East Side Deli on Lombard

I used to LOVE east side deli. It was almost the only place I would eat out when I lived near the Hawthorne location. You could spend like 10 bucks and have 3 meals worth of food. Now? Awful. Just straight up awful. 12 bucks for a BBQ sandwich that they couldn’t even be bothered to put some BBQ sauce on. Bread had the consistency of an sponge. Avoid this place. The quality has fallen off a cliff. Plenty of other great places to eat in this city. Don’t waste your money here

Great sandwich, love coming here because I can get all the weird ingredients (tuna, sauerkraut, horseradish, olives, pickles, etc.) and it’s always good. However, I hadn’t been since before COVID, and was disappointed to see just how expensive things have gotten. My sandwich cost $14.50. Just for a sandwich. No drinks, no chips, no tip, literally just a sandwich. They also removed indoor dining altogether, and even ordering is done through a self serve iPad out front. Very impersonal. No charm, expensive sandwiches, no indoor eating… Not sure if I’ll ever be able to justify the price enough to come back here, unfortunately.

Fantastic French Dip! 3 of us ordered. 2 of us got our food in a timely manner. The 2 of us that received our food were able to eat all of it before I got up and asked the female behind the window if the sandwich that had been sitting in the window this whole time was our 3rd person's food. She replied yes and handed it out. Whenever she opened the window, she would call out peoples names for the food that was ready. She just never called out our friends name. Unfortunately, by that time our friend got her food, our lunch break was over. Ultimately, though, the food was really tasty! I'm sure it was just a minor hiccup. We'll give it another shot the next time we're in Oregon.

When it comes to satisfying lunch cravings during work hours, East Side Deli on Lombard is my go-to spot, and for good reason. This gem of a deli never fails to deliver a mouthwatering experience. My personal favorite, the spicy Italian sandwich, is a true masterpiece. Piled high with ham, pepperoni, salami, and provolone, it's a carnivore's delight. But what truly sets it apart is the combination of spicy mayo and deli mustard, adding a kick that elevates every bite. The fresh lettuce, tomato, onion, pepperoncini, olives, and pickles provide the perfect balance of flavors and textures, creating a symphony of taste that explodes in your mouth with each bite. One of the things I love most about East Side Deli is the friendly staff who always greet you with a smile. Despite the lunchtime rush, the wait time for your food is refreshingly short, ensuring you can get back to work with a satisfied stomach and a smile on your face. Whether you're a local or just passing through the area, East Side Deli on Lombard is a must-visit destination for anyone craving a delicious sandwich experience. Trust me, once you've tried their spicy Italian, you'll be hooked. So next time you find yourself in the vicinity, don't hesitate to stop by and indulge in the flavor explosion that awaits at East Side Deli.

The deli is a little unique. It has a pick up window only and you order through a kiosk. The sandwich I got is very tasty (spicy chicken) and the ingredients fresh. The Mac salad was above average but not spectacular. I'll Def be back for more snadwiches

This is defiantly the best deli sandwiches that I've had in years. I had the East Side Italian and is was so packed full of goodness that I could barely get my mouth on it to take a bite. Highly recommended and I will be back.

I ordered this for pickup. My sandwich didn't have any of the toppings I ordered (no toppings at all. Just fake meat and cheese) and the cookie remove by day was 2 days ago. Maybe its better if your order when you get there. Im disappointed by this food.

This place has some really great subs. Their portions are generous and I have yet to leave this establishment unsatisfied. Bring an appetite when you visit. The product and quality is consistent with their Hawthorne location so no matter which one you visit, you're going to get a tasty sub.

food was great. did not understand how it took 40 mins to make 4 sandwiches. Looked like they cared more about the mobile orders than actual customers that order from the kiosk.

Would HIGHLY recommend!!!! Me and my friend come here at least twice a week and I am always blown away by the quality of their food. Everything tastes so fresh and they're so accommodating! I've never once ran into any issues with them and could not stress enough how great this place is!! Have one of their blended margaritas and if you do run into any issues, all your problems will melt away.

I ordered the vegan bbq sandwich and I got a piece of bread with plain soy curls inside (no bbq sauce & no coleslaw). How is it possible to skip the bbq sauce when it's literally called vegan bbq on the menu?! Very disappointed.

I won't be returning for the following reasons: --no customer service--you can order and pay from a kiosk or via QR code reader --if the kiosk fails, and it did for me, prepare to restart your order and wait even longer for your food --20 min wait for one sandwich --the window to receive food reminded me of the gate keeper from Wizard of Oz, except less friendly and absolutely not appealing --the sidewalk seating / waiting is right on busy Lombard, and it was dirty. I'm glad I got to sit in the shade, however --good luck getting extra mustard or anything you didn't / couldn't specify at the malfunctioning kiosk People seem to like the food, so there's that. I came here as a favor to a friend, and I can see how I've driven past here for 6 years without noticing this hole in the wall. Not my vibe, but it doesn't have to be--they had a robust line of customers.

All the toppings were in a pile.... Nothing even made it to most of the edge of the bread. Total lack of pride in what they do. Perhaps they have nice ingredients (honestly have no idea), but even nice ingredients need to be placed nicely on the sand which. Prices reflect high quality work, product does not.

Used to go here all the time. This visit there's literally 1/3 as much meat inside their Italian as there used to be. Way to save money and lose a customer. Will never go back.

Tasty sandwiches but really we're talking about $16 dollars a pound. It's a hassle to order here because they are strictly online now. No indoor seating at all. It's like they're still hiding from covid. I used to eat here more often but it's a bit much for takeout.

The kiosk and the website have different prices and slightly different menu items. There's no way to remove an item (see allergies or etc). As accommodating deli counter at a 7-11. Tried to order then decided life is hard enough and we went elsewhere. Hope things change, there's much lunch better options nearby.

So sad to say this place has gone down hill hard in the last few years while the prices have just risen. I have been going to Eastside, all locations for almost 10 years, sadly it's just not what it used to be and really isn't worth the cost anymore. Showed up today to realize they are still forcing everyone to place orders online no matter what, but the website doesn't function like their menus do at all, if you want to add or remove anything you have to type it out in the notes at the very bottom of the order and hope they read it right. They didn't for mine and I ended up with balsamic on mine leaving it soaking wet, soggy and gross. Husband ordered the meat ball sub, it was much smaller than my sandwich which by the way you used to be able to choose between half or whole now it's just one size, small for the same price the whole one used to cost and his sandwich didn't even have sauce on it! It was legit meat balls, Italian seasoning and some melted cheese. I'm sorry but if you can't afford to put Marinara sauce on your meatball subs maybe you need to just close your doors! Couldn't ask for a cheaper ingredient!! All these years and this is what it's come too, such a bummer.

I have been a regular at this place for a few years and agree with the trending reviews that the quality of the product seems to be going down even though prices are rising. I understand the need to increase costs with labor and supply shortages, but the quality of the product should not be going down. Ordered a BLT sandwich and the bacon was poor quality (as if it came from McDonnalds), and hardly and mayo on the bread. I think the bar down the street has a better BLT and it doesn't cost $13 (including tip). As a side note, they add a "Service charge for supply/labor increases" only after you check out online. And they have limited the amount of veggies you can add onto a 'build your own' sandwich. I used to order the chicken salad sandwich (because the chicken salad is the bomb) and build my own sandwich but now it doesn't make sense because it costs more than an Italian sandwich with 3 different meats on it. How does that make sense? Wonder if the employees even are benefitting off the extra 'labor increase charge'.

I absolutely love East Side! The people that work here are super nice and the amount of food you get for the price is so worth it.

Wish someone would answer the phone the mustard used is terrible but when ordering on Uber eats nope can't take it off you think you can call Nopeee doesn't answer

I really want to like this place but having to wait over 30 minutes and pay $16 (with tip) for a pretty standard sandwich makes me think that they don't understand why people choose to eat at a deli in the first place.

A solid east side lunch spot for quick grab and go. Currently, you can only order online for pick up at one of their locations. Portions were generous and the Turkey Cheddar sandwich was heartily packed with jalapeños, pickles, avocado, melted cheddar, and Turkey. No skimping at East Side Delicatessen! All of the ingredients were fresh and my sandwich was still slightly warm (unfortunately a bit soggy too) by the time I got it home. The Asiago roll was nicely soft, cheesy, and exemplified the Dijon deli mustard. Beyond your standard condiments are smattering of dressings (thousand island, balsamic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, Cajun Mayo, etc.) that you wouldn't typically find at your run to the mill deli. I love sauce, and look forward to trying the Cajun Mayo next time.

East side used to be one of the best places to get a vegetarian deli sandwich in Portland but sadly the changes since the pandemic have really tanked their status. They had a really great no contact system at the start of the pandemic, but have not made a single update since then. You still cannot order in person. This means that your order goes into the online queue even if you're physically there at the restaurant. Not always a huge deal but plenty of restaurants manage to-go/in person no problem. When we finally picked it up from the window we were met with silence until we offered our name. The employee handed us the sandwiches and then shut the window on us without a word. I don't need insanely friendly customer service but come on... Then there's the quality and price. You can't fault any restaurant for increasing prices the last two years but east side has also been cutting corners on ingredients. (Fake) meat slices have been downgraded, less veggies. The two sandwiches we got today were absolutely drenched in Italian dressing, the bread was soggy when we opened it (this was right after we picked it up from the window!) I had to eat it with a fork because the bread was too wet and fell apart. They're seriously charging these extra labor/service fees to then deliver lower quality, inconsistent food. The recipes are still good, and I'd be willing to give them another chance in the future if they make some changes. But as it is now you're better off making your own sandwiches (at least then I can make mine less wet!)

THE BEST SANDWICHES IN PDX. PERIOD. Lucky to live so nearby! Hot dogs are bomb too. We're definitely eating there twice a month minimum.

Don't believe those low reviews on here! This place has Fricken delicious sandwiches and I can walk here. The Lobby is closed but it's easy to order from their online menu and it's ready fast! I grabbed the Rueben and a kombucha for lunch. Grabbed a pic for your visual stimulation. Your welcome!

Decent sandwiches with some of the most dismissive service I've experienced in this city. The guy who took my order the other day completely ignored me after I ordered. I wanted some quarters for their machine where you can win some prizes (or a pin, at the least.) He gave me my change, turned around and checked out completely. I waited a bit longer to see if he'd come back, even seeing him in the kitchen area, but was completely ignored. Yes, I could have loudly asked, but I'm not a brute. I'm not asking the world of him, just a simple request. My name was called a few minutes later, I went up and again, nobody at the register. Whatever, at least I got my sandwich. Their sandwiches are fine; I love Boars Heads meats and Hebrew National hot dogs. It's fresh, relatively cheap and filling. Nothing to really write home about; the only thing that really sucks is the customer service. Keep in mind this wasn't the first time I've experienced mediocre service here; it seems every time I'm here, the employees seem like they'd rather be somewhere else, or are just downright rude. Also, their dining area is super uncomfortable. I doubt I'll be back, I'd honestly rather go to Jersey Mike's (and I hate chains.)

Customer service was horrible. Open sign was on . Arrived 15 min before opening told them were okay with waiting. Then they told us they have 5 orders before us. How can you have order before us when we're the only ones here and your not open? Never goin here again, it's crazy for being a small store you're just gunna turn people away. Obviously can't be that good of a sandwich.

This place has gone downhill in the last couple years. My partner is vegetarian and that used to use high quality plant based meats (field roast slices) in their subs. Now it's just Tofurkey which to me is not a great substitute. Might be okay on the road in a pinch but not for the prices they have there now. Plus the ordering online is obnoxious. Their system is slow and can take 10 mins to try and make your order. Plus you can't go inside anymore in any locations I checked. It used to be a favorite place of mine to grab a dry cider while I was waiting for my sub. Anyhow just another badass Portland restaurant biting the dust. Super crappy.

Bad experience with the online only and being rushed to make an order in 10 min only online in person we had 5 people hungry your business lost that sale

What the heck is this? Almost no meat at all on an $11 sandwich. Ive come here for a year and never been stiffed on ingredients. CMON folks you're an institution.

Three years since my last review and we still pop in here for sandwiches quite a bit. They're enormous, mildly expensive, and utterly craveable. They have tons of vegan and carnivore choices alike of sandwiches and salads with all the toppings and any variation you could think of, with tasty side salads, chips, cookies, and even hot dogs piled with toppings. There is inside and outside seating. You fill out your dry erase menu card, give it to one of the friendly very Portlandy peeps at the register, pay, and wait for them to call your name when it's ready. It is usually pretty fast. My daughter's fav is an asiago roll, piled with turkey, bacon (.75 ), avocado (.75), pickles, American cheese, and olives. She likes it dry with absolutely no condiments. She typically gets a whole and eats the sucker two meals in a row. My go to today was chicken salad on dark rye bread. I have an 88 yo mom from Ohio who historically put all kinds of meat salad with mayo, celery, and maybe diced pickles or diced bell peppers (yes, even beef turned into " salad." I know, right?;) into sandwiches. She invariably piled it onto rye or whole wheat bread. Her sandwiches rocked. As a result, sometimes I get a craving for chicken salad without the ubiquitous diced fruits, nuts, curry, raisins or any of the other fancy schmancy crap you find in Portland masquerading as chicken salad. Just good bread, the chicken salad, and some fresh veggies. Add avocado. Because I put avocado on everything, natch. Go get you a homey sandwich. You will be happy. Oh ok, maybe the surroundings aren't particularly glam or pristine. Whatevs. It isn't Panera. If you want that, just go there. If you like homey good food, come here.

Hands down my favorite sandwich in NoPo. They are walking distance for me which means I for sure eat way too many sandwiches. I go the build your own sandwich route, but they have lots of yummy classics as well (think Reuben, muffaletta, etc...) The portions are huge, a sandwich is usually good for two meals for me. I also love that they put the meat on both sides of the sandwich with the veggies/extras in between. The sandwich stays together way better. Love it!! The staff is the best, and the atmosphere is exactly what I want in a Portland deli. Go here. Get food.

These are the kind of sandwiches (big, flavorful, good rolls) that I've always preferred. But I can't say that this deli knocks it out of the park all the time. For instance, I got a hot roast beef sando that was just slathered in horseradish. My wife came home while I was eating it and the whole house stank. Not a good sign. Overall, it ended being pretty nasty because of overdoing it on the sauce. Kinda lame for a nearly $14 sandwich. A little more effort on things like that and I would gladly keep coming back a couple times a month.

I used to love coming here even though the sandwiches were expensive. It was worth it, the food was fresh and the sandwiches could easily make two meals because the good meat was pilled on. I haven't been in a while because the quality seemed to slip, consistency was gone and I didn't think there was value. I tried a sandwich today and I wish I hadn't. 17 dollars for the large which was mostly bread. The first two bites of each half had no meat because there was so little on the sand which, it wasn't thick because there were only two layers unlike how t used to be. It was a kick ass sand which for a fair price for what you got. Now it's a mediocre sand which, average at best, for an exorbitant price for what you are getting.

Ordered a sandwich online (sense that's the only way to get food here) and rode my bike to go pick it up. Didn't bring a mask since I'm twice vaccinated and there isn't a mandate. Employees wouldn't take my already paid for food to the window. Had to go and literally find a mask on the floor so I could get my already paid for food without having to bike all the way back. Please mention this on your website so purchasers can be prepared to pickup up their food successfully.

You guys should post your real hours. Open til 7:00 means you take your last order at 7:00. I've tried to order at 6:30 multiple times and been refused service. 7:00 means 7:00, not understanding this is supremely amateur. Love the sandwiches, just wish I could buy one during the hours you claim to be open.

Wow. I use to come here all the time. What happened? Yesterday my sandwich was missing ingredients, no more field roast and the prices went up. I am thankful you guys take covid seriously but your website sucks. It takes forever and glitches out. we just fill out a paper and slide it to you? Not a fun experience. The food quality is down. And it's way too expensive. Guess it's time to say goodbye.

Should be labeled as two price symbols. $15 for a 12" sub wtf? I've gotten better quality sandwiches for $6 less and the same length. Might as well go to jersey mikes. Very bad health protocols going on here. I saw the cashier take my custom sandwich order to the chefs. As he's taking it back to their line, the menu falls on the floor. He puts it back with the other menus and the employees proceed to grab it. Place it on their line, dig their hands deep into the ingredients on the line. How does the health department even allow this kind of shit in a business. Just because you're wearing gloves doesn't mean everything becomes sanitized. Random customers are touching these menus then proceed to fondle each one of them. Not to mention the cashier and people working are extremely unfriendly and wearing dirty clothes they probably slept in. Do not eat here.

This place uses high quality ingredients which is nice to see. I got the East Side Italian and my husband got the turkey and cheddar. I liked the Italian more. We also got the macaroni salad which was ok. I'd say this place is a convenient neighborhood sandwhich shop, but I wouldn't say it's unique to Portland. I'd definitely be coming here again.

Amazing. I love it. Great lunch can be found here in the simple form of a classic sandwich. keep it simple keep it real. They have good pickles, good bread and idk how to put it ... everything inside of the sandwiches is just good I wish I could whip up a sandwich like that for myself but until then (which will probably be never) I will continue throwing my support to this amazing deli! Maybe one day. Anyway I like their pickup window too super efficient.

I wish I could go here everyday but man would this break my wallet. Although I find them a bit on the expensive side for half a sandwich, they have the best bread. I also love their ordering system. Grab a dry erase paper and pen and go though all the bed types and add ons you can dream of. I love that I can make my own sandwich and see every choice possible. There is indoor seating but I can imagine in the summer it gets packed. Parking is limited on Lombard but it is surrounded by neighborhoods which makes it a tad bit easier. Seriously delicious. Go. What are you still doing here? Go!

I have been eating here for years now and to be honest its hit or miss. The quality of food is great. It just depends who is making your food. I usually have a build your own sandwich. Half the time its missing ingredients. Today it was missing the meat. This is at the Lombard Location. I never had issues at the Hawthorne location in past years.

LOVE the quality of the ingredients at this sandwich shop, love the sandwiches and being able to make my own. HATE having to wait about an hour for a sandwich, I'm still sitting in here waiting with my dad. Here's a concept for everyone to imagine. Ready? Imagine going into a sandwich shop after lunch hour and NO ONE in the place has a sandwich. That's exactly what happened. Super strange. Definitely won't be coming back.

Last week I stopped by for a delicious toasted sandwich, but was told they had closed the grill. It was 35 minutes before closing. I don't know any place that requires 35+ minutes to clean a grill, so I used their website form to message them. It appeared to me the employees were cleaning up early to leave early, and I thought management would like to know. My first two messages weren't responded to. My third message, however, asking if any humans monitored their messages got a response. However, the response didn't acknowledge my complaint. I replied, politely explaining the situation, since I was no longer limited to 180 characters in a form. Their reply informed me that it was a "privilege" to eat there during a pandemic, and I was also told I have "zero respect", and that they don't want my business. So I will be obliging East Side Deli's wishes and will never return to a place with such rude management, who are clearly entitled because they believe it's a privilege to eat there. Many businesses are struggling right now. I'll give my money to those that appreciate it, instead of to those who expect it. Never have I encountered such careless and mean management.

First I will say I used to like their sandwiches. I Ordered a turkey sandwich today. This sandwich was awful. I think they changed the bread they use. The bread seemed stale & very dry. The sandwich was also a lot smaller than they use to be. There was very little turkey. $11+ for a dry sandwich with very little meat. Nothing good about this sandwich.

Vote Sammiches 2016! I love East Side. I came back recently after moving out of PDX and having it last about 7 years ago and MAN did I miss out. They take a really long time to make your sandwich considering it's a sandwich, but it's worth every minute. I always get the asiago roll and get it toasted. You won't regret doing the same. My husband gets the vegetarian option which has Field Roast. Tastes just like meat and it's wonderful. Definitely a must-do if you're in N. Portland or SE. :)

Casual vibe, cute patio with corn hole, tables out front and a nice tap list push this review up to a 4. I enjoyed the ordering method! There are cards for meat eaters, veggie eaters or a hot dog menu. You use a dry erase pen to make selections. Take the card to the register where they verify your order. A short time later, they call your name and behold your sandwich! I got the daily special called Blues Clues. It was ham, chicken, mozzarella and blue cheese on a warmed hoagie with lettuce, tomato and 'deli mustard'. The sandwich was a very large 6 inch for about $8. The bread was crusty on the outside and soft on the inside. I didn't really like the sandwich and I really wanted to. The mustard was totally overpowering. There was a large amount on both sides of the bread. I was expecting the blue cheese to be crumbles- not their fault I misunderstood. I got my mom a make your own ham sandwich and she said it was very good! I will go back and pick a different sandwich- I think the pulled pork! There is street parking and a parking lot along side the building. Beware to get out of the side parking lot you will need to turn down a small unpaved alley. There was several large pot holes. Not the deli's fault, just be cautious if you chose to not park on the street. I need to go back to try a couple of other things- home made macaroni and potatoes salad. They also bottle several of their own sauces! Busy little deli with lots of interesting things going on. Great menu for vegans, vegetarians and meat eaters for a reasonable price!

relatively big compared to their original location. currently $7.5 for a fairly loaded sub. they have salads and hot dogs too but, I think most of their orders are subs. i usually get the Italian so not sure how good the others are. filling and they use Boars Heads meat so a bit better than most standard deli meats

FIRST & LAST TIME AT EAST SIDE SUBS! Horrible customer service!!! The manager verbally attacked my friend for asking if their card reader was working because previously we had come in and their system was down and was only accepting cash. My friend was asked to not come back because she didn't like his "attitude". That and the sandwich left a bad taste in my mouth.

Stopped by to order a sandwich and was told that I needed to order on line. I was masked and ready to spend money while socially distancing. Being turned away makes me think that my business is not important. I will never visit this business again.

Ate the vegetarian italian sandwich today. Threw up 40 min later. ): Bad fake meat maybe???? The rest of my family had similar sandwiches with real meat.

A great deli spot especially for the vegetarian and vegan options. Also during covid they take the precautions necessary to ensure a safe visit. For example you place your order and pay online and just pick food up at the window, limited contact. With this being said, unfortunately my fiancé found a long hair the length of her sandwich on the second bite. This is a go-to spot for us and we were bummed to have this happen and hope it won't happen again.

I've lived down the road from this place for a while and have been thinking of trying it. Tonight we finally stopped in and were beyond impressed. The bread is so soft but not at all mushy. They put quite a bit of meat and toppings on each sandwich. I got the 6 inch and was stuffed... I couldn't even finish it. We will be back. Staff was really friendly and sandwiches came out quickly!

The staff happens to be my favorite part of this place. Also the patio, that patio tho. Good sandwiches, I highly recommend the pastrami Reuben.

Went to East Side Deli for the first time on Saturday and came back 3 days later!! New favorite spot ...

Call in your order, don't order while here. Came here for the first time to grab a quick sandwich for my sister in law who just had her baby. What I thought would be a quick pick up has turned into a 23 minute wait for them to make 1 sandwich. I'm not eating here (thankfully or else we'd be here all day) but not impressed with the lack of assistance to order 1 easy sandwich, the time it takes, the price, & not to mention the cleanliness of the restroom. There wasn't even soap in the restroom, I certainly wouldn't eat here.

This place is awful. I've tried and tried over and again. And my main frustration is they have good bread & decent ingredients, but they are still unable to pull off making a simple sandwich . I've managed to squeeze out a fairly edible sandwich by just asking for light meat and keeping it really simple and asking for just meat, cheese, mustard, mayo, lettuce. It's really impressive that they have managed to stay open. I imagine now that Chop has moved in down the street they won't last much longer.

East Side is a very solid option on Lombard for relatively quick, cheap, and tasty sandwiches. Although I remember the days when six-inch sandwiches here cost $6, I still think that paying $7.50 for a high quality, well-crafted sandwich is worth it. Why? The bread is fresh, the meat is cut thick, and the toppings are piled on high. My favorites include their muffaletta (I crave that delicious olive tapenade) and their french dip (but be warned that the au jus that comes with it is really salty). If you're not feeling like a sandwich, there's also salads. My favorite is their greek salad with salami and feta cheese. But most importantly...they sell hot dogs(!!!) I think the hot dogs here are extremely underrated. Trust me, if you try one of these juicy hot dogs on a soft (I believe sourdough?) bun, you'll be hooked! I know that $4.50 for a hot dog is pretty pricey, but it's definitely a high quality dog! I like to create my own dog and load it to my heart's content with (free!) toppings.