Globe Delicatessen — Restaurant in Costa Mesa

I normally wouldn't review a place after just one visit, but lunch left such a good impression, it deserves kudos. An employee revealed it's been around for 50+ years and that the owner had been a regular since childhood before purchasing it a few years back. Three childhood friends now run the place, which is a sweet touch, but it's not just that, it shows in the pride clearly taken from the meat case to pantry items and more. The service is old-school, glassware chilled, meats slow roasted. Everything is made to order and besides being a "deli" there are entrees like schnitzel and snazzy sides like a dill packed potato salad and of course, warm German style potato salad as well. This is a German deli, so don't expect Italian style subs, although the meatballs look divine and also come as an appetizer. I wish I had a bigger appetite! The beef dip is served with the most legit jus I've ever had, the meat itself is flavorful as can be, tender with zero gristle, the bread is crusty and perfect. We were given a sample of the potato salads as first time visitors, which was unexpected and such a nice touch. The turkey Ruben was nothing short of delicious with juicy carved meat like you'd eat at Grandma's. Polka music adds to the vibe, which isn't what you'd expect in a strip mall on Harbor Blvd. It's a blast from the past in the best of ways. We'll certainly be back to work our way through the menu. This is the kind of place you want to support, especially now, as it seems un-phased by Covid in an industry where you have no idea what to expect and often feel slighted by inflation, attitudes, etc. I can see why the Google rating is so high, and I look forward to finding out more reasons than I...

Been going here for over 10 years and the food is great but went yesterday afternoon with my younger sister and was met with poor service and what seemed like a racist confrontation with the new owner. First, no greeting when we walked in just an employee looking surprised to see us. Spent about $50 on sandwiches and brats and when going to pay, I had a $3 gift card balance which I had received from their employee Meagan on a previous visit where they forgot about our food. So I just wanted to use the remaining $3 balance and I paid the rest with my credit card. So then the owner examines the gift card and starts asking me where I got the gift card from, and when I explained where I got it, the owner mumbled some random comment and quickly took the card to the back and then the employee started questioning my story as if I was lying as to where I got a $3 gift card remaining balance, which by the way was the third time I had been there since the new owner, and my last. He kept claiming I bought their gift card from an auction. The employee seemed to back off as I had to raise my voice and repeat myself again as to the gift card drama. My sister was extremely uncomfortable as soon as we walked in and felt like it was racism, saying we were being targeted with an accusatory tone. This used to be family owned but new owner seems like a financially stressed accountant suspicious for the wrong reasons. And obviously they have no grasp of technology where they could literally look up the record of all gift cards and not accuse customers. Will go back when ownership...

This is probably the best place to eat in Costa Mesa. As a local I go to many gems that doesn't get a lot of social media coverage this is my new favorite gem in Costa Mesa. Jason & Buffy are super friendly and give recommendations on what to pair German beers with different sandwiches. Their soups! OMG they are made from scratch and sell out quickly. Cold weather makes people want to have soup. Their split pea is so hearty. Big chunks of ham and just the right amount of spices will make your heart sing with pleasure. Their German Chicken noodle is made with fennel, cabbage and (2) different kinds of noodles. Their small grocery area is perfect to pick up a few items while waiting for your food. Plus their meat, sausage, and cheeses are displayed in the deli case and will cut slices thick or thin are your request. The make their own German breads, without preservatives so you either have to eat it quickly or freeze it for future enjoyment. Quickly you will get to know everyone both staff & customers on first name basis even after coming only...