A family-owned deli in Paoli has been serving the Main Line since 1982, and its menu goes well beyond sandwiches. Our Deli & Cafe serves cheesesteaks, Italian hoagies, Reubens, and made-to-order breakfasts, including chicken and waffles.
The restaurant opens at 6:30 a.m. every day, making it a convenient stop for breakfast before work or a sit-down lunch along Lancaster Avenue.
On Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, the kitchen stays open until 8 p.m. for burgers, sandwiches, and dinner entrees. With more than four decades behind it and a second location now open in Phoenixville, this neighborhood deli has grown beyond its original Paoli address.
A Main Line Deli With a Butcher Counter
Our Deli & Cafe sits at 41 E Lancaster Ave in Paoli, Pennsylvania, right in the Malvern area of the Main Line. It looks like a classic neighborhood deli from the road, and that is exactly what it aims to be.
Inside, the place plays more than one role. It runs as a sit-down cafe, a deli counter with cold cuts and prepared foods, and a butcher shop selling poultry and other meats.
That combination is getting harder to find in suburban towns.
I like the idea of stopping in for a sandwich and leaving with something for dinner too. It saves a trip and keeps your shopping local.
The menu sticks to familiar comfort food. Think hoagies, cheesesteaks, omelets, soups, burgers, and plenty of breakfast choices.
Nothing here tries to be fancy, and that is part of its appeal.
Lancaster Avenue is one of the busiest roads in the region. Having a dependable lunch spot right along it makes life easier for commuters, office workers, and families running errands.
Of everything on that menu, the sandwiches are where most people start, so that is where we head next.
Cheesesteaks That Earn Their Spot
Pennsylvania takes its cheesesteaks seriously, so any deli that serves one has a reputation to protect. At Our Deli & Cafe, the cheesesteak is one of the most talked-about items on the menu.
The basics are what you would hope for. Chopped steak and melted cheese come tucked into a long roll, built for eating with both hands.
You can usually customize toppings to match your own style.
I find it interesting that a breakfast restaurant has such a strong lunch reputation. It shows the kitchen does not treat midday orders as an afterthought.
A cheesesteak is also a smart pick if you are bringing food home. It travels well when wrapped tight, and the deli handles plenty of to-go orders.
If you have never ordered one outside Philadelphia, this is a relaxed place to try. There is no pressure to order a certain way, and the staff are known for being friendly and patient.
Pair it with a side of fries or tater tots for a full meal. Then save a little room, because the hoagie case has its own strong case to make.
Hoagies Stacked the Old-School Way
Ask anyone in southeastern Pennsylvania what a real lunch looks like, and a hoagie will come up fast. Our Deli & Cafe builds them with the classic deli cold cuts it keeps on hand every day.
The Italian hoagie gets plenty of attention. It layers cured meats and cheese on a long roll with the usual fresh toppings.
Roast beef and turkey options give you lighter or heartier choices.
Because the deli slices its own cold cuts, the sandwich comes together right in front of the counter. That is the old-fashioned way, and it still works.
Here is a tip for busy days. Call ahead or order early for a group, since a tray of hoagies is an easy way to feed coworkers or a team.
Hoagies also make solid picnic food. Valley Forge National Historical Park is a short drive away, and a sandwich from the Main Line pairs nicely with an afternoon walk there.
Not every great sandwich comes cold, though. The deli has a hot grill favorite that pulls in a different crowd.
Reubens and Deli Classics From the Grill
Some sandwiches belong to the deli world above all others, and the Reuben sits near the top. Our Deli & Cafe keeps it on the menu alongside other grilled favorites.
A Reuben brings corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and dressing together on grilled rye. It is the kind of order that tells you a kitchen respects deli traditions.
Not into corned beef? The menu also includes chicken salad and tuna salad sandwiches, which you can get on rye or toast.
Those are simple, classic, and easy to enjoy any time of day.
I would start with the Reuben on a cooler afternoon. It is warm, filling, and a good change of pace from a hoagie.
Crab is another item that pops up on the menu here. That is a nice nod to Mid-Atlantic tastes and a fun option if you want something besides deli meats.
These sandwiches show the range the kitchen covers. Still, the deli’s day starts hours before lunch, and the morning menu deserves its own spotlight.
Breakfast Starts at 6:30 Every Morning
Early birds get a real reward here. Our Deli & Cafe opens at 6:30 a.m. every day of the week, which is earlier than many cafes along the Main Line.
Breakfast sandwiches are a big draw. One favorite combo is turkey bacon, egg, and cheese on a long roll.
You can add salt, pepper, ketchup, or hot sauce to make it your own.
Omelets are another strong choice. They come off the grill made to order, so you can pick fillings that fit your mood.
For commuters heading to the Paoli train station or into the office, an early opening is a big deal. You can grab food and still make it on time.
Folks who prefer to sit down will find plenty of tables. The dining room gives you space to slow down over a plate of eggs and toast.
The breakfast menu goes well past sandwiches and omelets, though. A few sweeter, more playful plates show up too, and they lean right into brunch territory.
Chicken and Waffles Plus Pancakes Worth a Weekend
Brunch at a deli might sound odd. Then you see chicken and waffles on the menu and it starts to make sense.
Our Deli & Cafe serves this sweet and savory combo, and it is one of the more fun plates in the house. Fried chicken on a waffle covers both breakfast and lunch at once, which is handy on a lazy weekend.
Pancakes are on the menu too. In the fall, pumpkin pancakes have shown up, giving the morning a seasonal twist.
Tater tots make a great side. They are fried until crispy and work with almost any breakfast or lunch plate.
I like that the deli offers all-day breakfast feelings alongside the lunch menu. If one person wants pancakes and another wants a cheesesteak, nobody has to compromise.
Sunday brunch after church is a popular plan for many families in the area. Arriving a bit earlier on weekends can help you settle in before the late-morning rush.
Of course, a good deli also needs something warm in a bowl.
Fresh Soups Made Daily
Soup is one of the quiet heroes of any good deli. Our Deli & Cafe prepares fresh soups daily, so the lineup can change depending on when you visit.
Italian wedding soup has been a memorable pick over the years. It typically features small meatballs, greens, and tiny pasta in a light broth, a comforting choice on a chilly day.
Because soups rotate, it is smart to ask what is available before you order. That little question can lead you to a new favorite.
A cup of soup with half a sandwich makes a balanced lunch. It feels lighter than a full hoagie but still keeps you going through the afternoon.
Soup also travels well for takeout. If someone at home is feeling under the weather, a container from the deli is a kind gesture.
Pennsylvania winters can be long and gray. Having a dependable spot for a warm bowl right on Lancaster Avenue helps.
When the soup bowl is empty, though, some people want something bigger, and the burger side of the menu is ready.
Burgers and Later Hours Later in the Week
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday bring a nice bonus. On those days, Our Deli & Cafe stays open until 8 p.m. instead of closing at 5.
That later schedule turns the deli into an easy dinner stop. Burgers are a big part of that appeal, with a generously sized cheeseburger on the menu.
Spicy burgers and Cajun-style fries have also appeared over the years for folks who like a little heat. Ribs and coleslaw round out the heartier side of the menu.
I would save the burger for one of those later evenings. It feels like a relaxed end to a busy week.
The other four days, Sunday through Wednesday, the deli closes at 5 p.m. Plan around that if you want an early supper, so you are not left standing at a locked door.
Families with kids can find simple choices too. Burgers, fries, and grilled sandwiches are easy for picky eaters.
And if you’d rather cook at home tonight, the butcher counter offers another path entirely.
Take Home Meats From the Butcher Side
Few lunch spots let you walk out with tomorrow’s dinner. Our Deli & Cafe does, thanks to its butcher shop selling poultry and other meats.
That old-school setup reminds me of neighborhood markets from decades past. You can shop for fresh cuts and grab deli cold cuts for the week in a single stop.
Prepared foods add even more convenience. On busy weeknights, picking up something ready to heat can be a real time saver.
Food display cases at the deli keep items visible, so it’s easy to see what looks good before deciding. Ask the staff for help if you are unsure how much to buy.
Buying from a local butcher also keeps your money in the community. Small businesses along Lancaster Avenue depend on that kind of support.
If you are planning a cookout, stop by a day or two ahead. That gives you time to ask questions and pick exactly what you need.
Good food is only half the story, though. The people working the counter shape the whole experience.
Friendly Faces and Smart Parking Tips
Names come up a lot when people talk about this deli. Servers and owners are often described as warm, welcoming, and quick to help first-timers choose a meal.
That friendly service is a big reason the place feels like a true neighborhood deli. The owners have also responded directly to feedback, showing they care about getting things right.
A few practical tips can make your visit smoother. Prices are the same whether you pay with cash or a card, which is a nice touch.
Parking takes a little planning. The front lot is tight, with head-in spaces facing busy Lancaster Avenue, and backing out can feel nerve-racking.
The back parking lot is often the calmer choice. Pull around there if traffic is heavy.
Fans of the Paoli shop now have a second option too. Our Deli opened a location in Phoenixville, bringing the same menu idea to another nearby town.
For me, the mix of easy comfort food and friendly people is what keeps a deli like this in the regular rotation. Simple, steady, and right on the Main Line.
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