This is a MUST for lunch in Chattanooga. I liked it so much I tried to come by every day. The Reuben is to die for. The turkey & brie was delicious. Great pesto pasta and greek salad. The staff is quick and friendly (long line of locals, for good reason). This was the best spot in town for sure.
(5)
Dave M.
Friends recommended this deli owned by a New York transplant. They had a decent menu with some great looking choices. I decided to try the reuben to get a good sense of their sandwich chops. It was one of the best Reubens I have ever had. My wife got a ham sandwich with apples and apple butter. It came out not toasted and was just ok. We sent back one half to get it toasted and it made it much better. Be prepared, it's a bit of a dive. In the North Shore area with great parks and shops, it definitely stood out a bit. When sandwiches are your craving, I would make a stop.
(4)
Amanda T.
Out of all the great places to eat in Chattanooga this one is at the top of the list. Been a couple times now for lunch and every time the food is amazing. Will definitely be back.
(5)
Carrie Neal W.
Dude. This place is awesome. The 'rents got the muffaletta of the day, one each, and loved loved loved. I can't remember the ingredients but they happily got a full description from the owner and they were reported to be delicious and huge. Yes, each ate their whole sandwich. Since I was, y'know, unpacking the first load of boxes mid-move so the kitchen could get Set Up Immediately, they brought me back . . . the best "club" salad I may have had, ever. They make these cute little rolls of cheddar, sliced roast beef/chicken/turkey, and place them in an adorable half circle on top of mixed greens along with lots of cuc and tomato. HM as my dressing of choice. This was just - awesome. I will go there just to get this salad. For the size of the sandwiches and salad, and prices $1 or $2 for each among anything you'd get at Panera, this is the place to go. Again, dude. Awesome sauce.
(4)
Ken B.
Love this place. Bruce and the food makes you feel like you're back in NYC or Jersey. Definitely will be a regular stop.
(5)
Sparkle T.
River Street is one of the best sammy shops in Chattanooga! It's a fantastic lunch spot with just your basic counter service. I love the muffaletta here. It's a beast with just the right amount of meat, cheese, and olive salad goodness. You waddle away stuffed just like the sammy you ate. If I'm feeling girly, I always go for for the Elana Ruz. Turkey, cream cheese, and jam? Oh, my! One of my go to's however it the turkey and brie. I was able to get this with some sliced granny smith apples once and it was like nothing in this world! Of course the reuben is pretty killer, too. One of these days I'm going to make it for the Friday night specials. So definitely, definitely come here. Especially if you're hanging out at Coolidge and want to toss some frisbee.
(4)
Amanda D.
I work in North Chattanooga and this is one of my favorite spots for lunch. They always have tasty specials, including sandwiches that make my coworker from New Jersey reminisce about home. My personal favorite is the turkey with Brie and broccoli and cheddar soup. Their sweet tea is also addictive!
(4)
Keith R.
River Street Deli is my go to place for a hot sandwich. Easily the best deli in town.
(5)
Ann L.
Loved the owner's bright personality when we walked in. The daily special sample was fantastic. I ordered a veggie sandwich was pretty good, but I wish it didn't have the American cheese on it. This place is not super swanky, but it's comfortable and has character and food is good.
(4)
Brian W.
Bruce (owner) is a great guy and fantastic chef. I love the deli and the menu but this guy can do so much more than excellent sandwiches! Check him out for one of his dinner nights.
(5)
Brad A.
Best deli in Chattanooga by far. Not only great food but the man behind the counter sells it he tells you all the ingredients which makes it 10 times better love it love love it!
(5)
Craig L.
I worked in NYC for a number of years and this place really made me nostalgic. Great food and excellent service. We ordered four sandwiches and all were excellent. If you like olives, you really need to try their muffaletta. It is one of the best I have ever had. Everything is fresh and home-made. Lots of seating and right across the street from the park. GREAT lunch spot.
(4)
Julia D.
I ate here for the first time a few days ago after wanting to try the place for a while. I was pleasantly surprised. I ordered 2 specials that Sunday, which were the broccoli cheese soup and a prosciutto sandwich with mozzarella, fig, and arugula. Both were excellent and I can't wait to go back and try other items on the menu. Definitely best sandwich I've ever had and best broccoli cheese soup, which is my favorite, I've had before.
(5)
Tiana W.
Wish I had a place like this where I live! Bruce is the man and will make you feel like you in a deli in New York. Sandwiches are huge and taste amazing!! Got the muffuletta and was not disappointed. The boyfriend got a Reuben. And he said it was the best Rueben he has ever had...and if there's a Reuben on the menu you can bet that's what he'll order! They were very busy but it didn't take longer than 10 minutes for us to get our food. Staff is very friendly. Highly recommend this place!
(5)
Camp H.
Another place I always forget to review every time I go because I'm usually here I'm a rush, or for meetings, or lunch. Great for all the above. New York deli transplanted. Quick and easy. I have never selected anything off the menu, I let Bruce the owner order for me daily or I get the special, it has always filled me and tickled the taste buds. Parking looks horrible but I've never had an issue and I drive a hard to park truck. Always add a side out of the cooler, or at least I do....
(5)
Chris G.
First time I went, the place was packed with policemen, firemen and emt's. That's a good sign. The New Yorker taking my order feigned anger when I asked what was good. I had The Coronary and sure enough it induced chest pain. Great deli food in a casual atmosphere. You'll feel like you're visiting New York.
(4)
Angie K.
I went here based on the Yelp reviews but wasn't wowed. I had the brie turkey sandwich. The brie was a bit overwhelming and the sandwich a bit greasy. It was like the bread was drenched in butter. I also had the tomato soup and it was good, but nothing spectacular. The place needs better ventilation. I stunk after eating inside. The lady who took my order was nice.
(3)
kir h.
This place is a pure delight. The sandwiches were more than filling with great flavor stuffed with meats and their special of the day, stromboli, was amazing. I went for lunch and there was a decent crowd without a long wait. It's a very relaxed atmosphere good for business people , families and any one in between.
(5)
W. N.
Never a bad smamich here. Bruce behind the counter is all New Yawker. He is in his element. Be sure to hit this place on Tuesdays to score a stromboli.
(4)
Blake D.
Great place to stop for a sandwich. We stopped in on a trip just by reading these reviews and was not disappointed. Philly Reuben and hot pastrami sandwich were delicious.
(4)
Andrew T.
Waited in line and placed our order to eat in. A group of 8 kids come in behind us and placed theirs to go. Apparently if you order food to go and order cold sandwhiches you get priority over people who get there first. 20 mins later get we get a so-so sandwhich. This place doesnt live up to the reviews. Nothing fast, place was dirty (didnt look like it had been swept/vacuumed in a while). Wont be back.
(1)
LA M.
Yum, yum, and more yum! I got a ruben that was amazing! What a great hidden gem :)
(5)
Amanda D.
I was meeting my friends for lunch around Coolidge Park. A friend wanted to check to see if Subway was open and I was like hell no, if it's sandwiches we are after, we're going back down to River Street Deli. And so we did. None of the specials were appealing to me which led the owner to ask me if I was picky. I'm really not, but he got kind of pushy about it. I wanted a sandwich I could eat without a knife and fork (knocking out a soup and a pot roast sandwich that my friend got and did enjoy) and I'm not a fan of ham or asparagus, two of the three ingredients making up the core of the last special. I don't know why he wants to push the specials though because dear god I am still dreaming about the roast beef sandwich I had. It comes with Dijon mustard and Boursin cheese, and if you get it toasted the cheese gets all liquidy and it is SO good. I haven't had a sandwich this good since being in France and eating them every day for lunch. (Clearly France has to be the inspiration for a roast beef sandwich with Boursin and Dijon.) A vegetarian friend did get that asparagus and cheddar special sandwich without the ham, which was great that they do customize things for people who are picky for a reason. Though I love meat I was almost tempted to get veggie sandwich they have because I love everything that goes on it (roasted eggplant, roasted red peppers, sun dried tomatoes, THREE cheeses). Sure it costs more than Subway but it tastes fantastic. $8 for a sandwich might be steep for Chattanooga, but it's a pretty big sandwich and with a drink you'll still get out for about $10. The atmosphere isn't anything special but who cares. SANDWICH.
(4)
John W.
I love this place. The food is authentic and oh so tasty. The owner (Bruce) is genuinely enthusiastic about the food her serves. I try to go on Monday for the special stomboli. There are frequently new offerings and Bruce is always trying new combinations to spice up the menu. Prices are reasonable, though not inexpensive. It is definitely the best of its genre for many miles around.
(5)
Cara P.
We really enjoyed our lunch: my husband had the jerk turkey sandwich, and I had the lox & bagel with capers, onion, & tomato. The lox was so good, a generous amount, and plenty of capers (I love capers). I do have one tiny criticism: I had to slide the lox & capers off the toasted bagel to schmear it with cream cheese (again, plenty of it, more points for that), then put it back. This wasn't a big problem, but it would've been easier not to have to do it. The owner? Yeah, he's definitely not a Southerner. He gave my husband some grief b/c he ordered the sandwich without the pineapple chutney. But he also made a point of telling me that the lox was center cut & sent from Brooklyn. I actually found his 'tude reassuring: I'd expect a New Yorker to know how to do a New York style deli. I would SO go back.
(4)
Tom H.
Knew I was in the right deli as soon as I heard the owner's Bronx accent. The Stromboli was utter perfection, service was fast, atmosphere is casual and comfortable.
(5)
Kent K.
A bit "divey" but amazing sandwiches (the muffaletta = YUM!). Reasonable prices. Great location. We grabbed a sandwich and ate it in the nearby park. Definitely recommended.
(4)
HOLLY M.
Owner was super nice and helpful. Food was exactly what I expected, except the artichoke tomato soup was way better than I expected! Great atmosphere, will be back.
(5)
Sara Z.
I visit this deli everytime I am in Chattanooga. As a native Tennessean who has lived the last 15 years in NJ/NY I really like a good sandwich, not of Subway quality. The pimento with turkey is off the charts! As they dont sell pimento cheese in the northeast I am going to have to start making it, just so I can experience this sandwich more than once a year in Tn. The place is a bit pricey, but definitely worth every bite. Portions are big and he is not skimpy on the meat.
(5)
Ryan B.
Delicious food. Loved my turkey, brie and honey mustard sandwich!
(5)
Fanny P.
Good food. Fast service. Best deli-type place in Chattanooga.
(4)
Chuck C.
Best lunch place in Chattanooga, hands down. Incredible sandwiches, an array of salads in the deli case, cookies, daily specials, etc. Don't let the exterior fool you. RSD is the bomb.
(5)
Bill B.
Stale bread. Store dirty. Brie in turkey in chunks not melted
(2)
Dan R.
The only real deli in Chattanooga. Fast service, stacked sandwiches, hole-in-the-wall atmosphere that lets you focus on the food. You must be firm if you think you know what you want when you walk in, otherwise Bruce will pressure you into the daily special - never a bad thing.
(5)
L M.
The only authentic deli in Chattanooga! Deliciously toasted sandwiches with fresh boars head meats. Fabulous! Try one of their soups or tasty homemade sides. I would eat here a couple of times a week if didn't travel so much.
(5)
Craig G.
NY style deli serves the best Muffuletta I've ever had. I've also had their excellent cuban and grilled goat cheese sandwiches. Parking can be a bit of a pain as it is tiny compared the large volumes of tourists.
(5)
Kathy W.
Yes, the owner suggested the special (which we did order one). Yes, he suggested we didn't make substitutions to our sandwich. But he was never rude about it, I think he is the "product expert". The sandwiches he suggested were awesome and we'd go back and take his suggestion again. The setting isn't much to look at, but the portions were big and tasty. We'd go back.
(3)
Elaina S.
The Elana Ruz is my favorite. Also, their pastrami kicks ass.
(5)
Max P.
Best deli in town. Bruce will make you feel like you are in New York. Amazingly fast and delicious. Great for power lunch. Amazing rare roast beef.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Divey Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Caters : No
Lacey P.
This is a MUST for lunch in Chattanooga. I liked it so much I tried to come by every day. The Reuben is to die for. The turkey & brie was delicious. Great pesto pasta and greek salad. The staff is quick and friendly (long line of locals, for good reason). This was the best spot in town for sure.
(5)Dave M.
Friends recommended this deli owned by a New York transplant. They had a decent menu with some great looking choices. I decided to try the reuben to get a good sense of their sandwich chops. It was one of the best Reubens I have ever had. My wife got a ham sandwich with apples and apple butter. It came out not toasted and was just ok. We sent back one half to get it toasted and it made it much better. Be prepared, it's a bit of a dive. In the North Shore area with great parks and shops, it definitely stood out a bit. When sandwiches are your craving, I would make a stop.
(4)Amanda T.
Out of all the great places to eat in Chattanooga this one is at the top of the list. Been a couple times now for lunch and every time the food is amazing. Will definitely be back.
(5)Carrie Neal W.
Dude. This place is awesome. The 'rents got the muffaletta of the day, one each, and loved loved loved. I can't remember the ingredients but they happily got a full description from the owner and they were reported to be delicious and huge. Yes, each ate their whole sandwich. Since I was, y'know, unpacking the first load of boxes mid-move so the kitchen could get Set Up Immediately, they brought me back . . . the best "club" salad I may have had, ever. They make these cute little rolls of cheddar, sliced roast beef/chicken/turkey, and place them in an adorable half circle on top of mixed greens along with lots of cuc and tomato. HM as my dressing of choice. This was just - awesome. I will go there just to get this salad. For the size of the sandwiches and salad, and prices $1 or $2 for each among anything you'd get at Panera, this is the place to go. Again, dude. Awesome sauce.
(4)Ken B.
Love this place. Bruce and the food makes you feel like you're back in NYC or Jersey. Definitely will be a regular stop.
(5)Sparkle T.
River Street is one of the best sammy shops in Chattanooga! It's a fantastic lunch spot with just your basic counter service. I love the muffaletta here. It's a beast with just the right amount of meat, cheese, and olive salad goodness. You waddle away stuffed just like the sammy you ate. If I'm feeling girly, I always go for for the Elana Ruz. Turkey, cream cheese, and jam? Oh, my! One of my go to's however it the turkey and brie. I was able to get this with some sliced granny smith apples once and it was like nothing in this world! Of course the reuben is pretty killer, too. One of these days I'm going to make it for the Friday night specials. So definitely, definitely come here. Especially if you're hanging out at Coolidge and want to toss some frisbee.
(4)Amanda D.
I work in North Chattanooga and this is one of my favorite spots for lunch. They always have tasty specials, including sandwiches that make my coworker from New Jersey reminisce about home. My personal favorite is the turkey with Brie and broccoli and cheddar soup. Their sweet tea is also addictive!
(4)Keith R.
River Street Deli is my go to place for a hot sandwich. Easily the best deli in town.
(5)Ann L.
Loved the owner's bright personality when we walked in. The daily special sample was fantastic. I ordered a veggie sandwich was pretty good, but I wish it didn't have the American cheese on it. This place is not super swanky, but it's comfortable and has character and food is good.
(4)Brian W.
Bruce (owner) is a great guy and fantastic chef. I love the deli and the menu but this guy can do so much more than excellent sandwiches! Check him out for one of his dinner nights.
(5)Brad A.
Best deli in Chattanooga by far. Not only great food but the man behind the counter sells it he tells you all the ingredients which makes it 10 times better love it love love it!
(5)Craig L.
I worked in NYC for a number of years and this place really made me nostalgic. Great food and excellent service. We ordered four sandwiches and all were excellent. If you like olives, you really need to try their muffaletta. It is one of the best I have ever had. Everything is fresh and home-made. Lots of seating and right across the street from the park. GREAT lunch spot.
(4)Julia D.
I ate here for the first time a few days ago after wanting to try the place for a while. I was pleasantly surprised. I ordered 2 specials that Sunday, which were the broccoli cheese soup and a prosciutto sandwich with mozzarella, fig, and arugula. Both were excellent and I can't wait to go back and try other items on the menu. Definitely best sandwich I've ever had and best broccoli cheese soup, which is my favorite, I've had before.
(5)Tiana W.
Wish I had a place like this where I live! Bruce is the man and will make you feel like you in a deli in New York. Sandwiches are huge and taste amazing!! Got the muffuletta and was not disappointed. The boyfriend got a Reuben. And he said it was the best Rueben he has ever had...and if there's a Reuben on the menu you can bet that's what he'll order! They were very busy but it didn't take longer than 10 minutes for us to get our food. Staff is very friendly. Highly recommend this place!
(5)Camp H.
Another place I always forget to review every time I go because I'm usually here I'm a rush, or for meetings, or lunch. Great for all the above. New York deli transplanted. Quick and easy. I have never selected anything off the menu, I let Bruce the owner order for me daily or I get the special, it has always filled me and tickled the taste buds. Parking looks horrible but I've never had an issue and I drive a hard to park truck. Always add a side out of the cooler, or at least I do....
(5)Chris G.
First time I went, the place was packed with policemen, firemen and emt's. That's a good sign. The New Yorker taking my order feigned anger when I asked what was good. I had The Coronary and sure enough it induced chest pain. Great deli food in a casual atmosphere. You'll feel like you're visiting New York.
(4)Angie K.
I went here based on the Yelp reviews but wasn't wowed. I had the brie turkey sandwich. The brie was a bit overwhelming and the sandwich a bit greasy. It was like the bread was drenched in butter. I also had the tomato soup and it was good, but nothing spectacular. The place needs better ventilation. I stunk after eating inside. The lady who took my order was nice.
(3)kir h.
This place is a pure delight. The sandwiches were more than filling with great flavor stuffed with meats and their special of the day, stromboli, was amazing. I went for lunch and there was a decent crowd without a long wait. It's a very relaxed atmosphere good for business people , families and any one in between.
(5)W. N.
Never a bad smamich here. Bruce behind the counter is all New Yawker. He is in his element. Be sure to hit this place on Tuesdays to score a stromboli.
(4)Blake D.
Great place to stop for a sandwich. We stopped in on a trip just by reading these reviews and was not disappointed. Philly Reuben and hot pastrami sandwich were delicious.
(4)Andrew T.
Waited in line and placed our order to eat in. A group of 8 kids come in behind us and placed theirs to go. Apparently if you order food to go and order cold sandwhiches you get priority over people who get there first. 20 mins later get we get a so-so sandwhich. This place doesnt live up to the reviews. Nothing fast, place was dirty (didnt look like it had been swept/vacuumed in a while). Wont be back.
(1)LA M.
Yum, yum, and more yum! I got a ruben that was amazing! What a great hidden gem :)
(5)Amanda D.
I was meeting my friends for lunch around Coolidge Park. A friend wanted to check to see if Subway was open and I was like hell no, if it's sandwiches we are after, we're going back down to River Street Deli. And so we did. None of the specials were appealing to me which led the owner to ask me if I was picky. I'm really not, but he got kind of pushy about it. I wanted a sandwich I could eat without a knife and fork (knocking out a soup and a pot roast sandwich that my friend got and did enjoy) and I'm not a fan of ham or asparagus, two of the three ingredients making up the core of the last special. I don't know why he wants to push the specials though because dear god I am still dreaming about the roast beef sandwich I had. It comes with Dijon mustard and Boursin cheese, and if you get it toasted the cheese gets all liquidy and it is SO good. I haven't had a sandwich this good since being in France and eating them every day for lunch. (Clearly France has to be the inspiration for a roast beef sandwich with Boursin and Dijon.) A vegetarian friend did get that asparagus and cheddar special sandwich without the ham, which was great that they do customize things for people who are picky for a reason. Though I love meat I was almost tempted to get veggie sandwich they have because I love everything that goes on it (roasted eggplant, roasted red peppers, sun dried tomatoes, THREE cheeses). Sure it costs more than Subway but it tastes fantastic. $8 for a sandwich might be steep for Chattanooga, but it's a pretty big sandwich and with a drink you'll still get out for about $10. The atmosphere isn't anything special but who cares. SANDWICH.
(4)John W.
I love this place. The food is authentic and oh so tasty. The owner (Bruce) is genuinely enthusiastic about the food her serves. I try to go on Monday for the special stomboli. There are frequently new offerings and Bruce is always trying new combinations to spice up the menu. Prices are reasonable, though not inexpensive. It is definitely the best of its genre for many miles around.
(5)Cara P.
We really enjoyed our lunch: my husband had the jerk turkey sandwich, and I had the lox & bagel with capers, onion, & tomato. The lox was so good, a generous amount, and plenty of capers (I love capers). I do have one tiny criticism: I had to slide the lox & capers off the toasted bagel to schmear it with cream cheese (again, plenty of it, more points for that), then put it back. This wasn't a big problem, but it would've been easier not to have to do it. The owner? Yeah, he's definitely not a Southerner. He gave my husband some grief b/c he ordered the sandwich without the pineapple chutney. But he also made a point of telling me that the lox was center cut & sent from Brooklyn. I actually found his 'tude reassuring: I'd expect a New Yorker to know how to do a New York style deli. I would SO go back.
(4)Tom H.
Knew I was in the right deli as soon as I heard the owner's Bronx accent. The Stromboli was utter perfection, service was fast, atmosphere is casual and comfortable.
(5)Kent K.
A bit "divey" but amazing sandwiches (the muffaletta = YUM!). Reasonable prices. Great location. We grabbed a sandwich and ate it in the nearby park. Definitely recommended.
(4)HOLLY M.
Owner was super nice and helpful. Food was exactly what I expected, except the artichoke tomato soup was way better than I expected! Great atmosphere, will be back.
(5)Sara Z.
I visit this deli everytime I am in Chattanooga. As a native Tennessean who has lived the last 15 years in NJ/NY I really like a good sandwich, not of Subway quality. The pimento with turkey is off the charts! As they dont sell pimento cheese in the northeast I am going to have to start making it, just so I can experience this sandwich more than once a year in Tn. The place is a bit pricey, but definitely worth every bite. Portions are big and he is not skimpy on the meat.
(5)Ryan B.
Delicious food. Loved my turkey, brie and honey mustard sandwich!
(5)Fanny P.
Good food. Fast service. Best deli-type place in Chattanooga.
(4)Chuck C.
Best lunch place in Chattanooga, hands down. Incredible sandwiches, an array of salads in the deli case, cookies, daily specials, etc. Don't let the exterior fool you. RSD is the bomb.
(5)Bill B.
Stale bread. Store dirty. Brie in turkey in chunks not melted
(2)Dan R.
The only real deli in Chattanooga. Fast service, stacked sandwiches, hole-in-the-wall atmosphere that lets you focus on the food. You must be firm if you think you know what you want when you walk in, otherwise Bruce will pressure you into the daily special - never a bad thing.
(5)L M.
The only authentic deli in Chattanooga! Deliciously toasted sandwiches with fresh boars head meats. Fabulous! Try one of their soups or tasty homemade sides. I would eat here a couple of times a week if didn't travel so much.
(5)Craig G.
NY style deli serves the best Muffuletta I've ever had. I've also had their excellent cuban and grilled goat cheese sandwiches. Parking can be a bit of a pain as it is tiny compared the large volumes of tourists.
(5)Kathy W.
Yes, the owner suggested the special (which we did order one). Yes, he suggested we didn't make substitutions to our sandwich. But he was never rude about it, I think he is the "product expert". The sandwiches he suggested were awesome and we'd go back and take his suggestion again. The setting isn't much to look at, but the portions were big and tasty. We'd go back.
(3)Elaina S.
The Elana Ruz is my favorite. Also, their pastrami kicks ass.
(5)Max P.
Best deli in town. Bruce will make you feel like you are in New York. Amazingly fast and delicious. Great for power lunch. Amazing rare roast beef.
(5)