Review of the Manhattan Deli in Mentor, Ohio

For some people, eating corned beef is a once a year experience. They go out on St. Patrick's day and get their fill. I'm not one of those people. You see, I love corned beef and could eat it twice a month. The problem is most restaurants don't offer it as a menu choice, and if they do it's usually very fatty and cold. I've had corned beef on a sandwich, that when bitten into, is similar to old shoe leather - not a pleasant experience. So for the most part, I never order a corned beef sandwich at a restaurant.

All that changed one day last October when I visited The Manhattan Deli at 8900 Mentor Avenue in Mentor, Ohio. Upon entering this crowded, noisy, family owned restaurant you are hit with the delicious smells of their daily special. On this particular day it was meatloaf. The place is clean, comfortable and welcomes families with young children. The children's menu (ages 12 and under) caters to what kids like. They offer: chicken fingers, hot dog, grilled cheese, spaghetti, fish, hamburger, turkey and the old standby--peanut butter and jelly. The prices range from $1.99 to $4.99 and the sandwiches include french fries and a fountain beverage or milk.

Although the Manhattan Deli has a family atmosphere and a great kid's menu, it's a hungry adult's paradise. On my first visit I ordered the "extra lean" corned beef sandwich on rye for $6.79. Not knowing how the portion size was, I ordered a side of potato salad ($1.99). My dining companion ordered a patty melt ($6.99) and some spicy fries ($2.49) . After placing our order, the waitress returned with a big plate of kosher dill pickles and a giant bowl of potato salad. In no time at all she brought out my corned beef sandwich which was stacked over 3 inches tall and the patty melt with a huge portion of spicy fries. I asked for the extra lean corned beef and wasn't disappointed. It was tender, warm, almost fat free and very, very good. When offered a bite of the patty melt, I accepted and found it to be tasty but very greasy. The spicy fries were salty and flavorful but not overly hot and spicy. The potato salad was excellent, but I didn't finish it because with the sandwich there was just way too much food. I had no room for dessert, but couldn't pass up the take out section where they were featuring an entire case of homemade pies and desserts. I settled on a slice of Oreo cookie cheesecake ($2.95) to go for later. I never got a taste of it though, because my husband ate it when I got home.

The Manhattan Deli is known for their Lebanese specialties and latkas (potato cakes). On my second visit, my dining companion ordered the corned beef latkas ($8.49). This meal came to the table as a mound of corned beef to the side and atop several latkas with a side of sour cream. I was astounded at the amount of food on the plate and was offered a taste. The corned beef was tender and warm and the latkas had a hint of onion. Both were excellent. I decided on a combo called the "terminal tower" ($7.49) which included: hot pastrami topped with coleslaw and Dijon mustard on rye and came with a choice of coleslaw, fries or potato salad. Since I was having coleslaw on my sandwich I went for the fries. My meal was delicious and the only fault I could find was that the coleslaw on the sandwich made it hard to pick up without making a mess. Fortunately the waitress was prepared and had a handful of napkins brought over before I dropped food all over my blouse. Instead of stuffing ourselves this time, we got boxes to go. We ordered a jumbo cream puff ($3.25) and split it down the middle. There are no words to describe the cream puff, it was well beyond decadent, creamy, rich and good.

The Manhattan Deli offers all types of deli sandwiches, burgers, chicken, fish, liver, pork chops and spaghetti along with Lebanese specialties and salads. They offer homemade soups, appetizers and desserts. Beverages include soft drinks, milkshakes, teas and coffees and beer and wine. All sandwiches and entrees are priced $3.49 to $9.99. Several specials are offered every day and they're open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The Manhattan Deli has an extensive take out menu and offers catering of deli platters for 10 to 1000 people. They can be reached at 440 974-0055. Orders can be faxed to 440 974-0135.

On a scale of 1 to 5, the Manhattan Deli is:
Food *****
Prices ****
Atmosphere ***