By Mohan Sun on June 2, 2026 Verified by Google

We were in the area and stopped by Mikey & Mel’s for a quick bite. It was good!

We ordered the bagel breakfast sandwich and a side of matzo ball soup to share. The sandwich was solid, with fluffy eggs and thick cut bacon on a fresh bagel. The matzo ball was moist and tender, which served in a comforting broth. I would have liked a touch more seasoning (had to add salt while eating for my taste), but it was still very satisfying.

The real surprise though is the pickle bar. They offer an impressive variety of pickles, and we legit tried every flavor. My favorite was the horseradish pickle. It’s sharp, flavorful, and not overly acidic. It’s free with a meal purchase, so definitely don’t skip it.

The restaurant is bright, clean, and welcoming. There are plenty of seating for solo diners, couples, or groups. Vibe is relaxed and inviting.

I need to come back and try their pastrami.
Very curious how they compare.

Write a Comment

By Jennifer Anderson on April 9, 2026 Verified by Google

Friendly staff - delicious food! The brownie hamantash was incredible - you must get one! The rugelach were also fantastic - the chocolate, cinnamon, and raspberry are all great.

Write a Comment

By Brooke Curto on March 8, 2026 Verified by Google

If you grew up in the tristate area, don’t even bother coming here. The food is extremely disappointing. There is no flavor in any of the dishes. I ordered some classics that ANY establishment that touts itself as a delicatessen should know how to cook: a hot brisket sandwich on a Kaiser roll and matzo ball soup. The soup came out first: cold, the broth tasted like water, the matzo ball was massive and cold and served no purpose being that large, and the diced carrots were completely raw. The brisket sandwich was also a massive let down: the Kaiser roll was absolutely not a Kaiser roll. I also asked for fried onions on it, they gave me caramelized onions. No server came to check up on me so I couldn’t even send the food back. The pickle bar was just ok. Some of the pickles were fine, but others lacked the punch of a proper pickle. I spent $28 total, which I think was a total ripoff. That’s basically Katz’ prices and I’d rather spend an Amtrak ticket to visit Katz than spend even $10 at this place (I’m not even sure you could realistically buy anything for $10). I feel sorry for anyone looking to satisfy their cravings for Jewish deli food, and in that case, I recommend Lazy Mike’s in Falls Church.

Write a Comment

By Van Jason Hillard on March 5, 2026 Verified by Google

Excellent service from a very friendly, congenial staff + fantastic, very reasonably-priced, huge breakfast sandwiches (and an array of humongous pickles to choose from) + very clean, user-friendly space on a great people-watching corner + great tunes (Doobie Brothers, Elton John, ELO, Steely Dan...). Food always comes out hot and fast. Plus, they just started doing one heck of a lunch special (sandwich, side, drink, pickle for 13ish bucks). Check 'em out!

Write a Comment

By Orlando F. on December 22, 2025 Verified by Google

I had a great experience at this awesome sandwich & breakfast shop in Downtown DC! I had "The Hon" it's an incredible sandwich with Honey turkey, muenster cheese, lettuce, onion and pickle chips topped with honey mustard and served on a pretzel roll. I had a version without cheese & the sandwich was still amazing!!!

The turkey was plentiful and packed with flavor & the pretzel bread was so soft & fresh. The crispy onion rings topped off a great meal! The service was excellent & the server who handled my order was very helpful with navigating the options at the pickle bar. Yes you heard correct, a free pickle bar experience with your order. With 8 to 10 different flavors to choose from where can you go wrong lol! If you love pickles like me it was the ultimate plus. For my sandwich lovers this is a "must stop" & i will be back for breakfast soon!

Write a Comment

By LaCoby Phillips on November 12, 2025 Verified by Google

It was my first time in D.C. and my first visit to Mikey and Mel’s Deli. When I walked in, I noticed the self-service kiosks but decided to go to the counter for some guidance. I was immediately greeted with a warm smile from Monea, who went above and beyond to make me feel welcome. She patiently answered my questions, offered great menu insights, and, with help from Ricky, recommended a few of their popular items.

I ended up ordering the Pastrami Reuben and a side salad, and they didn’t disappoint. The Reuben—served on fresh rye with Russian dressing—was stacked high and packed with flavor, even though I only got the half-pound portion.

Before sitting down, I discovered what might be the highlight of the experience: the famous pickle bar. It had everything—horseradish, sour, half-sour, hot pickles—you name it. A fun and delicious touch that really sets the place apart.

KJ brought my food to the table and checked in to make sure everything was just right. Later, I noticed Brianna moving through the dining area, helping guests, answering questions, and making sure everyone was taken care of. The teamwork between the front counter, dining area, and kitchen was seamless and professional.

Every interaction—from Monea and Rickey’s friendly guidance to KJ’s attentive service and Brianna’s energetic hospitality—made this visit exceptional. The entire crew worked together to create a genuinely welcoming environment.

Great job to the Mikey and Mel’s Deli team. Keep up the great service, the smiles, and the teamwork—you’ve got a winning formula that makes people want to come back.

Write a Comment

By Ali Register on October 9, 2025 Verified by Google

Thought 3rd time would be the charm here. 1st time had a pastrami/egg bagel, pastrami was too tough, couldn’t bite through it, and the flavor was non existent. Second visit, switched to corned beef, same experience, extremely tough meat w/o flavor. 3rd times the charm right? Got the brisket melt. The meat was so tough, I felt like I had newborn teeth (yeah just the two bottom teeth), I was gnawing and gnashing, and any other chew method to get my teeth through this meat. The meat was flopping out of each bite, slapping me in the chin as if I’ve never eaten food before, and again no flavor. As I sat there wishing I had the teeth of lion or some other carnivore, with huge strips of leathery brisket hanging out of my mouth, I looked around and said “wow this is really an aesthetically pleasing deli” loved the ambiance. I overheard a staff member walking around asking how everyone’s food was. I thought, wow what great customer service. As she came to me, brisket still dangling from my mouth, trying my best to not look like I lost my dentures, she asked me the same as she asked everyone. Ashamed of the savagery of my face, and inability to speak I just nodded my head and held the sandwich up as if saluting. She took that as a good sign, as anyone would have, not knowing I was one chew away from choking or vomiting, as half of a strip of brisket was in my throat, the other was cliff hanging out of my mouth. Being that the customer service was quite nice, If I could have managed any words, I would’ve asked her to chew the meat up for me, and regurgitate it into my mouth like a mother condor feeding its baby chicks. Alas I gave up. I picked off all of the meat, regurgitated the half chewed, saliva soaked meat back in the box. I was disappointed, saddened, felt inadequate as a full adult with functioning teeth who could not eat a sandwich. Still being hungry, I ate the bread, I mean I paid $20 so I’m at least gonna try to recoup some cash here and eat the bread. My dignity was still in the dumps though, as now not only could I not manage to chew through, what had to be fresh cut cow, now I’m sitting there eating a bread sandwich. I had to get some sort of redemption, so I crushed the half sour pickle, it was delicious, crunchy, and refreshing, and went across to potbelly’s because I was still hungry. I really want to like this place, the concept is nice, the service was great, but my $20 plus $8 for potbelly’s left my afternoon lunch feeling like I wasn’t ready for adulthood for that hour.

Write a Comment

By Christopher Yue on September 19, 2025 Verified by Google

Got a bit more than I bargained for - the paper on the cheese was not removed when placed into my pastrami sandwich. So guess what I found half way through my sandwich? Pieces of paper that I cannot chew through. Also had lox sandwich. If you cannot find food employees that care, I wonder else is happening in the kitchen where people don’t care? Will not return and would not recommend anyone I know to go.

Write a Comment

By The Munch Travelogue on April 8, 2025 Verified by Google

Mikey & Mel’s Deli is the latest transplant that has made its way to DC.

I would have never thought this part of the city would be jam packed on a Saturday, but I quickly understood the popularity.

After ordering on the kiosk, seating is first come first served, so be prepared to order your food to go if you can’t find a seat.

I loved how the menu had sandwiches named after celebrities like Larry David and Seinfeld.

I had the opportunity to order several items off the menu and here is what I chose:

- Black & White and Sprinkle Cookie
- The Seinfeld
- Chopped Chicken Liver Overstuffed Sandwich (3/4 lbs)
- Everything Bagel with Lox Spread
- Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Even though I came hungry, I still walked away with a take out bag. I highly recommend that you checkout this establishment for yourself.

Don’t forget to check out the unlimited pickle bar and pack up a few for the road.

Write a Comment

By Brent Cecil on March 26, 2025 Verified by Google

I ordered the North Jersey breakfast sandwich to eat inside and 1/2 pound brisket sandwich to go. I get back to my table, to eat my breakfast sandwich and the first time it had no bacon, I brought it back. They took it and made me a new one. The second time, I took a bite and noticed it didn’t have any cheese. At this point, I just wanted to eat my sandwich. I went back up to the counter to just get a slice of cheese. They gave it to me, I slapped it on my sandwich and began to eat it. Then someone from the kitchen, came to my table and asked me if I ordered the sandwich without cheese. I said yes and then she took it from me as she was saying, “we’re making you a new one.” When she came back about 5 min later with the new sandwich she also told me she removed it from my bill. I believe this was the right move but I think next time, just leave me the sandwich, make me a new one and/or take it off the bill. I was hungry and just wanted to eat my sandwich with my family while they were eating.

All that was an experience but it’s not what caused me to write this review. When I got home and opened my sandwich for lunch. I looked at my brisket sandwich and thought it looked a little light. Based on the photos, I was expecting a more stacked sandwich. I decided to take the meat and weigh it and it weighed 6 oz. If I pay $18 for a 1/2 pound (8oz) sandwich. I want a 1/2 pound of meat. So I didn’t want to write a bad review without giving the restaurant a chance to rectify the problem.

I wrote to Mikey and Mel’s explaining my experience. Monica W answered promptly and apologetically stating she would send me a gift card. Great, except that gift card never came. I emailed again to follow up…(crickets chirping).

I love the idea of having a legit deli in DC but unfortunately Mikey & Mel’s is not it.

Write a Comment

By Larry “Big Schlim” Mcleod on February 19, 2025 Verified by Google

A famous N.Y. delicatessen is now in downtown D.C.!! This spot is straight up a MUST TRY!! Known for their fresh deli sandwiches, & swift service…GET THERE!! That’s it!!
.
Where I am: @mikeyandmelsdeli
.
Location Reviewed: 1828 L St., N.W. Washington D.C.
.
Items Reviewed:
STAMP!! Their Cinnamon Raisin Bagel ($5.49 with cinnamon maple cream cheese). A Rich, sweet dessert!!

LIKE THAT!! Their Bacon Egg & Cheese Sandwich ($ bacon, scrambled eggs with American cheese on white toast). Classic, fluffy egg, & crisp bacon!!

LIKE THAT!! Their Corned Beef Hash ($17,95 with fried potatoes, onions, & peppers, 3 eggs, & a bagel with cream cheese). Plentiful, & fulfilling!!

STAMP!! Their Tuna Melt ($ tuna fish with Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, & red onion on whole grain bread, with sweet potato fries). Huge!! Thick with nice blend of tuna!!

STAMP!! Their Chicken Noodle Soup ($6.95 with chicken breast chunks, bread, & veggies). Hearty, comforting, & savory!!

STAMP!! Their Reuben Sandwich ($22.95 with hot pastrami, thousand island dressing, & sauerkraut on grain bread with fries). One of the BEST Rueben’s I’ve had!! Thick, meaty, & well sauced up!!

STAMP!! Their Sprinkle Cookie ($ a house baked sugar cookie with sprinkles). Huge, sweet, and good!!

STAMP!! Their Black n White Cookie ($6). Spongy like a cake, tasty!!

STAMP!! Their Rugelach (3 for $5 chocolate filled, cinnamon filled, & apricot filled pastries). Sweet, flaky deliciousness!!

STAMP!! Their Apple Turnover ($ a cinnamon apple filled pastry). Warm with the perfect apple mix!!
.
Parking: Rough!
.
Recommendations: Get that Ruben, a bagel, & any of their sweets!
.
Accessibility: It’s wheelchair friendly, & it’s differently abled persons friendly.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️=STAMP
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️➕=LIKE THAT
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️=DELICIOUS
⭐️⭐️⭐️=DECENT
⭐️⭐️=PASS
⭐️=NAH

#Bigschlimsreviews

Write a Comment

By Big Deal Nil on January 7, 2025 Verified by Google

I had an absolutely amazing experience at [Mikey&Mels]! From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. The staff was attentive and friendly, making us feel right at home. The food was outstanding—each dish was bursting with flavor and beautifully presented. The [benidict ] was particularly incredible! The portion sizes were generous, and everything was made with such high-quality ingredients. I also appreciated the attention to detail in the service. Highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a top-notch dining experience. I can’t wait to return!

Write a Comment

By Lisa Chung on December 17, 2024 Verified by Google

I recently discovered the pickles in Fulton and so happy to know they finally opened a location in DC. Stopped by for a quick bite!! Literally had two plates of pickles, soup and sandwich!! I'm not big on going to sandwich shops but I recommend this place!
Breakfast and lunch is served, so there is more to the menu than you can imagine. Price and quality is on point!! Staff is polite!

Write a Comment