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Brown Bag Deli
Categories: Restaurants Delis Restaurants Sandwiches Delis, Sandwiches [Edit]
2036 Westheimer RdHouston, TX 77098
Neighborhood: Montrose
(713) 807-9191
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
91 reviews for Brown Bag Deli
Review Highlights
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"...love stopping here for a medium rare roast beef on wheat." In 3 reviews -
"The wheat bread is rich and delicious." In 11 reviews -
"Will be back for more chicken salad, mi fave." In 13 reviews
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91 reviews in English
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Review from Angel F.
12/30/2011
I stumbled into brown bag deli 7 years ago on a random trip into the city to shop at thrift stores. My friends and I even joked about the lame name and how we bet the sandwiches were awful.
Gosh, were we wrong! This is the best sandwich you can get because it's actually made fresh with all fresh ingredients. I am soooooo over sandwich chains because everything tastes so manufactured.
I nearly always order the same thing: Egg Salad on white with cheddar cheese, tomato and pickle. I have tried so hard to duplicate this recipe with so many variants for the Egg Salad, and by using Hawaiian bread and so many other things. I just can't do it!
To top it all off.....you can even get a scoop of Amy's icecream:) All I ask is that you open a location on Woodway cause the Barnaby's just isn't meeting my needs..... I need delicious egg salad!!! -
Review from Charlie T.
Houston, TX
4/12/2012
This place have the best veggie sandwich! Awesome, awesome freshly baked jalapeno cheese bread!
Here's what I usually order:
Jalapeno Cheese Bread, Boca burger, Jalapeno Jack Cheese, Deli Spicy Mustard, Lettuce and Cucumbers. Yes cucumbers! If you haven't tried sliced cucumbers in your sandwich, you're missing out!
From the many reviews here, I'll be giving Boar's Head a try next time I grab lunch at BBD. -
Review from Katie G.
Houston, TX
3/24/2012
I was underwhelmed and disappointed after reading the reviews. Bread was dry. Nothing impressive. I prefer Subway over Brown Bag Deli.
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Review from Sue D.
10/9/2011
Everytime I'm back in htown BBD is a must stop!
Chicken. Salad. On. Jalepeno. Cheese. Bread. That is all you need to know. Simple and top quality ingredients that you won't find at subway, blah.
I almost considered working here so I could find out the recipe for their effing delicious chicken salad. Yes, I do have goals. -
Review from David D.
Houston, TX
3/4/2012
I have eaten here about 30 times. All of their sandwiches are incredible. Fast service, too. The bread, awesome, the selection, incredible, the quality, the best. I suggest getting the veggie burger or turkey, on wheat with extra tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and mustard.
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Review from Paul M.
Houston, TX
8/14/2011
Go to a grocery store, buy an ample serving of your favorite Boar's Head meat, some cheese, two slices of fresh bread, and lettuce/tomato/onion. Then pay someone to assemble it for you.
Can you do that for less than $5.50?
That's why Brown Bag Deli is great. It's that simple. If you want fancy or artificial sauces with artificial ingredients go somewhere else.
This is like the best sandwich you can make at home except you can browse your iPhone while someone else makes it for you. If you haven't had it before, try the medium rare roast beef. I hate most deli roast beefs, but Boar's Head's is amazing.
Remember, this is fast food. But it's healthy, and it's a bargain.
Cheap, quick, quality ingredients. -
Review from Daniel L.
7/17/2011
Jalapeno cheese bread: amazeballs.
Everything else from top to bottom? Meh/Eh/Meh at best.
This is not a place I would refuse to eat at - but it is not the Bat Signal that other places in the city are for me where I am begging to go eat.
It is kind of like Corner Bakery downtown - not amazing, but a generic spot to meet people who prefer a Plain Jane/corporatey/button downed sort of place that is not Subway. -
Review from Chris B.
Houston, TX
7/17/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Nom nom nom.
Super fresh bread, quick service, delish. I might need to live near one of these too as I could eat a great sandwich for lunch every day for the rest of my life and be happy. Everyone raves about the jalapeno cheddar bread but the white bread is just as good if you have a wussy stomach. Again, I'm going to have to go back and try everything but I can vouch for the roast beef and potato salad being delish. I hope the cole slaw is as good. -
Review from Jonathan B.
Cypress, TX
2/7/2012
Best sandwich in houston. All elements combine forces to make THE PERFECT SANDWICH. Boars head, awesome bread. Not the cheapest ever, but hell thats what money is for, feeding your fat face.
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Review from Dana C.
Houston, TX
6/27/2011
Overrated much???
This place had one of the worst, if not the worst, chicken salad sandwiches I've ever had in my life. And if you read through my reviews, you'll see I order chicken salad just about everywhere I go. So I've got plenty to compare it to!
I like the way their menu is setup and priced. It's build-your-own style where you choose a bread, meat, cheese, and toppings for a single price (granted, I think select choices may be additional). The bread was not half bad and service was speedy during lunch hour rush. Too bad their sandwich sucked. This could have easily been one of my regular spots.
Sorry Brown Bag, you will not be making my Chicken Salad Connoisseur list on Yelp! -
Review from David S.
6/29/2011
Having eaten here a few times now and cogitated on it for a bit, I've come to the conclusion that Brown Bag Deli is just a sandwich. Not a thing wrong with it, but also in no way remarkable. Yes, their bread is tasty, the staff are friendly, and service is quick (I specifically avoided the lunch hour rush). Quality of ingredients is good, serving size is decent, and the place has always been very clean.
Otherwise, it's just a sandwich. It's fine. I'd go again. Is it *gasp* A SANDWICH *sigh*? Nope, it's just a perfectly acceptable sandwich. -
Review from Naveen S.
5/27/2011
Best sandwiches in Houston! Customizable sandwiches, but not too many options which can make a girl go crazy. DO NOT PASS UP the Jalapeno Cheddar bread - so soft, oh so good!!
I always get the jalapeno cheddar bread, medium rare roast beef, pepperjack cheese, veggies, horseradish mayo mmm mmm good.
And - they also carry a few flavors of Amy's Ice Cream (from Austin) - big plus!! -
Review from Tammy N.
12/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love the concept. You order on a paper bag, mark anything you want on your sandwich. Everything is perfectly labelled. I ordered the chicken Salad on Jalepeno Cheese Bread. I LOVE THE BREAD! And I'm not much of a bread girl, but it was fluffy and flavorful. Everything was really fresh and delicious. I will definitely be back!
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Review from Joseph L.
4/29/2011
This is similar to my review of the Brown Bag in the Village, but with a few tweaks...
You can never go wrong with Brown Bag - great sandwiches at reasonable prices.
While I usually go to the one on Amherst, um... how do I put this... there's a lot more eye candy at the Westheimer location. A LOT more. Just something about the people on Westheimer vs. the people in Rice Village. ;)
Anyway, if you've never been, you go in, get a clipboard, fill out your order and then give it to the cashier, who rings you up. A sandwich, chips and drink is like $8.50, which is not bad at all.
The sandwiches are packed with meats and cheese, and you have a wide selection of veggies and condiments. Sides include chips, potato salad, fruit, etc. Desserts, too! You have got to order the jalapeno bread - it is delicious and so sweet.
There IS outdoor seating at the Westheimer location.
Free parking in the front lot, side spaces, and back lot.
This location is probably the smallest of Brown Bags in Houston... wouldn't recommend large groups going here. Go to the Amherst one. -
Review from Andrea S.
Humble, TX
6/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
So glad I tried the jalapeño cheese bread. It was very tasty and fresh. It was definitely sweet but because I knew to expect it, I didn't look at it as a negative.
The meat and cheese and veggies were all fresh and flavorful. The barbeque chips I had were great, too. Place was clean and service was quick.
As it was my first time there, I was a little confused as to whether or not I was supposed to hand the staff member my sandwich form with the clipboard attached or remove it.
Definitely a good experience. I will be back. -
Review from David N.
11/17/2010
What makes a good sandwich? The bread!
This place is one of the best breads in town. The concept is very similar to which wich or bullritos, where you have a "brown bag" and write what kind of bread, meats, and toppings you want and then hand it to them.
This day I had the honey ham on jalapeno bread with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and honey mustard, and my gf had the chicken salad on wheat. Both of the breads were so soft and yummy.
They pack the sandwiches on full of meat, we both got combos, so we were able to try the potato salad and cole slaw, neither were amazing but tasted healthy. They offer free wi-fi but I was not there to do work. They had what seemed to be a new mac computer for public use. Great little spot.Listed in: Best Sandwiches
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Review from Sanket K.
4/4/2011
Just order this here:
Bread: Jalapeno Cheddar Bread
Meat: Garden Burger
Cheese: Pepper Jack
Condiments: Mayo & Deli Mustard
Veggies: Onion, Pickles, and Tomatoes (if you like, though I don't).
You can thank me later. -
Review from Janel C.
Houston, TX
11/21/2011
Brown Bag Deli: Thank you for providing links to your suppliers so consumers can read the ingredients! While in spirit, I'm willing to try any food, it's just not possible for me. So I'm particularly appreciative of restaurants that make it easy for me to see the ingredients of everything that goes into a meal. No dairy in your bread, no dairy in many of your chips = oh so easy to eat at Brown Bag Deli!
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Review from Derek E.
Houston, TX
I really really like Brown Bag. First explained to me as just a simple sandwich, something you could make at home. I thought twice before going the first time... oh how I was wrong.
Sure you could make a turkey sandwich similar to it at home, but would it have the following: Fresh sliced turkey (like sliced and placed on your bread within 2 minutes), fresh jalapeno bread, delicious honey mustard, crisp lettuce and pickles? If you make a sandwich this good at your house then lets be friends.
Why go to subway when you could come here? For a similar price, you get a sandwich layered with delicious meat, not a sandwich that is all bread and no meat.
7 bucks gets you a sandwich, chips and a drink. Great price and a great sandwich. Do yourself a favor, skip the 20 subways you will pass on your way, and grab a Brown Bag Deli sandwich. -
Review from David V.
Houston, TX
11/18/2010
I like this Brown Bag. When I used to live out in Montrose I would cure my hangovers by trying to eat something healthy. I don't know if this actually worked, but hey, I was full.
The intersection there is a bit busy. Actually it's really busy and often at times has accidents. Parking is limited on their lot, but the streets provide plenty. Maybe you could park far and make yourself work up an appetite. haha! Just kidding!
I like the set up at these places. You can sit and create a masterpiece before handing it over to the sandwich maker. The ingredients are always fresh and I've never had a funky sandwich. I think they have a substantial variety of options. They are vegan and vegetarian friendly! Plus!
Good deli. I like the ease of walking in and out with exactly what you want. Prices are higher than the other delis, but totally worth it. -
Review from K R.
Houston, TX
9/6/2011
If you want a good, fresh, perfectly prepared sandwich go here! I mean they are delicious. I get the turkey with the whole wheat bread with all the fixin's and honey mustard and MAN it is good. They serve great chips there too ,but I can't remember the name of them- try the jalapeno flavor.
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Review from Rebecca v.
Houston, TX
1/28/2011
Their secret and key to success are 2 things, one is they use quality meat, as in Boars Head and second and very important as well is the bread, OOHH its so moist, baked daily by them.
They have made to order fresh sandwiches ! I The price is the same for all of them (5.50) and its pretty cool that you actually place your order on the paper bag they serve the sandwich on!
This is a great place for lunch, they close early I think around 6, it is definitely casual dining. and out of all of their breads, the BEST is the Jalapeno Cheddar!!! -
Review from Lindsey J.
Houston, TX
1/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
I was out shopping and started getting a little hungry so I used my handy dandy yelp iphone app to find the nearest eatery. Lucky for me it pointed me in the direction of this deli. I have never tried any of their locations and figured today would be a perfect one to start.
The left wall is lined with mirrors which gives the place a much larger feel than it really is. They employ a similar concept for ordering as Which Which, meaning you write what you want on the front of your sandwich bag and then hand it to the guy behind the counter. I have always been a fan of this techniques seeing as there is little room for error. I ordered just a sandwich and it was a good thing I did! The meat was just as thick as one of the slices of bread causing me to feel full after half of the sandwich. But in the interest of not wasting food I kept trucking toward the finish line. The bread is sweet which threw me off a little but ended up to be very tasty. I definitely didn't have room for chips because the sandwich was so hearty. I can see this becoming a regular stop around lunchtime. -
Review from Georgia S.
Houston, TX
2/26/2011
I think this is the best casual, good value, tasty sammie place in town!
Meals with chips or side & drink $8-9.
I ordered their tuna on wheat - and the bread was not only moist, but my sammie came out more like a cube with a very good portion of tuna - and also crustless!
You go inside, mark down what u want on a paper bag - and voila - in a few minutes - all set.
Their cole slaw is quite good too. He loves their roast beef. The people who work there are always cheerful. They usually have good magazines by the door, but I didn't see any today.
They just need to have more around town! -
Review from Vinh N.
10/27/2010 11 Check-ins Here
I remember when this place first opened up replacing a Quiznos, their sandwiches costed a bargain $2.50. Now, it's more than double the price, but I have no problems paying for quality. The place is run by the same guys that do Barnaby's yet their sandwiches are markedly different in presentation and taste.
I've had almost every variation of their sandwiches and what keeps drawing the lunch crowd in is the quality of the bread (white, wheat, or jalapeno cheddar) which looks like a big hot roll. The sandwich may seem small at first glance but they stuff it well and even offer a veggie burger patty that taste like a real burger.
I am confused about the demographics of the lunch crowd (downtown? west u?) it draws since it always packed during those hours and has plenty of eye candy. -
Review from CLINTON W.
Charlotte, NC
1/3/2009
After seeing Brown Bag Deli at the top of the restaurants list on the Yelp home page, I decided to try it. I was not disappointed. I got honey ham with honey mustard, mayo, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onions, and Monterrey jack cheese on wheat.
The bread was awesome because it was warm and fluffy. Also, I love honey wheat bread. There was a good amount of meat on the sandwich and it wasn't loaded down with mayo or mustard. They put just the right amount of everything on this sandwich.
I really liked how you write on the bag your order and then if you don't eat all of your sandwich, you have the bag already to go. Depending on how hungry I am, I will sometimes only eat half my sandwich. Then I'll have to go up to the counter and ask for the to go bag. It's not that big of a deal, but I like how BBD is prepared for that. And if you write down your order, there is a better chance that they won't make a mistake on it.
Also, what was cool was that this place had all different kinds of customers. You had the tatted up guys with the nose rings, the middle class mom and daughter who were taking a break from shopping, the older couple who was out running errands, the super cute blond girl with her douchey looking boyfriend, the lesbian couple, and then the hipsters who were probably talking about the new indie-indie band.
Overall, it was a great deli but I can't give it the full 5 stars. The 2 things that CA seems to do better than any other states is sushi and delis. I've been spoiled by living out there. However, the BBD is extremely good and so far the best deli I've been to while being out here in Houston. I'm a huge sandwich guy. Nothing better than going to a deli on a nice Saturday afternoon and chowing down on a fresh and tasty sandwich. Highly recommend this place and will definitely be coming back. -
Review from julie p.
10/15/2008
Ugh... why did I not come here sooner?!
I've only driven by it a gazillion times and thought "hey... I should try that place out", but then I never go until someone else intervenes.
So my first time was yesterday.. I was looking for nourishment after being ill all day and not able to eat. By 4pm my beau was driving me around and suggested Brown Bag.
All the yelp reviews were true, except for a couple of reviews from some fussy eaters that were bitching about soggy bread and egg in his chicken salad. Wtf? Really? Someone as picky as that should fix his ass a samich at home. They probably sabotaged his meal on purpose for being a douche. Serves him right ::shakes fist::
But yes.... the bread is super tasty, the potato salad is especially yum (almost as good as onion creek's), the portions are just the right size and everything is modestly priced.
The seating area was a nice size and the staff was engaging and friendly. Our order only took about 5 mins since the place was empty.
Definitely a new lunch spot. Bravo Brown Bag!Listed in: Chow Down then Bow Down
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Review from Lisa A.
Austin, TX
8/8/2007
Yummy sandwiches and a perfect place for me to get on-line (free Wifi) and get a bite to eat while I do some work. I like the concept of filling out your brown bag menu and checking off your order...it's a bag, no it's a menu, no it's a bag....
The sandwiches are fresh and filling. The wheat bread is rich and delicious. I got the Combo #1 for $7 (includes a sandwich, drink and chips). The sell Dirty's All Natural Potato chips which I had never had before and enjoyed a lot. Really, this is just perfect sandwich shop! Oh, and the staff...forgot to mention that they are nice and helpful...key to a good sandwich! -
Review from Kyle S.
Sugar Land, TX
3/21/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Awesome sandwich place.
They close at 6pm -
Review from J C.
Houston, TX
7/10/2010
I hate commercial chicken salad. Usually its got weird stuff like grapes, apples, pecans and caraway seed mustard. Its pasty, watery, greasy, and generally really gross.
I love love love Brown Bag Deli's Chicken Salad Sandwich on Jalapeno Bread with lettuce, tomatoes, dill pickles, and honey mustard. It is, quite possibly the perfect sandwich.
Sure, it is expensive, and yes, the homemade breads are...bread-y. I usually manage to only eat half of the sandwich and I save it for later. The sandwich is so well constructed that if I eat if for dinner that night there is only negligible degradation in the bread. Try doing that with an oil and vinegar soaked Sub. I also don't feel bad spending $7 on two meals. Heck, sometimes I even throw in a rice krispie treat. -
Review from Melissa C.
Houston, TX
1/28/2008
I love this place! I actually went there for lunch today. I usually go to the one in the Rice Village area. They have the best bread!! I've only tried the ham, turkey and chicken salad. Lately the ham has been my favorite. I like going here for lunch to get away from everything. Most times I go in there its crowded but not too crowded so I get a magazine or take a book and get a booth and read and eat.
I like how you put your order on a brown bag (hence the name...ha!). You fill it out exactly as you want your sandwich. And they are very quick in fixing the sandwiches.
I recommend trying this place if you are looking for a good sandwich. They only have sandwiches so don't go in there looking for anything else.
Keep in mind...The one in Rice Village (and I think some of the others too) are only open daily from 11-6. -
Review from Ryan J.
Austin, TX
11/23/2008
So here's the deal with BBD. The food is, for lack of a better word, amazing. There's a caveat though; their side's are prepared daily and the bread warming is crucial to the overall badassdom of the sandwich. The coleslaw is just perfect for a deli (as opposed to the the close relative BBQ-slaw) but is prepared daily by the staff which leaves subtle differences in the results. I've had PHENOMENAL slaw there, and slaw that had a vinegary after-taste. I've had similar variances with the potato salad too. It's also important to note that on rare occasions the bread will not be as warm and toasty as recommended by the Earl of Sandwich. This is a crucial element that, when done right, will be like an orgasm of deliciousness!!
That being said BBD will always come recommended because even on bad days this place rocks!
Sandwiches I frequent:
Jalapeno Cheese Bread + White Meat Chicken Salad + Jalapeno Jack Cheese + Deli Spicy Mustard.
White Bread + Turkey + Pickles + Honey Mustard + Deli Mustard + Mayo -
Review from Danielle S.
Houston, TX
8/20/2011
Absolutely love it! Cute little mini-chain deli. Design your own sandwich (ala Which Wich). Very fresh bread and high quality ingredients. The sandwiches have great flavor - something often lacking in chain delis (e.g. Subway). Good chips & sides too. A sammie, chips, and a drink will set you back only 8 bucks - great deal! Only open until 6PM each day, so not a dinner option unfortunately. Otherwise, yum!
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Review from Erica C.
Houston, TX
10/18/2011
Amazing. Enough said.
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Review from Monica S.
Houston, TX
5/27/2008
Oh how I looooove sandwiches! And by far, Brown Bag Deli is my favorite! It's so simple yet sooooo good! I really love how the deli has become even more eco-friendly with their new 100% compostable plastic cups. The staff is always chipper and ready to take your order... and they fact that they sell Amy's Ice Cream earns them extra awesome points!
For the newbie, it's easy to order! Grab a brown bag and check off what you'd like to eat. Believe me... save your bag for next time because you will be returning!Listed in: I just can't get enough!, Mmmm... lunch time!, I love sammiches!
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Review from Leslie K.
11/7/2010
Why is everyone saying their sandwich was $9....mine was only $6. I like the jalapeno bread and you can 1/2 1/2 meats, although my favorite is egg salad.
Finally made it out to try it before it closes (6 PM).
Special requests: toasted, please = )
I heard that you can ask for avocado (for free)
and there is a whole wheat bread that's not written on the bag
free wifi -
Review from Chris S.
Seattle, WA
5/22/2008
Ahh, Brown Bag Deli.
My secret sandwich lover.
If it wasn't for you I would still be forced to stuff half-assed sandwiches down my throat from the likes of places such as Subway or Quiznos.
Thank you for coming into my life and changing it forever.
From your massive amounts of meat, to your heavenly buns--there is nothing I would not do for a big bite out of you.
Love,
Your Humble Sandwich Muncher
Okay, okay... enough of the ridiculous sexual innuendos.
This place is amazing. It truly is the best sandwich shop in town. They're quick. They're somewhat inexpensive. They're easy. They're AMAZING. Best bread in town. I have NO IDEA what they're doing to it, and if I fail my next drug test I will be pissed, but until that time I will continue to indulge myself into pleasure town. They LOAD these babies too! Definite bang for your buck.
Okay. Now I'm starving. Time for another sandwichgasm. ;-) -
Review from Brooke Burger Fac e.
Houston, TX
2/4/2011
Best Tuna sandwich I have ever had!
I've only ever had the Tuna on wheat. Their bread is freshly baked and they mix bits of pecans in the tuna, which is a nice addition. They don't load their tuna with mayo or anything else.. it's very simple and really good.
Service is really fast, even on a busy day. It's fresh, convenient, and for the price, definitely worth it. You get a lot for your money. -
Review from Marshall P.
Austin, TX
2/16/2008
The little white Mac doesn't work anymore. And having to park behind the tire shop isn't exactly optimal. But cold, quality deli meats served on warm, fresh bread make for a flawless sammich experience. Being able to order horseradish sauce, jack cheese, and jalapeo bread all as part of the same sandwich is a bit of a thrill. Top it off with a cup of fresh fruit.
So, so good. -
Review from Becky L.
Oakland, CA
11/9/2008
Really good sandwich. Exceeded my expectations. I did miss having toasty bread but the quality of their bread made up for it.
I had the jalepeno cheddar bread, maple glazed honey ham, horseradish white cheddar cheese, horseradish sauce (i can't get enough of this stuff!), deli mustard, lettuce, tomato, and pickle.
Delicious! The bread really made the sandwich -- and it was a bit sweet as Blair B. noted in her review. I liked it that way.
We ate our sandwiches there which wasn't that great of an experience. It was kind of warm and stuffy and the booths are pretty cramped. I will probably take it to go next time.
