Main Street Deli
513 South Main Street
419-425-2354
www.mainstreetdelibilloffare.webstarts.com
Mon-Thurs.: 7am-6pm
Fri: 7am-5pm
Sat: 11am-3pm
Sun: Closed
At least once a week, my children ask to go back to the Main Street Deli. And that’s the best review a restaurant can get. Do they want to have yet another tasty lunch in the heart of Findlay’s downtown? Do they daydream about the scrumptious homemade chunky cookies? Do they want a second chance to look at the kitschy décor that tells Findlay’s history better than any book? The answer, of course, is yes.
Main Street Deli has long been a staple of business lunches. The hours might be a bit more limited than other restaurants, but the menu certainly isn’t. There are so many sandwich options, you could eat a different one every day for a month. With clever names such as Main Street Bomber and The Marathon, the deli serves up meals with a wink and a smile.
Overwhelming options
Ordering at the counter, we were a little overwhelmed at the choices. My youngest finally settled on a roast beef single ($4.25), and my older daughter ordered the hot wop ($5.95). My husband had the secretary’s special ($5.25). After waffling between several vegetarian options, I ordered the veggie weggie ($5.25). All sandwiches are served with chips and a pickle, but you can substitute carrots and pretzels.
Deli roulette
If you really get stumped, and feel lucky, you can play deli roulette and order a Joewich – “make no decisions and enjoy what we make for you,” says the menu. While there is no official kids’ menu, offerings include a grilled cheese sandwich and peanut butter and jelly for less sophisticated palates.
While we waited, we enjoyed a brief history lesson, on the walls of the Deli. Photographs from Findlay’s past hung on the exposed brick, including a picture of the Deli during the 2007 flood. Findlay’s present was represented in the purposely mismatched chairs and tables that were decorated with the logos of local businesses. Findlay’s future – or, at least, future happenings – were on the many community fliers posted by the counter and door.
But the mainstay of The Main Street Deli is the food – it is really good! My girls even wanted to get another sandwich to go for their snack later. Instead, we sampled several of the tempting desserts. We tried the pumpkin bars, monster cookies and butterscotch brownies. You could hear a pin drop in our booth as everyone savored a sweet end to a great nosh.
Bottom Line: Repeat trips to The Main Street Deli are in our future. There are soups, salads and dozens of sandwiches yet to try. We may even feel like spinning the wheel and getting a Joewich, trusting in the deli deities. It seems that, at The Main Street Deli, they certainly know what Findlay – and we – like.
THE SHORT COURSE
Kid Friendly Yes, To Avoid Wait Come either before or after the downtown lunch rush, Noise Level Fine, Bathroom Amenities Fine, High Chairs Yes, Got Milk? Not on the menu, Kid's Menu? No. but it offers some kid-friendly options, Anything healthy for the Kids? Sandwhich sides can be swapped for carrots and pretzels, Food Allergy Concerns? As always, ask.
