Stein's Market and Deli — Restaurant in New Orleans

A Mixed Bag in the Garden District

After spending considerable time in New Orleans' Upper Garden District over the past six years, I'm almost embarrassed to admit that Stein's Market and Deli had completely escaped my notice. Despite numerous coffee runs next door and flag shopping at the corner store, this deli remained invisible to me until a recent craving for a proper Reuben sent me searching online.

My Tuesday morning visit before 11am found the place blissfully empty, though the friendly staff warned that crowds can descend quickly. The interior hits all the expected deli notes—cluttered walls, busy décor, and an atmosphere that tries hard to suggest decades of history (though it actually opened in 2007). Think NYC deli aesthetic transported to Louisiana.

The service deserves praise. The gentleman behind the counter was genuinely helpful and friendly, making the ordering process smooth as I requested both a Reuben and the daily special Philly Cheesesteak. Orders came out promptly, which is important to note if you're planning a quick lunch. Just be aware that seating is minimal—a handful of tables inside and one out front.

Unfortunately, this is where my enthusiasm wanes. The Reuben, while impressively stuffed with meat, was oddly one-dimensional. The sauerkraut—that essential tangy component—was completely MIA, neither visible nor detectable by taste. What should have been a balanced symphony of flavors became simply chewing through a mountain of thinly sliced deli meat. I couldn't even definitively identify it as corned beef; it was just... meat.

The Philly Cheesesteak fared slightly better in construction, with peppers present as requested and a more reasonable meat-to-bread ratio. However, it suffered from a similar identity crisis—the provolone cheese was nowhere to be found, neither melted into the sandwich nor contributed any flavor.

Both sandwiches were certainly filling, but filling isn't the same as satisfying. The lack of the key ingredients that define these classic sandwiches left me disappointed. These aren't just garnishes—sauerkraut and cheese are fundamental to what makes a Reuben and Cheesesteak work.

While I appreciate the friendly service and the convenience of the location, I'll be exploring other options for my future deli cravings in the Garden District. Stein's isn't bad, but it's not living up to the potential suggested by its carefully curated atmosphere and prime location.

Final Rating:

Food: ⭐⭐⭐ (3 stars)

Service: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 stars)

Ambiance:...

Was under the weather, feeling crappy, didn't want to move (let alone cook), and really wanted some feel good, comfort food; and since I'd been craving some "hometown" favorites lately (I'm originally from Chicago) which usually consisted of chicken matzoh soup and a Reuben from any one of the local deli, I decided to check out Stein's. So, through Uber I ordered their Reuben, matzoh ball soup, and potato salad, gotta say, not good, especially for the prices. Now, being a chef (and one who has also serviced the Jewish community for 10 plus years) and a culinary professional for the past 30 plus years, I know food, flavor, service, etc, and the need for increased prices when going through Uber, however....a 27-35% increase from in-house prices is just not "Kosher".

Now I don't know how they prepare, portion and present items for in-house service (only had the pics to go by), but this was rather disappointing. Either this was just a one off or (considering the good reviews by diners) do they lower their standards for delivery orders... with said price increases.??? Anyhoos. The sandwich, which tasted good, just had roughly 5 oz. of beef and a slight lacing of sauerkraut with touches of cheese. And while (understandably) the bread was not crisp and toasty (wrapped in foil sheet), there was no evidence that it ever was. Didn't even bother with the pickle - $15.99 Now, for the matzoh ball soup - it was loaded with so much black pepper it was, quite literally, inedible. The matzoh ball itself- loaded, the broth - loaded, the few bits of chicken - loaded, there was no reprieve. Even being sick with a stuffed up nose and dulled senses, being that spicy, from black pepper... just no. It overwhelmed just opening the container. They either need to use an en mass friendly recipe, or specify black pepper as a predominant ingredient. Not to mention at $7.99 for one piece. I then went to the potato salad... more black pepper! As with the matzo, overloaded to such a degree that after a few bites I just could not eat it. Again, I suggest a change in "recipe", tightening up the QC, or specifying the predominant black pepper "flavor" on the menu. Also, received about 2.5 oz shy of the .5 lb I purchased. Yes, I weighed it, lol.

*gave 3 stars for the food - factoring in the redeeming taste of the sandwich and 2 stars for the "service" - considering how the sandwich was prepped and sent out and the portion sizes.

Sorry y'all, may seem nitpicky, but... I guess I'm just pssd and...

Got rachel( which is basically a pastrami reuben) It was very solid, not the best ive ever had but very good, wish it had a bit more pastrami but it was reasonably priced. Great bread and russian dressing as well. Italian hoagie had some incredible aspects to it, but fell short in a few areas as well I am an italian hoagie expert btw, Lets start with the good. The bread, how can you go wrong with an amoroso roll from philly, fantastic. The meat and cheese was not your standard boarshead(which sucks now btw since they became commercially available everywhere) or thummans. It was flown in from a butcher shop in san Francisco and was absolutely outstanding. I believe the cheese was as well and it was absurdly good. The areas of this hoagie that fell short for me was their were no hot peppers (maybe i needed to ask) but more than that was the lettuce. It was a big dark green leaf and that just ruins things. A good italian has finely chopped iceberg lettuce. Its a very simple fix. I also will say the dressing was very unique, not bad per say but it was very very different than most Italian dressings ive seen on hoagies. It looked like honey mustard actually. Still this place is really good and you should definitely go. Its very rare i ever give any...