Blues City Deli image

Blues City Deli

Restaurant Sandwich shop Deli

One of the Best Places To Visits in St. Louis


Address

2438 McNair Ave, St. Louis, MO 63104

Website

www.bluescitydeli.com

Contact

(314) 773-8225

Price rating

$ $$$

Rating on Google Maps

4.90 (2.3K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: 10:30 AM to 3 PM
  • Tuesday: 10:30 AM to 3 PM
  • Wednesday: 10:30 AM to 3 PM
  • Thursday: 10:30 AM to 3 PM
  • Friday: 10:30 AM to 3 PM
  • Saturday: 10:30 AM to 3 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: sandwich (28) line (24) sandwiches (19) good (17) time (15) Deli (14) friendly (13) quickly (10) Louis (10) staff (10)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Bob S. 1 year ago on Google
    Great little place to have a quick and tasty lunch. Food taste great, price is good and atmosphere is good.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Patrick G. 2 years ago on Google
    A buddy and I split two sandwiches: Aporkalypse and the Knuckle Sandwich (I added lettuce and tomato). Both sandwiches were fantastic: great flavors, super fresh, sauces were 👍, awesome bread, etc. Service was very friendly and they were hustling to keep the line moving quickly.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 James N. 7 months ago on Google • 127 reviews
    Stopped in here today and had some lunch. I got Mike's roast beef sandwich. It was an excellent choice. Lots of meat and lettuce and tomato with a spicy sauce on a bun. If I lived here in this area I could see myself going here on a Saturday and getting sandwiches and then going home to watch some college football. They were playing some old blues and jazz(some of my.favorites). They were very friendly and courteous at the counter and they hand delivered the sandwiches to us at our table outside. Definitely a place to visit and in a good spot in town. Go check them out.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shane B. 5 months ago on Google • 415 reviews
    Hands down this place serves the BEST SANDWICHES in St. Louis, Missouri. The place is gem for sure! The breads, meats, and choices are excellent. There is something for everyone! Don’t miss out on coming here. Everything is amazing and delicious. 😋
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Danyelle 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing lunch spot if you’re near downtown area. Went here on my lunch break and the line was super quick. The staff was friendly and helpful she recommended a great sandwich. Glad this place is close to work because I’ll be back!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Casi B. 1 year ago on Google
    We had the very good fortune of walking in early on the Saturday before Mardi Gras and being able to walk right up to the table- we were prepared to wait in their typical long line, and if that's what you're faced with, all I can say is: worth it! I had the Mike's roast beef po boy; my friend had the Thunderbird. On the Thunderbird, my friend says: "the spicy sauce was *excellent* and made the whole sandwich." The roast beef was hot, very thinly sliced, and super flavorful. A pet peeve of mine is when sandwich shops assume that quantity of meat is an acceptable replacement for flavor - not so here! While my sandwich was piled high with beef, there was a generous amount of cheese and tomato layered on as well, and the sauce was liberally added - not too much, but the right amount to balance everything out. Fantastic. The bread was soft on the inside but perfectly crispy on the outside. I was full after eating but would have loved a second one just based on taste. It's truly a hidden gem in an otherwise busy neighborhood. The slower day also meant we had the opportunity to interact with the owner himself - what a friendly and kind guy! This place wasn't our reason for visiting the city but it was well worth the time it took to find parking. Highly recommend it!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Christian P. 6 months ago on Google • 70 reviews
    Hopped off the plane this morning and was craving a sandwich, and thankfully I stumbled upon this gem. Super relaxed vibe with some amazing blues/jazz memorabilia lining the walls. They’ve got some good music to match the energy as well. Their service was exceptional and genuinely friendly. And the food made me leave no crumbs. Fresh, quality ingredients. The bread was soft with a flaky crust and the toppings simply stole the show. A combo (chips and a drink) was an extra $5, which is kinda high in my opinion, but it allowed me to try some new chips I’d never heard of. Based on this visit, I’d definitely come back to try more sandwiches. The ratings don’t lie, nor does the line to the door 10min after opening. This place is good.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dennis H. 2 years ago on Google
    Great sandwiches at this clean and lively corner deli. I had a black and blue with fresh juicy beef on an equally fresh sesame seed roll in a pleasant outdoor table experience. There is very little seating inside so plan on outdoors or taking your order to go. They specialize in serving the large lunch crowd quickly and with personality. On street parking is available in the nearby neighborhood.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 The A. 2 years ago on Google
    This place has sandwiches that put everyone to shame, fast service and friendly workers. I really can't praise this place enough, their Po'boys live up to the name with a great price and a even greater taste. The entire menu is fairly good priced and the building is just soaked with culture and history. I got the Benton Park with a bottled grape soda and a 'Dads Cookie's and was wowed by all of it, on top of that they had Ski and Cherry Ski on tap. Truly a 5 star sandwich joint, if roast beef and an Po'boys are your game, then this is the place to be!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Joey W. 11 months ago on Google
    My family and I came here to eat while we were in St. Louis for only a short time to go up to central Illinois. Usually, we don’t try sandwich or deli places when we go out of town but more so traditional sit down restaurants that have seafood or American. I had the Bada Bang sandwich. It was alittle spicy but quite delicious. The Bada Bang had an array of meats and vegetables that was as good and actually better and more unique than places like Subway or Jimmy John’s. Along with that, they had unique bags of chips for people to eat other than the mainstream companies. Also the restaurant is very affordable. The staff was patient and friendly and the restaurant was decorated in such a way to fit the atmosphere. I am definitely glad I tried this place while passing through St. Louis.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rose 1 year ago on Google
    Was out and about today since it was so nice & decided to visit the Best Sandwich Deli in town. Vinnie Valenza Blues City Deli! Never know if they will have their Famous chili, lo & behold I got the last 2 Cups happy camper today! If you never tried their Chili you need too, it's the best tasting no bean Chili since OT Hodges closed. Next, their Orginal Roast Beef House-made Hot Roast Beef, Dressed with Lettuce, Tomato, Pickle, Onion & Mayo, Seeded French is Da Bomb, tons of meat so scumptous. Then, the Aporklypse on a Pretzel bun with Boom Boom sauce is a must try. Garlic-Peppered Pork Roast, Bacon, Provolone, Topped with Pickle and Spicy* Boom Boom Sauce, Pretzel Roll. Now the new Sandwich which might be my new favorite one Creole Deluxe Home-made Roast Beef, Pork Roast, Provolone, Arugula, Onion, Pepperoncini, With Homemade Creole-Mayo & A Dash Of Italian Vinegar-Oil, Seeded French. Most surprising of all everything and I mean everything is Homemade along with reasonable prices. If your lucky enough on the weekend to drop in and hear some amazing Blues Bands. You can sit outside or inside weather permitting of course. The staff is awesome as well you might catch Vinnie working the front counter. Big Shout Out to Amber & her new furrybaby Blaze, congratulations on getting one of Skippys cousin. If you their early or after 2:00 you won't have a line, but know the line moves really fast so don't leave or you will miss out big time.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andrea E. 1 year ago on Google
    One of my top favorite sandwich shops!! My husband and I love coming here. Everything I’ve tried here is amazing! The Benton park sandwich is perfect. Only the REAL sandwich shops have red hot riplets chips, so those are a must! The people are always so friendly, and the line moves fast. Love that they play jazz music. The only thing I don’t like is they make their onions super thin, and they get stuck in my teeth. Other than that it’s amazing!!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 The Real B. 2 years ago on Google
    I have been coming to Blues City Deli since around the time they opened when I was 14, I am 31 now; Went today for lunch, had the Aporkalypse Pretzelwich and it was seriously AMAZING. First time having that particular sandwich and my friend and I were both nearly speechless when we first tasted it. So good, made me fall in love with the place all over again. But all of their sandwiches are excellent and they even have some red beans and rice as well. Don't sleep on the Boom-Boom Sauce!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John K. 8 months ago on Google • 152 reviews
    First time at this legend and I wasn’t disappointed. I ordered the Old School, house smoked pastrami and Swiss with dusseldorf mustard on sourdough bread. My sandwich was packed with pastrami and it was delicious and filling. The line ran 40 feet out their front door when we arrived but it moves quickly. Luckily an inside table opened up after we ordered. Very friendly staff. Only street parking available. Highly recommend.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Eric H. 7 months ago on Google • 128 reviews
    Great menu, selection, and food! Cool atmosphere with lots of history on the walls and outdoor seating with local/live music. Super friendly staff too! Highly recommend!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Thomas S. 4 months ago on Google • 264 reviews
    Best Deli we have found in St Louis. Friendly service, awesome food. Don't let the long line out the door scare you away. It moves quickly and is worth the wait.

  • 5/5 Donald F. 8 months ago on Google
    Best sandwiches in St. Louis! Had the 7th street Sicilian. Pro tip add the hot gardenia. The creole deluxe is also a winner!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nakiel H. 5 months ago on Google
    Seriously, the best deli I've ever been to! Delicious!!! Great service! Also good chip and drink selection.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Phil S. 6 months ago on Google
    First time here, and I understand the hype! Great sandwich and quick service even though the line was out the door. I had the Veno and a housemade cookie with a Ski for drink. It was the best sandwich I have ever had.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tony C. 1 year ago on Google
    This restaurant was recommended by my friend, so I decided to give it a try. I was warned about a line of customers waiting. I was able to find a street parking next to the restaurant. The line looked long but it moved pretty quickly. I was able to get my sandwich in 15 minutes. There were 4 tables inside and 6 tables outside. The inside decor was unique. The restaurant was clean and staff were friendly. I ordered Delta Bayou. The meat was juice and the dressing was perfect with a little spice into it. I absolutely loved my sandwich. The price was reasonable. I will definitely repeat.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Joshua C. 9 months ago on Google
    We enjoyed ourselves here. Pastrami was ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. Muffaleta was ok, a little olive strong... But the star of the show was the Almond joy cookie, still warm...
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 David M. 9 months ago on Google
    I heard this place was rated #1 on yelp in the Midwest so I had to give it a try. The sandwiches were really good and well priced. The bacon potato salad was also very good. There was a line but it moved quickly and was worth the wait. I’ll be back for sure.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Stephen B. 4 months ago on Google • 14 reviews
    Best sandwiches in STL! I love Mike's Spicy Beef and Cheddar. About a 15 minute wait, but well worth it for takeout.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 matt b. 10 months ago on Google
    1st timer to BCD and loved it! A big fan of the half sandwiches. My wife and I were able to try 4 different sandwiches that way. We tried the benton park, thunderbird, 7th street, and big V. All 4 were good solid sandwiches the 7th street and big V were our favorites. The owner waited on us and helped us with selections. The staff could not have been nicer. Great experience!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Samantha M. 10 months ago on Google
    My sister and I stopped here on a whim while visiting St. Louis, and we are so glad we did! Awesome people, great vibe, and some of the best food on our trip. Highly recommend and can’t wait to come back some day!! ☺️
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jess 9 months ago on Google
    Fantastic spot for quick lunch. Always busy even during the weekdays. Friendly staff and food is always on point. I try to get different sandwiches every time I’m there and I’m always pleased
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Drake O. 1 year ago on Google
    the best sandwich shop in town. you have to stop by if you are coming through the city. It's a challenge to find a good time to visit when they're open for limited hours. get there soon because the line gets long fast. the wait is never bad. they move very quick.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 aDRIAN S. 11 months ago on Google
    AS Advertised! !!!!! As ridiculous as this sounds, Best Sandwich ever. Wife from New York said it was the best Reuben sandwich she’d ever eaten. I got the original hot beef half and a half traditional pastrami plus the hot chips. Oh my goodness ! Son got the Mike’s spicy beef sandwich, heaven . If you’d like to take the time to read the reviews, it was very informative. thousands of five stars was the selling point for me. The line forms and just keeps forming. they just keep shoving the food out the door. It is amazing and fast. before we went, I ask a few locals about the place and every-time their eyes got as big as pies with a big smile on their face .
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Steve G. 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent food as evidenced by the long line down the street! But no worries, the line moves quickly and the good is well worth the short wait. My favorites are the Pastrami and the 7th Street Sicilian. They really know how to make a hoagie here! I don't think you can go wrong with anything on their menu. Also love the blues music and the old blues artists posters that cover the walls.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amy S. 11 months ago on Google
    Got a recommendation to try this place. We stopped for lunch during the week so it wasn't as crowded and we were not disappointed. The sandwiches are delicious and the place is quaint and full of history. It's definitely a nice spot to grab a bite and experience old St. Louis. We would definitely go back.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Josh B. 1 year ago on Google
    When I first got to Blue's City Deli, it was 2 pm and the line was out the door. Thankfully the line went super quickly and most people were getting their food to go. I ordered the Benton Park Sandwich which had: Ham, Roast Beef, Turkey, Provel, Dressed with Lettuce, Tomato, Pickle, Onion, Pepperoncini, and Sweet Red Dressing. The sandwich was super good! The dressing I really really liked and then the meat just all mixed in well together. Also the dressing was plenty and I really like saucy sandwiches. Overall great place, all the employees were super nice and food was great!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Caitlin J. 1 year ago on Google
    Blues City Deli is my favorite lunch spot in all of STL and nothing ever compares. No matter how long the line, the experience and sandwich is always worth it. Even if there is a line, it is always moves quickly. We have always enjoyed any sandwich we’ve ever ordered, although most often I eat the Chicken Shack Ranch. The staff is always amazing! So friendly and have all been there for a long time - which makes you feel like you’re visiting family when you’re there. The space itself is great - cozy and has a lot of history and charm. Amazing space, amazing food. I always bring out of town guests and they’re always raving about their food. Would recommend 10 times over!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Steven F. 1 year ago on Google
    The Thunderbird was incredible. Just the right balance of flavors, and just the right size. The sauce on it was so good. Spicy, creamy, and a little tart. On this trip we were looking for the best sandwiches that represented the cities we were in. At each stop I asked the counter person to order my sammie. I’m not sure how I’ve never been to Blues City Deli before but I will be back.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Darien C. 2 years ago on Google
    One of the best sandwich shops in St. Louis. Big selection of delicious sandwiches. Cool atmosphere!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Carondelet K. 1 year ago on Google
    On a recent visit, we were pleased to see patrons inside and outside of the deli, but with a short line. We have had to wait in the past, but it is never long, and the staff are friendly. On our recent visit, we ordered the Benton Park and the 7th Street Sicilian. We were not disappointed and cannot wait to return for another outstanding meal. Or, as our friends challenged us, to try everything on the menu one meal at a time. Well done all!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tom T. 4 months ago on Google • 37 reviews
    I have been traveling in and out of St. Louis for year, this is by far the best deli in the Midwest. Whenever I am in town I make sure to come in multiple times. Any sandwich on the menu is great. Wish that the meat ball sandwich was still on the regular menu but they offer it as a special from time to time. Must stop! Do not be discourage by the line it moves quickly. Remember there is a reason for a line of people literally out the door. Can’t wait to come back.

  • 5/5 christopher s. 1 year ago on Google
    Blues City Deli is by far St. Louie's best kept secret. For a BBQ capital the deli game is right up there with some of the best nationwide. People say Gioia's Deli Hot Salami is a must have and a St. Louis staple. Personally I feel those critics have never been to or heard of Blues City Deli. I've had both and my experience tells me Blues City Deli doesn't get the credit it deserves. After moving into the area some time ago and searching for the perfect deli sandwich after the closing of my favorite Deli back home I have finally found it. The premium bread, meat, and cheese quality along with the fresh veggies and toppings is what sets this place apart from all the rest. This place has all of the charm you would expect to see from a place that has been around for 65 plus years. Vince is the man behind it all and his customer service excellence and his style is surely a reflection of the deli. He remembers your name and isn't afraid to chat. His experience and dedication shows. Blues City Deli may not only be in my top 50, top 25, top 10, and top 5, but could very well take the cake for the best I've been to (and I travel the country regularly and have had the big names like Katz Deli NYC. If you haven't been here or it's been a while, get your butt on down and support and promote this business with everything you can, it is a true local staple.


Call (314) 773-8225 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Free street parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ In-store shopping

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