Steve's Deli - Chicago, IL Review

If you have read any of my other restaurants reviews you know that I appreciate great food.  That is why I was so excited when I heard that Steve's Deli was opening right down the street from our office in River North.  I even dragged a few of my co-workers over there a few days ago before they opened to no avail.  So when they mentioned they were walking over today I jumped at the chance.

Steve's Deli is a New York style deli that has a very successful outpost in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. The concept is great.  Tons of selection.  Great sandwiches, salads, and hot prepared food.  I had a great Chicken Picatta and mashed cauliflower.  Both were top notch.  Two of my co-workers said their sandwiches, a corned beef and a turkey sandwich was great.  They both rated these sandwiches a five.

The cold salads looked quite tasty.  I was eyeing a cucumber salad and a low fat chicken salad.  They have both regular egg salad and egg white.  Several kinds of knishes, matzo ball soup, etc etc etc. As you will see in the pictures they also have all sorts of great gourmet chips, cheesecakes, novelty rice crispies, chocolate covered pretzels that make it a fun place to be. 

Although the food was very good, I will have to say  the service was down right horrendous. We waited 35 minutes for our order and so did everyone else there.  I saw many people walk in a leave when they realized that the place is a disorganized mess.   The employees seemed to be completely untrained, overwhelmed an generally not up to the job of serving lots of customers.  This is really unfortunate.  The management clearly went over the top on the food and furnishings.  They just failed miserably when it came to hiring and training.  Flat out failed.   I however and very hopeful that they turn it around. I will be back often if they do.

So, my final word on Steve's Deli?  Welcome to Chicago.  We are happy to have you here.  Now get your act together and you will have a long time of loyal customers.