On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.
Categories: Sandwiches, American (Traditional), Pubs [Edit]
Neighborhood: Benton ParkMon-Wed. 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Thu. 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat. 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
I've been to Blues City Deli 3 times now and tried 6 different sandwiches. All were good to very good, not great though.
Maybe I was hoping for a sandwich epiphany from reading the reviews.
The owner is a really nice guy and the live music is great, go on a nice day and sit outside.
I have bypassed Blues City Deli for awhile because I mistakenly thought it was a different deli in Soulard (9th Street Deli) and I thought it was nothing special. I never could understand why they would have blues music at a deli and I was literally turned off to the entire concept. THE SHAME!
After being prodded to join a fellow Yelper one fine Thursday evening, I entered this Benton Park favorite and was pleasantly surprised by the parade of regulars that piled in "standing room only" to eat and listen to the Soulard blues Band.
I was struck by the characters that lined the walls in this small, comfortable, old time deli. Service was friendly and approachable and the band seemed relaxed and at ease at this low key gig. The owner is very sweet. He circulates and is sure to become your friend before you leave.
I've never been able to enjoy blues music in St. Louis without the billow of heavy smoke in my face, and I have to say it was a pleasant departure from the usual Blues experience..
I had a juicy pulled pork sandwich that was smothered in it's own juices. It was delish and hallelujah, no heavy sauce!! I'm not a big beer drinker, but I luvs me sum Fat Tire and at $2 ea,, HELLO, may I have another?
They are only open late on Thursdays for live music. Otherwise, Blues City Deli is a busy lunch spot. I'll be back.
People thought this was:
Oh my freaking GOD. This place is GOOOOOOOD. Yelp hardly ever steers me wrong, and this is no exception!
I came here during my lunch break, right at the strike of 11AM; I really didn't want to wait in line. And I didn't!
I ordered the Veno (#17). Hot roast beef dipped in au jus, bacon, provel, lettuce, onion, tomato, pickle, and a sweet red pepper sauce, all on a soft, warm hoagie. I really thought I had died and gone to heaven.
I can't complain about the price at all. The sandwich was HUGE, so I definitely got my money's worth! I also had to snag some Dad's Cookies...I can't resist the crunchy goodness!
If this review sounds a little spastic and all over the place, I apologize. I'm still recovering from my food orgasm. Wow!
Anyway, I totally recommend this place. You MUST go! I can't wait to go back and try something else.
One more thing --- can I tell you a secret? I swapped out the provel cheese for pepperjack. I just can't stand the weirdness that is provel cheese. Sorry!
People thought this was:
This place is freakin awesome! My friends brought me here on a recent visit to St. Louis and I cannot tell you how charmed I was by the place. Cute, old-timey ambiance, good-lookin blues man on the ol' git-fiddle, free beer, and suuuuper tasty food. The imperial club sandwich did a royal dance on my tongue!
I wish I could have dinner there tonight. St Louisians don't even know how lucky they are!
People thought this was:
I am really impressed with this place. Very diverse menu, delicious food, large portions and reasonably priced. Well worth the wait in line.
Great menu, great service, and great music. What more can you ask for? My favs: king combo, red beans & rice, mufaletta, and ANY of the Po Boys. My current favorite place for lunch.
This was just what I was cooking for after getting off work in time for lunch. The menu was just as large as I imagined after reading many reviews. No one (that I read) mentioned the large chip and bottled soda selection! I love a place that has my Route 11 Sweet Potato chips. In addition to my chips I have the number 17, the Veno: Roast beef dipped in aus, bacon, a special sauce and toppings (cheese, lettuces, tomato, pickle) on a hogie roll. It was soooo good and tasted sooo fresh. I also had a bottled cream soda of a brand I hadn't heard of. My lunch was filling and amazing. I'll be back!
Oh. There was a sign about live music sometimes. It seemed to be mainly jazz and blues.
Another great place in Benton Park! This is worth a visit esp on Thursday night or Saturdays--the music is great but the sandwiches really rock. My fiance tries the special every time, I have never heard him complain. I am a fan of the #2. Worth a visit!! Vinny is fantastic, so nice and makes everyone feel right at home. This is the type of place you want in your neighborhood!
People thought this was:
The discovery of this restaurant was Yelp's gift to me. I am ashamed to admit I am a city dweller and had barely heard of the place, and when I did was thinking some overly smoky hole in the wall with mediocre food.
The yelpers have nailed this establishment on the head. It is FANTASTIC (yes, I am screaming; it's that good). I've been the last 2 Saturday afternoons with my hubby and our dog, sitting outside and jamming to the great music and eating some of the best sandwiches in the world. When I bit into my muffeletta it brought tears to my eyes; I had not had one that good since being in the Big Easy almost a decade ago. A lot of places in STL claim to serve muffeletta, but this is the only place with the real fabulous deal. Prices are cheap for what you get; my half sandwich which will feed me for huge meals or 3-4 more healthy sized ones was less than 7 bucks.
All hail Blues City Deli! It's my new favorite lazy weekend hangout.
People thought this was:
Ok wtf, is this place every open? I've been by here a couple of times to try to get a sandwich to go and it's closed due to electric outage? However the lights were on, and then closed again another day. Looks like they've been reducing their hours of operation to like 4:30 all the time. Any news?
I must admit, the food is good yes, but what earned this 4 star rating was the darling owner and the… Read more »
So...why is a guy from Leesburg Virginia now writing his second review for a Deli located in St. Louis? Well, that would be because I'm on my fourth trip down here in a little over a month, at least the city has good food.
So I got taken to Blues City on the second day of my first trip down here; I think it took me 45 minutes to figure out what I was going to eat, there's THAT many items on the menu. Since then I've been back another four times.
To date I have had the St. Louis Exposition, which is the chilli dog; the Primo which is an Italian sandwich and the Pastrami, I shouldn't need to describe this one for you.
The chili dog is freaking awesome, I had to eat the thing with a fork because it was so big and had so much chilli on it I couldn't eat it with my hands; well, I could have but I didn't feel like going back to my hotel to change my clothes, and I'm pretty sure that chilli stains.
The Primo is my favorite sandwich yet, I say yet because I'm only about one percent through the menu, did I mention its big? Best Italian sandwich ever, and it's the bread that makes it that way. Anybody who tells you the meat, and cheese, and toppings blah blah blah make the sandwich is an idiot, an IDIOT! Yes, good meats, cheeses and toppings go a long way, but shitty bread can ruin the best toppings, plain and simple. I believe I'll be comparing all future Italian sandwiches to this one.
Ok, so the Pastrami is the reason I'm giving the four star rating, and it's NOT a bad sandwich. The problem is its hard to compare any other pastrami sandwich to a pastrami sandwich from New York City, sorry, that's just the truth. I liked the pastrami sandwich, it just didn't hit that mark. Pastrami to me is like the bacon of deli meats, its awesome and I recommend that anyone and everyone should eat as much pastrami as possible. I probably should have avoided it, but I have to have pastrami from everywhere.
Ok, so I just rambled and took up like four days of your time, in fact if you are reading this line, you may want to go join your family in opening your Christmas presents. Just blame me for being late. Go to Blues City Deli, get one, or all of their fifty billion sandwiches and enjoy. The food comes out quick, there is indoor and outdoor seating, there is live entertainment on Thursday night, and they make the best sandwiches.
People thought this was:
Best sandwich in St. Louis, by far. My top sandwiches included Mom's deli, and Adriana's on the hill, but none compare to the Benton Park Po Boy at BCD.
My favorite sandwich ever. And they have the small pebble rabbit poop ice, awesome.
People thought this was:
Holy crap I love this place! The sandwiches are awesome, service is friendly. My only complaint is that they aren't open for dinner. I would love to swing by once in a while to grab some take out for a quick dinner for the family.
Things you should know about this place: there is often live music (usually acoustic and blues or roots based), it's a great place for kids, it's non-smoking, and it's very clean. So take your kids and introduce them to some great food and music on a Saturday afternoon!
People thought this was:
Great sandwiches here....good bread, and lots of meats to choose from.
They were very friendly, and the place is covered with Blues posters and has a cool vibe for a deli.
Wow!
This place is da bomb! Great food, very reasonably price, great service and beer...how can you beat it.
I have had the Benton Park Po-Boy, the Sweet Red Pepper Sauce is amazing and the 7th Street Sicilian Po-Boy.
I am always impressed with the amount of meat that goes on to these sandwiches, unbelievable!
If you get a chance, try the Potato Salad. It is simply delicious.
Best Deli in the Lou!
People thought this was:
So, 5 stars may actually be just a little presumptuous, because I"ve only been there once. However, I was thoroughly impressed and intend on being impressed again, and again, and again...etc.
I went there around noon on a Thursday for a lunch pickup. As I walked in, I was taken aback at how small and crowded it was. I'm not a big fan of crowds or waiting, so initially, I was a little nervous. As we got in line, it just kept moving, so the wait wasn't long at all. Me and the girls I was with just took our number after ordering and set it on an empty table while we stood and waited for our food.
We felt a bit in the way, but it didn't take too long for us to get our food and we were out of there.
It was worth any wait we had.
I had the carmelo I think, and it was overflowing with meat, cheese, and delightful seasonings. I also feel like I paid a completely decend price for my meal. Their meat is all fresh deli-sliced and they sure do give a generous portion. Well worth the trip!
Definitely a place I'll be heading again!
Excellent place! A very good sandwich, very fun atmosphere.
Blues City Deli never disappoints with its great sandwiches, great selection of extras (chips, drinks), and great music.
Freshly baked bread, high-quality meats and cheeses, and a GREAT selection of sandwiches (where else can you find a 1904 World's Fair Chili Dog and Panino Fresco on the same menu?)
Do yourself a favor and eat here. Oh, and don't worry if there is a line, it moves really fast.
People thought this was:
Like many other reviews I give Blues City Deli sandwich accolades! I am a pretty boring and safe sandwich person so I can only speak to the turkey supreme. A healthy portion of cheese and turkey and just enough bacon make this sandwich a satisfying meal! No chips needed!
I am anxious to visit again with a more adventurous sandwich connoisseur, aka my husband, to see what he thinks.
The owner was manning the register and was very friendly - that alone will bring me back for another visit. Too often this isn't the case at other local eateries!
People thought this was:
Yes, you can get a REAL sandwich in St. Louis, at Blues City Deli. I'm used to hefty portions of deli meat, with just the right amount of dressings, on good bread. In my experiences here, I've encountered Subway-style sandwiches that don't really satisfy you.
I might sound like I'm seeking a "Wow Factor" but I believe sandwiches should serve the purpose of being a portable, real meal.
However, getting a sandwich at Blues City Deli does make one go "Wow!" My last visit led me to try the St. Louis Primo, a wonderful mix of Italian deli meats, appropriate veggies, some vinagrette, on muffaleta bread. This sandwich was pure comfort food and made me smile as I stuffed my face with deli-meat wonder.
It's really busy during lunch, but I've never waited more than five minutes in line to order. What's really cool is that the owner (who mans the register often) tries really hard to remember your name, or at least something about you. That kind of customer service is really hard to come by.
Another thing, there's often really good blues musicians playing in this eatery if you so choose to dine-in. It adds to the hefty collection of St. Louis/Blues (the music) memorabilia, and is definitely a draw.
People thought this was:
I'll put BCD up there with St Louis' best sandwiches. Have been a fan since they opened, but don't get down nearly as much as I'd like. Vince, the owner, is definitely putting his heart and soul into this place and it shows. What I like best about BCD is that it is truly a neighborhood gem. If you don't know it is there, you might miss it. I think most people find it when they are looking for Hodak's Chicken (it is just down the street if coming from Gravois). Anyway, I'm just echoing what everyone else has already said. Awesome Sammies, awesome value, awesome music. Can't wait for the annual summer block party! Ask about the Blues City Dog...love that relish!
People thought this was:
Excellent sandwiches. I will definitely be heading back here more often. You get a huge sandwich for the price and they have a great selection, something for everyone. I went here on a Saturday and it was packed, inside and outside, so don't be surprised if you have to wait for a table.
People thought this was:
Bottom Line: There is no other place to get a sandwich in St. Louis. I go to sleep and dream about this food. If you are in the area and pass this place up because it looks like there's a line, you should smack yourself in the face. The line goes fast. Turn around and go back. Enough said.
People thought this was:
Wow...um...yummy yummy yummy...this place is divine...I mean...seriously divine...they positively load up their sandwiches and they will satisfy you until two meals from now....
I have been here twice now and both times I must say, the sandwich was stellar and memorable. The veggies were fresh, the meat eaters I came with said their meat (also piled high) was amazing, the cheese is given in very generous portions (the mark of any good establishment in my book) and the breads are soft and amazing. There is no need for sides with this beefy sandwich...trust me, it will more than fill you up.
To make it better, the staff is super friendly and funny. I love coming to place like this where I always feel good about frequenting their establishment. Easily one of the best sandwich shops in town...easily.
People thought this was:
I visit St. Louis where my daughter goes to school so I am no expert on your city but I have lived a bit and Blues City Deli is the REAL DEAL. Maybe the best way to describe it is that the experience is greater than the parts. Let me see, the food is great, better than expected, the music was perfect and the collection of blues memorablia was worth the visit alone. But that doesn't really capture what the great Vinny has put together. On a nice day with Eric on the harp, what could be better? The Saturday that we dropped we saw folks really having a great time in a place they really enjoyed. When we left St. Louis we rated Blues City Deli and Forest Park as the two coolest spots. If you love the blues and great sandwiches you better get over to the Blues City Deli right away. If I could i would give this place 10 stars.
I LOVE this place! I go as often as I can and now that they are open late on Thursday for their House Party, I can finally go more often!
Vince is a great guy and really tries to get to know his customers. Janet is right about his Bluesy knowledge and he also used to be a drummer.
This is the kind of place where you recommend to your friends....and then impress them when Vince remembers you and what sandwich you got last time. :)
Family friendly, small yes but bigger is not always better.
Live blues on Saturdays and now Thursday nights.
SMOKE FREE, great seating outside when the weather is nice, happy hour on Thurs, creative, delicious food, friendly faces.....what more could you want?
WEBSITE
http://www.bluescityde.../
Check out their Myspace too....
http://www.myspace.com...
People thought this was:
I've been here 3 or 4 times, usually on a Saturday when it's too crowded to sit. Every sandwich I've had has been excellent. I need to go more often.
People thought this was:
Awesome atmosphere and great sandwiches. Plus, there's always a lot of men in uniform eating there, so the view is nice too ;)
Blues City Deli is located in my neighborhood, Benton Park. It's a quaintly-sized sandwich shop with a few tables inside and seating outside when the weather is nice. It is clean and well kept. The atmosphere gives you something to look at while your mouth is full - lots of old album covers and bluesy posters on the walls, not to mention on the stereo.
They have a great selection of creatively named po-boys and sandwiches priced around $5-6 each. The fillings are thick - no wimpy sandwiches here! You can of course order a "combo" which includes a large drink and chips, but the reason this is special is that their chip bags are way larger than places like subway, and they have lots of options - my favorite are the shoestring potato fries.
The owner Vince pretty much mans the joint during all opening hours. He is a very friendly guy and fun to talk to. He's earned the right to the name of the place as far as I'm concerned, he was really knoweldgeable in answering several Blues (music, not the hockey team) questions I had.
Blues City also has a great selection of old-fashioned fountain sodas in bottles.
The only thing I don't like about this place is that it isn't open later so I can't come by after work during the week.
Update Dec/2007: Since I first wrote the review they have expanded and it is a lot larger inside, which is great for accommodating live music on the weekends. This place is still stellar. Thanks Vince!
People thought this was:
off the chain good eatin....and i ain't bleepin......yummy yummy good for the tummy.......heaven on earth....and right in my neighborhood......
always feel better after a visit....
People thought this was:
I too am a huge fan of Blues City Deli! The owner Vince is very personable and has done a great job of delivering quality food at a reasonable price. I go out for lunch about five days a week and this place is always up for consideration.
When you arrive there may be a line but it moves quickly. Finding a seat can be difficult sometimes but if it is a nice day the sidewalk tables are best.
Thanks for opening Blues City, you are my favorite sandwich shop in the city.
People thought this was:
Wow! It has all already been said by you Yelpers. I agree, until I open my deli, Blues City is the one. Vince remembering names...that is the extra touch. Go for the Veno.
The guy that owns this place is the nicest person. So outgoing and boistrous. He remembers everyones faves and names.
what a gem!
People thought this was:
I don't think I've mentioned how much I wish I worked in Soulard so I could walk to some of the great restaurants every day for lunch! Luckily for me, Blues City Deli will cater box-style lunches, so I can run and pick these up for my team at work whenever! If you are close enough to dine in at Blues City Deli, I suggest you do so, and I suggest you order a poorboy of a muffaletta sandwich. Blues City Deli recently remodeled and added a stage and added beer to their menu. Stop on by Thursday nights from 4-8 for their House Party.
People thought this was:
Big honkin' sandwiches that taste the way sandwiches should - really good. Even the tuna salad is good, and that's normally as standard as you can get. My favorite is the veno - hot roast beef bathed topped with lettuce, tomato, pickle, provel, bacon and onion with a sweet red pepper sauce. All this on a dense and chewy hoagie roll. Perfect!
People thought this was:
It's surprising that you get as much food as you do for the low low cost that they charge. I was hesitant to try my sandwich at first, thinking it must not be very good if it's that cheap. I was Wrong! This place serves some delicious sandwiches. The only complaint I have is that they use bell peppers on almost everything and I'm allergic, but it's easy to order your sandwich without and so it is not a big deal.
Great sandwiches...probably some of the best in St. Louis! Vince Valenza and his staff are extremely friendly and helpful. Check them out on a Saturday around noon...a great place to stop in after a long night (i.e., good hangover food).
Neighborhood: Lindenwood Park
Category: Italian
Neighborhood: DeBaliviere Place
Category: American (New)
Neighborhood: Benton Park
Category: American (New)
Neighborhood: Bevo Mill
Category: Burgers
Neighborhood: Downtown
Category: Nightlife
What fills a lunchtime (or really, anytime) food…
Check out these privately owned local eateries…
New American/Bistro/French: Atlas Restaurant…
Some of my favorite dining destinations in the…
Some of my favorite dining destinations in the…
Some of my favorite dining destinations in the…
Some of my favorite dining destinations in the…
Loading...
