The Brown Bag Deli — Restaurant in Monticello

I really want to like this place. The food is OK. Prices are OK. Stuff is ok.

However, the building and decor ate a rundown mess. Tables are filthy walls are stains things are broken and everything is tarped off. Apparently these problems go pretty far back ( reviews as far back as 2015 state many of the same conditions that are still a problem today). The place has been “under construction“ for many years.

The bathrooms are deplorable. You have to basically duck and cover and run up to the third-floor broken down 1920s bathroom.

I’m not sure how they get around the ADA compliance. All of the tables today were filthy (apparently we have to clean our own and leave a tip I don’t think so). Everything is just broken and beat up. Stains on ceilings, everything is just nasty.

All of the booths are broken down and the tables are clearly just leftovers from the 70s. Not enough seating…they have the space and you cannot blame Covid for it now.

This used to be a cool place, you can tell. But it has NEVER been maintained. I’m surprised the whole building doesn’t just fall in on itself. Everything is just worn out, especially it’s charm. ...

Food was good and fresh, but croissant option wasn't offered but now I know for next time. Subs are standard 6" only. Though the sandwiches were good and fresh ingredients, a little higher priced for the portion size (perfect if 8" or bigger). The Italian subs with Italian and balsamic vinaigrette was excellent. Added the peppers to enhance the flavors. The turkey club sub was good, but the cheese seemed more than meat. The meat portion was comparable to subway not compared to other delis. The grilled cheese (toastie) was very good size for a kids meal with and perfect balance of melted cheese. The desert options were amazing and looked delicious and good variety. Drink we got was the half lemonade half iced tea. Very good. Restrooms were very clean and spacious. Seating area was enormous. Plenty of seating Parking was a little difficult being downtown but just a short walk in the cute town. Overall I would say a 4.5 rating. We spent $30 for 3 sandwiches...

Recommended to us by friends who grew up in Monticello. We drove 20 miles out of our way to give it a try. Went on a Friday because we heard that the chicken salad which is a Friday thing was not to be missed. It did not disappoint! Wonderful flavor and the addition of grape halves was awesome. I had it on a toasted croissant but it would have been equally delicious without bread. My partner had an Italian sub and got it toasted to melt the cheese a little. It was a little pricey -10.99 for a sub that was a 6 inch sandwich. It was delicious. Our two sandwiches and a large and medium drink was $35. A bit pricey for a lunch but it was really good. We decided after the meal to buy a piece of homemade pie. So many choices - fruit and cream pies. I had a strawberry pie and my partner enjoyed chocolate cream. So if you are near Monticello, stop in for a sandwich and/or a piece of pie. You will not be...