Side Street Deli — Restaurant in Cornelia

So you know where I'm coming from, I was NOT looking for a run-of-the-mill sandwich shop. I searched the word "deli" so I could narrow my options. The word "deli" is a shortened form of "delicatessen", which comes from the German word delikatessen, which means "delicacy" or "fine food".

That is not this place. I traveled an hour thinking I would have a "deli" experience, but this is simply a sandwich shop. The meats are processed and not unique and the ingredients are basic. You even have to pay for a pickle.

That said, if you want an expensive sandwich, here's your place. I spent $30 for two sandwiches, two sides, and two teas.

I test any place that says, "deli" by their corned beef, Reuben, or pastrami sandwich - is the bread artisan, are the meats hand cut, are the sauces homemade - and this place simply puts processed ingredients together.

I told the owner what I was looking for and she assured me things were on the up-and-up as a deli, not just a sandwich shop. When I inquired about the meat quantity she suggested a double portion (see pics for what that means to see the standard portion is puny). I specifically told the cashier I wanted rye but was given a sub (hoagie, grinder, etc.,) roll. I don't send anything back. The sides are frozen.

Nothing special here, no thought to uniqueness, no house specialty. What I've found in the South is that, unless you go to Atlanta, you will get run-of-the-mill, unexciting, and plain food. I had hoped to be surprised and even called ahead with my goal.

Understand, if you want a good sandwich then you'll likely be happy, but a "delicatessen" this is not. For everyday lunch this is a good place.

(My rating is based on the description, what I was told, and experience with proper delicatessens).

I still recommend this place for a decent sandwich! My expectations are a...

This review is moreso for the service than the food. As far as the food goes, it was pretty good. I got the Deli Special sub, and it had a sufficient amount on it and was filling, and tasted very good as well.

The service is a little lacking. Lady who took my order looked annoyed that she had to take anyone's order, let alone mine. Watched for my entire 50 min wait as she neglected customers at the register repeatedly,eating a long line build up before addressing them, while also getting refills on her own drink and snacking on chips. Speaking of long waits, again, I had to wait about 50 mins for a walk in order. I realize they have a sign up that says people should call ahead for faster service, but no one should HAVE to do that. I just happened to be working nearby and figured a deli sandwich would've been a quick lunch. I learned later that they were hammered with a 40 sandwich order, in which case, why can't you inform customers there will be a long wait? Also saw one or two customers get their food before me, but had ordered after me.

Allina all, I've definitely seen worse service at other places, but this was a bit jarring, is all. Like I said, food is pretty good though. Just not really worth almost...

Side Street Deli is hand's down the best sandwich spot in North GA. Trust this big guy when I say, forget Subway, Kadaydle's, and Jersey Mike's. They do close a bit early, but if you are in town or going to pass on through in the early afternoon or evening, give em a call, place your order, less than 5 minutes off of 441, this hidden gem shines. My two favorite's are the Spicy Hill Lane and as a close second, the Mud Creek Special. Their loaded baked potato salad is delectable as are their onion rings. You can not go wrong, what ever you may order. The staff are caring, attentive, and everything is always made fresh AFTER you order it. Do give them a good 15-20 min heads up call. Oh always make sure to ask for them all the way, that is the best. As I am about to head back out of town, I will truly miss this home town sandwich shop. Always support your local Business and this one truly deserves recognition.

-Local pro tip, Get extra 🧀,...