Before writing this blog I had to do some online research because of my extreme bias. As a Brentwood resident for nearly 8 years now, the Little Deli has since been a favorite. The previous owner, Lucretia Doyer, was a spit fire woman who lifted your spirits and made you shake in your boots at the same time. Patrons would marvel at her ability to remember your name from the very first visit, and could pick up conversation from your last visit without skipping a beat. The Doyle Family once owned Perfecto Cleaners across the way in the Crestview Shopping Center, and was last run by Lucretia's sister Sabrina till late 2005. Lucretia sold the Little Deli in 2006, to devote more time to their new restaurant; It's Italian, in the North Austin neighborhood of Wells Branch.
Thankfully Tony, the new owner, did not mess with a good thing. He made improvements to the operation, like the acceptance of credit cards, and even left much of the old pictures and humorous signs hanging. He does an outstanding job of remembering his clients, provides excellent service and the sandwiches are still out this world!
If you Google reviews of the Little Deli, which sits on the border of Crestview and Brentwood neighborhoods, you will see a long list of praise. People have called this quaint sandwich shop ‘the bomb', and proclaimed the ‘hype' is indeed true around Austin. Everyone seems to have their favorite orders, and will describe them at length. Others savor the daily specials, like crispy beef tacos which was a recurring theme during my research. The only criticism that this reporter could find was the somewhat limited hours of operation, M-F from 11am - 4pm.
Like any hidden favorite there is a usually a line at peak lunch hours from 12 noon till 1pm, but I simply avoid this by calling in my order. It's always ready by the time I arrive, and on a beautiful Spring afternoon you can sit under the towering Oak Trees or arbor just outside. There are plenty of picnic tables available or you can eat inside to gab with Tony and regular visitors. The shop will even cater the next office lunch. Seriously, stand these sandwiches up against the usual Jason's Deli and there is no comparison.
I miss Lucretia and her sassy attitude, but have no complaints about the change in ownership. If you haven't experienced this Austin treasure, take a detour from your normal lunch spots to try this place out. You don't have to take my word.... There are plenty of reviews out there.
Woodrow Ave Just North of Justin Ln in the Crestview Shopping Center
(512)467-7402
John Dunham is a Residential Consultant w/ Stout Company Realtors who specializes and lives in Brentwood l 512.340.0088 l john@johndunham.com
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