Mike’s Deli “The Original Arthur Avenue Italian Deli”

Head inside to find the best Italian sandwiches this side of the Atlantic

Located inside the world famous Arthur Avenue Market, past the men making handmade cigars, past the oh-so tempting meat markets and fresh produce stands is the real treasure of this market, Mike’s Deli.  When you enter the market it can all be a little overwhelming, what with the crowds and hustle and bustle of the place, but the surefire way to find Mike’s in the back is to just look for the biggest crowd of people around one place.  Besides the omnipresent line of people waiting to devour some of the finest Italian sandwiches this side of the boot shaped country you can expect to be amazed by the overwhelming selection of Italian cured meats, specialty cheeses (the mozzarella is made fresh on the premises daily – and it shows), and the loud and in your face helpful hands behind the deli counter (believe me, that might sound intimidating, but it’s part of the charm of Mike’s).

On first glance, the list of sandwiches, heroes, platters, pastas and more may seem like too much to choose from, but is that really a problem?  The first time visitor can play it safe, and delicious, with any of the sandwiches – The Raging Bull, King David, and Towering Inferno are all an experience in themselves – or you can go for their famous eggplant parmigiano.  This is the same sandwich that won against Bobby Flay on his Throwdown with Bobby Flay show on the Food Network, and with one bite it becomes clear that no one should ever try to challenge them again.  It should be noted that these are not your ordinary lunchbox size sandwiches, most of them weigh in at over a pound; and with the fresh mozzarella on many of them, it can mean leftovers for another time – that is, if you are able to stop yourself from eating the whole thing.

Being located inside the Arthur Avenue Market leaves Mike’s Deli with a very limited seating area, so it is best to either take it to go or to come visit the area on a nice day when it is possible to walk the streets of Little Italy in the Bronx and take it in.  Also, since both the Bronx Zoo and the New York Botanical Garden are only a few short blocks away, it is possible to make a day of lunch and exploring some of New York City’s most beautiful areas on a very full stomach!

Mike’s Deli “The Original Arthur Avenue Italian Deli”

Located inside the World Famous Arthur Avenue Retail Market

2344 Arthur Avenue
Bronx, NY 10458
718-295-5033
866-2-SALAMI
Fax: 718-933-5903

www.arthuravenue.com
Open Monday – Saturday: 6am – 6pm

Price: $$