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Look at that beef. |
Our waiter Justin said the most popular sandwich is the "Mr. Schlesinger," with corned beef, coleslaw and Russian dressing on rye. I thought it was good - the corned beef was sliced thinner than at other places I've been. Justin said this is done on purpose to add more flavor and prevent it from drying out. It also was not the gigantic sandwich you see at many other Jewish delis such as the Famous 4th Street.
Hershel's corned beef at Reading Terminal Market is tastier and packs in more flavor, but their hours are limited and its often crowded, so you have a few factors to consider when deciding where to go.
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Half a turkey sandwich with matzo ball soup |
We both agreed that the rye bread was some of the best we've had. Schlesinger's went on a tour of area bakeries to find the best rye and chose a place in Collegeville, but Justin said the name is a secret. Any guesses?
Justin claimed they have the best pickle bar in Center City with just about every kind including garlic, varying levels of sour and dill. They were good although Kristy said the garlic was a bit intense for her liking.
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Pickle Bar |
Schlesinger's desserts are made by the same pastry chef that supplies Stephen Starr restaurants. Again we took Justin's recommendation and had the pumpkin bundt cake - very moist with delicious icing (bottom left in the photo below). You'll also see in the photo that the deli also has gigantic black & white cookies, cheesecake and more.
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One section of the dessert counter. There's more! |
A quick tip from Justin: Schlesinger's offers an entree dinner menu that includes steaks. Know that the deli's owner also supplies meat to several Stephen Starr restaurants. That means you can get the same steak offered at Barclay Prime for half the price (less than $20) at Schlesinger's.
I'd put Schlesinger's in the no complaints category of sandwich quest. For a fast meal and a solid, traditional jewish deli, Schlesinger's hit the spot. The people there were really nice too, especially Justin. We stuck with pretty traditional choices though the menu is quite extensive - anyone have an offbeat suggestion of what else to get at Schlesinger's?
Schlesinger's Restaurant and Delicatessen
1521 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA
(215) 735-7305
www.schlesingersdeli.com
Open 7am - 9pm daily

5 comments:
I feel similarly about the corned beef. Pretty good, not the best. Love the pickle bar there. And I do have the authority to say their matzah ball soup is not great. Good to know about their desserts, I had no idea.
Mmm, it's cold out and I'd love me a bowl of that matzo ball soup!
www.saysskippy.blogspot.com
they have pastrami sandwiches too! i've gotta check this place out someday.
Ahh I love Schlesinger's! I think their matzah ball soup and corn beef are both great, and I'm obsessed with the pickle bar. The chicken salad is also a favorite of mine, and the carrot cake is amazing. It comes in a huge slab for like, $6. It's enough to feed you for a week.
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