Hard Times Deli — Restaurant in Memphis

I heard a bunch of mixed stuff before visiting, and wanted to see for myself. TLDR some pros and cons, a little expensive, cash not accepted.

Sandwich was shorter but fatter than i imagined. I imagined each sandwich being its own whole "loaf" but one end was a cut, so their breads are maybe long enough to cover two of their sandwiches. The bread is good regardless. Soft white so they can compress it into kind of a sandwich burrito, with a thing solid (but not hard) crust on the outside. It was slightly messy like some reviews, but not as bad messy as other reviews made me think, or they improved from other reviews. The sauce is tasty, really good. I think dill is in the sauce or sprinkled in the sandwich, but that's good either way. The lettuce was great, and the right amount, and the deli meat was also the right amount. Both were healthy without being too much. The bacon and avocado were kind of strange though. The bacon was thick cut which was nice, but i wish there were 2 slices the length of the sandwich rather than 1 slice. I think even if it were thinner bacon so i could get 2 slices I'd like it better. When i saw the avocado I thought gyatt they put 1.5 whole avocados on here?! But no, the way they did it was like one half in the middle, so the 1st one or two bites on each side you get lots of avocado and then none. I kind of think fresh avo/guac spread across the whole thing would have been better, idk. Overall, i think it was slightly overpriced for the sandwich, maybe 2 or 3 dollars more than I think would be good. But it's definitely worth a try if you're looking to try something. Maybe like a 2/3 sandwich price or a 2 tier pricing for value or smaller portions customers might appreciate. I think the menu simplicity is good.

It seemed like there were 6 people working when i was there, but only 1 person working on the sandwiches so it took a minute, but I wasn't in a hurry. I wasn't there when it was very busy.

Got 2 Reel Big Fish songs in a row so that's a plus. Nice music and decor. Nice blue and tan tile. Comfortable chairs. I could see how it could get packed. Maybe they could set up some outside seating.

Cashier and sandwich-deliverer and name caller were friendly.

Cash isn't accepted is kind of annoying. And though it's a sandwich place, the card machine requesting for tips, so I don't know how their pay works, but it's kind of uncomfortable, not being for either table service nor a coffee shop nor bartending. If you tip, you need more than a $20...

If you’re in Memphis and craving a sandwich that transcends the ordinary, look no further than Hard Times Deli at 655 Marshall Ave. This newly opened spot, brought to life by the talented team behind Secret Smash Society—Harrison Downing, Cole Jeanes, and Schuyler O’Brien—delivers an unforgettable culinary experience.

One standout on their menu is their take on the classic chopped cheese. Traditionally a New York bodega staple, Hard Times Deli elevates this sandwich by using grass-fed beef from Home Place Pastures, combined with onions, peppers, and melted cheese, all nestled in a perfectly toasted roll. The attention to detail in balancing flavors and textures is evident in every bite. For those seeking a hearty option, the “Ourbys Beef & Cheddar” is a must-try. This sandwich features tender, house-smoked roast beef paired with rich cheddar cheese, offering a delightful twist on a familiar favorite.

Vegetarians aren’t left out either; the deli offers a variety of veggie sandwich options and fresh salads, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Beyond the exceptional food, the ambiance is inviting, and the staff is both friendly and knowledgeable. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or settling in for a leisurely meal, Hard Times Deli provides a dining experience that’s both satisfying and memorable.

Don’t miss out on this gem in the Edge District—your taste buds...

Hot new spot alert in the edge District! Just across from Sun Studio and close to the downtown, the new deli is the latest sandwich joint making waves—and clearly, people are noticing. Lunchtime crowds are no joke. We went last Friday hoping for a quick grab-and-go, but ended up waiting nearly an hour to get our hands on those sandwiches. So yeah, if you’re heading there around lunch, plan ahead.

Heads-up: they close in the afternoon, so lunch is your only window. The menu’s small, but it feels intentional—just a few handpicked options split between hot and cold sandwiches.

We tried one of each. The hot pick? A massive chopped cheese loaded with roasted beef, melted cheese, herbs, mayo—you name it. Heavy, creamy, and ridiculously filling. The cold option? Spicy Italian. Cured meats, fresh herbs, salad, more mayo. The flavor was on point, but the bread didn’t hold up—kept falling apart mid-bite, so it got messy fast.

Now, they don’t serve sides or drinks with the sandwiches, which makes the price feel a bit high. You’ll have to grab those separately. There is indoor seating, but when we visited, every table was taken and folks were even standing...