Brian's Deli

The second review, yelp once again lost the first one.Brian's is a kind of bodega or inner-city corner store. It reminded me of places I liked when I lived and worked in large cities like NY, Chicago or San Francisco. A little bit of some odd choices in selections and not the usual mix of items you'd see at a corporate gas station market. some food, alcohol, snacks, and a couple of one-armed bandit slot machines in the back. A brisk business in cigarettes and booze for the local office dwellers. But that's not why I came in. I wanted a sandwich like I could get at most any NY or SF liquor store or bodega. What I got was not quite up to par with those locations known for some amazing sandwiches from their deli counters. But still a very good sandwich, tasty potato salad, and seafood salad.Why I would come back is for the service entertainment and low prices!Prices were fair and the food was good, but more or less along what I would have made at home for lunch if I wasn't out, not fancy but fair priced and of good quality.There were several young men working the store, who were friendly and helpful and seemingly related, and then there was what I guessed what the owner and perhaps grandfather. He was the ringmaster of his domain, ensuring everything was kept clean, that customers were being helped quickly and that you got what you needed all while telling the boys what to do despite them all looking like they had been doing this for years. I asked when the seafood salad was made and while answering the older gentleman had scooped up a sample on a spoon and handed it to me. Encouraging me he said, it's good, isn't it? you should get some, so I did!They have a fast process down behind the counter, he passes my order up to a young man, who wraps it and hands it to the next young man at the register (they all look like family and I doubt any of them are named Brian). Grandpa is directing the whole time, making sure I have enough napkins, a straw, a plastic fork and spoon, and a pickle. Calling everything out to the boys as if they would have no idea otherwise what to do and mostly respectfully ignored him while they quickly worked. The boys hustling along and clearly know what to do but grandfather has been micromanaging them the way my Jewish aunt would do to us in her bodega in Pittsburg and the way a store owner might who has been doing it for decades and it's just a habit. It was cute and heartwarming. I ate in my car, watching the parade of locals going in and out of the shop, Grandpa waves at me thru the window and later pops his head out and yells to me "it was good wasn't it?" And I waved back and nodded that it was, he waved again, gives me a big quick smile, and yells at someone behind him to hurry up and help the next customer. All perfectly charming, I'll be back next time I'm in town. And bring cash, they don't take debit or credit cards

Looking back at my years working in downtown Louisville, Brian's Deli is one of the spots I miss the most. They stock a great mix of convenience store staples and lesser-known cult favorites, sling excellent and affordable deli sandwiches, and are rightfully legendary for their customer service. During the Great Toilet Paper War of 2020, I was even able to snag some rolls here! They're a cash-only joint but if you work or live downtown, you shouldn't let this deter you; it's undoubtedly one of the best options in the area for grabbing a cheap meal or stocking up your cube's snack drawer.

Up until recently, I haven't bothered with Brian's Deli because they are CASH ONLY, but as I have been spending too much time at work, I've had need of their food services. They make very good sandwiches for less than $7. They regularly have specials where they have sandwiches, a drink, and soup for a great price-- just check their window. Otherwise, this place is a neat, little bodega with snacks, drinks, and convenience items like aspirin and gum. Nearby construction workers hit this place up on the regular, so you know it's good and reasonably priced.

Coworkers recommended this place for lunch. I never would have thought to stop in since it looks like a convenient store, but the food was fresh and delicious. Staff were very friendly.

I uncovered this gem when I was running late and needed a sandwich FAST without time to walk to the conglomeration that is 4th Street Live.Great selection of sandwiches, try the club, it's GREAT! Good value with Sandwich, pickle (good as well), chips and a soda for less than $9.

Louisville, KYNot your typical deli....this place is in a C-Store...it's basically deli meat, cheese, bread from the grocery story... Not bad but nothing you can't make at home. Pricing is very reasonable and the place is very clean. Friendly service. Just not what I expect from a "deli". A 5-star deli makes their own pastrami and corned beef...A 3-star buys their meat from Kroger. A sandwich comes with a bag of chips, a pickle and a small (2 oz) portion of pretty good potato salad. Note they DO NOT take credit cards.

Super inexpensive, cash only, decent food. Pimento cheese sandwich with chips a pickle and a side of macaroni salad for $3? Balling on a budget!

Love this place. I always get the pimento sandwich combo, only 2.75. It is a clean facility, and never crowded.

Fast and friendly service. Large portioned sandwich, and very fresh. Inexpensive and offers a variety of sandwiches/salads. Support local businesses!

Pricing from the 90's are still here... super cheap to eat lunch. I got a chicken salad sandwich which comes with a small side of macaroni salad, pickle and small bag of lays chips - for $3.85!!!! The position was incredible for the price. They offer a salad bar, but I think it's only available M-Th, because I went on Friday and it was not available. Prices for the salad bar are $3.99 / lb. The staff is friendly, prices are best in town and quality is better than expected. They do not offer seating so you'll have to take it to go, but it's a convenient store also so it's no surprise. Overall great and I'm sure to be a frequent flyer during the work week!