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Gary's Deli
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
46 reviews for Gary's Deli
Review Highlights
"Good service and great food, the corned beef is awesome."
(in 7 reviews)
"We ordered the NY Pastrami and it was amazing."
(in 14 reviews)
"I don't even like rye bread."
(in 3 reviews)
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46 reviews in English
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Review from Christy S.
Newport Beach, CA
11/21/2011 3 Check-ins Here
The Turkey Sandwich New York Style is AMAZING!
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Review from Bernie B.
Irvine, CA
8/19/2011
We ordered a pastrami sandwich. Verdict: there was nothing New York about it. Very disappointed.
This may be closer to home, but we'd drive to Langer's out in LA for our pastrami fix. -
Review from adam b.
1/31/2012
Mixed reviews... I have been here several times and the turkey sandwich is excellent. The roast beef dip is of very low quality and one of the worst I have ever had (arby's quality).
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Review from Darren R.
Costa Mesa, CA
2/2/2012
Best sandwich for miles. The OC has a definite sandwich problem but Gary's is a shining star. The NY style turkey on rye with jalapeños for spice is the way to go. Piled high with super fresh turkey and coleslaw, it can easily be two meals. The place is small and can get busy so be prepared.
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Review from Sara J.
CORONA DL MAR, CA
1/10/2012
I had the New York Turkey and it was delicious. It was worth waiting in the long line. My husband had something else that he thought was just okay, but mine was AMAZING. We ate at the tables out back, and it was surprisingly pleasant for being on a parking lot.
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Review from John D.
Irvine, CA
1/28/2012 1 Check-in Here
Gary's deli makes an amazing NY Special Pastrami Sandwhich!! It's very flavorful and has this special sauce that is so delicious. The rye bread is amazing!
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Review from Deborah T.
La Habra, CA
7/31/2011
Based on all the overwhelmingly positive Yelp reviews, we stopped by to get a sandwich at Gary's Deli on our way to the beach. Just as everyone else has said, their sandwiches are fantastic! We ordered the NY Pastrami and it was amazing. With such great sandwiches, I wasn't surprised that we had to wait in a long line on the weekend for lunch. What DID surprise me was the inefficient way that the line was managed. The woman taking our orders and running the cash register was also taking all the phone orders, which easily doubled our time waiting in line. Since there were several people filling sandwich orders behind the counter, I didn't understand why they didn't have one of them taking the phone orders so that the in-person line could have moved more rapidly.
A few days later, we were in the area and had bragged to our son and daughter about the great NY Pastrami sandwich and they wanted to give it a try I decided to call ahead so that our sandwiches would be waiting for us and we could avoid that LONG inefficient line. You can imagine my surprise when we arrived to pick up our sandwiches, and I was told that there was not a separate line for pick up orders. So, again, we had to wait in the long line with the others who wanted to place their orders, with the same woman stopping every couple of minutes to answer the phone to take sandwich orders, while also managing the cash register and to-go orders. I could see our bag of sandwiches waiting on the counter, but we could not get them until we reached the front of the line. What should have taken less than 5 minutes took nearly 20 minutes.
We would love to go back to Gary's because the sandwiches really did exceed our expectations, but I don't know if we can subject ourselves to such inefficiency in managing customer orders. The food is clearly 5 stars, but the service prevents me from rating it higher than a 3. -
Review from eileen h.
7/7/2011 1 photo
Must get the NY style pastrami sandwich!
I've heard that the sandwiches here were to die for, so I decided to give it a go. I must admit, I wasn't sure what I was getting myself into it until I had my first bite. The NY style pastrami sandwich is delicious. The portions are big and each bite is tasty and refreshing at the same time. The coleslaw that they add in the sandwich really makes the sandwich since has this kick to it. I'm not sure what it is, but it seems like it some kind of horseradish that's added to it.
I've also tried the french dip sandwich, which is good, but definitely not as good as the pastrami. I will definitely try to explore the other sandwiches, but i'll probably crave the pastrami with each bite.
It can get crowded during lunch, but most people seem to take it to go or are in and out of there. There are tables out in front, inside and in the back. Parking is street parking. -
Review from Jeff K.
3/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
I don't like corned beef sandwiches. I don't even like rye bread.
But when the lady in front recommended the corn beef on rye bread, I just trusted her and ordered it. Wow. I don't know why or how, but their corned beef sandwich was PHENOMENAL. I will definitely come back and try different items on their menu. But as for now, Gary's Deli has my stamp of approval.Listed in: Hidden Gems
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Review from Francisco G.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 3/16/2011
So happy to upgrade my rating on Gary's!
On my first visit, the woman who took my order suggested I try the brisket next time. When I noticed a menu item called "New York Style Brisket Sandwich" (I think there's more than one brisket option), I forgot about my intention to ask for a larger-than-standard meat portion. But I did not regret it. The portion was just right, and wow, was it freakin' tasty!
I might become a regular.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/6/2011
Gary's caught my eye around five months ago when I commuted past its storefront on PCH every morning… Read more »
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Review from Renée G.
Laguna Hills, CA
8/11/2011
Are you kidding me?!!! That's how good these sandwiches are.
We order
the New York Special--pastrami on TOASTED RYE
the New York Special -- turkey on TOASTED RYE
Enough said! -
Review from brittany l.
Norwalk, CA
5/21/2011 1 photo
My favorite deli!! The coleslaw is so good even I, a mayo hater, can't get enough of it. The pastrami is very moist and flavorful but yet not salty at all. My favorite way to have my pastrami sammy is to add chopped jalapenos into the mix. Also, the pickle is so good that I, again a pickle hater, love to munch on it.
The maze ball soup is also my favorite. The dumpling is soft and fluffy. When you cut into it all the pores of the maze ball soak up the nice savory chicken broth. It is heaven! -
Review from Hannah E.
10/5/2010
Normally I'd be completely freaking out about the fact that lunch here cost me $14, but the lunch did feed me for 2 days, and $7 is a decent price for lunch.
I came here on that freak 109 degree day, but the 109 degrees didn't make it to Corona Del Mar, so it was pure providence that we ordered a big chocolate peanut butter smoothie to go for our drive back to Irvine, during which the temperature suddenly jumped 25 degrees.
We also got two sandwiches and a potato knish. My sandwich (New York pastrami) was pretty good except for the pastrami being very slightly overdone. The rye bread was perfect and I loved how there was at least a full serving of coleslaw-like salad stuffed into the bread. Let's put it this way: it was the best pastrami I've had since moving away from Chicago 8 years ago. I'd get it again any day.
Dan's sandwich was less of a success - he ordered 'the Manhattan', which, well, admittedly he probably should have read the description better, but all it was was this 6-inch high (at least) pile of deli meat on sourdough with tomato and iceberg lettuce and mayo and mustard. The deli meat wasn't really moist or flavorful enough to stand to the onslaught of itself sans robust accompaniment, so Dan found himself dipping it into a homemade mixture of Kewpie and sriracha once we got home.
The potato knish was extremely bland and we didn't bother finishing it.
But the milkshake definitely hit the spot! They said they were out of chocolate peanut butter ice cream and asked if they could make it with chocolate ice cream and peanut butter swirled together instead. Well... of course! If I go again I'm going to request they make it like that again, because it was really, really good - like Haagen Dazs chocolate peanut butter swirl ice cream in a cup.
I'm waffling between 3 and 4 stars on this one - 4 for the pastrami and the shake, 3 for the Manhattan and the knish - but I'll leave it as is in the hopes that we'll go back and Dan will order something less meaty-for-the-sake-of-being-meaty and it'll be better. -
Review from Kayla M.
Corona del Mar, CA
12/20/2010 1 Check-in Here
Gary's is amazing in more way than just one!! Not only is the food super super good, but the staff is soooo great and friendly!! They always have a smile on their face, and I love that.
I've had several things on the menu- and I've never been disappointed!! I even ordered a taco once expecting it to be mediocre- (it's a deli- I was guilty of judging the book by it's cover...) but even that was great!! Homemade salsa and all!!
If you're ever driving through the neighborhood, I highly recommend stopping in!! (Then go to The Place across the street and have a beer with me!!) -
Review from Hero M.
Santa Ana, CA
8/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
My tuna melt was awesome! I really liked this place. The portions was just enough to make you full for the rest of the day. They also refill drinks. My sandwich had a little heat and I loved spicy food. Friendly workers as well. Very casual and laid back place..
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Review from Dave G.
3/24/2011
Gary's Deli isn't a full sit down deli like a Langer's, Brent's, or Canter's, so I won't include them on my best SoCal Deli list. You order at the counter and they call out your number. Gary's is just a sandwich shop rather than a deli, however even as a sandwich shop, it was very average.
I went with a friend and split a reuben and a pastrami on rye. The Pastrami was cold in parts and luke warm in others. It isn't being steamed, they are microwaving it. There is a reason that great deli's everywhere heat their pastrami in steamers. It heats the meat evenly throughout and adds moisture to the pastrami. Microwaving heats unevenly and leaves the pastrami with a slightly rubbery texture. If you have the chutzpah to use a microwave, the words NY Deli should legally have to be erased from your window. So what about the rye bread? It's as soft and blah as you can get for a rye. The crust has no crunch or flavor to it. For a deli, the rye bread is one of the stars of the show, not just something to hold a sandwich together. If Wonderbread made a rye bread, this would be it.
I knew I was in trouble at Gary's when first seeing the reuben with panini grill marks on it. What the #(*&#%? Are you kidding me? It's made on a panini press? How bush league can you get. Reubens need to be made on a flat top grill. That's how you get a nice even buttery golden crunch to the bread. A panini press is just a glorified toaster and shouldn't be used for "grilled" sandwiches. Now that said, the flavor of the sandwich was ok and it was at least hot all the way through, unlike my pastrami. The construction was interesting, bread, swiss cheese, corned beef, sauerkraut, corned beef, swiss, bread. Having the cheese next to both slices of bread is a good idea so as it melts, it surrounds the meat. The sauerkraut in the center was also good, because it didn't fall out easily or slip and slide against the russian dressing. I also liked that their Russian dressing wasn't too sweet. But then there was that rye bread again. Like any bad bread toasting it helps, but it was still boring. Plus I just couldn't get past the fact the reuben had toaster marks all over it and no buttery flavor to it.
Also of note (or lack of) were the french fries. Nothing special about those. They do sell Dr. Brown's soda's here, I guess that's a plus, but there are much better order at the counter deli's around like Tommy Pastrami or the Hat. Also, just in case they read this, I noticed they kept referring to their deli mustard as Hot. "Would you like Yellow or Hot?" Hot mustard is served in Chinese Restaurants, what you have is usually called brown or deli or spicy mustard. -
Review from Chris G.
Irvine, CA
6/15/2010
Gary's has some of the best sandwiches I've ever had, and I'm a man that loves sandwiches. They roast their turkey every morning fresh in house as well as cook up their pastrami and corned beef. They have a new yorker sandwich with either turkey or pastrami that is one of the best I've had. The meat (both) is juicy and tender and the bread is soft and fresh. Not only does Gary's have some of the best sandwiches for miles around, they also have some of the friendliest staff too. Walking into Gary's no matter how busy it is, you'll always feel welcomed and taken care of.
Gary's also has ice cream and shakes, perfect for quick dessert. Gary's is also located about a block from the water so you can grab an ice cream and take a quick stroll and enjoy your ice cream while enjoying an amazing view of the ocean. I can't say enough good things about Gary's, a great place for lunch! -
Review from Charlene T.
Anaheim, CA
Updated - 8/23/2010 1 photo
This was my first time here.
I ordered the Chicken Salad Sandwich. It was very good. The bread was excellent. Fresh and soft! Yum!!!!
I would definitely go again if I'm in the area!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/23/2010
This was my first time here.
I ordered the Chicken Salad Sandwich. It was very good. The bread was… Read more »
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Review from kat s.
Huntington Beach, CA
9/6/2010
OK $13 for a sammich/chips/drink?? Are you kidding me? Grabbed my sammich and took it down to the beach for an impromptu picnic, and didn't get a look at it until I was sitting at the beach. Wowie, wow, wow, wow! The sammich is huge and they don't skimp on anything. I got the hoagie (with provolone, salami, ham and bologna). Several layers of each type of meat made it difficult to get my mouth around (but I managed!). Lettuce, tomato and red onion accompanied my sammich, and of course the obligatory pickle. Instead of mayo they use a vinigarette that creates a soft and squishy (note: not soggy) sammich. Fabulous!
I took my lunch to go, but as I waited I noticed that the staff is very attentive to their customers. With every lull in the action at the counter, there was someone checking on the customers seated at tables and cleaning them whenever anyone left. The restaurant was incredibly clean and very welcoming (although a wee bit small).
An additional plus is that they carry Rusties chips (which are difficult to get and are tremendously yummy).
I would definitely head back to Gary's to try something else! BTW, I would give 5/5 for the food, but the 4/5 is for the prices (ouch) -
Review from Al S.
9/29/2009
OK, I gave 'em 4-stars...... maybe because we just came out of the high holidays and I was feeling generous. My wife, who is always looking for a good vegetarian sandwich, forced me to make a quick decision as we were driving South on Coast Highway from Long Beach. For some odd reason, I saw the word sandwich on their store front, slowed down, saw a street parking spot no more than 50 feet past their door, and pulled in.
Short and simple. If you're an MOT (member of the tribe) and looking for a decent corned beef or pastrami sandwich, then you have my permission to eat here! There. I said it, and I'm glad. You really don't have to drive to Langer's for that #19 (corned beef, melted swiss, cole slaw with Russian dressing on rye.) Yes, yes, they can do it here. OK, are you happy now? Can I return to my sandwich, or do you just want to kibbitz? I'm here to eat. -
Review from Deron R.
3/6/2009
The search continues....
I have been going here for years. My favorite sandwich- the New Yorker! On rye, its piled with either pastrami or corned beef (go for the corn) with a russian/thousand island dressing, Swiss cheese and tasty cole slaw. It is a beautiful sandwich! There are other sandwiches which I have had, but you really just need to eat the New Yorker.
Parking is tough- street only, I think. When I tried to park in the back lot one time, the prick owner of some stupid nick nack shop told me to move or he would call the tow truck. Lick my balls buddy!
The owner and her daughter are very nice- brave the parking for this deli.Listed in: The search continues.....
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Review from Kristen B.
Irvine, CA
10/18/2011
Maybe I ordered wrong - I got the turkey on wheat. The turkey and wheat were great, but the veggies were very sad. A flavorless tomato and a slab of iceberg....not the best way to top off a sandwich. I noticed the guy in the corner with alfalfa sprouts pouring out of his sandwich....wonder what he ordered. I might be back, but I'll be sure to take a more careful look at the menu.
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Review from Sean G.
Irvine, CA
4/17/2009
Love Gary's the owners are there every day on the register. I ate here when I was 16 and worked at the local x-mas tree lot. been addicted ever since the menu is ridiculously diverse. potato tacos, carne asada torta, traditional pastrami Ruben, meatball sandwhich, the meat and bread are all fresh, and the service is great. Beautiful little patio out back and a few tables inside. Sometimes my GF and I just get it to go and drive to the end of the street to watch the boats in Newport Harbor. If you gotta run let them know they do agreat job of packing the stuff up for take out. parking is tough unless you park at Banderas across the street. the line used to be crazy at lunch 7 days a week but now weekdays the place is a little slow. avg price of a meal is about 6-7$ but you leave full and the food is da kind.
Eat Well my friends. -
Review from Christopher S.
Wildwood, MO
10/6/2010
Five stars all the way! Friendly staff, awesome food, and nice-sized portions!
Try the Manhattan and ask if you're not camera shy ask them to take your picture, you practically have to dislocate your jaw to get your mouth around it! -
Review from christina a.
Tarzana, CA
3/5/2007
I went here famished! I ordered a pastrami sandwich with a side of sauerkraut and I wasn't disappointed. The portions aren't too overwhelming but was enough to make me full. Then again I was starving. My friend orderd the Tuna special with sprouts,tomato, avocado and cheese. That was really tasty and healthy. The tuna didn't have too much mayo. The fries weren't too good. They have loads of other options. Burgers, Hot Dogs and even tacos.
I'm thinking they are a deli more than anything so stick to that and you should be fine. The wait was kinda long and there isn't a whole lot of space but we managed to get a table outside and were entertained by cute lil hapa kids. The line was out the door so I guess that means this place can't be too disappointing. Give it a shot. Just don't ask for tomato on your pastrami. -
Review from Dave H.
Newport Beach, CA
4/25/2011
VERY GOOD STUFF.
My only hope is that they expand and make it more of a sit-down environment where one can get a glass of wine, etc. -
Review from Dana S.
4/25/2009
OK fellow yelpers, dont exile me after this review.
Honestly, I think the sandwiches at Vons are better than this place. Sure, the sandwich was good, but was it really THAT good? Hmm, not really. I hear you can occasionally run into a celeb at this place, maybe that's what all the hype's about.
The turkey tasted like a plain 'ole turkey sandwich to me. It took forever to get my sandwich and it wasn't cheap. Perhaps next time I need to venture farther than turkey but honestly, I'm sure I'll pass a Safeway/Vons on my way here and stop there instead for something that is consistently good. -
Review from Nick J.
Corona del Mar, CA
4/8/2008
Decent sandwich, pretty expensive, not very filling, took a while to make.
Plus it was crowded inside.
Overall nothing special. I prefer Gallos down the road. -
Review from Richard S.
Newport Beach, CA
6/7/2010
I've been going to Gari's New York Deli since I was a child. If you want great food with a good local crowed, this is the spot.
The quality of the food is incredible, but understand that it is going to be a bit pricier than a typical deli. However, well worth it. -
Review from Bryan W.
Redondo Beach, CA
10/27/2010
Quick Review: The Turkey New Yorker on Rye is my favorite sandwich(possibly ever). Do yourself a favor and get one.
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Review from Joe B.
Long Beach, CA
7/24/2011
Good service and great food, the corned beef is awesome! The shakes are some of the best you will ever have and are made with real fruit
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Review from Andy P.
Irvine, CA
7/18/2011
Terrific sandwiches. Favorite is The New Yorker. Best fresh made chicken salad in Newport.
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Review from John H.
Newport Beach, CA
Updated - 7/17/2011 2 Check-ins Here
french dip diggity dank
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Review from Kimberly T.
Irvine, CA
4/26/2010
One of the best places to stop for a quick lunch. Everything is always fresh, and they always toast your sandwiches just right. Sandwiches with fresh deli meats are just as good as the paninis. This is a great delicious place for a light lunch that will fill you up. Whether or not you're watching your diet, the sandwiches here will make you feel like you're cheating, though in reality, you're probably eating less calories than you planned to-- it's just because it tastes so good, you've forgotten that it's healthy, too.
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Review from Eryn S.
San Francisco, CA
3/12/2008
Oh my God! I literally haven't set foot in this place for 8 years, but all can think of anytime I order onion rings is the ones I'd get here when I was just a wee las. They dip the things is CORN DOG BATTER! Brilliant! Anywho, their sandos are Ok, and the staff is pretty rad, they used to know my order when I walked in. But those onion rings have haunted me for over 10 years now... so I guess it's time to either buy (another) Fry Daddy, or pay old Gary's a visit.
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Review from Kate C.
Newport Beach, CA
1/6/2008
My husband really likes this sandwich spot. Gary's Deli is a convenient stop if you are headed to Big Corona beach. Note that you will likely get a line if it is a warm summer day. There is not too much seating room but there menu of sandwich options makes up for it. Reasonably priced too.
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Review from Michael G.
Newport Beach, CA
9/28/2009
I am not of fan of deli's in So Cal, but there are a few that seem to interest me on occasion Garys being one of them. They are not exactly your traditional deli, but quite good food with some traditional New York items. My favorite is the Turkey on rye NY style (with coleslaw on it) Everything is very good. If you are in CDM this is the spot for a quick lunch!
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Review from han h.
Irvine, CA
7/8/2010
One of my favorite places to get lucnh around Newport Beach. My favorite dish here is the potato tacos but EVERYTHING here is delicious. I've gotten about half of the menu items and they're all something to look forward to for lunch. if you have to bring lunch to a business meeting or whatnot, this is the place to go. you can call in advance and theyve never messed up my order. And even if they have (not that ive experienced it) the super helpful Rita will take care of ya. Park behind the restaurant you can turn right on Marguerite and make the very first left into the alley
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Review from Justin M.
Santa Ana, CA
8/3/2010
Great lunch spot!! cheeseburger, fries and a coke for under $7! Also, the vegetarian tacos, made with potatoes are awesome. So are the traditional sandwiches!
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Review from Dana H.
Corona del Mar, CA
5/20/2010
I love this place. Their banana milkshakes and their corned beef sandwiches are to die for. I wish I had the courage to try anything else on the menu, but I'm a creature of habit.
