Queen City Deli — Restaurant in Springfield

Would I return? Yes

I had been recommended to visit this Italian joint for some time. Passing through on business, I stopped in.

The establishment is VERY unassuming and low key.

As I approached the counter for my order, I announced that I was a new customer recommended here. As such, I requested (to whom I assume was the owner - an older gentlemen) a recommended dish or two that were unique and sort of signature dishes and not necessarily the most common.

The gentlemen seemed mildly annoyed or impatient with the quick request. Perhaps, he was busy and pressured; i do not know. I will say this nearly turned me away on the spot.

Moving on - my meal was the Chicken Portabella Mushroom.

It was served pleasant hot ( not merely warm like some places serve "hot" meals).

The flavor was robust & savory! I was frankly surprised because when the meal was served, i was under-impressed with the portion size and general presentation.

However...HOWEVER, do not judge a book by its cover. I was pleased with the meal and its flavor, for it was authentic in its flavor compared to the "branded" restaurants. Additionally, the price point is VERY reasonable.

So - to sum it up, the flavor and price more than made up for the...

I ate carryout from here recently with my husband. There is a problem with the carryout, which is why I'm writing this review. I cross my fingers that the company may fix this, because otherwise, their food is spectacular!

The food is great; tastes spot on! We tried an assortment of ravioli, manicotti, spaghetti and meatball sub, and their salad (with house dressing) and breadsticks. The food is excellent! HOWEVER!

The plastic containers...are bad. They kept the food nice and hot, yes! BUT the food wreaked of melted/hot plastic (though, nothing was actually melted, you see). It was really odd! Then, worst of all, as you got to the food directly touching the plastic, you could taste it! It was awful. Me and my husband both had this problem.

So, we'd eat there in person, but would not get carryout; unless their containers get changed. This was so odd, but that hot plastic really spoiled the taste...

I am a huge fan of Portillo’s Italian Beef sandwiches (mainly in Chicago, IL area) & finding anyplace that even comes close to their quality & flavor is near impossible. The previous was important to know about me because I don’t say this lightly ….. Queen City Deli has an awesome Italian Beef Sandwich!!!!!! I recommend the sandwich with cheese, dipped in the au jus gravy, & hot gardiniera peppers (if ya can handle spicy hot). Yes, the sandwich is messy that way, but just grab plenty of napkins & enjoy the wonderful attack on your taste buds. The Italian beef is the only thing I have had there, so I cannot comment on anything else. However, I have driven 130 miles round trip for that Italian beef because I live in Arkansas & there is no place closer for an awesome Italian beef. I came,...