Hickory Honey Hams
1204 W. 38th, 459-4267; 459-4469 (fax)
Monday-Friday, 10am-6pm; Saturday, 10am-5pm
If you were under the impression that these folks only sell spiral-sliced hams and turkey breasts, are you in for a surprise! This centrally located shop offers a full menu of delicious deli-style sandwiches for under $5, plus side orders like chili, potato salad, coleslaw, and great homemade baked beans. Party trays, giant overstuffed submarine sandwiches, sandwich platters, and box lunches are also available. Limited delivery area.
Maynard’s Deli
730 W. Stassney, 445-5858
Monday-Saturday, 10am-3pm; Thursday-Saturday, 6pm-9pm
10205 N. Lamar, 834-1068
Monday-Friday, 10:30am-8pm
Try the very credible Philly cheesesteak, a cheesy meatball sub on a toasted garlic roll, or the Jethro Sub, a behemoth made with pastrami, salami, bologna, baked ham, cheese, lettuce, and tomato on a three-layer deli roll. All sandwiches are served with chips and a pickle spear, but pretzels, fries, and potato salad are also available. Big, juicy burgers, chicken breasts, and patty melts come hot off the grill with fries and pickle spears. Soups and salads are also available for lighter appetites, and there’s a kids’ menu. The Stassney deli offers live music on weekend nights. Limited delivery area.
Riches on 6th
111 E. Sixth, 478-8838
Monday-Friday, 7am-3pm
This busy little deli tucked in the ground floor of a downtown skyscraper has been feeding office workers for nearly 20 years. They consistently turn out good sandwiches, daily hot specials such as King Ranch chicken, lasagna, and chicken pot pie, plus hot soups, garden salads, stuffed spuds, and plenty of pastries and desserts.
Jason’s Deli
Five Austin locations
Daily, 10am-10pm
This popular national chain has a very loyal Austin following that lines up daily to choose from Jason’s large, affordable menu. These folks offer everything from breakfast pastries and desserts to soups, salads, and stuffed spuds. The sandwiches range from traditional deli to wraps and pita pockets, plus there are special menu sections dedicated to heart-healthy and kids’ choices. Full-service catering and party trays are available, and if you’re in a hurry, order lunch online.
Mario’s Deli
3202 W. Anderson, 451-0713
Monday-Friday, 7am-4pm; Saturday, 10am-2:30pm or 3pm
The dine-in menu at Mario’s is simple and straightforward with meatball, Italian sausage, and Italian subs; a good rib-eye cheesesteak; and a nice variety of sandwiches such as those made with fresh chicken, tuna, and egg salad. This place is also known for its convenient takeout food: party trays of finger sandwiches, hot meals such as Swedish meatballs, or pasta and hors d’oeuvres for business meetings, seminars, and office parties.
Schlotzsky’s Deli & Marketplace
14 Austin locations
Call for hours
Austin is home to the prototype of Schlotzsky’s Deli & Marketplace stores, where the company attempts to change its image from sandwich shop to full-service restaurant. In addition to the longtime, local-favorite Original sandwich, there are now soups, salads, cold sandwiches, and personal-sized pizzas. Sodas, teas, and a full line of coffee drinks are on hand. Breads, pastries, cookies, tarts, and cakes from the Bread Alone bakery provide sustenance in the early morning and all day long.
Atlanta Bread Company
4404 W. Wm. Cannon, 892-1070
661 Louis Henna, 255-7773
Monday-Saturday, 7am-9pm; Sunday, 7am-8pm
Restaurant-starved folks in far southwest Austin got a new bakery cafe last year, part of a very successful Georgia chain that has opened a second store in Round Rock. The “quick casual” restaurant offers made-to-order sandwiches on fresh bread, several daily soups, a variety of salads, gourmet coffees, and a bakery case loaded with desserts, sweet and savory pastries, and breads baked fresh daily.
This article appears in October 18 • 2002.