Tessa Delicatessen

Ordered the Italian OG for takeout but decided to stay because the atmosphere was so pleasant. The sandwich was fresh and delicious and was just enough to get me full but not stuffed. The bread had great texture and was light/fluffy. I’m excited to try other options from here in the future.

Update: I tried the egg and bacon sammy, it was not all that amazing honestly. ----- I was about to give my food a 4 star rating but decided not to because of how good the ingredients are, but I probably didn't order the right thing for my taste. I ordered the OG Italian, it tasted really good but the sauce was not very aligned with my taste buds. The bread is very delicious, the cold cuts are really good, the cheese was also very tasty. I'll try this place again but will try something else. The place was busy and there is a wait time before you get to order, but I'll definitely try this place again.

If you're gonna make outstanding classic deli sandwiches, you better use quality ingredients, and Tessa Deli does. I stopped in while walking the dog and got the daily special, which was a larger than normal version of the Italian. It was fantastic. I can't wait to eat the other half tomorrow. I also got a carrot cake that had been made earlier that morning, was so fresh and moist, and the frosting melted in my mouth. Incredible. Also while I waited, the woman behind the counter (I think her name was Samantha?) Brought out some meat trimmings to give to my dog as snacks so she wasn't just watching me eat this incredible food alone. 5 stars, will definitely be back.

We were in the neighborhood for Columbian food, but were unable to go in because it was not wheelchair accessible. We had never tried a Delicatessen before. The best description is a little of everything! Samantha was also so cordial and helpful. If you are nearby, definitely stop here!!

This is a nice deli to have in the neighborhood. The italian sandwich had the right amount of zing with the mustard and mayo combo. I just wish it was a few bucks cheaper as most sandwiches are $15-22 without tax/tip or anything else.

The food was fresh and the service was amazing, oh and the lemonade was ice cold. I'll definitely be back soon.

Great happy hour! Space is nice and big - lots of beautiful plants. Definitely will be coming back.

Went to Tessa for the first time last week and could not have been happier. My meal was incredible, the service is fast and friendly and the menu has very unique options. Best carrot cake ever!!!

Keep in mind we got our sandwiches to go and didn't eat them till 5 hours later...and these were BOMB. The pepper sauce is SO GOOD I'll def ask for an extra side next time. The service was amazing. Our sandwiches came out in 5 minutes and the girl who took my order was so nice and brought my sandwiches out to me. The shop is also so cute and I will opt to eat there next time! 10/10, highly recommend!

I ordered the Portebllo Brisket Penne and was sorely disappointed. I appreciated that it was a good portion, but the pasta sauce was weirdly gritty...I'm not sure how to explain it. It just had too many things in it that did not make the eating experience enjoyable. I ultimately didn't finish my food. Cannot speak to service because I ordered through food delivery platform.

Sandwiches are among my favorite food groups, and Tessa Delicatessen did not disappoint! The sandwiches are huge and packed with layers of delicious ingredients. I ordered the Saint Jude and especially enjoyed the caper mayo spread. The sandwiches are pretty big and generously packed, it's a filling meal but feels well balanced. I ordered my sandwich to go, and it was ready in about 5 minutes which was great. There's plenty of seating inside though if you want to enjoy your meal there. The sandwich then sat in my car for an hour while I had to grab some groceries on the way home, and they were still in great shape. The ciabatta bun is soft but sturdy enough to retain the moisture and prevent soggy buns. I would have to say my biggest critique would be with the shredded lettuce in the sandwiches - I'm not sure this is the best choice, it was just falling out in every other bite. I also noticed none of the sandwiches have onions which I missed.

Great place for a brunch and solid food as well. I gave this a 4 and not 5 stars because to me this place was decent but nothing really stuck out to me, not saying this place doesn't have good food because it certainly does! Service was quick and they had a great variety of foods to choose from. I'd definitely want to go back and try their lunch/dinner options like the burger l next time.

Far and away, one of the most underrated restaurants in Denver. I wish I lived on this side of town, because Tessa Delicatessen could easily be a 2-3 times a week neighborhood place. The menu is straightforward with every item made with intention and detail. You won't go home hungry. At the helm, you have a husband and wife duo who know what they're doing. The space is larger than you'd expect for a "delicatessen" and its size is deceiving from its Colfax entrance. It's difficult for a restaurant do execute breakfast, lunch and dinner and somehow all three are excellent. I have enjoyed their dinner options like the pastas over the years, but if you can have one meal here make it a sandwich. Hardest part will be narrowing down which one you're going to order. You'll find cold and hot options, and sometimes a special or two. Oh, and while I'm here don't forget about their burger. Denver makes a lot of burgers and Tessa's rendition should be in that conversation. On my last visit, I went with a newer sandwich from their menu, the Tessa Chopped Cheese. Now Denver doesn't know too much about this sandwich and I've been let down a handful of times ordering it elsewhere. NOT HERE. For starters, the bread they use is a slam dunk. Seeded hoagie roll is crisp on the outside and super soft in the middle. My only qualm was how big and bready the sandwich was. Nonetheless, I could eat the bread by itself. The inside melty and the perfect consistency. Is it exactly like a New York bodega? No, and that's fine. It's just as delicious, just as satiating, and just as satisfying. Melty, creamy, salty unctuousness. Easily the best chopped cheese I've had in Denver! Supporting local businesses has always been important. But when you find a husband and wife owned spot doing it the right way without taking shortcuts you want to shout it from the rooftops. More foodies need to know about the amazing things happening here. I can't believe it took me so long to write them a 5-star review!

Met up with a friend here for lunch! Do you know how long it's been since I've had a decent sandwich??? Way too long and way too many disappointments. Safe to say this place was the opposite! We were greeted by Sam and she was awesome! The Cubano was delicious and had a good amount of meat in it! The bread they used was what made it for me! Soft but not soggy, and crunchy but not difficult to eat! They also serve free coffee which is a nice touch! It gave me the vibe of a sandwich place inside a coffee shop and I'm here for it! Great jobs guys! Dan & Lexi (and my friend)

Perfect place I wandered into. Great menu selection, amazing prices and the food was delicious! Parking is available on the street as it is on the other side of Colorado off Colfax. The best part is you have 2 amazing stores right next door so you can make a full morning of lunch and shopping in one! Can't wait to come back!! Yum yum!

My husband picked up two sandwiches for us...Tuna and Muffuletta, horrible, stale bread, no meat and the meat looked old? I always wanted to try this place out, a huge mistake, $30.00 dollars wasted!!! Won't ever come back or recommend!!

I love this place!!! Have been here many times and think this place is such a gem! Most recently brisket dipper with aus jus is probably one of the best sandwiches I have had in denver! The pic above is there tessa choped cheese and man oh man was this delish!! I must also highlight there vanilla cheesecake--wow! It looked good but tasted even better than I thought it would. They staff is also amazing; they helped me dig my car out when I went to pick up my 1st order there (No snow tires ) Support small business

Sandwiches are great but, guys, come on, i asked for no cheese and got all the way home and the thing has a ton of cheese on it. It's not a preference it's lactose intolerance, and if it's melted it can't just be "taken off". There wasn't anyone there so it's not an issue of being too busy... I saw the gal enter in the system no cheese, so it's not her fault. Simple stuff guys.

I'm a bit of a foodie and the brisket dip is amazin. Since the first sentence says it all, i'm going to share my political views with you. Poop!

I've eaten here twice - one order was picked up, and the other while dining inside. Both were exceptional and the gal working on Tuesday (1/30) over lunch was such a gem. She made it her mission to give us the best service possible, and it was so appreciated!

Excellent food and drinks at fair prices if that's even a thing these days and great area really great antique store next door a fun afternoon

Pretty good deli place, the winner was definitely the bread. All of our sandwiches were surprisingly spicy...for a club sandwich, ham, and tuna...so beware if spice isn't your thing.

The place boasts an appealing ambiance, complemented by good food. The bread, in particular, stands out as fantastic, and their execution of the chopped cheese is commendable. However, a significant drawback lies in the pricing. Charging $18 for a chopped cheese sans side or drink seems excessively high. Our order of two sandwiches, two chips at $3 each, and a single canned soda for $2.50 brought the total to $48 before tip. The portion size of the sandwiches is a concern, especially considering the substantial price tag. For instance, an $18 Reuben with just two slices of regular-sized white bread may not align with customer expectations. These prices resemble those found at airports, a stark contrast to the sidewalk setting on Colfax. It raises doubts about the sustainability of such pricing in a location where it's still Colfax right outside the door.

Really yummy, chopped cheese what great. The lady at the counter is super helpful and refreshingly honest. There is water and coffee ready for all guests. Easy, quick, yummy, comfortable.

Amazing gluten free bread! Also the food tastes amazing! Loved the fast service and seating! Highly recommend!

I'm glad I found this place through a Yelp event, as I've visited a few times now and enjoyed everything I've tried. And isn't that the point of Yelp events? They're on the premium sandwich train here, and the high-quality ingredients are worth the price. They do plenty of both hot and cold sandwiches, but they've also added several entrees, so you don't just have to get a sandwich here any more. They also have a good amount of rotating sides, so check those out too in the deli case in the front. There is plenty of seating inside (you don't need or want a patio here, as they face Colfax), and they're usually pretty quick on the to-go orders as well. It's easy to miss this place in their location on this block, since the other restaurants in the immediate area are across the street, but make sure to give them a try.

Cute place - open/airy with lots of plants. Order at the front counter, grab your own water, silverware, napkins, and then grab a table while they make and deliver your food to you. We ordered the pesto chicken pasta and the Cuban sandwich with chips and a side of fresh fruit. Our first bites had us groaning with how good they both were. I was particularly pleased that my daughter loved the pasta so much. Definitely will return.

I saw a lot of pics from this place on Yelp and I knew that if the burger was as good as it looked then it would be a mistake not to get one, so when I was looking for a spot to grab a bite and in the area, naturally I made my way here and promptly ordered one. It didn't disappoint. The room itself is big and open and nicely decorated. Real easygoing vibes and lots of delicious smells. They aren't kidding around with the food. The burger, I can happily inform you, is as good as it looks. Definitely worth it to stop in just for that. The people were friendly and the place was clean, and the menu broad enough to please everyone. Prices reasonable for the quality of the food. Would definitely return.

Sometimes I get a craving for a killer sammie!! And I just discovered that Tessa is one of the best places in town to satisfy that craving!! (and they are only 10 minutes from my front door!!) Pictured here is their Chicken Bahn Mi special... and let me tell you, if you ever get a chance to catch this bad boy, it's a must! Phenomenal! One of the best things about this little delicatessen (besides it's delicious food and beautiful decor) is the friendly staff! I just felt so welcomed here!! If you haven't checked them out yet, you definitely should!

We were in the area and hungry, so we decided to try out this highly rated deli located on East Colfax. My wife got the Cuban and I went for the brisket dipper. Both were remarkably good sandwiches. We also enjoyed the Rowdy mermaid kombucha watermelon bloom flavor. Try Tessa, I think you will like it.

First off I have to say, I love that this is a women-owned business! Tessa's offers a wide variety of food options for all dietary preferences and needs. Breakfast is available until 2pm, which is great for days when you're craving breakfast for lunch. The store itself has a homey and artsy ambiance with all the plants they have! The staff were all attentive and thoughtful about making it a positive dining experience. When we visited my partner chose lunch while I chose breakfast. I was slightly disappointed by the texture of the burrito, the bacon was quite fatty, so I ended up taking it out. That being said I've had the chance to sample other items on the menu and have not been disappointed. Look forward to future outings and chances to explore more of the menu.

From the outside, Tessa doesn't warrant a wandering eye. You'd be quickly mistaken once you step inside. I gotta say, the space is fit for a busy Sunday brunch or for a cold/hot sandwich on the go. Mike was generous with his time and knowledge of the menu. Cue the tiny violin... Tessa ran out of items I couldn't wait to try. It's a sign that Tessa must get busy. A few items stood out to my sister and I. You know how you wanna be a baddie and get mac salad? All that fat and savoriness in your mouth. Tessa's mac salad is like that but lighter and more fragrant. Their chefs add a citrus I can't put my finger on. My sister pouted as I finished the side mac in front of her face. Sorry buddy. Muffuletta sandwich hit all the notes of an upscale sandwich. Their olive tempenade brought complexity to an otherwise ordinary sandwich. It was a nice touch. I think they bake their own bread too? Other items that stood out are their chicken salad and Tessa burger. Both were great but I'd most likely explore other menu items. Worth the look ya'll.

I had a great experience at Tessa Delicatessen the other night. The store is very cute- very bright and clean and nicely decorated. The staff were awesome- I'd seriously rate 5 stars just based on how nice the guy at the counter was. I had the Brussels, a muffuletta sandwich, and got a Cuban togo for my husband. The Brussels were delish- they weren't fried which is unique (not that there's anything wrong with fried Brussels!) but were tossed with a light dressing and yummy cheese. The muffuletta (which was recommended to me) was very tasty. I especially liked the crusty bread and the olive spread. I didn't try the Cuban, but my husband said it was great and gobbled it up. Thanks for the great experience!

So I messed up my Yelp elite meal. I ordered online, paid, and had to have them do a refund for the Yelp inclusions. Staff was completely nice. Food prepared on time and there was actually plenty of parking. Walked in and saw a display case of baked goods and delicatessen meat. They also have a full alcohol menu as well as a kids menu. They know their target demographics. Ordered the bbq burger medium rare and it was top notch. Even after a 30 minute drive home, meat was tender, bread was soft. Delicious. Unfortunately my husbands bbq pastrami had too much bbq sauce. Am I the only one who loves to taste the meat in their sandwiches vs the sauce? Kids loved their mac and cheese. I also ordered their beer and burrata salad as a starter. Is this place super unique? No. It's sandwiches. But it's a cute place, has alcohol, and has both warm and cold sandwiches.

East Colfax is becoming a foodie area especially around Colfax/COblvd intersection. For those that believe East Colfax is in a bad part of town, pull up Zillow app and look at the house prices in "South Park Hill". Yes you have million dollar houses right across the street from Tessa Deli. Millionaires often require high quality delis. On the website they say they use local ingredients as much as they can and also partner with neighborhood businesses. Yelp sponsored a recent event and I was able to try their Tessa Burger on a milk bun. It was nothing fancy and tasted just right and that is exactly what I want in a burger. The dinning area is very modern and spacious, only negative would be finding parking on Colfax. Overall Tessa is a place where you come and support your local deli and eat foods made with care. They have a AM menu and Supper menu starts after 2pm. Make sure to try the white chocolate cookie it's dope.

Really cool spot with really fresh food. They have a number of great options to choose from and all of them sounded better than the next. I went with the Brisket Dipper and it was solid but because there's so many options I'll have to try something different next time.... maybe the Reuben? This is a good alternative from your normal sandwich shop with good Italian options, so I'd recommend giving it a try

When I think delicatessen I usually think cold sandwiches, of which I'm not a fan. But Tessa's is different and, dare I say, fairly eclectic for a delicatessen. Sure, you can get a cold sandwich...or a hot sandwich...but you can also get a handmade burger, various pastas, risotto, soups, baked goods, and much more. During tonight's visit, I ordered the pesto orecchiette with a side of étouffée and my son ordered a bacon cheeseburger, which he declared the best burger of his life. (And, trust me, this kid knows his burgers.) The patty was thick, the bacon crispy, and the cheese perfectly melted. What's not to love?!? While I'm no étouffée connoisseur, I found it to be quite tasty with just the right amount of spice. And the pesto orecchiette was delicious! To be fair, I really wanted to try the mushroom risotto but I'm a huge pesto fan so I couldn't pass that up. I pretty much like pesto any way I can get it and the orecchiette was creamy with large chunks of chicken, so it felt quite hearty on a fall evening. Tessa's atmosphere is clean and casual and spacious. Plenty of seating was available despite a Yelp event taking place while we were there. They even have a great waiting area in case you want to pop in to Tessa's after a long day at work. You can, of course, order online for pickup for a super convenient experience. But if you forget or don't have time, they also have pre-packaged grab-and-go items in the deli case. (Seriously, there's something for the whole family here, so think about it!) After eyeballing the dessert case for half an hour, we decided to snag a couple Double Chocolate Cakes on the way out. I'm picky about my chocolate and found the cupcake portion to be a bit dry, however, the icing on top was hardened (like candy chocolate) which made up for it. :) B O T T O M L I N E : Go! You can't go wrong with the burger, and I'm looking forward to trying that risotto!

What a delight! I'm always looking for new and delicious delis. I came to the right place!! The food was so yummy and they also had a new and enhanced menu that wasn't only deli meat. This was great for my husband who loved his bacon cheese burger. I thoroughly enjoyed the pesto chicken and the soup as amazing!!! The staff was so friendly and helpful when we had trouble deciding what to order. They let us right! Oh and can't forget the lovely amount of seating and great ambiance :) we will be back!

I brought my pup to sit outside, and they scored major points treating her like the queen she is. Food and service were on point too

I've had two prior experiences with Tessa; the first when we ordered delivery and then when I had lunch there with a friend while shopping at the antiques/collectibles mall next door. I remember thinking after the delivery order, that it was pretty expensive for just a couple of sandwiches (that have nothing with them), but then while having lunch there, I remember that the grilled cheese and tomato soup was pretty tasty. The huzz and I went for an early bite to eat tonight (Saturday, a little before 5PM) and, once again, I felt that the meal was quite overpriced for what we got...which was a tuna sandwich, a Muffuletta, two bags of chips, an iced tea, and a can of IPA....$50+. The sandwiches were good, but....when I looked at their website, they show a deli case filled with potato salad, mac salad, elote, etc, so I was looking forward to that, but there was nothing in the deli case but one container of tuna salad and one of chicken salad...hence, the chips to accompany the sandwiches. Good sammies, but so so so overpriced for what you get. PS: the website photos always portray a nice dill pickle with the sandwiches (which a deli should always provide), but we didn't even get that. Pretty sure we will not be back.

Yum! The menu has a lot of different options to please everyone in your group. There isn't a ton of seating but we've never had a problem getting a spot. The food is fresh and delicious.

Had no idea about Tessa Deli, but I'm So glad we stumbled across it! We went for breakfast and split a breakfast burrito and breakfast ham sandwich. They both tasted like everything was home made. They came out hot and fresh and we didn't leave a single scrap left over. The lunch/dinner menu also look amazing and we'll definitely be back. The best part of everything? The prices are very reasonable! In a time where a bagel and cream cheese might run you $9, you can just come here and get a breakfast sandwich for $10.

Delicious food, reasonable prices. With the walk up ordering or online ordering, service is usually quick. I don't often eat in here, but when I do, its a very laid back place.

Food was great!! This is the real reason to come down... the cooks know what they are doing. I enjoy the diverse menu too. We had a little snafu/confusion when ordering and Sam, manager on shift, took care of business right away. Appreciated your friendliness. Here's a picture of the sandwich I ordered and the inside of the shop.

What a great place! I've been there twice and have loved it. The soup is amazing! Sandwiches are great. Very friendly staff. I highly recommend. Lots of room. Had book club there without a problem. You won't be disappointed.

Update: We ordered Tessa AGAIN tonight for dinner (yep it's that good). This time I was able to take photos before we devoured it. I got the turkey with extra red pepper spread (of course), my husband (of course) got his OG and then we ordered the Cuban which my husband is currently stuffing his face with. Luckily I got a photo of the other half before he grabbed it. Again, GET TO TESSA!! You won't regret it!

Got the OG Italian asked if it was spicy they said no it was actually. The bread was super tough to bite into and there was hardly any meat. I wasn't a fan but that's ok the worse part was I asked for napkins and utensils because I am staying in a hotel and they were not in there to eat my carrot cake I ordered. Not what I expected from the reviews I guess better luck next time. If you like spicy sandwiches with hard chewy bread you'll like it. And check the bag if you ask for anything other than the food itself.

Tessa crushed it!!!! Amazing service, delish food, and overall a great experience across the board. Parking is somewhat limited and tricky with Colfax but still doesn't detract from the goodness inside! Highly recommend their burgers!!! Loads of flavor, cooked perfectly and great ingredients. Will definitely be back! Also, check out their baked goods. Can't miss!!

Visiting this area on a business trip. Looking from the outside and the neighboring businesses, you would never expect the wonderfulness that's inside. Awesome menu of choices if you go as a group or for repeat visits. I had their specialty burger and a soup. Owner is also super friendly. Check it out if you are in this area of town.

Well another amazing Yelp Elite Experience! When you think deli you don't necessarily think excitement but Tessa's will quickly change your mind about that! From Short Rib Mac and Cheese to Mushroom Risotto this is definitely an elevated Deli experience to say the least. On top of that they have a full bar and I even saw an option for charcuterie. I saw two ladies have a great time with an assortment of meats, cheeses, and of course wine and I have to say....I was totally jealous. I will absolutely make sure they are on my radar for my next girls happy hour! I have to say what won my heart over was the Deli Mustard on the Reuben. Being a true German I love my mustard and think 1000 island is repulsive so that was a major win in my book. I simply had to order it. Paired with tender Pastrami, melty cheese, and a house made purple cabbage slaw it was pretty dang close to perfect! Of course I had to bring my boo something and I knew the BBQ Bacon Burger absolutely had his name on it. The size of the patty...wow. It was thicc, and cooked the perfect med rare. The melty cheese and crispy bacon made that a thing a beauty. The cocktails were also lovely. I tried the Marg while I waited and it was so unique with the addition of Prickly Pear. Definitely a more unique marg for sure which was nice! And of course beautiful plants everywhere. I will totally be back to soak up the ambiance and try more tasty things!

Super tasty!!! Wednesday just hit me with some indecision of whether I should have breakfast or lunch and I've had about enough breakfast bars since working from home for a lifetime. So, I went ahead and ordered the french toast, waffles, and a Rueben sandwich. To my delight the sandwiches come with a choice of soup! I added on the clam chowder. Perfect for a chilly day. I called in my order and drove over to pick it up. The restaurant is located on Colfax heading East - and there was parking right in front. Or you can park on a side street like I did and stroll over. The location is huge - before Covid, I can imagine how packed the place would get - there's definitely capacity for a lot of people. It's definitely a tough time for our local small businesses, and I am happy to add them to my rotation of places I order from. The food was super good and the menu has a bunch of items, so it will take me some time to get through the menu. I'll report back on any other menu favorites!

My BF and I came here 2 months ago for a Yelp Experience. I got the Portobello brisket Penne and he the Reuben and we shared the side of carrots. Both he and I were Very impressed with the taste and quality of the food and decided we should return another day. Well, last night we made the trip out again and I have to say, the food still did not disappoint. We LOVE their carrots! Something about that homemade BBQ sauce makes it a little extra special. I decided to try the Reuben this time and just absolutely devoured it! The man got the BBQ bacon. Burger and raved about the bun lol. I would definitely recommend coming and trying them out! I wish I had photos from 2 months ago, but I am dumb and didn't upload them to cloud and my phone was stolen. Last night I just forgot to take photos.

The brisket dip is an awesome sandwich that comes with a very tasty Au Jus. Service is friendly and efficient. The ambiance is right for a sandwich place with a good number of tables. A clean and simple place.

This place was super tasty!! It's a tad out of the city on Colfax but delicious! Not many people in at the time I got lunch and the music was a little loud but would love to go back at a later time and dine in to try the drinks and full experience. I got the brisket dipper to eat and it was oh so good (absolutely amazing the next day too). It was filled with a good amount of meat. The sauce in it was good too! The au jus was on point. Service was great, friendly and fast. Definitely would go back!!

Great food, quick service, cute shop. Our second time was even better than the first.

Tessa has been on my list of places to try and I finally got a chance through a Yelp Elite experience! My friend and I grabbed take out - it was one of those Colorado evenings where the weather suddenly dropped from the 70s to the 40s. We opted to get the warm sandwiches. I had been craving pastrami ever since I left the east coast so I ordered their BBQ pastrami sandwich. My friend got the brisket dipper and we ordered sides of parmesan cauliflower and fruit tart. The food was wholesome and hit the spot for a quintessential deli - we enjoyed all the food (and ate all of it) around my fire pit. Simply put, the food at Tessa is comfort food and I definitely will be coming back - the mac and cheese was calling my name!

Cute restaurant decor with lots of seating! Loved the selection of Thrve beers and some in house bottled cocktails. There's wine and a full liquor bar too. New dinner menu - carbonara was great - lots of veggies (peas and asparagus). Chicken pesto was cool but sans Brussels the portion looked slim. BBQ carrots were an awesome portion and great flavor. I was impressed with one guy on the line and one at the cashier - they were hustlin'. I love all the little touches, soup menu on the paper roll, the beverage station setup, all the plants - great vibe - keep up the great work!

Cute spot with a great breakfast sandwich! La Fillette was too busy - this was a great alternative!