Express Deli — Restaurant in Brook Park

Easily one of the best sandwich shops I’ve come across in my travels!

There are many ideals I enjoy about traveling, some of which have dwindled since I am now a family man, but some of them remain. One of those ideals is opportunity to come across a good story - and this story revolves around a good sandwich…correction, great sandwich that I happened to stumble on while sitting around the FBO (fixed base operator) we were killing time before working our way home.

As per usual, I was getting hungry 30 minutes before arriving today, so the Google search commenced. In my quest for lunch, I came across the Express Deli - only a 4.9 rating from roughly 500 reviews…how it is not a 5.0, I really don’t know.

Upon walking in, the sandwich shop seems like a simple deli. Well, this is much more than a simple deli, this is a 5 star gourmet in my personal professional sammich eating opinion. Mike greeted us with a smile and recognized that we were first timers, and immediately prepared a sample of 3 of their finest items on the menu. The turkey, a philly pastrami and a reuben. I should have given heed to Mike’s warning about the Reuben’s temp, but I was too excited to sample it as the aroma was incredible!

I opted for the Reuben after the sample, my coworker opted for the Beirut chicken which would have been my next option. Neither of us were disappointed with our selection as the quality and the quantity left us fully satisfied and satiated for the day. Hopefully we have time to rest up after the food coma sets in before we depart!

As we checked out, I got to meet and chat with Pierre. The Pop of the operation, and Pierre is a gem (as are Mike and Ma), but I simply asked where he was originally from and learned a glimpse of their story! Pierre was originally from Lebanon and grew up in Kuwait before immigrating to the United States and attending College here in Cleveland earning a degree in engineering and working for 40 years or so (if I remember correctly) as an electrical engineer for GE. And here he is now working the register at the Express Deli. l

We had a brief chat, I wish it could have been more, but the line was growing behind me, so I bid him farewell, but before I did, he wished me and my co God’s blessings and safe travels - which I wish the return for him and that others may receive those blessing as they cross his and his family’s path as I did by meeting them today.

The location is subtle and the sandwiches are mighty. And the people that own and operate this establishment are truly world class.

If you ever get the chance and are near the Cleveland Airport, look them up, and if you come at the peak time, be prepared for a short wait (or slightly longer) but it will be worth your time!

It’s great having an opportunity to learn of a great story, even better when the story can be shared. And thrice as nice when your hunger and curiosity are satisfied.

Pierre, by the way, I did not get the chance to compliment you on your outstanding moustache. A life goal I will likely...

Saw an article in the paper about Express Deli being named as a top restaurant on Yelp. My wife and I are both big reuben fans so got some to take home. First, the place is very clean and well lit. Pierre greets you when you walk in with a big smile. He obviously knows and loves his customers and immediately asked if it was my first time in Express Deli. Once I got back to the counter to order his son was crafting samples of 3 sandwichs they offer. Each one looked like a work of art, he put them together with great care and obvious pride in his product, then descibed what was on each item- meat, sauces, etc. Wow, I wanted them all- but we stuck with trying reubens first.

Then I went up to pay and talked with Pierre- what an interesting person and wonderful to talk with. Almost as good as the sandwiches. He explained how they started and what changes they made to produce a sandwich they liked- and obviously so do a lot of other people.

Got home with the reubens and after eating half my wife declared it the best reuben she has ever had in her life! I could not agree more. We've since been back and will be regulars. Highly recommended- try it once and you...

5/31/18 My coworkers rave about this place so I decided to check it out. Place is small, no frills. Some tables to eat there if you’re inclined to do so. Some coolers with drinks including beers.

I let the young guy know that I heard the deli was awesome so he asks me if it was my first time. Yeah, it is, so he proceeds to put together a tasting tray with corned beef, turkey, pastrami, and mini Reuben. Served on a slate tasting board... like a wine tasting... so I step to the side where introduces me to the different samples, described how they’re made, certain house made sauces. Not a joke.

So it’s a little shop, not the greatest location, but I’ll go back there. I live in Strongsville and work in Middleburg so I might bring my wife in to try it out. He says they’re making their own beef, getting ready to do their own smoked brisket. Impressive.

The food (I opted for the Reuben) was excellent. The corned beef by itself was perfect. Prices: my sandwich, 1L Brisk tea and a bag of Dirty chips was only $10.41. That is great!

I recommend trying it out. Decide for yourself, but if you like nice people and phenomenal sandwiches, this is...