Smallman Street Deli — Restaurant in Pittsburgh

I stumbled across Smallman Street Deli while wandering the strip before work. I had a half drank, cracked cold IPA in hand and a yearning for carbs on my mind and belly. Walking into Smallman deli, it was a small lil sandwich joint with a few options on the menu, telling me right away that this was going to be a fantastic spir-of-the-moment decision. I asked the cool, stone faced employee behind the counter what his favorite sandwich was, and he suggested their Reuben. I agreed and got the lunch combo, half Reuben and half deli salad.

My anticipation grew as I sat myself at the small two person table near the window next to the classic red coke fridge, full of ice cold bev-er-age.

When the stone faced man delivered me my half Reuben wrapped in parchment paper and paired eloquently with a spear of crisp dill pickle, my mouth watered.

The first bite of this juicy, gorgeous sandwich sent me on an emotional rollercoaster of pleasure, excitement, and everescent memories. From the initial crunch of the buttery, crispy marbled bread, to the tangy sauce, to the juicy, perfectly thin sliced layers of meat, to the crisp and ever so slightly sour kraut... It was a tearjerking meal that had you setting your phone down, closing your eyes, and licking the parchment paper to savor the last of that gorgeous, spectacular, Reuben.

I made sure to meet the man personally who was responsible for this incredible lunch and thank him myself.

The stone face cashier told me they were known for the best Reuben's in Pittsburgh.

I say, no doubt, my...

Nice spot. I don't order out for lunch often but this place has some good reviews and a good reputation. They seem to be most known for their substantially large sandwiches like the rueben as well as latkes, matzah ball soup, and other items. I decided to try their MnM cookies and the simple grilled cheese.

You can't really go wrong with a grilled cheese; it's pretty simple. But, they do make it well here. The portion is decent and the price is also reasonable. Compared to some of their other sandwiches, it is smaller but also quite a bit cheaper (other sandwiches are generally somewhat expensive but have large portions). They use classic American cheese, which had a slight plastic taste but it was still good. Bread was still somewhat crispy and buttery. Added bonus is that they serve the sandwich with a pickle spear. Good pickle portion and very flavorful.

They offer numerous baked goods and desserts as well. They gave me two cookies. I'm not sure if that's the standard portion or if they were just feeling generous. Either way they were very tasty. Plenty of MnMs and nice crispy edges.

All in all, would recommend if you want to stop by for lunch. Could be a bit expensive if you order a large sandwich. But, great location and a fair amount of...

I miss the North Shore Deli SO much. They proved that overhead means everything when it comes to quality, quantity, and price of a great sandwich.

Smallman St is adequate, but they're nothing to write home about. They're a small notch above Subway, at least when it comes to pastrami (which is supposed to be a "signature" menu item, ie the best of the best). They offer an extra lean sandwich for more money, but that is laughable. Put forth your best sandwich or don't put forth anything. Really. It's an insult.

Smallman St Deli is a victim of overhead. There are literally 9 people behind the counter and 3 people eating, but they still can't manage to clean the tables. I get it. The owners need to turn a profit. But those of you saying THIS is the best you've had? I feel bad for yins. You just don't know any better.

But THAT'S what was so wonderful about that little hole in the wall of a deli on the North Shore that is now gone. Family owned and operated with the best ingredients and portion possible at an unbelievable price. Overhead is everything.

Just go to Primanti's, you'll get a much...