Steve Stein's Famous Deli

Thank You Lee. Tried The Kippered Salmon. A little morsel Friday night, too much sodium. SO, Saturday morning I rinsed under water, placed on onion bagel on a bed of lettuce, tomato and onion. Delicious and didn't lose the taste!

What more can be said about a business that lets you in 40 minutes before they actually open. Evan, one of the managers, understood my dilemma and allowed me to pick up some matzo ball soup for my 94 year old dad. He lives not to far from Famous and loves when I pick him up a tasty/fresh egg bagel with cream cheese and tomato. The soup was fantastic and so was Evan. Thanks again Famous Deli, Evan, and staff.

This is the Jewish deli par excellence! You can get regular lox and belly lox, sable, and herring, as well as all the other delicacies and baked goods you'd expect to find in an old fashioned Jewish deli. My Zeyde and Bubbe would feel right at home here. And even though I graduated from Central High School (229), Steve, who graduated from Northeast High School, still lets me shop there. 😁

The staff was great. Very friendly and helpful. We got sandwiches to take out. Good pastrami sandwiches. Meat was fresh and melted in your mouth. Excellent fries.

I’ve been going to Steve Stein’s for as long as I can remember, both to dine in and to pick up deli and produce. It’s a gem in the Northeast and there’s no place like it. The corned beef has no competition as it’s the best there is. Recently I tried something different-The Ruben Stein, a Jewish Cheesesteak, with pastrami, Swiss, Grilled Onions and Russian Dressing on a long roll I can’t believe I ate the whole thing! It was such a great sandwich that I’ll be going back for another one. Again and again.

What happened to the chopped chicken liver? I used to get it frequently but lately the color is lighter, the texture different and it doesn't have much taste. I hope you're not mixing in some kind of filler or soy. 😕

Ordered deli and was fantastic. The best deli in Philly. Best corned beef, lox and kippered salmon.

Any time I come home to Philly, I have to stop in for whitefish salad and kippered salmon salad. It's so tasty. The prices are great, and the staff makes me feel like part of the neighborhood even though I moved away decades ago. Go Eagles!

I was in Philly for the weekend and wanted bagels and fish for breakfast and different meats for lunch for all of us. I was told by 2 different people the ONLY GOOD deli to go to was Steve Steins Famous Deli on Grant Avenue. I went to the deli counter, I was the 3rd in line and told it would just be a few minutes. The people before me were helped right away and then the next free person helped me. I got lox, kippered salmon, corned beef, pastrami, turkey, potatoe salad, and coleslaw. The service was GREAT and everyone was friendly. The above is not why I'm writing this review, the reason why is because everything tasted AMAZING. The fish, turkey, and salads were good, but the corned beef and the pastrami was the best I had ever had. The bagels and everything else we bought in their market was tasty and fresh. This is the BEST deli even better than the New York delis that claim to be the best.

The last remaining Jewish deli in Northeast Philly. Prices are unbeatable. Great selection of deli meats, cheeses, and breakfast fish. Good, old school, proprietor-owned restaurant with all of the important Jewish selections.

I have been a customer for a few years now from the recommendation of my father. Today, my husband and I entered the store and walked towards the seafood counter in the rear. As we walked by, there were numerous staff members chatting with each other towards the front counters. We proceed to stand by the seafood area waiting for someone to assist. My intention was to purchase a large piece of fresh salmon. Normally, there is an older friendly guy assigned to this area, but he was unfortunately not available today. After a few minutes, several employees proceeded from the rear doors to the front counter area. Every single one of them made eye contact with us and proceeded to walk in the opposite direction of where we were waiting and standing. No one had the courtesy or decency to acknowledge us or express any level of customer service. After a few minutes, I spoke with the cashier to request to speak with a manager. When she exited the register area, she pointed to a gentleman with a red hat on. Sadly, this was one of the individuals who looked in our direction not once but twice. I soon realized this individual was one the employees who made eye contact with us. I was advised his name was Lee and identified himself as the manager. I advised we had been waiting several minutes for service but to no avail. He then noted, his name and offered his assistance for next time. Well, Stein's Famous Deli due to this deliberate lack of assistance, my household will take our business elsewhere as it does not appear minority customers are treated in the same fashion as other races. I would not recommend this place and agree with the most recent review by Michael X. I would suggest patronizing an establishment with better customer service, cleaner and respectful of everyone despite their ethnicity.

Return visit in November 2023--that'll be my last. Place is FILTHY! Even the fruit and produce displays are filled with old food and debris. Prepared foods in cases looked OLD.

So I must say we'll never step foot into Steve Stein's Famous Deli ever again. Yesterday Marc, thought he'd surprise me with a hot corn beef sandwich and of course Pastrami for him. He walked in at 2:10 yesterday afternoon. He was told that seating for the restaurant area was closed ( hours say till 3pm). After ordering the Sandwiches he ordered fries. He was then told they had taken apart the fryer for cleaning. He was so pissed that he said forget the food and walked out. I called and was told they break the fryer down to clean and change the oil. As that is understandable it should not be done 45 minutes before you close... As I asked to speak with the owner and was told he'd left for the day to try today. I called there earlier today and spoke with Steve. He told me that they do this at 2:30 every Tuesday and he proceeded to tell me Marc was in at that time. ( lie) As he was in at 2:10 Plus yesterday was Thursday not Tuesday. But what really pissed me off was he copped an attitude with me and had the nerve to say that Marc had left not taking the Sandwiches and that he had to throw them away. Another lie as Marc walked out right after he was told no fries. As an owner of a business the tone he took with me is inexcusable. Like I wanted something. I just was trying to point out I felt it was bad business... Especially since we get all our deli & Fish from them at least twice a month. Well Famous Deli as Dirty as it's been in there lately and July 4th weekend was closed and saw a Cease and Desist order in their window. I understand now. You Sir are a Real Jerk.......

The worst dirty resturant I've been to on a long time and I love dives. So gross, the help is awful and service bad. Tables are dirty and coffee is awful. Do better!! Go someplace else!

It might be helpful if you could actually read the cash register receipt. (the register closer to the door)

The food was delicious but the place was filthy. Tables were not bussed, used plates left in booths, tables sticky, menu stuck to the table. It's a shame because we stayed and the food was quite good. My husband, a New Yorker, thought his pastrami was outstanding. Unfortunately, the entire deli was dirty including the floors everywhere. How can you operate a business like this? Service was very good, a young waitress all by herself doing everything. We would like to revisit but not under the circumstances.

There he was. The famous Steve Stein came out from behind the long refrigerated display counter to greet me and apologize for having his staff request my photo ID and vaccination card before allowing me to enter the dining room to have breakfast. I didn't mind. This was a new legal requirement for entry enforced by the City of Philadelphia by a fine of $2,000. Actually, I had no issue with the public safety needed to protect from Omicrom, but also saw how it could become rather draconian, while also damaging businesses forced to have customers move through a checkpoint in order to be served. It reminded me of military checkpoints I had to endure while traveling in the Middle East, but without guns and uniforms (at least for now?). Still, far from a pleasant prospect, and one I hoped wouldn't be necessary for long. The facility is a classic Kosher style Jewish deli/restaurant, with 75% dedicated to smoked meat, fish, and a large variety of salads, knishes, bakery and many premade meals. There was also a large green grocery with beautiful veggies stacked high. I ordered the Fried Matzo with extra Sautéed Onions mixed in. It arrived at my table the size of a large dinner plate. While not as crisp as my mother cooked in smaller patties, it was hot, steaming and delicious. A good shake of black pepper upped the spice level to where I liked it, along with the enhanced onion flavor requested at a $.50 up charge. I would certainly get that again. I also brought home a few Onion Bagels (semi-dense and excellent when toasted), and a couple of Potato Knishes for later consumption. They were traditional and very similar to my childhood memories - light wrap that baked well and held their contents to the end. Loved them. Not sure how often I'll go out to eat with these Covid regulations in place. They make the risk of exposure impossible to ignore. We are, indeed, living in difficult and memorable times. PS. The complimentary slice of Apple Cake was very good and greatly appreciated.

Steve Stein's employees SPIT into the food! No, they do not deliberately contaminate it. But they do yell at each other while they are slicing deli products and preparing food, which causes their spittle to get onto the food. I have actually witnessed this tainting on a few occasions. Ew and yuck! When I complained about this disgusting behavior to one of the employees, he denied it even though I had just seen him spittle onto the cheese! And he continued to have a screaming conversation with another worker! At least wear masks if you must loudly converse with your coworkers. Better yet, do not speak at all when you are handling food unless your mouth is pointed in the opposite direction. I am at the point now that I will not buy anything from this deli because they do not care about their customers' health! Also, their homemade corned beef and turkey breast are bland tasting, nothing like the delicious stuff at the great NYC delis like Katz's. I would give zero stars if it were possible but Yelp requires at least one.

I'm from South Philly originally, and was looking for old school Jewish deli food like I grew up with in the 60s. I found it all here! We eat here and have never had a problem with the food or service.

I love Famous. It will always be a stop when I'm in the old neighborhood. I needed raisins for my kugal and you dint care them, thats my only complaint. Came home and had the best toasted sesame bagel, cream cheese and chives, whitefish salad, thick tomato slice, and a circle of purple onion. Perfection!

I walked in to get a pastrami sandwich for lunch. I used the bathroom first. This place is SO DIRTY, I just walked out. Not just the bathroom...this deli is disgusting.

My first review has been removed. Yes, I was notified that I had reviewed the wrong location. Not true. What I added was accurate as I had indicated seeing an employee with a filthy apron on. Perhaps she works in the bakery but it's still unsanitary because it looked like it hadn't been washed in weeks. The hoagies and cheesesteaks I got were very good but I will not be returning. Perhaps the health department needs to pay them a visit again. Don't take my word for it, give them a try. You be the judge.

The smell of fish hits you first upon entering the store. Mr. Clean could do this place a huge favor. The windows at the deli counter and bakery counter need to be cleaned. The floor looks like they haven't been cleaned in a long time. Will not return for certain.

Best rye bread in Philly! Always fresh and perfectly baked. Bagels are also perfect. We travel all the way from lancaster just for their bread and freeze it so we can enjoy it until our next trip! I've been going here since I lived around the corner as a kid and my favorite memory was getting a free butter cookie with sprinkles at the counter. I didn't see those cookies on my last trip so I hope they didn't do away with them!

The food is fine,but the place is incredibly dirty. The bathroom was beyond filthy. I full expected to get sick from eating there. Thankfully I was ok. I have gone here for years, and it was never like this. What happened?

From New Hope to Bucks County, to Huntington Valley, Yardley, to Jenkintown, Willow Grove, Lansdale, The Main Line, to Center City, South Jersey to Delaware, if you want delicious and delightful, look no further than the best around, Steve Stein's Famous Deli. Stein's Famous Deli has been in business for over 50 years. Not to age myself, I've been a customer for over 40! Why? When anyone has been a customer of any business for at least several years, and they haven't stayed because they're complacent or there aren't options that are much better (think about Cable or Mobile Phone Companies), the business must be doing something to make that customer loyal. If a business is so good, that customers want to recommend it to others, the company has created a "brand advocate". How does a business succeed for generations? They create, maintain, and build upon their "brand equity". Many people in life are myopic. In the business world, at almost every company, they cut corners, and/or they aren't consistent, and/or they don't know how to problem-solve effectively, and/or their customer service is a nightmare experience. In business school, when you have to study economics, you often find out that you can succeed by charging a lot of customers prices with lower profit margins l, or charging fewer customers higher prices Stein's has chosen the reason price route to success. I'm going to spare you the Yiddish, because regardless of where you come from, what gender you identify with, if you practice a religion, or what race you are- there's one thing people can enjoy blindly or with little to no hearing- that's FOOD. When it comes to the deli business, Steven Stein has his Doctorate, PHD, and more. Why? Because you consistently get fresh and delicious deli at prices that are the most reasonable WITHOUT SACRIFICING QUALITY. Stein is a class act. The reason: I've probably said to him 20 times, "Steve, I've eaten at most of the best deli's in the United States. I can honestly tell you that from Delaware to South Jersey to at least Northeastern Pennsylvania, there's NOT a deli around that gives their customers fantastic quality, overall, at reasonable prices like you get at your deli." Every time, his response is something to the tone of, "I have nothing bad to say about any of my competitors, They're all great." To be objective, ALL DELIS ARE NOT GREAT. Steve Stein's Famous Deli is EXCELLENT. Steve and his son, Lee, run a fine tuned business. They don't sacrifice quality at the expense of affordable mouth-watering fresh deli. Many delis import smoked fish from the same company. Yet, the discrepancy in price can be upwards of 50% extra. Where can you go and, usually, buy FRESHLY SLICED Lox (Nova, Nova Belly, Regular) or Moist Fresh Kippered Salmon at UNDER $20 A POUND? Where can you get FRESHLY PREPARED Corned Beef or Pastrami BETWEEN $11-$16 PER POUND. From store-made blintzes, latkes, and chopped liver that taste like your bubbe made it, a trip to Stein's is nothing short of devine!

Steve Stein talks the talk and the Jewish Cheesesteak walks the walk. I love me some pastrami. The seeded light and airing roll was fantabulous. The pastrami was sliced thin and very edible and tasty. The melted cheese and russian dressing made for a phenomenal finish to this amazing sandwich. $9.99 and it came with french fries. Nice little seating area, bathroom and day-old baked goods rack stocked with Danish and bagels, what more do you need? I had a nice little chat with the man sitting next to me. For the 14 year old in me there was a sign on the door that said 'we have tongue.' Very good overall experience.

Walked in hoping this was the real deal however obviously no one cares about cleanliness and organization! Corned beefs and pastramis are thrown about the deli cases! Pastries were much better displayed! Really disappointing!

I don't know where to begin on their lack of customer service. I ordered a tray to be delivered on Yom Kipper. The delivery window was 9-4:00Pm. 4:00 comes no delivery,no phone call from the deli. We call them, and asking no address or name ( only the neighborhood) they say it will be delivered any moment. 5:30PM comes, no delivery ,no phone call deli, doesn't answer the phone. I ordered food from another restaurant for a very hungry fasting group of people. At 6:00 Pm the driver calls to deliver the platter only saying they had delivery issues. In the morning I called to explain situation, they were so very rude, offered very small monetary refund, when an explanation of what happened or why no one called to give late arrival time and he HUNG up on me. i thought, having used them many times before, they were better than this.

They have food on the internet with prices and then when you get there they say that doesn't exist the people that work there are so damn nasty and I've been shopping in there for 40 years back a cruise ​ they just get nastier and nastier every time you're in there! My mother went to school with Steve Stein's father and he would not be pleased right now so I'm going to Ben and Irv's Deli for everything I need now

My mouth waters when I think about Famous. My family has been going there probably since the beginning. Whenever I know people are going to be near the deli I ask them if they would pick something up for me. My favorites are the whitefish salad, chopped liver, chopped herring, the seafood salad and their Ryebread; not to mention their meats. It's so good to have real turkey breast and not that slimy stuff you get in a supermarket. Their produce is on par with or cheaper than most supermarkets and good quality. Steve and Lee are doing a great job and provide a great service to the community. I'm looking forward to picking up my order on Wednesday for Yom Kippur. Thank you

The best deli in Philadelphia. When you walk in there the food is great and you are treated like family. Wish I lived closer but worth the trip and gas money.

I always go to Steve's for my salmon, the best! I got fluke a few weeks ago, the best! Now this time, I bought colossal crabmeat and I made the most delicious crab cakes! So delicious and reasonable!

What do you do when you get married during Corona virus time, with most of your guests, including the officiant on Zoom? Order from Steve Steins Deli, of course. We only had seven people, total, at the house, so I got cold cuts. potato salad, cole slaw,, kugel and some rye bread, challah and some bakery treats. They went over great. I'm also hooked on their chunky whitefish salad-- to die for.

So disappointing to go into a Jewish style deli and the Nova lox, priced like it's gold, is pre sliced and sitting in wax paper. Lox should be sliced fresh, by the order, or don't call yourself a deli. I got attitude from the deli woman when I inquired about the pre sliced lox. The greasy wax paper didn't look fresh. It's unwrapped, in our fridge for Sunday breakfast, we'll see what it looks like and how it's sliced and post my opinion. I can get presliced lox at the supermarket. I've been a customer forever and I won't accept potentially old product again. Post meal, the lox was great but I still prefer freshly sliced, best natural munster cheese and the kippered salmon is always moist and delicious. Updated review from 1 to 4 stars.

I shop at this store at least twice a month. Good deli food. Always get my holiday deli trays here. While I was at the store, I ordered a "turkey special" from the deli section for takeout for lunch with my daughter. When we went to eat the sandwich, we both agreed that the turkey did not taste or " feel" fresh. (The turkey did not look or taste fresh. I did call the store to complain and was told their sandwiches are always fresh) my take-away is don't order from the deli. Just buy the ingredients in the store and make your own. Probably will cost less and you'll have more then one sandwich. The sandwich cost almost $15.

We were disappointed with a fish platter we received from Steven Stein's deli a few months back for break the fast. Lee Stein was nice enough to make this up to us by making us a delicious fish platter that we thoroughly enjoyed. We will definitely patronize this place again.

THE last remaining Jewish deli in the NE! So sad! If you need your fix and don't feel like trekking up to Ben & Irv's in Warmister or down to the city to hit up 4th Street Famous (no relation to this Famous), this is your place! While I have dined-in which is nothing to write home about in my opinion as it's really just half of the space sectioned off, take out is usually what I come here for....nova lox and whitefish salad for my parents, matzoh balls, knishes and kasha for the kiddos, corned-beef and kosher salami for hubs. They are super picky and all love all of these items I mentioned so I feel safe recommending them. The food is good, fresh and I feel more reasonably priced than most Jewish delis around. They have other grocery items like fresh produce, and accompaniments to your deli counter purchases making it an easy one stop shop for a quick meal if you don't feel like schlepping to the market. Check out the day old bread section! It's never stale and half the price! Oh, and the bagel chips!! Yum! The staff, both stocking the shelves and behind the counter are super friendly and knowledgeable. Located in the back of the Grant Plaza shopping center, parking is obviously easy. Oh, and fellow Jewish kids, don't miss the Joy chocolate jelly candy bars and little individually wrapped sesame candies you may remember form your Bubbie's house growing up!

They are rude I was not able to help out someone who's holiday was in a shamble do to unfortunate situation and was looking for a last minute modest fish tray and was rude about it and rudely hung up on me. I swear it's not easy being a Jew in todays time lack compassion for one's misfortune we will have to create something to break the fast tomorrow . I have never considered til now strongly considering converting to Episcopalian

Thank God Stein's is still here! There is nowhere else to get real Jewish deli food anywhere outside of Center City. Worth the drive to the Northeast.

The only and best real deli in the area now. The service and selection is good. If there are specialities you cannot find, just ask and they may have it in the back. Everything is made on sight and fresh. I don't get to go there that often, but when I do, it's a treat.

Excellent food and service. I highly recommend them for everything from a Shabbat dinner to a shiva tray.

Moved away from Philly 40 years ago to Chicago. Every time I go back I always go to Steve Stein's deli. It would by far be the best deli in Chicago and is the best deli in Philadelphia. Great fish, bagels and meats but best is the competent and friendly service.

Famous for a reason. The best sandwiches, old world soups just like grandma made and more. Great friendly service. Tremendous takeout selection. A Philly must visit.

CHECK YOUR RECEIPT Rye bread and carved turkey breast pretty good. Owner refused to sell me coleslaw without so much dripping liquid so I would not buy it. Really? Then as a lovely bonus was charged twice for my turkey. Cashier blamed me for standing in the wrong direction or something.

I dont go here that often, but when I'm in the area and need something I stop in. Today when I went, I got 2 things behind the deli counter. I am on foodstamps, so I have a budget of how much I can spend each week. I also cant eat large amounts of food because of health issues. I asked for a small bowl, 1/4 lb of potato salad. The person serving me said they couldnt because there is a rule of no less than 1/2 lb for certain things, like the potato salad. I understand there are rules, so I just said nevermind I will get something else. He gave me my order, and as I turned my back to make my purchase at the counter, they were loudly making fun of me. Its not just rude and unprofessional, it's cruel. We dont all have money to go in there and splurge on things that are 15.00 lb or more. We arent all made of money. Must be nice for anyone else that is, but not everyone is so lucky. It disgusted me, and I will not be coming back there again. Good luck keeping up with the economy with those outrageous prices and bad attitudes from some of the people that work there. 3:30pm, Sunday, 07-17-22

FORMER EMPLOYEE* I worked at Fox chase cancer center fOr 11 years and resigned due to the family moving. To make a long story short, the move was delayed and I was in need of a job while I was still in Philadelphia. My sister in law is a well loved cashier there and she gave me an application, and I applied. I wasn't expecting to be hired, as I didn't have any experience in the food industry or retail. They hired me for the Bakery. Adjusting to a more scattered schedule, I found that the hours were performance based and I eventually ended up getting a decent amount of hours, yet I was able to have a sufficient amount of time at home with my kids. So I did enjoy the work - life balance. I'm in Florida now, and I honestly miss it there at Steins.

Because they have homemade lunch meats that are pretty tasty - my favs are corned beef and roast beef.

l went there today for a friend in a nursing home .the lady wanted me to get her a corned beef sandwich .ordered it over the phone it was not ready when l got there . the guy making the sandwich looked like a homeless bum . he was not clean at all and very rude he asked me if l wanted to come over the counter to watch him . just because l was standing there waiting. the sandwich was 14.95 not worth it the lady said the bread was soggy . there was not enough meat to charge that much. the store in the restaurant was dirty behind the counter the floor was filthy. will never go back .clean this place up your serving food for gods sack.somebody will get sick eating there they need a deep cleaning .

This is a neighborhood hidden gem. They have a sit down restaurant and everything they have if delicious! Also the bakery and the Meats! I recommend coming here for pieces of fish, deli goods and fresh produce. This is a must :)

Just AWFUL ! Stopped on way home from work on 6/15 near closing time ; needed some items for packing lunches. The tongue was not very good, pretty tasteless. Their"famous" spiced beef was even worse...fatty, sticky to the touch & not fresh at all. I was afraid to eat the sandwich I made 2 days later. The cheese was sliced carelessly & ridiculously thin so that it was all stuck together. Bought 2 types of homentashen...the prune were fine,the cherry were old & stale with a dried out filling. Furthermore, everything looked filthy...everything ! What an unpleasant experience.

This spot is delicious, the food is always delicious. However, today I ordered two bacon egg and cheese on a bagel and neither of them had bacon.. how could you forget to add bacon??? I ordered through Uber eats.

I called to order lunch, they seemed to not be really sure how to take the order . The roast beef sandwich was bland, the potato pancakes were greasy and the Matzoh ball soup was a great chicken soup , but the matzoh balls were totally bland. It was expensive for NOT the meal I was expecting

I feel like every person should have a good Jewish Deli in their arsenal of eateries for a rainy day. Steve Stein's is great and my family regularly comes here on weekends. It can get crazy, because you know all the old ladies are giving the server a hard time, and taking up space for too long in contrast to those of us who just want to eat and leave. I normally get a sandwich, corned beef or roast beef and they come with a bag of chips and a drink. Sometimes they have samples from the bakery that are amazing (we can some sort of sticky raisin bun the other day and it was better than my already good sandwich).

Steve's is pricey but is a classic. They have a great deli selections for all things Jewish delicacy. I also really like their discounted bread section which is only day old bread and pastries that are still in great condition and can be frozen. Also love the produce they have which is usually very cheap as it is very ripe. I take it home, cut it up, and freeze it for smoothies. I've gotten things like 4 plums for less than $1 or mangoes for less than 50 cents. Super great deal. For anything in the deli it's always been tasty as well. Love the soups, stuffed cabbage, white fish salad, etc. Service is always fast and effective, although sometimes the line can get long and it can get very crowded.

This is my favorite place for whitefish salad, pasta, fruit and a variety of other things. They have so much behind the deli its hard to choose and id like to try their chicken soup next visit.

Whatever you do don't get their sliced turkey breast! Not sure where they get it from but I couldn't even peel slices to make a sandwich. The slices were all stuck together and came apart in clumps. Foul smell and taste. I thought I was going to have to go to ER after eating it. Needless to say, I'll never go there again. There are much better delis in the area