Manny’s Coffee Shop & Deli
1141 S Jefferson St
Chicago, IL 60607
Neighborhood: University Village
(312) 939-2855
After watching the food network talk about some of the greatest pastrami sandwiches in the country, I decided to see what Chicago had to offer. “When Manny's opened at this location more than 35 years ago it was among the last of the unique style of urban eatery - the home style, family run cafeteria bubbling with the spirit of its neighborhood and attracting patrons from all walks of life. In those early years, if you lived or worked anywhere in the vicinity you could hitch a ride on the Manny's van that circled around making deliveries and picking up customers for lunch”. I ordered a pastrami sandwich ($10.75) and a potato pancake ($1.00), the pastrami was piled high and pouring out of the bread. My first thought was “How am I gonna eat this?” I deconstructed it and used a fork to eat the remaining meat that didn’t make it on the bread. The meat was tender, thinly sliced and well seasoned. My only concern is the cleanliness; I came around 7:30 and was surprised to see how empty it was, I then looked behind the line and saw meat scattered all over the floor. The man who served my sandwich was only wearing 1 glove, but used his bare hand to pick up the meat to put on my sandwich. I was a little turned off by this but quickly got over it because working in the restaurant industry I know we use our (clean) hands for everything. I can appreciate the abundance of food that is on display however during slow times, staff members should tidy up around the line. There was shredded meat all over the floor, a meatball hanging over the edge of the counter and I smelled pasta burning in a tray that was almost empty. Small details like wiping up after a rush, replenishing trays when nearly empty, can make a difference in how guests will perceive the establishment. I don’t know if I buy into all the hype, the meats were good but I probably won’t dine in anytime soon.
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