Rochester Deli — Restaurant in Waukesha

I came in here after so much hype, because I was seeking fresh food. The prices are astronomical! for half a sandwich, a small cup of soup and a tiny side cup of salad, I paid $8.50. I've seen better portion sizes in New York and Chicago, for less money! Though I love the Bakery these folks run, I will never attempt to set foot in their "deli" again. They are very polite and have good intentions, but as your customer, I am firing you on things other than bakery. My chicken soup was absolutely flavorless, even after I put salt in it. My sandwich tasted like it had processed lunch meat on it and the restaurant was dingy and dirty. New York City delis use things like Boars Head and seemingly charge less money for sandwiches. I know because I got a very similar sandwich for $7.25 in NYC with Boars Head at a small business! Actually, The grocery store in Delafield charges less money for a sandwich five times better. I also ordered two cannoli's and didn't receive them with my order. There was a person walking around on a phone and I had to get up and ask for my cannoli's. I can't believe I spent so much money on food so below par. By the way, 12$ for a Reuben is way too high, no matter where you go. Your charging prices like your a five star establishment and running like a two star. You need to get your act together or you will cease to exist. The economy here is changing and you need to keep people around who would frequent your establishment. Good luck improving, I'm sorry I had to say this.

In response to the owners follow up to my review. It's funny that you say they are so attentive, because if they were you would have witnessed them not asking me anything about my dessert. You are beating around the bush in regards to your problems, because you keep steering clear of my concerns. Obviously as a customer I wasn't satisfied. I don't care as a customer what it is your deli clerks do for work, I didn't ask you that in the first place, I asked you why your employees were talking to their friends on their cell phones. I asked you why my service was awful and why your restaurant is dirty. I also did not ask you how many sandwiches were on your menu or what ham I ordered. I said the quality of the ham you are serving is bad. You can keep the sandwich cost and the future your bestowing on your establishment with it. If you truly pride yourself on being a popular Waukesha destination, then clean up your act and get your establishment straight. I don't think there should be any concern about understanding my request. I purchased an item and wasn't given it, or any explanation as to why not. I had to go get it myself, which is absolutely awful service. Have a great day and consider some food...

OVERPRICED AND OVERRATED. Since Gyros West closed, we have been trying different fish fries in the Waukesha area. We ordered our food on-line. Near the end of the ordering process, there was a message regarding a surcharge for on-line orders. This notification should be near the beginning of the process. Also, this begs the question: Why should I pay a surcharge for an on-line order? When I am saving the business on labor cost by entering the order/credit card information myself. Honestly, this wasn't a huge deal, but did start the interaction off with a bad taste in our mouths.

The cod fish fry was tender and quite flavorful. We had no complaints with the quality of the product. However, the portion size was ridiculously small. It was on par with a kids meal. Each cod fish stick was consumed with only two bites. The portion size should be larger and/or the price should be lower. Out of all the many fish fries we have tried in Wauesha this one was by far the lowest on the price/value quotient.

The quart of the New England Clam Chowder was very watery, lacked flavor, and had few clams. The broth should be the thick and creamy. Honestly, it appeared the Rochester Deli was running low on product and watered it down. We had to add a fair amount of Penzey's seasonings for our taste buds. The clams were few and far between (unlike the potatoes), cut into very small pieces; but yet, were very tough and chewy. Honestly, the best part of the chowder was the oyster crackers.

For our Friday fish fry needs, we have crossed off Rochester Deli from our list as there are much better options available in Waukesha.

UPDATED 4/10/24 I took the time out of my busy day to submit an objective, honest review which included your New England Clam Chowder. You discredited my review by stating it was "unkind" and "inaccurate." When I lived in Las Vegas, I had the opportunity to sample some of the world's best chowder at the various oyster bars. I can assure you, your New England Clam Chowder on my visit, fell short on the world's stage. I stand by my objective, honest review....

I had never been to this place and our family met at Rochester Deli recently. This is a quaint little restaurant with really great food. It’s sort or hidden downtown Waukesha from someone like me who just happens to be passing through the area. We were all able to find something to eat from the menu. There were small children in our group that had difficulty finding something to eat from the menu. They eventually decided on plain hotdogs.

The adults had no problems finding anything to eat here. Each sandwich comes with a bag of chips and you can purchase a drink as well. Our group was very complimentary on the large lemonade from their cooler. I’m not a sandwich person but I found something from the menu. I love chicken Parm sandwiches and Rochester Deli makes one of the better ones that I have eaten. The bread was toasted perfectly, the tomato sauce had a nice kick to it and the sandwich was so delightful that I found myself taking smaller bites because I didn’t want to finish the sandwich too soon. I almost ordered a second one I liked it that much.

Everyone enjoyed what they ordered and the atmosphere was quiet and family friendly. I would definitely recommend Rochester Deli. We stayed and chatted for awhile after eating and the atmosphere was accommodating for chit chat...