Linse and I had a terrific lunch at Southside today. We sat outside and enjoyed the beautiful weather. We shared an oyster po boy and a shrimp po boy. Both were spot-on delicious. If you're looking for a casual but tasty lunch, consider Southside.
(4)
Elizabeth F.
Yum! The sandwiches here are so good! They are usually pretty crowded at lunch so don't go if you're crunched for time!
(5)
Tara A.
Southside is more expensive than Subway. That's because you get double the meat and it's real Boar's Head meat. In fact, since the first time I had Southside, I knew nothing else would compare. I've never been able to find a deli that understands there should be more meat than bread on a sandwich. But also that both parts are equally important, meaning a quality sandwich is not without quality ingredients. Did I mention I'm not really a fan of sandwiches? I ate too many as a kid...but I could eat at Southside EVERY DAY. They are also so much more than sandwiches. They're perfect. Subway who? The Cuban is awesome. The ham and bean soup is delish! The grilled cheese is amazing. You know what? Anything you get here will be delicious. Eating here for dinner was my favorite part of working at the hospital. This place is the best.
(5)
Erin W.
All hail Southside. They have everything you could ever want. All the sandwiches are incredibly fresh. The tabouli wrap with hummus is my kryptonite. Quick service, casual atmosphere, has gelato and desserts, fresh salads etc. The ONLY, and I mean only, thing that I've ever seen that was bad there (and to me, this is really bad, especially working in hospitality, but for some sick reason it didn't keep me away from Southside) was one time I watched a guy get a cheesecake or maybe key lime pie? slice from out of the refrigerator for a customer that was picking up an order in the drive thru. The dessert had mold on it, so the guy just scraped it off and gave it to the customer. I could see the mold from the cash register and was absolutely appalled!! But like I said, watching that experience still didn't totally scar me from returning.
(4)
Mariah B.
Love this place! There chicken salad sandwich is super delicious. (Ask for extra grapes! :) )
(5)
Cristina T.
This place was great. Reminded me of a real deli like you would find in New York. I really enjoyed my hot pastrami on rye with mustard. Probably the best one I had in Florida. The service was fast and friendly. I will for sure be coming back.
(4)
conor b.
Charming little family owned hole in the wall. Located in a great area of the hillview strip, you walk into a cool spot with a diner feel. Order up a sandwich filled with a generous portion of meats, or one of their homemade soups. Gelato was on point. If you are into the soup and sandwich thing, this is a nice little stop to make.
(4)
Val F.
THE best AND fastest NY deli in Sarasota. An entire case of gelato that I'll come back for later. Hot pastrami on rye is my go to sandwich. Soft, seeded rye that is FRESH! A gem on Hillview Ave.
(4)
Kevin E.
Ordered the traditional gyro and onion rings for pick up. I recognize that's not a traditional combo. However, I was very pleased with both items with regards to portion and taste. I would return and their preparation was fast for carry out.
(4)
Tyler B.
I don't know.. I live RIGHT down the street from this place, and the first time I went, I thought it was going to be good. It was... really good actually the breakfast sandwhich's on croissant's and bagels, we ate it there, all was good. Second time, we ordered some lunch, which was ok. The gyro was probably microwaved beef, and it was decent. I had the oriental chicken salad, and it was mediocre, pretty bland. So we decided to get some gelato, our first real bad experience, with this older grump, who walked around the place, just with a sour attitude. It was like we were troubling him by getting gelato.. like we were hassling him. Third time, we ordered to-go, our order was taken by him, I'm pretty sure, and he was pretty quick to take my order, and sure enough, he got it mixed up and it was wrong. It also was mediocre, nothing to write home about. I don't think I can go back to this place, maybe for gelato, I hear the soft-serve is good, so maybe I'll try it. Rest of the staff is great... They all were super helpful, but the older gentlemen, he should try to be a bit nicer to customer's...
(2)
Courtney K.
Great place to stop going or coming from the beach. The chicken cranberry panini is consistently good. Tomato basil bisque is not that good though. Otherwise no complaints, service is always prompt (even during the busy lunch rush).
(4)
Julianne R.
Went here on recommendation while on a family vacation. We liked it so much that we plan to go back. Fresh baked bread, premium deli meats, gelato, and extremely friendly and attentive staff/ownership. Just amazing!
(5)
Paul H.
Decor: 4/5 -the setup with the type of chairs and tables does give this place a 'deli' feel Service: 4/5 -The workers were friendly and the sandwiches were made promptly Food: 3.5/5 -I ordered the Village club ($6.95). You get your choice of white or wheat bread, toasted or un-toasted. The sandwich was decently thick and my tummy was content afterwards. The pickle wasn't that great. s3-media4.px.yelpcdn.com… -Tomato Basil soup was chunky but tasted like Campbell's tomato soup. Nothing wrong with the flavor, just nothing special. s3-media1.px.yelpcdn.com…
(4)
Mario V.
Sorry, this was your last chance!!! I'm Moving on.... It's not me, it's you... I have been a regular of this place for years but the quality of food and service has been downgrading for the last year, today was the last straw!!! Seeing as my last 3 experiences have also been less than desirable I'm over it. Check yourself before you wreck yourself! 1. Pull up to your drive thru the first thing this little guy RUDELY states to us is, "This is a pick up window NOT a order window" Ohhh Really? then why is there a FREAKING MENU AND BOARD WITH SPECIALS POSTED ON THE WINDOW? (This is the second time this tool has told me this yet there is a drive thru window) 2. Order 2 Gyros with extra Tzatziki sauce on the side, and get these 2 monstrosity's that are mostly shredded lettuce on a Gyro flat-bread that is STALE, meat that taste likes it's been microwaved about 8 times (like dry beef jerky) and with the EXTRA Tzatziki sauce all over the Gyro instead of on the side.... So you might be asking yourself... whats the big deal? so it's on the gyro instead of on the side? Well, the fact is I come along way from work to get lunch so by the time I get it back to the office the sauce that was put on the warm meat has melted, making a huge fat mess watery & soggy flat-bread that one bite later and made it STRAIGHT TO THE TRASH. No more chances.... peace out!
(1)
Lien d.
Food was delicious. I got the cranberry chicken panini special $7.50: Grilled chicken breast w bacon, havarti, mixed greens and cranberry sauce on pressed ciabatta roll. Divine. Paired it w side of creamy potato soup, also delish, and for dessert their apple crisp $1.50, equally tasty and just the right way to finish this savory meal. Large portions led me to take half the sandwich home for later. The staff is incredibly friendly and efficient; they go above and beyond from the way I observed them taking care of all the other patrons. I got the sense this place had a local following. Set up is ideal for a deli: clean, fresh, charming, and light with amiable classic rock and alternative playing. One of those places where you never since an ounce of stress.
(5)
Heather S.
Oh yes! Love this place so very much. Fresh delicious sandwiches and soups. I've never been disappointed with the food. Service is always prompt and friendly, even though at times the place seems like a madhouse. Ive been there before when we literally scored the last table. To the person complaining about the "drive through window", you are ridiculous. This is not McDonalds. The food they make comes out quickly, but not That fast. Here's how it works, you call ahead about 10 minutes before you'll be there, and you go to the PICK UP window to get your order. It's the convenience of not having to get out of your car for take out food. Now can you imagine how inconvenient it would be if you were stuck waiting in a line with people who are ordering and then waiting at that window for ten minutes before you got your turn? As I used to say when I was 10 years old, "duh!" Back to the important stuff: food is amazing, service is great, atmosphere isn't exactly a relax all afternoon and soak it in type of thing but you will be happy with your choice to dine here. Especially if you save room for their gelato. :)
(5)
Broc S.
When I want a good Reuben in Sarasota, this is where I go. There are plenty of other options, but the Rueben isn't broke so I'm not trying to fix it.
(4)
Randy T.
Delicious sandwiches, soups & deli items...with a secret surprise ; ) I agree with the previous reviewer; I'm not sure why there are not a ton of reviews for the Southside Deli. The place is always packed during lunchtime. This is a Hillview staple. Not "fancy-schmancy," just down-to-earth comfort food. Everything is fresh & tasty. Lunch specials are sure to please. The atmosphere can be a bit chaotic, with the dining room full of hungry patrons, to-go orders flying out the door, and staff gathering together catering orders for delivery! But everyone is friendly & personable, and things seem to run smoothly. If you want a quiet spot for a lunchtime conversation, this may not be your place. But if you want a neighborhood deli with great food a some character...pull up a chair. And the surprise??? Don't leave without trying the oh-so-creamy gelato. Mmmmmmmm...sometimes we would make a special trip just for that!
(5)
Sara S.
A popular lunch place that has TONS of everything...salad, sandwiches of every kind, soups, desserts and gelato. Love this place for the food and energy. It's super casual, noisy, clean, bright, fast and not full of seniors (sorry sarasota!), so it's a refreshing change. I get their sandwiches but can't resist the desserts sitting pretty in the case every time. Today I got the cream puff which was fantastic and the tiramisu which was thankfully not cakey but still not my fav; it had nuts and needed more alcohol flavor. That's okay; plenty more options to choose from.
(4)
Frank B.
Very good NYC style deli. Possibly the best sandwiches in Sarasota - very generous with the meat which is a big big plus. Just had a Reuben which was absolutely delicious and satisfying. Oddly enough I agree with the comment that the pickle wasn't very good at all - but that is my only complaint.
(5)
Real c.
AMAZING!! One of my favorite lunch places...and cannot believe I'm the first person to review it!?! Friendly staff, quick service, great food....always busy!
(5)
Cristina P.
Wow this place has AWESOME gelato. The triple chocolate will blow your mind. I also loved the caramel. We went back twice just for gelato!
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Noise Level : Loud Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : No
Jim M.
Linse and I had a terrific lunch at Southside today. We sat outside and enjoyed the beautiful weather. We shared an oyster po boy and a shrimp po boy. Both were spot-on delicious. If you're looking for a casual but tasty lunch, consider Southside.
(4)Elizabeth F.
Yum! The sandwiches here are so good! They are usually pretty crowded at lunch so don't go if you're crunched for time!
(5)Tara A.
Southside is more expensive than Subway. That's because you get double the meat and it's real Boar's Head meat. In fact, since the first time I had Southside, I knew nothing else would compare. I've never been able to find a deli that understands there should be more meat than bread on a sandwich. But also that both parts are equally important, meaning a quality sandwich is not without quality ingredients. Did I mention I'm not really a fan of sandwiches? I ate too many as a kid...but I could eat at Southside EVERY DAY. They are also so much more than sandwiches. They're perfect. Subway who? The Cuban is awesome. The ham and bean soup is delish! The grilled cheese is amazing. You know what? Anything you get here will be delicious. Eating here for dinner was my favorite part of working at the hospital. This place is the best.
(5)Erin W.
All hail Southside. They have everything you could ever want. All the sandwiches are incredibly fresh. The tabouli wrap with hummus is my kryptonite. Quick service, casual atmosphere, has gelato and desserts, fresh salads etc. The ONLY, and I mean only, thing that I've ever seen that was bad there (and to me, this is really bad, especially working in hospitality, but for some sick reason it didn't keep me away from Southside) was one time I watched a guy get a cheesecake or maybe key lime pie? slice from out of the refrigerator for a customer that was picking up an order in the drive thru. The dessert had mold on it, so the guy just scraped it off and gave it to the customer. I could see the mold from the cash register and was absolutely appalled!! But like I said, watching that experience still didn't totally scar me from returning.
(4)Mariah B.
Love this place! There chicken salad sandwich is super delicious. (Ask for extra grapes! :) )
(5)Cristina T.
This place was great. Reminded me of a real deli like you would find in New York. I really enjoyed my hot pastrami on rye with mustard. Probably the best one I had in Florida. The service was fast and friendly. I will for sure be coming back.
(4)conor b.
Charming little family owned hole in the wall. Located in a great area of the hillview strip, you walk into a cool spot with a diner feel. Order up a sandwich filled with a generous portion of meats, or one of their homemade soups. Gelato was on point. If you are into the soup and sandwich thing, this is a nice little stop to make.
(4)Val F.
THE best AND fastest NY deli in Sarasota. An entire case of gelato that I'll come back for later. Hot pastrami on rye is my go to sandwich. Soft, seeded rye that is FRESH! A gem on Hillview Ave.
(4)Kevin E.
Ordered the traditional gyro and onion rings for pick up. I recognize that's not a traditional combo. However, I was very pleased with both items with regards to portion and taste. I would return and their preparation was fast for carry out.
(4)Tyler B.
I don't know.. I live RIGHT down the street from this place, and the first time I went, I thought it was going to be good. It was... really good actually the breakfast sandwhich's on croissant's and bagels, we ate it there, all was good. Second time, we ordered some lunch, which was ok. The gyro was probably microwaved beef, and it was decent. I had the oriental chicken salad, and it was mediocre, pretty bland. So we decided to get some gelato, our first real bad experience, with this older grump, who walked around the place, just with a sour attitude. It was like we were troubling him by getting gelato.. like we were hassling him. Third time, we ordered to-go, our order was taken by him, I'm pretty sure, and he was pretty quick to take my order, and sure enough, he got it mixed up and it was wrong. It also was mediocre, nothing to write home about. I don't think I can go back to this place, maybe for gelato, I hear the soft-serve is good, so maybe I'll try it. Rest of the staff is great... They all were super helpful, but the older gentlemen, he should try to be a bit nicer to customer's...
(2)Courtney K.
Great place to stop going or coming from the beach. The chicken cranberry panini is consistently good. Tomato basil bisque is not that good though. Otherwise no complaints, service is always prompt (even during the busy lunch rush).
(4)Julianne R.
Went here on recommendation while on a family vacation. We liked it so much that we plan to go back. Fresh baked bread, premium deli meats, gelato, and extremely friendly and attentive staff/ownership. Just amazing!
(5)Paul H.
Decor: 4/5 -the setup with the type of chairs and tables does give this place a 'deli' feel Service: 4/5 -The workers were friendly and the sandwiches were made promptly Food: 3.5/5 -I ordered the Village club ($6.95). You get your choice of white or wheat bread, toasted or un-toasted. The sandwich was decently thick and my tummy was content afterwards. The pickle wasn't that great. s3-media4.px.yelpcdn.com… -Tomato Basil soup was chunky but tasted like Campbell's tomato soup. Nothing wrong with the flavor, just nothing special. s3-media1.px.yelpcdn.com…
(4)Mario V.
Sorry, this was your last chance!!! I'm Moving on.... It's not me, it's you... I have been a regular of this place for years but the quality of food and service has been downgrading for the last year, today was the last straw!!! Seeing as my last 3 experiences have also been less than desirable I'm over it. Check yourself before you wreck yourself! 1. Pull up to your drive thru the first thing this little guy RUDELY states to us is, "This is a pick up window NOT a order window" Ohhh Really? then why is there a FREAKING MENU AND BOARD WITH SPECIALS POSTED ON THE WINDOW? (This is the second time this tool has told me this yet there is a drive thru window) 2. Order 2 Gyros with extra Tzatziki sauce on the side, and get these 2 monstrosity's that are mostly shredded lettuce on a Gyro flat-bread that is STALE, meat that taste likes it's been microwaved about 8 times (like dry beef jerky) and with the EXTRA Tzatziki sauce all over the Gyro instead of on the side.... So you might be asking yourself... whats the big deal? so it's on the gyro instead of on the side? Well, the fact is I come along way from work to get lunch so by the time I get it back to the office the sauce that was put on the warm meat has melted, making a huge fat mess watery & soggy flat-bread that one bite later and made it STRAIGHT TO THE TRASH. No more chances.... peace out!
(1)Lien d.
Food was delicious. I got the cranberry chicken panini special $7.50: Grilled chicken breast w bacon, havarti, mixed greens and cranberry sauce on pressed ciabatta roll. Divine. Paired it w side of creamy potato soup, also delish, and for dessert their apple crisp $1.50, equally tasty and just the right way to finish this savory meal. Large portions led me to take half the sandwich home for later. The staff is incredibly friendly and efficient; they go above and beyond from the way I observed them taking care of all the other patrons. I got the sense this place had a local following. Set up is ideal for a deli: clean, fresh, charming, and light with amiable classic rock and alternative playing. One of those places where you never since an ounce of stress.
(5)Heather S.
Oh yes! Love this place so very much. Fresh delicious sandwiches and soups. I've never been disappointed with the food. Service is always prompt and friendly, even though at times the place seems like a madhouse. Ive been there before when we literally scored the last table. To the person complaining about the "drive through window", you are ridiculous. This is not McDonalds. The food they make comes out quickly, but not That fast. Here's how it works, you call ahead about 10 minutes before you'll be there, and you go to the PICK UP window to get your order. It's the convenience of not having to get out of your car for take out food. Now can you imagine how inconvenient it would be if you were stuck waiting in a line with people who are ordering and then waiting at that window for ten minutes before you got your turn? As I used to say when I was 10 years old, "duh!" Back to the important stuff: food is amazing, service is great, atmosphere isn't exactly a relax all afternoon and soak it in type of thing but you will be happy with your choice to dine here. Especially if you save room for their gelato. :)
(5)Broc S.
When I want a good Reuben in Sarasota, this is where I go. There are plenty of other options, but the Rueben isn't broke so I'm not trying to fix it.
(4)Randy T.
Delicious sandwiches, soups & deli items...with a secret surprise ; ) I agree with the previous reviewer; I'm not sure why there are not a ton of reviews for the Southside Deli. The place is always packed during lunchtime. This is a Hillview staple. Not "fancy-schmancy," just down-to-earth comfort food. Everything is fresh & tasty. Lunch specials are sure to please. The atmosphere can be a bit chaotic, with the dining room full of hungry patrons, to-go orders flying out the door, and staff gathering together catering orders for delivery! But everyone is friendly & personable, and things seem to run smoothly. If you want a quiet spot for a lunchtime conversation, this may not be your place. But if you want a neighborhood deli with great food a some character...pull up a chair. And the surprise??? Don't leave without trying the oh-so-creamy gelato. Mmmmmmmm...sometimes we would make a special trip just for that!
(5)Sara S.
A popular lunch place that has TONS of everything...salad, sandwiches of every kind, soups, desserts and gelato. Love this place for the food and energy. It's super casual, noisy, clean, bright, fast and not full of seniors (sorry sarasota!), so it's a refreshing change. I get their sandwiches but can't resist the desserts sitting pretty in the case every time. Today I got the cream puff which was fantastic and the tiramisu which was thankfully not cakey but still not my fav; it had nuts and needed more alcohol flavor. That's okay; plenty more options to choose from.
(4)Frank B.
Very good NYC style deli. Possibly the best sandwiches in Sarasota - very generous with the meat which is a big big plus. Just had a Reuben which was absolutely delicious and satisfying. Oddly enough I agree with the comment that the pickle wasn't very good at all - but that is my only complaint.
(5)Real c.
AMAZING!! One of my favorite lunch places...and cannot believe I'm the first person to review it!?! Friendly staff, quick service, great food....always busy!
(5)Cristina P.
Wow this place has AWESOME gelato. The triple chocolate will blow your mind. I also loved the caramel. We went back twice just for gelato!
(5)