Arthur F.
Yelp
I had long been longing for a deli that provided a sandwich experience similar to that of my days in NYC. About a year ago a friend had recommended Perly's, but being one who doesn't hit that part of Richmond frequently, as well as their early closing, I hadn't made it, until yesterday, and I'm so happy I did.
As I was nearing Perly's my eye noticed a bunch of people hanging out on the street, which immediately brought the mixed reaction of happiness that this may be the place and fret of a long queue on a chilly late morning.
Upon entering was a somewhat long, but narrow diner-vibed establishment. When I told the young lady that I was dining alone, she asked if I wanted to sit at the counter, to which I immediately responded yes. It was the very last open seat anywhere!
I ordered my go-to at any Jewish deli, a Reuben, with a side of potato salad. Also asked if they had Dr. Brown's, to which she said no (the only bummer of the experience).
The two folks sitting next to me also ordered at about the same time, so I asked if they had been here before and they said "yes." The young lady said she went to VCU and any time she returned to the city, it was one of her must visit places when she came back to the city.
Despite being crowded, it didn't take long before the plate arrived. The first thing I always do is peek at the corned beef to see if has been prepared correctly (cut the meat against the grain) and it was. The sandwich was not filled to the max with corned beef like in NYC, but given the price, it was a decent portion. The taste of the sandwich, though, was excellent! The taste of the potato salad was ok, but I didn't take away from the rating, cause the primary mission of a great sandwich was met.
Extremely happy to have finally visited Perly's! Though it won't be a regular stop, simply based on my travel pattern, it is now officially my go-to place for NYC-style corned beef in the Richmond area~