If you have read my reviews I don't beat about the bush. A Bush does not fight back, unless its GW Bush in which case no beating is a beating enough for that man! GREAT sandwiches, second only to jetties. Although I have to say their carved chicken breast on an french roll is up there with Pink Floyd s dark side of the moon. My review is only for that Sandwich, because that's all I ever order when I go there. I love it so much that i have written a song about the sandwich which goes like this. Oh and the service is nothing short of heavenly, I have never gotten a back rub, but me thinks they might be inclined to do it if I were to. Oh Chicken carved sandwich from wagshals You taste so good in my mouth I have you at least once a week And no one can stop me now If someone were to prevent me from eating you one day I would be forced to stick them with a kabob skewer in the face read more

Great sandwiches, but be sure to ask for the discount. It can get ridiculously crowded. Don't stop at the sandwiches, all of their soups are fabulous!! read more

While I have only been to Wagshal's a few times for lunch. I am a fan! The service is friendly and up beat and I like most sandwiches and bakery items. I would not eat the greek gyros again - not that greek there but all other sandwiches are yummy. It is always busy there and that's ok because they do a great job. They also have a great wine selection. I would choose this place many times over the fancy organic place across the street that I ate at before (I did review it already) read more

Amazing sandwiches, old timey feel, and let's be honest, if you live in the neighborhood, it's the only game in town for deli sandwiches. The brisket melt is warm and tender and heavenly. The pastrami is peppery and juicy, and the veggie toppings are always crisp and fresh. Wagshals also has serve yourself frozen yogurt so you can play the "lets see how big a tower of ice cream i can make in a small cup before they charge me for a large" game. (hint: it's about 9 inches.) I have been going to and loving Wagshal's ever since I was old enough to walk down there without my parents, which was my 17th birthday. Don't judge me, I was a late bloomer! Lot's of people breast feed into their teens! This review is over! read more

I do not know why it took me so long to be introduced to Wagshal's. I came here at lunchtime on a Wednesday. Why are there so many people in upper NW on a Wednesday at lunch? There is not an office park in sight. Except for AU law students, who else is here??? In any event, the crowdedness feeling I think had more to do with the lack of waiting/lining space and less to do with actually a lot of people there. I ordered the veggie melt. I asked for multigrain bread but the attendant astutely pointed out it might get soggy from the vegetables. I appreciated his input because who wants a soggy sandwich? I took his recommendation of the french bread which was just fantastic, and worked very well with the sandwich. Which was, by the way, pretty pretty solid. Yes prices are a bit high. But the sandwich was big - I didn't really eat dinner that evening as a result. If you find yourself up here, hit up Wagshal's. read more

All these stars just for the roast beef thinly sliced, I buy it several pounds at a time for make at home sammys. The turkey pastrami doesn't suck either. It's a drive to get here for me but worth it. And enough said in previous reviews but the brisket sandwich is the bomb. read more

Very good. But overpriced (even with the student discount). I often get the Turkey Stuffing Thing, which is better than Chicken Out's similar open-faced sandwich. It would be four-stars, but they absolutely have the worst system for handling customers of any business I have ever been to. Please, PLEASE change it so your customers can pay while they wait for the sandwich to be made!! read more

I'm someone who was introduced to Jewish delis via Miami, not New York, so my perceptions might be a bit skewed. However, Wagshal's reminded me of a quality Miami deli right down to the chopped liver and staff who barely speak English. They don't do everything well, but it's worth the trip for the things they do excel at, especially if you happen to be going to American University. The sandwiches are not expensive and really delicious. I had the pastrami, which was clearly not store-bought. Their pastrami is high-quality beef that's been cured and prepared for weeks. I didn't have any bagels, but they didn't look particularly inspiring. I also would have liked to see a case of house-smoked fish--I won't order lox if I can't see it beforehand. I also took some stuffed grape leaves and some chopped liver to go. It lacks some of Jewish deli staples, so don't go expecting lox onion eggs or anything like that. The sandwiches, however, are worth at least 4-stars. Just don't forget to wash it down with some cream soda or a Cel-Ray. read more

I have been looking for a place like this for ever since I moved to DC! I commute to work from downtown along Mass Ave all the way out to Maryland (I work in West Bethesda where the metro does not go), and I am so happy that I randomly stopped in here one morning. I get coffee, fruit from the breakfast bar, and lunch all for about $10. I can't believe people think this place is expensive! You live in DC for crying out loud - this is one of the cheapest places I've found! As for the service, after coming in every morning (and sometimes on the way home from work), all of the people that work there got to know me after a week. They were friendly from the get go, and the one guy (Jeff, I think was his name) was very friendly when helping me select a wine. We got to talking about beers/liquors and he was pretty knowledgeable. The meatball sub is delish! That's the sandwich that made me fall in love with this place. I had been stopping at Chicken Out across the street, but these sandwiches knock those to the ground, no contest. I actually changed my work schedule so I could stop in here every morning - they open at 8 am. read more

It's a great deli - all your regulars. I had a pastrami sandwich and it was great! It's a deli/mart so not a lot of seating (inside). There are tables outside but it's freezing today. There is a small counter to sit at (which is where we sat). Had a wine-tasting available so we also picked up a bottle of wine. This place is better for grab and go rather than sitting and eating. read more

Wagshal's - View of the menu - Delis Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Went in to buy a couple of bottles of wine. Staff literally stepped over me to help another customer without as much as an , "excuse me" or a"may I help you?" Cashier spoke w/ someone else while checking me out and just plopped credit slip down in front of me without as much as a thank you. I'll take my business elsewhere. read more

Wagshal's used to be a well kept secret amongst neighbors in the Little falls, Kenwood and Bethesda neighborhoods. It's always been a go-to deli for a great sandwich or to grab a side for a dinner party last minute. But now it's taken off. Oftentimes you'll find students from the nearby American University and it's law school sitting in the few patio tables provided outside. I've always contended that Wagshal's was too small. If it's crowded, there is little to no room to wait for your order, let alone form a line. But the sandwiches, soups, antipasti bar and hot food are sensational. They have a cake, cookie and cupcake selection as well when you check out. My friends have tried the infamous Bacon doughnut and say it's pretty darn good. More than half the small shop is devoted to wine and liquor so it's a good one stop shop if you're heading to a dinner party. Expect to pay more than $10 if you get a sandwich and a drink. But it'll be a tasty buy. read more

I hesitate to write this, because I have been in the restaurant business for years, but I am a regular customer, and I have kept going back, because I DO like the concept. I keep thinking perhaps it's not usually like this, but every time I have dined here, it has been disappointing. I really, REALLY, want to like Wagshal's, but the quality of product you all put out leaves far too much to be desired. All I will say is, if it comes to your place or the Starbucks just 50ft away, I would recommend Starbucks, their selections (both sandwiches and baked goods) are less expensive and taste better. Before I get to the part about the food, I want to address the issues with the staff: Your staff are either apathetically rude for absolutely no reason OR they are lacking many basic customer service skills. Never have I felt that anyone was ever trying when I have walked through the door. It always feels rushed, even when it is slow. It is as if your employees simply want the customers to leave as quickly as possible. I am sorry to say folks, but customers are what allows your boss to write out your paychecks. My last visit there, the gentleman taking sandwich orders was an overt jerk to myself and the customers who proceeded me. We were confused about the menu, and he said with an annoyed tone/look on his face, "Well, like it says right there in plain English... Etc." I had half a mind about me to chew him out, but I wanted to be kind, due to the pandemic. I didn't complain to the manager, I just let the gal at the cash register know that he acted inappropriately - as I was speaking to the cashier - the customer next to me piped up, backed me up on how he treated me, and then complained about this gentleman's rude behavior towards her as well. Now to the quality of food: before I start, the following account has been my regular experience both with take out and dining in. Today, after work, I ordered the Mikey - again, great concept, the ingredients sound delicious, but the execution, very poor. All of the sandwiches were pre made, which is not the usual. If a customer is charged full price, you need to provide made to order sandwiches. The sandwiches were wrapped in the paper bags with the sticker on them and what's worse is that they were just sitting out on the counter. Aren't prepared foods supposed to be temperature controlled to avoid contamination or spoiling? There were ten to fifteen pre made sandwiches sitting out in the open on the counter. That is 100% a health code violation and could make customers sick. I am sorry to say this, but I have had better sandwiches that are far less expensive than what Wagshal's makes. The meat is usually dry or tasteless, the lettuce is not what should be on a deli sandwich. It seems that you use either coral lettuce, which tastes great on burgers, but not on deli sandwiches. I know you are doing gourmet, but deli sandwiches use iceberg lettuce, because it gives that crisp, cool texture when shredded. Why you wouldn't use this type of lettuce is odd, iceberg is way cheaper. The sauce for the sandwich was on the side, with no indication of this fact, so my first half of the sandwich tasted even more dry than the usual dry I get with one slice of cheese, for a $13-$14 sandwich? The worst part of the sandwich, without fail, is the bread, always stale on the outside, soggy on the inside, and flat. This is not French bread. The consistency on the outside of French bread is crisp with a crusted texture around the "scored" areas. On the inside it is soft with air pockets and is cylindrical, not flat. The bread is also flavorless, it needs salt. I have worked and managed establishments that make fresh bread every day, serving 10 times the amount of customers that you have at Wagshal's, There is no excuse to charge what you charge and make the products that you make. With very little effort, these issues could be remedied. AGAIN, I want to like Wagshal's, but I would be remise if I didn't say anything, given the good reputation your establishment has had historically. read more

Just had a terrible meat ball sub. Might be OK if all one wanted was quantity and blah taste with very little cheese. Call first if there's something you plan to order. Mon. 11:40 my first choice was 'sold out' although I think it was never 'sold' that morning. I've had better days there. read more

The Wagshals "family" restaurant is a real addition to the neighborhood. It's simple, well-priced, and has hearty food that ranges from the OK to the very good. I like the sandwiches at lunch, and the place is usually relaxed and one can bring a friend and sit around and have a conversation. There are refills on the diet cokes. The dinners are a bargain. Decent food, sometimes very good home-style food, at very reasonable prices (the lunch is relatively more expensive). The house wine at $5 a glass is a welcome feature. You can go next door and select a piece of very good cake for dessert. Three cheers to Wagshals for value and unpretentiousness! read more

Wagshal's is an institution, and for good reason. Their sandwiches are delicious (especially the Reuben) and their soups are fabulous. Yes, they are pricy, but once in a while it's worth it. The only downside of this place is the ordering system and the speed with which they fill orders. As others have mentioned, they don't let you pay until you have received your sandwiches, which can take FOREVER. Maybe there's a reason for this, but it certainly is not an obvious one and no one ever bothers to explain it. The speed with which they fill orders really is a bit strange. I've been there when it's packed, and I've been there when there are only one or two other people waiting. No matter how crowded it is, though, count on them taking 10+ minutes to make your sandwich (sometimes more). If they could figure out a way to streamline the process, I would be a much more regular customer. If you do decide to go, I highly recommend trying to beat the lunch-rush, especially when AU is in session. Or you can call in your order ahead of time. read more

Very tasty food. Good wine selection. The employers are so nice and cheerful. Great service!! read more

Wagshal's - Delis Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I have never been in a more cramped, confusing and disorganized store in my life. You order at the far left, pay at the far right, then pick up in the middle! Everyone waiting for their food is now creating a wall between where you order and pay. So you now have to navigate the narrow wine/liquor aisles to get from one place to the other and heaven help you if anyone is already in the aisle actually shopping for alcohol. I've never been more stressed out trying to order a sandwich. Ridiculous. read more

Wagshal's has the BEST SOUP EVER. I am a soup-fanatic. It is my favorite food group- I know my soups and discriminate accordingly. I have not had a soup from there that I haven't enjoyed with every bite/sip: matzo ball, chicken with rice, chili, clam chowder, navy bean, chicken tortilla, lentil, and of course, my personal favorite: split pea. They recently changed the size of the "small," so if you need lunch to just hold you over, the small is a decent size. Otherwise, the medium makes a full meal, and the large is ample for multiple sittings! If you don't want to pay $7 for a sandwich, the filing soup is around $4. Ask for crackers, a spoon and napkins at the checkout counter. The one downside is that Wagshals does not poke holes in the lids of the plasticware, so be careful opening your container! read more

Pricey but good. Wagshal's is a pretty extensive deli with all sorts of sandwiches, salads and a good beer and wine selection. They don't seem to always have every sandwich available though, as the last time I went I asked for a crab cake sandwich and was told they didn't have it currently. Disappointing because it's a fantastic sandwich. Instead I went for the meatball sub which was huge! The bread tasted great and the meatballs were well-made. It took a while to get my sandwich though, and the place wasn't that packed. The service is fine, and there are lots of different chips and drinks for you to enjoy your sandwich with. A good option in a neighborhood devoid of great places to eat. read more

Their products are pretty good if you can afford them. But who can actually afford them? So darn expensive and people still thoroughly frequent the place. It's crazy. No sandwiches below 12 bucks read more

Growing up around these parts we got sent down to wagshals at dinner for a bagette, or maybe got to pick out some pastry as a treat, and I liked that. Now I just don't know - you walk in to long lines, less selection of unusual snacks and condiments and I went in today at 1:30pm and there were two sorry looking loaves of bread and thats it! Two loaves of bread, and boring white bread at that? What kind of deli are you people?? read more

Warning: This is not a complete review. I am only commenting on the corned beef. I have been longing for decent corned beef in Washington for decades. Why did I wait so long to come here? What was I thinking? Am I crazy? Oy. Decor: Nice gourmet market. Not really a deli vibe. Food: Wagshall's doesn't rely on precooked corned beef like Saval, which is almost inedible, or Boar's Head, which is not bad. They make their own Jewish corned beef, not Kosher. Best corned beef I have had South of Phily. Ok Baltimore has pretty good deli too. Service: Efficient. Friendly. Value: Cheaper than taking Amtrak to points north for good meat. Eat Here Again: Yes. So how come they dont have good Pastrami? read more

Wagshal's now has a full-service restaurant in the back of the store, and it's really good! The prices are surprisingly reasonable, too. I went a few nights ago and got the crabcake, which was quite large with tons of big chunks of jumbo lump crab. It came with coleslaw and fries, but I substituted a baked potato. It also came with a salad as the first course and the ginger dressing is great!! I would definitely go back, especially for that crabcake! read more

Just "okay" food and extremely lacking service. The wait staff needs to be trained on the basics of waiting tables. The waitress spilled a drink on the table and left us to clean it ourselves. One of the things we ordered was the crab cake sandwich, which was doused in Dijon mustard--killing the crab flavor. They also upcharged for the Kaiser roll without first telling us (it's the principal, really). There were other instances of poor, amateur service but I'll spare the details. Suffice to say, this was our first time and also likely the last. I would not recommend this place to friends. But if you do eat here, judging by other reviews, it's probably best to get food to-go. read more

Wagshal's is probably the one of the best bets, if not the best bet, for AU law students trying to catch a meal between classes, although had I had the time to get out of the Spring Valley area, this would not be among my choices. The food is hit or miss: somedays the knishes are fresh and moist, other days they are stale and cardboardlike. The sandwiches are fine for what they are, but they are very expensive. The matzah ball soup IS worthwhile, though-especially in the winter. And the baked goods here are spectacular. read more

Great deli sandwiches but WOW, the prices! I know that I am in DC & in the rich, snotty area of Spring Valley but to have to spend $15-20 to get a sandwich, a bag of chips, and a drink is a bit absurd. I occasionally visit for lunch time as my office is across the street so it is a quick 15 min lunch vs an hour at a sit down place. I now dont get a drink & maybe grab a bag of chips but even that comes out to be $11-13. The sandwiches are very good but the unfriendly workers, the lack of prices on much of anything (other than sandwich board) is really Annoying. read more

Had the smoked brisket sandwich, it was terrible. Very very chewy to the point that I couldn't take a bite. Also, it was more fat than meat. It was supposed to be their signature item too, but they obviously really messed that up. Definitely not worth the almost $12 after tax. read more

Many AU law students may well spend half their tuition money at either Wagshal's market or deli simply because there are no other options. I know I did. But now that I am no longer bound to eat there at least once a week, I really miss their veggie burgers, which were homemade and made you stink like onions and Russian dressing in class. Ah, good times. Everything else is overpriced, with the exception of the salad bar when you have a student discount. read more

Other than the pickle on your sandwich, I wouldn't call this a deli. Sandwich shop is more like it and kinda average campus expectations

A phenomenal pastrami sandwich! I was in town visiting relatives recently, and my sister (also in from out of town) ordered the pastrami to go. She remarked how good it was and offered me a bite. I was so amazed I ended up eating nearly all of her sandwich! And not just because I'm her big brother and am supposed to do stuff like that I'm from California, and would be willing to suffer through a flight all the way across the country just for a Wagshal's pastrami. read more

I hate to write this because I really like Wagshal's. They have good sandwiches and a great selection of wine and beer but whoever the man is in the deli who answers the phone for pickup orders is a complete JERK! If you want customers, don't treat completely nice ones like crap! I hope he sees this and decides to keep his snide comments to himself next time. read more

I've been going to Wagshall's for years and was excited about their renovation when I saw it. However, it seems they may have overstretched themselves. Not enough staff. And the deli which has never gone wrong, has lost significant amount of quality. The egg, avocado and tomato bagel I received was soggy and the avocado was completely brown. Totally rancid! read more

Wagshal's - I don't know who would eat this... Brown avocado. Seriously? - Delis Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

New restaurant area is very disappointing. Service is sloppy except for the youngest make waiter who is delightful. Wait for food was ridiculously long and the excuse give was "it's our lunch rush." Ahh, yes, that's your business ... Not an excuse. New Mexico Avenue is much better run with pleasant staff and the output , the food, far superior. Don't bother with Spring Valley except for takeout. read more

Overpriced? Yep. Crowded? You bet. Will you wait at least 15 minutes for your sandwich? Most definitely. But somehow I rarely mind any of that because Wagshal's is an oasis in a desert of bad chicken joints, snooty cafes and, um, the CVS frozen foods aisle. I have tried several of their sandwiches and they were all excellent. The tuna and chicken salads are fantastic. The Cuban is so very tasty and warm with just the right amount of spice and tang. Even the soup is really good, especially the minestrone and chili. And while you're waiting you can browse their lovely selection of treats, (egregiously expensive) booze and cheese. The hot bar can be tasty but is chronically over salted. The bottom line is that I always walk away feeling satisfied, despite paying $10 for a sandwich and a drink. I guess it's worth it. read more

Growing up, my parents ran a small deli in San Francisco, and so I consider myself a sandwich connoisseur of sorts. I have always been a fan of the small, hole-in-the-wall delis because they tend to have amazing sandwiches. With that said, Wagshals is half gourmet market, half deli. Not so much a hole-in-the-wall place, but far from anything like a chain restaurant. I have been searching all over the Georgetown/Glover Park/Tenleytown area for a good sandwich shop, and when I found Wagshals, my search ended. I personally like big honking sandwiches on a thick French or Sourdough roll with all the fixings (ie. the basics of mayo, lettuce, tomato, onion but also sweet and hot peppers, sprouts, oil and vinegar, etc.) My go to is a turkey and salami on a French roll with swiss and pretty much everything on it. I end up with a huge sandwich that more than satisfies my voracious appetite, a dill pickle spear, and I'll usually top it off with one of their delicious sides from the deli case. There are a ton of sandwich choices (they have a great turkey pastrami), or you can build your own like I do. I was introduced to this place by my friend who is a DC native and he has been going here since he was a kid. He swears by their matzo ball soup, but I have never tried it. Just know that it is only served on specific days. Apparently their other soups are outstanding also. I have only been going to Wagshals for a few years now, so I never got to experience it under its original ownership. However, I think that the current staff is spectacular. For about a year and a half, my girlfriend and I would go almost every weekend for sandwiches. The staff was always friendly and got to know us and about our lives. I stopped going for the past 6 months or so because I had been out of the area. We went back recently and all our old friends recognized our absence and then proceeded to ask about school and life. It felt like coming home to family. As an added bonus, students get a dollar off each sandwich with a student ID. Also, on weekends, be prepared to wait in a bit of a line at lunch time (usually no more than 10 min), but rest assured, it is worth the wait. read more

I got a ham and brie sandwich for lunch here one day and it came COVERED with yellow mustard! To be fair, my boyfriend got the same sandwich a week later and it did not have this problem, but I don't want to take any chances! Too bad, because his sandwich was very tasty. I also find the general ordering/paying/line system generally confusing, so. read more

Grew up around the corner from this place. Back in Bethesda from Denver. Went to pick up some sandwiches....gosh, where to begin......guy behind the counter in the deli, blond hair......I guess he is just an asshole. Good for him. Possibly the worst attitude I have experienced from a front-facing employee. Ever. The wife's Brie sandwich, $12.75...had 1 slice of ham....1 slice...in between 2 of the most stale bread I have ever experienced. All our sandwiches went in the trash. Asked for 1/2 pound of shrimp salad and 1/2 pound of chicken salad. Got 2 1/2 pounds of tuna salad. Your "deli" sucks, you suck....please continue sucking.....your good at it. read more

This review concerns food only (not the items you can buy off the shelves) and service. Both are really bad, but for some reason people keep going. This was my second time, and both were bad. They have about, what seems like 1000 people behind the sandwitch counter, but it was the most disorganized operations. I had a pleasure to observe them while waiting, and I don't think they delivers one order correctly. Oh, and the "managers" job was to complain and be incredibly annoyed with the customers. Check out people do not bother to say "hello" or "thank you". Maybe I should have said thank you for letting me spend money here. I am sorry if I was rude. Now about my sandwich.... If pastrami was supposed to come out with 2 WET slices of bread, this one was awesome. And if it was supposed to be tasteless, it was the best. I am serious, if somebody blindfolded me and asked what I was eating, I would probably guess bread dipped in soup with some tofu. People, don't bother.... read more

I have no idea how this place gets such good reviews. There sandwiches are pretty bland and the deli service is surly usually to say the least. Got informed that I was wrong when asking for mayo packets because a pre-made sandwich already had mustard. The service is slow and if there are more than three people waiting to pay in line, get comfortable you are going to be there a while. I am not gonna get into the price except it is inflated for the area, but the service does not reflect it. The older woman who seemingly runs the deli counter needs lessons in customer service and the deli as a whole need a good scrubbing. By the way, anything hot from the deli means microwaved on wax paper. read more