Delis remind me of summer internships. That quick hike through the city for lunch before the inevitable return to the office. Whoever says the sandwich is dead has not felt the call of a crusty loaf or the bite of a crunchy deli spread as the day curls into the afternoon. Men and women in business suits queue up outside the motley of delis that speckle this city. The humble deli should not be overlooked, and several city-centre locations offer hearty and affordable fare for students on the go.
Pig & Heifer
This Jewish deli just on Pearse St feels like New York. It is small and loud, and often times so packed that there is nowhere to sit. The menu on the chalkboard offers a huge selection of savoury sandwiches with pastrami options galore. The cured meats and cheeses pack into tight and flavoursome bready bundles. The Reuben, filled with pastrami, sauerkraut, swiss cheese and salad, is a great way to warm up on a rainy day.
147 Deli
An odd one out in an area that has been nicknamed Dublin’s Chinatown, 147 Deli on Parnell St is very much a modern deli. The sandwich menu is small, but the “sambo specials” of the day are creative and hearty. With juicy salad vegetables stuffed into baps and melts plus soups on the side, there is so much satisfaction to be found here. Real care goes into the sandwiches at 147 Deli: piled into alluring heaps at lunch time, it can be hard to make a decision. If you’re bored of your regular ham and cheese, the ever-imaginative weekly special is always decadent and often the best choice.
The Runner Bean
The Runner Bean is under a red awning on Nassau St. Passersby are in danger of not seeing it because, much like the most traditional delis, it looks like fruit and vegetable shop. Inside, it is a little like a storybook cornershop. The fridge has pre-prepared salads and sandwiches, but the deli is open and loaded. Custom wraps and sandwiches are free to be stuffed with anything from goats’ cheese to sundried tomatoes, and are relatively inexpensive despite the deli’s close proximity to Trinity, making it a good choice for a quick lunch between classes.
Gerard’s Deli
The lower corner of Stephen’s Green is where Gerard’s Deli lives. It is the target of many nearby office workers and has a substantial spread. It is a criss-cross of hands over blue bowls full of chopped produce. With a more traditional menu, it offers all the school break-time favourites such as succulent pesto chicken and tuna cheese wrap. For only €3.80, its homemade sausage rolls are definitely worth sampling.
Green Bench Cafe
Located on Montague St, a little lane that forms a bridge between Harcourt to Camden St, this deli might be easy to miss. It opens and closes early, serving only breakfast and lunch. Bread is brought in fresh from Baker St Bakery in Sandycove, and everything else is handmade in store. Its sandwiches are a mix of new and old, catering to modern preferences while also keeping the breakfast roll with an urban twist. The deli also caters to a wide range of dietary needs, and all of its soups are gluten free and vegan. It is a tasty bite at any time, but beware: there’s no seating. Eat on the go or else wander over to Stephen’s Green if the weather permits.
