

    Came to Brooklyn to visit family. I used to come here as a kid. Food is as good as I remember. Had chicken Parm. It was perfect. This is the original spot but the owner sold it and opened up on 13th Ave. Never had a chance to visit this location but based on what I ate this is the same. My cousin eats at the 13th ave told me the story she did it's great too.

    Johnny Roast Beef on a roll
    Bill S.

    When I'm in Brooklyn, I like to stick to my goto spots. I live on Long Island and if I want a warm roast beef sammy? Forgetaboutit. They'd look at me like I had two heads. I've never been to John's deli, lemme see what the hubbub is all about. Walking in, I'm a man on mission. If there is one thing that irks me, someone in front of me and not being prepared on the sandwich offerings. It's like being in an ice cream shop and the person in front of me wants to try every flavor. They're licking the spoon and commenting, Hmm the vanilla notes are very pronounced. Me? I have cash in hand and read the entire menu. I walk in and I'm surprised by the size of the deli. It's a small powerhouse with a few tables. The menu board is to the left on the wall, no one is in front of me and I ask for the Johnny Roastbeef. Roll or Hero I'm asked. I wasn't prepped for that choice so I said on a roll please. The roll was freshly baked but it was a scooby snack, I shoulda went for the the hero. The Johnny Roastbeef is freshly sliced roast beef with sautéed onions, mozzarella and gravy on a freshly baked roll. Look at my picture, the sandwich guy was an artist with the gravy! One bite and it was a slam dunk. There is something about warm roast beef and gravy, to have it on a handheld sammy is epic. John's deli, I'm glad we met. First time here and I had a great sandwich. I can't wait to return.

    the inside of the restaurant
    Rose D.

    Very small place. If you're not looking for it it is easy to miss. Glad I did not miss it!!! It's a small establishment, clean with indoor seating (3 tables) and outdoor (two tables) as well. We ordered the classic roast beef on a The sandwich was packed (not too thick) with savory, juicy & tender roast beef topped with caramelized onions that perfectly complimentary the beef. It really was a bite of delight. The guys at the counter where very nice and quick. We will definitely return

    I usually stop by John's Deli, everytime I want to go to Coney Island. Food at Coney is good, but John Deli is a perfect meal to have before walking around the boardwalk. It feels like one of those old-school neighborhood spots where everyone knows exactly what they're doing. The second you walk in, the smell of freshly sliced meats hits you like a wake-up call. It's busy, loud, and honestly kind of chaotic, but in that classic New York way. I ordered the Honey Bunny, and Johnny Roast Beef and lemme tell you it was huge, juicy, and packed. The bread was warm, the meat was tender, and they didn't skimp on portions. The staff works fast, but they're still friendly even when the line is long. Sure, the wait can be annoying, but really, would anyone wait if the food wasn't worth it?

    Fried Shrimp
    Hadiya M.

    As a Brooklyn native and sandwich lover, I can't believe I didn't come here earlier. John's deli serves up some delicious, made to order sandwiches with clever names and unique flavor combinations. We ordered the Eric Murphy with extra cherry peppers and the Dr. Tancredi to share. Both sandwiches were generous portions and with chips and a drink the total is about $40. They have indoor and outdoor seating. The owner was very personable and made us a little fried shrimp after we inquired about the weekend seafood sandwiches. Great customer service, very delicious sandwiches ( gotta get that sesame seed bread!) will definitely be back for more.

    Menu
    Cris T.

    The order was simple: Johnny roast beef on a nine inch hero with the gravy on side. It was an amazing hero. There was plenty of roast beef with cheese and onions. The gravy is so savory. I got the gravy on the side since I was traveling with the sandwich. The place is nice and clean. The staff is helpful and friendly. Parking can be a pain, but it's worth it. I will definitely be back.

    Roast beef sandwich
    Crystal L.

    Although I've lived around here my whole life, I don't know why I never popped in, even with so many of my friends telling me how great their sandwiches are. Well, I finally stopped by and got a roast beef sandwich on a hero. It wasn't crowded around 3pm on a weekday, but there's definitely on going traffic. I don't know what they put in there and what kind of gravy/ sauce they had in there but it was so delicious! It was so flavorful, I don't even know how to describe it, but just go try it!

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    3 months ago

    Johnny roast beef gravy on the side!!!! Always super quick and they have indoor seating as well!!

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    Ari G.

    Thanks so much for the five stars, Kevin, we really appreciate it!

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    4 months ago

    The best rice balls in Brooklyn. Definitely recommend. Sandwich are great also . Wish this was around when I went to Lafayette

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    8 months ago

    Sandwiches are good. But 18$ for a 8 inch hero is absolutely insane. You're better off going to an actual pork store for a sandwich

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    9 months ago

    Pricey but absolutely delicious food, best eaten right there on the premises. Take a moment to enjoy the taste.

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    9 months ago

    Everything was phenomenal! The service, the people! The Potato croquettes are a must have!

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    1 year ago

    Asked them about food with no pork , but they added pork anyway.. Very rude personal !

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    Page 1 of 12

    Ask the Community - The Original John's Deli

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    John's Deli II

    John's Deli II

    3.6
    (61 reviews)
    0.6 mi
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    WOW! The 2 two things I tried were oustanding! The fried ravioli was delicious & that marinara…read moresauce was to die for. The godfather sandwich was amaazzzing! It is definitely one of my top 5 sandwiches in NYC. The sandwich doesn't look anything special, but when you eat it you will be amazed! There was so much different delicious flavors at every bite: savory, sweet, spicy, tangy. It was a party in my mouth! I make happy sounds whenever I eat delicious foods & I was making too much of that. I also kept saying "jesus christ this is one delicious sandwich"! The cool thing is that u can tell them how to season the sandwich. I asked for the red pepper tomato concoction, pesto, basil, mayo, black pepper, frated parmesan cheese, white vinegar, balsamic glaze. That combo seasoning made that sandwich even more delicious! I have passed by this shop many times & I regret not trying it earlier. I can't wait to try their other sandwiches. I highly highly recommend this shop!

    I've lived in the area for many many years and never tried John's deli. Decided to come here and…read morepick up some sandwiches. They have a big menu so it's overwhelming. I ordered The Godfather and a hot roast beef sandwich (forgot the name). The Godfather wasn't bad but nothing special about it. The roast beef sandwich was really bland, this could just be a normal thing because I've had other roast beef where it's also bland. If I ever make it back here again I'd love to try their hot foods instead of another sandwich.

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    Lioni Italian Heroes

    Lioni Italian Heroes

    4.4
    (554 reviews)
    1.6 mi
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    Rarely do I rate a place I've never actually been to. However in this case of someone bringing me 2…read moreof the best Italian heroes ( sangwiches) I think Ive ever had, I'm making an exception. I've eaten MANY Italian heroes all over northern NY & NYC and this has to be the best Ive ever had. This place is well established in the local community and I am sure someone has done a video or segment on TV about this place. The amount of food on a sandwich and the quality of their food is impeccable. No heroes loaded up with tomato and lettuce. Just plenty of the "good stuff". Don't give the prices a 2nd glance as these sandwiches have to weight 4-5 lbs each and a full ( 10"?) hero is plenty for 2 very hungry people. They have over 150 Signature sandwiches named after ( mostly) Italian celebrities. ( Fran Sinatra, Yogi Berra, Sophia Loren, etc) I was very satisfied with these 2: ---#119 EDDIE ARCARDO "Try This Thoroughbred"-- Chicken cutlet, salami, ham, olive oil, basil mix, LIONI FRESH MOZZARELLA, Sun-dried tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar ----#P1 THE ROSANNA SCOTTO "You'll Have A Good Day With This One" Ham, Salami, Pepperoni, Soppressata, Fresh Mozzarella, Roasted Peppers OMG! so loaded, so fresh, amazing bread. Home made roasted peppers, sundried tomatoes, AMAZING mozzarella! Be hungry & GO! Top notch!

    Food: This is an old school Italian sub shop that makes over 100 different types of sandwiches…read more They are well known for their fresh mozzarella which is delicious. The subs are always packed with meat and fresh ingredients; the bread is delicious. Their shop also sells traditional Italian breads ($1.50 for an Italian loaf), sides, desserts, and groceries. They also do catering and long subs for parties and events. The number of choices of subs can be overwhelming! Service: Service was average, nothing bad but nothing great either. Ambiance: There is a small table that seats about 6 people in the shop if you want to eat there. The sub shop/counter is in the back, and the front is a small grocery store with Italian products. Overall, I would recommend this sandwich spot!

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    Lioni Italian Heroes
    Lioni Italian Heroes
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    Doña Zita Mexican Restaurant

    Doña Zita Mexican Restaurant

    4.1
    (100 reviews)
    1.6 mi
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    My experience at this establishment was mixed, and it started with confusion before I even placed…read morean order. The cashier informed me that I could not order through her, yet there was no visible signage indicating where customers were supposed to order. For a business operating in a busy beach environment, clear direction and customer flow are essential, and that aspect was noticeably lacking. The seating situation was equally puzzling. After receiving my food, I noticed many people occupying the tables while eating food from completely different establishments. Throughout my visit, groups carrying various meals from around the beach sat freely without being informed otherwise. This gave the impression that the seating area functions more as a public beach dining space than as seating reserved for paying customers. Management may want to evaluate this arrangement, as it can diminish the experience for patrons who purchased food from the restaurant. As for the food itself, the sandwich was undeniably large and offered a generous portion for the price. However, much of the value seemed tied to its size rather than its flavor. The chicken breast was substantial but lacked seasoning and depth of taste. The agua de horchata was even more disappointing, with a flavor that tasted artificial and more reminiscent of a powdered mix than a traditional homemade recipe. Overall, this is not a place that stands out for its atmosphere, food quality, or customer experience. While the portions are impressive, the flavors fail to match the presentation, leaving the impression that you're primarily paying for quantity rather than quality. With improvements to customer service, clearer organization, and more attention to flavor, the experience could be significantly better in the future. Rating: 3/5 stars. Decent portions, but the overall experience and food quality leave plenty of room for improvement.

    Wow! I am glad I found this spot on Yelp. The restaurant is at the corner of the block and it has 2…read moresides to order from which is weird, one has Mexican and the other side has more Americanized food. I ordered a steak Cemitas, steak quesadilla and chorizo taco. The steak Cemitas was my favorite, it was huge with stuffed toppings. The quesadilla was tasty and different from the usual quesadillas, it was so crispy with the toppings on top. The taco was my least favorite, it was plain with just cilantro and onions. The service was pleasant and helpful. It was also a really nice day to enjoy authentic Mexican food sitting outside.

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    Doña Zita Mexican Restaurant
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    Think Sweet

    Think Sweet

    4.8
    (44 reviews)
    1.0 mi
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    5/29/24 My brother introduced me to this "hole in the wall…read morewith great Shakshuka". The cozy restaurant is tiny with 2 tables on the ground floor but there is also seating upstairs. We had the freshly toasted sliced baguette with Zatar spiced cream cheese, pickled jalapenos, and pickled banana peppers. Then each of our Shakshuka was brought out individually by the owner. It was in a skillet, covered to stay hot. My shakshuka was fresh, flavorful, and prepared exactly the way I requested (eggs over hard instead of the typical over easy). The owner kept coming to check on all the customers and make sure they had everything they wanted. Before leaving the owner ran to the kitchen to prepare a Nite Toast for us to sample. It was so delicious. I may start with that next time. This was a wonderful homey experience with warmth, hospitality, and excellent food.

    The Mefuneket sandwich may be simple, but is so so delicious! I love that it comes with some many…read morefresh veggies. Moti the owner is so sweet. He's always checking in on everyone and making each customer feel like they're one of his friends. If you want more pepper, no problem! Moti will give you extra banana peppers or jalapeños if you ask. The store itself isn't the prettiest to look at, but the service and food more than make up for that. I highly suggest you come to Think Sweet for breakfast or lunch if you're in the neighborhood.

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    Shakshuka so delicious
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    86th Street Deli & Grill

    86th Street Deli & Grill

    4.0
    (4 reviews)
    0.9 mi

    Love a good deli that has a food stand with a sandwich and fast eats menu. Very affordable and…read moreeverything was melty goodness fantasticness. The only tough things to consider while ordering from here was the staff had a hard time understanding orders between my friend and I. The sandwiches from here does take a while to come out as they're making it from scratch - so be prepared for a semi long wait. We both ordered different items - a Philly cheesesteak and a chicken cutlet sandwich with a side of fries. This place has a good assortment of deli items and snacks to sell with a narrow hall. The hardest part from our experience was both the chef and the cashier had a tough time getting our food orders correct. My friend got a Philly cheesesteak but both of them added an order of fries with her sandwich when she didn't get one. Mine was the chicken cutlet sandwich with the fries but the cashier was about to ring up my order and almost mistakenly stated it was the Philly Cheesesteak (almost got charged the extra price for the wrong sandwich). Luckily my friend and I were detail oriented and stopped them before anything was entered. Since the extra side of fries was made, they were nice enough to give my friend this no extra charge. But it was quite painful to correct and shocking on the customer side. Food is still good and didn't have a bad experience once we got to munch on dinner. But definitely check your items and the price charge when ordering from here.

    Please count your change! I'm 99% sure that I was shortchanged $10 dollars today and I only found…read moreout after I got home. The item was $3, I handed over a $20 and it turns out I was only given $7 dollars in return. Now was it an accident or intentional? I don't know, but it's a lesson learned.

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    Philly cheesesteak with everything
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    Side of fries

    The Original John's Deli - delis - Updated July 2026

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