Unearth The Voyage
If you crave bold flavor and a neighborhood vibe, Blues City Deli in St. Louis hits the sweet spot. This lively spot riffs on classic deli traditions with soulful twists, generous portions, and plenty of toe tapping blues. You will catch the aroma of sizzling pastrami and hot muffulettas before you even step inside. Come hungry, and leave grinning like you just caught your favorite encore.
The Benton Park Reuben feels like a greatest hits album pressed between rye. Thick slices of corned beef arrive steaming, layered with tangy sauerkraut and melty Swiss that drapes over the edges. Russian dressing pulls it all together, bright and creamy, while the toasted marbled rye stays sturdy.
You bite in and immediately get that brisket spice, the lactic zing of kraut, and the sweetness of dressing in perfect tempo. It is indulgent, but balanced, not greasy or soggy. The sandwich holds up from first bite to last, even if you pause for a quick happy dance.
Order it with a pickle spear and kettle chips for crunch. The counter crew moves fast, yet they still smile and slide extra napkins your way. You will need them when the cheese stretches like guitar strings.
This Italian beef carries serious swagger. Paper thin slices soak in rich jus until the bread drinks just enough without giving up structure. The giardiniera blasts bright heat and crunch, waking up every bite.
Ask for it dipped if you like a drippy, glorious mess, or go light to keep things tidy. You get rosemary and garlic whispering in the background, while the peppery oil from the giardiniera slides into the beef. It is messy music for the soul, and you will not care who sees it.
Pro tip: add provolone for a mellow, melty cushion. Grab extra napkins and lean over the table like a pro. You will finish faster than planned and still consider a second round because the rhythm hits just right.
One look at this muffuletta and you know you are in for a parade of flavor. The sesame loaf crackles, then gives way to layers of salami, ham, and mortadella that taste like a brass band in harmony. Provolone lays down a mellow baseline while the olive salad shines with briny snap.
Order it warm so the oils bloom and soak into the crumb. The olive salad anchors everything, not too salty, just bright and herbal, with chopped green and black olives, celery, and peppers. Each quarter feels hefty, yet the balance keeps it light on the palate.
It is perfect for sharing, though you might regret sharing after one bite. Pair with a cold soda and a window seat. The rhythm of conversations and clinking baskets makes the whole experience feel like a Crescent City day.
The 7th Street Sicilian packs that classic Italian deli swagger. Think capicola and salami layered generously, provolone riding shotgun, and a shower of lettuce, tomato, and onion for bite. A drizzle of oil and vinegar ties everything together, with oregano confetti on top.
The roll cracks, then softens under the juices, holding the stack like a champ. Every bite swings from savory to tangy, with a peppery hum. You will nod along because it tastes familiar and satisfying, like a song you always sing along to.
Add hot peppers if you want to turn up the volume. It travels well, but it is best right there at a blues decorated table. Grab chips for crunch and enjoy how the vinegar sparks the provolone into a creamy, bright finish.
The Vinnie Special is for days when you cannot choose. It layers multiple Italian meats with provolone, roasted peppers, and a pile of crisp greens. The sesame seeded roll brings nutty depth and a pleasant crackle that keeps every bite exciting.
Roasted red peppers add sweetness and a little smoke, while the dressing stays light so the meats shine. You will notice how the textures play together: tender slices, creamy cheese, and lively crunch. It is generous without feeling heavy, like a long set list that flies by.
Ask for extra peppers if you want more snap. A pickle on the side cuts through the richness like a clean guitar solo. Sit near the window and watch the neighborhood stroll past while you make serious decisions about a cookie for dessert.
This po boy takes the classic club and gives it parade energy. Thick carved turkey mingles with crispy bacon, lettuce, and tomato on airy New Orleans style bread. Mayo kisses each side, keeping things lush but not sloppy.
The bread compresses just enough to hug the fillings, so every bite feels balanced. The bacon delivers smoky snap against the cool lettuce and juicy tomato. You will appreciate how clean the flavors are, like a crisp horn line cutting through the room.
Go half and pair with soup if you want a lighter lunch. Or take down the whole thing and thank yourself later. Either way, it scratches that familiar itch and proves Blues City Deli understands comfort done right.
Pastrami Groove brings serious smoke and pepper to the stage. The meat arrives rosy and stacked high, with a pepper crust that pops like a snare. Mustard paints the rye with sharp brightness, and the bread keeps pace without crumbling.
Each bite swings: smoke, spice, fat, and that mustard tang in tight rhythm. You will find yourself slowing down to savor the bark and the tender center. The sandwich is big, but not a stunt, just a confident lead performer.
Add Swiss if you want a creamy harmony, or keep it purist and let the pastrami sing solo. A dill pickle snaps on the side. Wash it down with something fizzy and you will be ready for an encore.
The Big Tuna Olive is not your average tuna situation. It is bright, lemony, and studded with chopped olives and capers that bring brine without heaviness. Toasted ciabatta adds crunch and keeps the fillings in place.
You get a creamy bite that still tastes fresh, helped by crisp lettuce and a whisper of red onion. The olive notes never overwhelm, they just lift the tuna like a chorus. You will finish and still feel ready to stroll the neighborhood because it eats light.
Try a squeeze of lemon if you like extra zip. Pair with a cup of soup when the weather cools, or chips when you want crunch. It is a sleeper hit on a menu full of heavyweights, and totally worth your attention.
Roast Beef Debris brings full comfort mode. Tender shredded beef swims in glossy gravy that soaks the loaf just enough for handheld satisfaction. Pickles ride along to cut through the richness with a bright snap.
Every bite tastes like Sunday supper and street festival rolled together. The gravy clings to your fingers, but the loaf holds firm, so you are not chasing pieces. You will want to park over the basket and lean forward like a seasoned po boy fan.
Add provolone if you want melty cushion, or keep it classic. A cold soda refreshes between bites and resets your palate. The sandwich is a hug in po boy form, and it might become your rainy day ritual.
Veggie Stomp proves the deli knows how to groove without meat. Marinated mushrooms bring umami bass, roasted peppers add sweet heat, and fresh mozzarella lays down a creamy beat. Arugula and a balsamic drizzle brighten the whole track.
The roll is crusty outside and pillowy inside, so textures dance together. You will not miss meat because the marinade and char deliver satisfying depth. It is the kind of sandwich that makes you nod yes after one bite.
Ask for extra arugula if you like peppery lift. Pair with a pickle and watch how the acidity turns up the flavors. This is a great option when you want hearty yet light, and it shows how Blues City Deli respects every palate.
Smoked Turkey Brass feels like a daytime anthem. Thin sliced turkey with gentle smoke pairs with avocado for buttery calm. Sprouts and tomato add freshness while light mayo keeps everything smooth without stealing the show.
Multigrain bread brings nutty texture and a wholesome vibe that still feels indulgent. You will appreciate how tidy it eats, perfect for a quick lunch before strolling Benton Park. The flavors are clear, layered, and comforting, never heavy.
Add a shake of black pepper for extra pop. Chips on the side give you that salty crunch you crave. This is the sandwich to order when you want something you can finish and still feel ready to catch live tunes or explore the neighborhood murals.
Hot Salami St. Louie channels local pride with serious heat and heart. Hot salami gets warmed until the edges glisten, then layered with melty cheese for creamy contrast. Mustard and peppers add classic zip and keep the rhythm lively.
The bread toasts just enough to carry the heat without scraping the palate. You will catch garlic and paprika rolling through like a steady bassline. It is bold, but not punishing, just enough spice to make you grin and reach for your drink.
Order extra peppers if you like fireworks. Share a half with a friend and compare notes on the spice ride. This sandwich feels like St. Louis on a bun, familiar, brash, and totally lovable.
Pulled Pork Delta brings barbecue swagger to the deli stage. Tender strands of pork wear a tangy sauce that balances smoke, sweet, and spice. A mound of slaw adds cool crunch, while pickles snap through the richness.
The soft bun compresses into a saucy, joyful bite that drips just enough. You will taste smoke first, then vinegar and brown sugar harmonize like a chorus. It is messy in the best way, and you will not mind one bit.
Grab extra napkins and lean in. If you are heat curious, ask for a dab of hot sauce to turn it up. Pair with an ice cold drink and enjoy the way every bite shifts from sweet to tangy to smoky.
This sandwich tastes like a holiday encore any day of the week. Roasted turkey slices meet a tart cranberry jam that sparks with citrus. Herb notes hint at stuffing, and you can opt to dip in gravy for full comfort mode.
The toasted bread stays crisp even with generous fillings, so the texture sings. You will get sweet, savory, and herbal notes in quick succession. It is nostalgic without being heavy, perfect when you want a little celebration at lunch.
Ask for extra jam if you like bright contrast. Sip something sparkling between bites and the flavors pop even more. It is a feel good pick that pairs perfectly with the deli’s upbeat, bluesy energy.
Grilled cheese at Blues City Deli hits that simple, golden standard. The bread is toasted evenly with a buttery crisp, and the cheese pulls in long, satisfying strands. It is kid friendly, but adults steal bites because it is that good.
You can add tomato or bacon if you want to jazz it up, though the classic version sings on its own. The basket lands hot, with chips for crunch and a pickle wink on the side. You will finish faster than expected and still want another corner.
Pair with tomato soup when the weather turns chilly. Or grab it as a sidekick to a bigger sandwich and share around the table. Either way, it brings smiles and zero leftovers.
The experience here goes beyond sandwiches. Blues posters line the walls, guitars hang like trophies, and the soundtrack brings toe tapping energy. The line moves quickly, with friendly staff guiding you through decisions like seasoned bandleaders.
Hours are lunch focused, so plan for that 10:30 AM to 3 PM window. Fridays and Saturdays can get busy, but it is worth the hum and chatter. You will feel like a regular by the second visit because the team treats everyone like neighbors.
Prices stay friendly, and portions are generous, so value hits high. Check the website before you visit, and bring cash or card without worry. Step outside afterward to explore Benton Park and you will carry that bluesy grin the rest of the day.
