Manhattan Deli — Restaurant in Des Moines

It's unfortunate that most people in Des Moines have not been to a real deli or they would realize this place is a mediocre sandwich shop at best. It was unsettling to step up to order and be staring at a microwave that is cooking and melting things in styrofoam. I should have known to turn around but I didn't. I ordered a cup of cheese soup and a cold sandwich so that at least I was not encouraging the microwave culture. The cheese soup was awful. It was acidic in a strange way and almost tasted as if it had been burned at some point in preparation and that taste lingered through the soup. My sandwich was a bit better than say a prepackaged one off the shelf at a gas station, but not by much. The bread, the meat, and the cheese tasted like the bland and safely boring variety that gets rolled in off of a food service truck. I regret my pallet is not sophisticated enough to tell if it was a US Foods or Sysco one. I would not be harsh about decor or service or even price. I don't care much about that if the food is excellent, or even original or daring. Manhattan deli is in that dreadful zone of a place that plays it safe. They are the adult equivalent of chicken fingers and buttered noodles.

The definitions are all off here. True Manhattan Delis would cringe at this place. Fresh here means not rotten. Homemade means precooked but they run it through the slicer. Go pick an ear of sweet corn and eat it. That's what a real deli sandwich should taste like. This place is...

A must. Many don’t know about maybe due to hours of operation or cause there’s no need to advertise. That’s because they’re always busy and if you don’t have a lot of time then it’s best to call in an order to pickup to go. This is a staple of Des Moines and once you’ve had it you’ll go out of your way to go back time after time year after year and take family and friends to indulge in the greatness. Fresh!!! Homemade pasta salads, and macaroni, potato salads . They also have pumpkin bars and chocolate chip cookies ( HOMEMADE) . Many varieties of sandwiches. Also made fresh with tons of options. You’ll wonder what all the buzz is about til you try it then you’ll be stung by the satisfaction fairies and gods of scrumptiousness . They have chips as an option for a side too with some fountain pops, tea, water. Thursday is their sausage sandwich special.. ( only day it’s served). Specials include : (Around $10-$12) Sandwich of the according day and get chips/cookie and pop. It’s casual, dress , so dressed up for work ? That’s fine. Just lounging around and in sweats ? That’s fine too. All welcomed . What are you still reading this for ? If they’re open , head that way. If they’re closed , set reminder on your calendar on your phone. Thank me later...

I have been going to this deli (different management over time) since the 1960's. I was friends with the Bassman's who owned it for so many years. It is a busy place over the noon hour, but no matter what time you go you will get a good sandwich and whatever else you want. They have a good staff there and they know how to crank those orders out quickly while still giving you high quality. Over time, I have tried going different times, and sometimes I go when they are not very busy at all and it is much more enjoyable, but a deli is a deil!

The parking is the main problem here, with limited Ingersoll space to park. Many people car pool because it is a better bet to get a parking place. It's been difficult since Covid, but they have done the best they can and have kept things nice and clean and followed all of the rules to keep their employees safe as well as their customers. Even though this is under different management, (Hansen's now) and I miss Dave and Betty and the others who used to work behind the counter, but time goes on. It's good to know the quality of the food is still top notch as it was in the 1960-70's!

This is, for so many who work or even live in the downtown or Des Moines Ingersoll area, a staple to visit on a regular basis...