Pancer's Original Deli — Restaurant in Toronto

After years upon years of hearing about how great this hidden (not so hidden) gem is, and driving past thousands of times, I decided to finally make a pitstop the other day to see what the fuss is all about. Meh. We had the pea soup (which was actually probably the best thing from what all we had), a beef knish with gravy, and the famous corned beef sandwich, with a side of fries and coleslaw. Deli's like this always blow my mind with how expensive they are for what you get... I don't know, I guess I'm still living in the old days, because this kind of food should not cost what it does today- I don't know if the restaurants just value their efforts that much that they feel these prices are justified, or if it's down to ingredient costs, or what... But I just sorely fail to see any semblance of good value in this meal I had, even if just talking the sandwich + side combo... The portions really aren't that massive at all, but beyond that, the food is safely middle-of-the-road, absolutely nothing mind-blowing about it as some social media posts or testimonials would have you believe. In fact, the disconnect/disparity between the way people hype it up, and what it actually is in actuality, is so wide, it's almost comical. All that chatter for bog standard, bordering on lacklustre, deli stuff- this is dime a dozen deli food, folks. I'm glad to see a family-run joint can and does still stick around in todays day and age, and amid our rapidly gentrifying city with no regard for whatever semblance of history it once had- at least a few spots like this remain, though I'm okay with admiring the concept rather than spending my hard-earned coin there. The coleslaw was nice- something unique in it I haven't detected in other similar coleslaws. I'll spare you my going into elaborate details over what I liked/didn't like (mostly didn't like) about everything else- but the coleslaw was fine, really, as was the pea soup- oh and the cherry soda they don't make there was great. Glad I visited, saw what it was about, but happy to admire only from afar moving forward, as I did all those years leading up to that fateful day. 3 stars solely because I respect they've stuck around so long, and because I love the pictures they've got inside (I'm a huge boxing fan- highest respect to Mr. Chuvalo, who I understand was/is a frequent patron)- 2 stars if not considering that and grading solely based off food, 1.5 stars if considering value proposition. I hate to be so harsh with a beloved institution like this, but above all else, aim to be as honest as possible, as it aligns with my...

3 stars, but here's why: I love Pancer's. It's literally been my favorite deli in Toronto since I moved here in the early 90s. I don't get there often anymore. I find it frustrating that they close at 8:00 p.m. because it's difficult for me to get there before that but that's not the reason I'm leaving 3 stars. I think the food is 5 stars. The service is usually 5 stars and for a delicatessen, I think the ambiance/atmosphere is dead on for a deli = another 5 s. However, yesterday I checked their hours online and saw again that they close at 8:00 p.m. I was excited to think I could make it! I packed up my kids. We got there at 7:30 and found somewhere to park. We walked inside at 7:33. My mouth was watering. It had been a while since I've been there and I was so craving Pancer's. We all knew what each of us was going to order long before we arrived based on past favourites... Disappointingly, we were met at the door with a waitress telling us that only take-out was available despite a few empty tables that needed bussing. I said, "It's only 7:35. We looked on Google and it said you're open until 8:00." The waitress replied that the dining room closes at 7:20. Now, I completely understand where she's coming from and if the staff wants to leave by 8:00 or shortly thereafter on a Saturday night then it only makes sense to close the dining room at 7:20 but I feel that if a business is advertising being open until 8:00 pm then they should be accepting business until 8:00 pm. The thin hair to split here is that the dining room closes at 7:20 but take-out is available until 8pm...... Ergo, I will do the courtesy of correctly and clearly informing anybody reading this, THE DINING ROOM CLOSES AT 7:20! Do not go at 7:25, 7:30 or 7:35 and expect to have an enjoyable dine-in experience. Like me last night (Jun 14, 2025) you will waste your time and gas, needing a plan B for hungry kids and adults alike. I'm sincerely glad business is doing well and I really do like the place. It's hard to believe that they turned away $100 at the door for the sake of a few minutes of difference when they advertise that they're open until 8:00 p.m. but we found a different deli open later and went there. I can't help but have a bit of a bitter taste from the most recent Pancer's experience despite my generally 5 star opinion of the place. Don't expect to be a satisfied, dine-in patron after 7:20 p.m. There! I said it again for everyone to see, hear and read. Now it is...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Pancer's Original Deli, and it was truly a memorable experience from start to finish. Nestled in a vibrant neighborhood, this charming deli captured my heart with its warm and welcoming atmosphere.

The moment I stepped inside, I was greeted by friendly staff who went above and beyond to make me feel at home. The decor exuded a cozy and nostalgic vibe, transporting me to a bygone era. The attention to detail was evident in every corner, from the vintage posters adorning the walls to the comfortable seating arrangements.

Now, let's talk about the food. Pancer's Original Deli serves up a delectable array of traditional deli classics that will satisfy even the most discerning taste buds. Their menu boasts an extensive selection of sandwiches, salads, and mouthwatering Jewish comfort food. Whether you're craving a towering pastrami sandwich, a hearty matzo ball soup, or a perfectly crafted Reuben, Pancer's Original Deli has got you covered.

I can't emphasize enough how impressed I was with the quality of the ingredients. Each bite was bursting with flavor, and the portions were generous without compromising on taste. The deli takes pride in using only the freshest ingredients, and it definitely shows in the final product.

The service at Pancer's Original Deli was exceptional. The staff members were attentive, knowledgeable, and passionate about the food they served. They took the time to explain the menu options, making recommendations based on personal preferences. The level of professionalism combined with genuine warmth left a lasting impression on me.

As for the prices, I found them to be very reasonable considering the quality and portion sizes. Pancer's Original Deli offers great value for money, ensuring you leave with a satisfied stomach and a happy wallet.

In conclusion, if you're searching for an authentic deli experience that pays homage to tradition while delivering outstanding flavors, Pancer's Original Deli is the place to be. The delightful atmosphere, impeccable service, and mouthwatering food create an unforgettable dining adventure. I wholeheartedly recommend this restaurant to anyone seeking a taste of nostalgia and...