Manny's Cafeteria and Delicatessen

I have been coming to Manny's Deli for many years. Their food is amazing and the employees are wonderful. When it came time to think about where to have my 80th birthday party, I thought about previous parties I've had at various restaurants. After some thought, I decided that it would be fun to change course and have it at Manny's. I contacted Dan, the owner, and we made a plan.First of all, I knew that the food would be fabulous, and it was. The kishke is the best anywhere. The price was very reasonable for all you can eat of their great food. We also had wine, beer, and soft drinks. My guests were of all ages and ethnicities, and everyone loved the food. They also loved the attention from the staff. Some of the older people needed assistance with their trays, and the staff was right there to help. I had some entertainers, and they were very impressed with the staff. They were right there to help them bring in their equipment. They had never been to Manny's until we went there to see the space, and they were blown away!Every one of my 62 guests said that they had a wonderful time and that they loved the food! I have been getting constant calls and texts telling me how great the party was. I have made a multitude of decisions in my 80 years, and this was definitely one of the best!

If you're looking for a traditional and comforting option, this place is perfect. It offers great flavor, generous portions, and an extensive menu in a large and clean establishment.Extra point: their hot sauces are among the best options - Sriracha and Salsa Valentina.

This place was hands down one of the best meals I had while visiting Chicago. I didn't realize how big the sandwich was since we spent the day eating and I was that hungry but after one bite, I couldn't stop. I got the chazzer (corned beef and pastrami combo) and this sandwich is so addicting, the pastrami, the corned beef, the sauce - it was all just wow. We got recommended to get the potato pancake by one of our local friends and it did not disappoint. It was super crispy and light - not oily at all. The service was top notch and the worker that made our sandwiches was super nice. He got us fresh pastrami and potato pancakes since by the time we arrived, they were running a bit low. Even though we had to wait, it made for a nice experience chatting with him. This is a must eat at when coming to Chicago!!

First off, Manny's is a Chicago landmark. If you visit Chicago and don't visit Manny's, you're robbing yourself of a truly delectable culinary experience. Manny's is a fantastic deli where they shave the meat in front of you and every time I go, they add something else. On this occasion, they have a salad bar. My wife got a large scoop of tuna fish and it was fantastic - like everything I have ever had at Manny's. I got a corned beef sandwich on rye, matzo ball and noodle soup, and their potato latke (pancake). My wife was only getting the tuna, saw my latke and added one to her tray (it's cafeteria style by the way) and then saw they had a vegetarian mushroom barley soup and she couldn't resist. Our friend got a pastrami sandwich to go, three potato latkes, and cabbage soup. One can never just get soup and no sandwich and obviously, you don't pass on the latke. If you ask nicely, they'll press the latkes in a panini press and warm and brown them up - so good!Everything there is delicious and the staff are incredibly friendly. I tend to go on a Saturday afternoon or in the early evening as the lunchtime rush is crazy M-F. Manny's is located on a one-way street (Jefferson) and cars often park four deep across the road as the line is long and everyone (including police and firefighters are in line as well. There's a small lot in back, but forget it during the week. If you can find parking, grab it or you'll be circling for a while. And let me tell you. The food is well worth the wait. Enjoy!

This place definitely felt like home. I loved that you didn't have to wait for a table and simple go up and order what you'd like. The corn beef hash and eggs was delicious and came with a side, we chose hash browns. We also got a latke on the side and brisket. I did end up switching out the brisket for pastrami because it was way too dry. However the workers were very kind to swap it out and the pastrami was definitely a lot better!

This place continues to deliver what you expect. Place is clean, service is awesome. I have heard people say it's pricey but I completely disagree. It's priced like a classic deli place is. We spent about $85 for 3 people and we all had leftovers. If you are getting a sandwich, you are either leaving with a packed belly or you are having leftovers. They have a side deli area where you can take home a lot of their stuff too. Occasionally, there may be a celeb or a politician eating near you.

I had lunch here last week and immediately upon walking inside knew I was going to like it. The restaurant was full of diners which is always a good sign and I grabbed my tray and went down the cafeteria style line looking at my options...and there were many. I decided to go with the beef stew for $20. The server on the other side of the steam table grabbed a plate and loaded it up with big chunks of stew meat, carrots and potatoes and drenched it all in gravy and handed it to me. He also offered several bread roll options and I went with an onion roll. I thought about whether I should get a dessert too but my beef stew was so massive I thought that would be enough food for this meal. It easily was.The beef chunks were fork tender and absolutely delicious bathed in that gravy. The potatoes and carrots were equally good. Believe me there was no shortage of meat on that plate. So much so I couldn't finish it all leaving 2 pieces of meat behind. The onion roll was dense and delicious too. It was a fine tasting and filling meal. The portion sizes here are huge I saw some of the deli sandwiches other diners got and I can tell you they got their money's worth! I understand why Manny's is so successful and has been in business as long as it has. Great tasting food served in large quantities and reasonable prices equals success. Come here and you won't go home hungry.

I can't tell you how much I love a great Jewish deli. I love the feel of this whole place. I loved my interaction with the gentleman who made my corn beef sandwich. I love that they have Dr Browns. I would def return if I was in the neighborhood.

My hometown of San Diego has a lot of things, but real house made pastrami is not part of the menu...all our Jewish delis service generic national produced Dietz & Watson deli meats. So if there's real pastrami in the city I'm visiting, I'll be there. Manny's ambience is time travel machine back to the 1942, when Manny's first opened. Clean, bright, retro, and suitable for a place like this. Service is "Chicago" friendly...smile, try to know what you want in advance, don't be a jerk.Manny's in house made pastrami is AMAZING!!! Juicy, fragrant, flavorful, meaty, with the perfect amount of fatty grizzle for extra flavor. I wasn't too hungry so I opted the "half" sandwich, on their rye bread of course, it's still HUGE!!! $18 comes with a soup or salad, which I got a house salad which my health greatly needed(I later learned that the "Half" sandwich is 9oz of meat, the "full" sandwich is 12oz of meat!) Add a little bit of mustard, and that's a perfect meaty sandwich for me. The full sandwich is $19, no sides...I'll attempt to eat this beast this next time.

Food from one's childhood is foundational knowledge of how the world is. In my case as a Jewish Chicagoan, delis and steamKitchens we're a staple to eat and socialize.Maxwell Street historically was a gateway for immigrants to buy goods at cheap prices. While shopping they had to eat. Enter Mannys which has been serving platefulls of food on trays since 1942.The interior used to be much more spartan and generic and was built for speed. Ordering a pastrami on rye with a potato pancake was built in less than a minute and was enough for two people. Their matzo ball soup were in big bowls, and further down we're the salads and deserts. And I forgot to mention up front were and still are the meals like beef stew, meatloaf and spaghetti with many sides.As the neighborhood has gone more upscale, Mannys feels upscale with a tile floor, wood grained tables and bistro chairs and nice ceiling tiles. Shrinkflation has drastically reduced portion sizes and the taste I remember is ok. They also have a carryout store.It costs about $30-$50 per person depending on what you order which to me is shocking but that is the way it is.Overall it is good Mannys is still around. Come on down and give it a try.