NYC Express Deli — Restaurant in Springdale

I had high expectations after hearing a lot of great things about this place on social media and around NWA.

I ordered a chopped cheese combo (came with fries.) The sandwich was filling and had good flavor. However, Idk if it was worth $18 for something that you could easily make at home.

The fries were not that good. Were slightly warm/room temp. Tasted maybe like they used old frying oil, OR the fries themselves maybe were made too early and sat for a while.

The wait was pretty long (about 20 min or more) there were 3-4 other people waiting as well. This included drive time which was about 15 min prior (I called my order in beforehand to pickup.) It's attached to a smoke shop blasting punk rock and doesn't have adequate seating, so not the best place if you are having to wait a while or have kids with you.

Their soda fountain was not working, so I couldn't get a fresh drink, so I had to get something out of a cooler, like you would do at a gas station.

I think this place has potential, and I want to try them again much later on as they grow and work on some things.

Don't let the social media posts exaggerate anything. This is an average deli that I'd stop at if I were close and just wanted to try it or a dish on their menu is something you really think you'd like. It wasn't horrible, but also wasn't matching the hype on social media or around town. This place is about a 7 or 7.5 out of 10.

I wouldn't drive from a long distance or substitute this place for something you already know and love.

At least until they've grown a little bit and improved upon some of the things I mentioned.

Looking forward to seeing them grow and improve, because I can definitely see them turning into a very popular "go to" spot in NWA...

So I really wanted this to be good, but it just wasn't. The price for what you actually get is too high, their sandwiches are too small and the taste is just ok at best, the fries are limp grease noodles. Oh and the price is too high (did I already say that) 🤣 much like the people they have working in the kitchen and taking orders. I'm not joking, those guys must have been high, because it took them almost an hour to make 2 sandwiches with fries and a drink,,, which you have to get yourself from a cooler in the back of the smoke shop. Which would be nice to know before you get your food if you are going to have to wait a hour for a sandwich. Also it's a small place so me, my wife, as well as the 6 other people waiting for their food got to hear and see the guys working behind the counter screwing around and joking instead of making our food. When we did finally get our food it ended up belonging to the people that ordered before us. Which really sucked because they ordered regular sandwiches and we ordered large. Then I got to listen to the guy behind the counter lie to me and tell me I didn't just watch that couple walk out with 2 larger sandwiches than what we ordered when we ordered the same sandwiches, the only difference being large not regular. The fact they make you pay as soon as you order, is the only reason we didn't walk out of that joke of a sandwich shop and go somewhere else. I would not recommend it to anyone. Go literally anywhere else, it will likely taste better and cost half as much. I've had better sandwiches at Subway and I...

Review: A Flavor Mosaic at NYC Express Deli Takeout in Springdale

NYC Express Deli’s Salmon and Rice is truly out of this world. Having sampled salmon dishes across the country—including in the seafood-savvy Pacific Northwest and at high-end, trend-conscious establishments in the Washington D.C. area—I can confidently say that this dish stands apart. The pairing of salmon and rice here is not just delicious, it’s harmonious. The flavors interlock like a mosaic, each enhancing the other without overpowering.

During our visit to NYC Express Deli’s Takeout in Springdale, we shared four dishes, each unique and memorable in its own right. The Philly Cheesesteak was a standout, with its ingredients blending seamlessly in both flavor and texture—crafted with a care more often seen in upscale bistros than casual takeout joints.

The Chicken Over Rice was another highlight. Their rice preparation deserves special mention—mildly spiced yet flavorful, aromatic, and perfectly cooked. It served as a beautiful foundation for the tender, well-seasoned chicken.

Our final dish, the Lamb Gyro, was equally satisfying. Juicy, well-marinated lamb, paired with fresh accompaniments, made for a fulfilling and balanced meal.

Beyond the food, the staff at NYC Express Deli were friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming—something that elevates the entire dining experience. The prices were surprisingly reasonable for the quality offered.

In a world where five stars is the max, I’d...