Go for the daily walk in special where you can get sandwich + side + drink for under $9. The quality of meats and cheeses is top notch. Desserts aren't bad either. The lemon cake is the clear winner.
(4)
Joe J.
Great deli. This is the place I go to get food for my bosses when they come into town. Great variety of sandwiches, and a really heavy duty salad bar. Every sandwich I've ordered from here I like. Variety is the key with Nelson's, a staple off Como Ave.
(4)
Joe S.
Nelson's kills it. Forget about those chain sandwich restaurants. If you are within driving range of this place, this is where you should be getting your sandwiches from. There is an expansive menu to choose from both hot and cold as well as a build your own section with tons of choices, and don't miss the hotdog/brat menu at the end of the sandwich line. The employees are great, super friendly and will take the time to make you something you will like. Nice selection of chips and drinks and a solid rotating pasta and cold sides menu as well. Quick, easy, delicious. Been twice now and will be back many times.
(5)
Emily L.
There is no seating here. So be prepared to take your food back to the office, home or car. This is a great place to take people with varying tastes because they can make their own salad or sandwich or choose from one of the many speciality items on the menu. There is not one weak point of the menu. The salads, sandwiches (hot and cold), hotdogs, and baked goods are all awesome! My go to items are: seven layer salad, health nut salad, como club, coney hotdog, and the meatball sub.
(5)
Erin G.
I stopped in for a salad to bring with me to night class. I try to be as healthy as possible most of the time so I usually end up with a salad wherever I go, unless I am having a yolo moment (which happens more than I'd like sometimes!) so I came for the salad, although the sandwiches sounded delicious. I am notoriously indecisive, so I couldn't decide among their salad options so I chose the "create your own" salad. You don't actually get to make it yourself, you tell them what you want and they put it together in a bowl for you. Mine was huge and delicious! I wished they had red peppers or sun dried tomatoes though. They do have a big selection and didn't skimp on the meat. They lost a star because of their dressing options... they had a lot available but only one light option (ranch), which is a bummer. I love a nice light vinaigrette. I'll definitely come again for a big salad, especially since it's so close to Hamline!
(4)
Pardra H.
I loved it!!! No seating, just order and go. MEATBALL SUB WAS GREAT, definitely going back for more. Coworker tips to go around 11 am to avoid rush, great food and staff was friendly :)
(5)
Ken P.
OMG. This place is amazing. Really small thing but I think the pickle was the best one I've ever eaten. The only thing I would skip is the chocolate chip cookie. Bread and Chocolate's cookie is way better. But the pasta salads are perfect. Love all the extra teats you can get here like Anna's cookies. This place is worth the trip. For sure.
(5)
Alexander V.
A nice mom & pop type cheese and sandwich shop. I've been here a few times. I like picking up string cheese every now and then at this location. This shop is the sister location to the one in Wabasha, MN. I think the owners are brothers. I find the prices here are a bit steep for what you end up getting, but I try to remember that I'm supporting a local small business. It can get busy here during the 12:00 lunch time, so shoot for 11am or 1pm to avoid the line. They have an online ordering system I haven't tried yet, but its mainly for their cheese baskets.
(4)
John S.
It's all in the bread. The moist tasty Nelson's bread is the best part of holding their sandwiches together and surrounding the content with a fresh baked flavor. Based on three visits the product is consistent and I've never had an unpleasant surprise. Many years ago before expanding the deli they used to have a larger selection of cheese as per their name. The little sandwich counter caught on and of course the owners wisely expanded deli selections promoted their catering business which is probably even bigger than their counter sales. There seems to be a little confusion among the patrons as to where to stand to order. It appears the deli does not want to appear procedure driven ( No sandwich for you) but depending on who's working the counter people congregate from the middle to the right side. One time there was an employee on one end of the counter who apparently was not taking orders for sandwiches, and one on the other side who was but he just seemed to pick people at random rather than any order leaving some of us standing and staring longer than those who had just walked in. The most recent visit two employees were working sandwiches and after I ordered two, I received one back. There doesn't seem to be a system for tracking orders, just rely on memory and verbal reminders. The selection of sodas and various drinks and chips is better than most other places and grocery delis.
(4)
Steven D.
I'm so blessed to have this deli near work when I travel in. I wish it was close by for a dinner option so I can buy some cheese from their wide selection. For lunch they have a small selection of pre-made salads but you can also build your own and choose from over 30 different items. You can choose between 20 different sandwiches.. regular, larger, and hot sandwiches. There are also a few selection for soups. If you're a big fan of pasta or potato salads, they have a few to choose from as well that's sold by the pound. It seems like they rotate selections daily and have a few staples ones to choose from. There is a small parking lot in the back, so it might be an issue around the lunch rush, but I think there's street parking available as well if it's really all full. Service is fast and they're very nice! Do yourself a favor and try them!
(5)
Ahmad R.
Really enjoyed this place and may become a regular. It's very casual, no seating, lots of sandwich choices, some salads, cheeses, desserts, and good bottled sodas. Chicken Little was our favorite out of it, the Hamline, and Rachel.
(4)
Karl W.
Kitty corner to the greatest fair on earth is Nelson cheese and deli. I was amazed to find a bottle of Bubble-Up 25 years later after being a regular drinker at Red Owl. The lady helping me checkout looked puzzled for how happy I was over a bottle of soda. After all these years it's not as mind blowing as I remember, tastes like a flat 7up with a hint of orange flavor mixed in Tried the Cheesemaker, which was the most recommended on yelp. It was good but needed more dressing in my opinion. The chips on the othe hand was 5 stars, simply awesome. Disappointed there was no seating so I had to eat in the car, which another guy was doing next to me.
(4)
Annie P.
Great little sandwich shop over by the State Fair. Today I had their marvelous 7 Layer Salad w/ Romaine lettuce, bacon, smoked-turkey, cheddar cheese, peas, onions, tomatoes & croutons. It was fresh and plentiful. I've been coming here for years and always impressed with sandwiches, soups, desserts and customer service. You will not be disappointed.
(4)
Matthew G.
Nelson's is one of my favorite sandwich and salad shops. The staff is extremely friendly and make sure you say hi to Mark. Everything is made to order and they get quite busy. So give yourself a little extra time.
(4)
Heath S.
I love this place, everything is delicious! My only neg is that they have changed the way that they charge you for the salads. Everything is now based on weight. The issue is that the customer is not making it themselves, the employees are. If you pay by weight it is a way to keep the customer honest when they load up the container. If you want to charge $10 for a salad, that's fine, but post it and train your staff to make it the same weight every time. I am put off by charging by the weight of my salad if I do not make it myself and I have expressed this. I'll bet sales on salads have decreased because of this ambiguity. But I will return because, again, they are delicious. I would go there more often if the salad thing wasn't so backwards.
(4)
Polly B.
I have tried the Chicken Little (chicken salad and alfalfa sprouts) and Santa Fe (roasted chicken) sandwich. They were both wonderful. I want to try a salad the next time. Anything you would want on a salad, they have it. You walk through the salad line and they build the salad with the toppings you request. Everything looks so fresh and good. Also tried the cookies and the cakes. All delicious. Service is also friendly and efficient. They also have packaged cheese, specialty sodas, gourmet chocolate and a good selection of chip flavors.
(5)
Cedar S.
To sum it up in one sentence, Nelson's is the kind of place that serves romaine lettuce instead of iceberg and real bread instead of the typical wonder variety. Prices are low at $6.04 for a sandwich you can literally add anything to. By anything this includes about 10 kinds of meats, 15 veggies, 10 fresh cheeses, sauces, pick your bread (another 10 varieties) for a sandwich made with real food that you can barely fit in your mouth. At noon the line snakes out the door and practically around the building but it moves quickly and the service is great. There's a giant drink cooler, chips, and don't be afraid to get a salad, there are at least 50 things you can put on your salad, all very bright-colored and fresh, and its mixed in a big silver bowl and boxed up for you to take with. There is no seating, so we ate on the drive back to work. Bummer, but honestly with how busy this place is I wouldn't want to throw any sort of cog in their well-oiled sandwich-producing machine. This place SCREAMS foodie, but is entirely (and almost shockingly so) lacking the foodie price or attitude. It's the kind of place you dream about but never actually find. Until you do. Find it, and you'll have a lifetime sandwich shop. If you live within any reasonable distance of this place, from Minneapolis to St. Paul and any surrounding suburb, you will be beside yourself that it took you this long to find Nelson Cheese and Deli.
(5)
David O.
I've eaten at Delis just about everywhere in the Twin Cities and around the US and Nelson's is right up there with the best. The sandwiches are generous and fresh. Their sauces excellent. They have the best selection of small company sodas around. The bread as darn good too. Once you find Nelson's you will be a regular and never eat at a chain sandwich shop again.
(5)
John O.
Nelson, we are cool If you weren't so close to work I would like you more The first couple hundred times I ate here, I probably would have given it five stars. Sometimes you can have too much of a good thing, I guess. Nothing has changed about the place other than that my palate has been fully exposed to the menu, and variety is the spice of life. The KC BBQ sandwich is my favorite item. The thing is massive. Probably not the best for the waistline, though. Usually, I tried to mix in a salad every now and then when I was coming here non-stop. For sandwiches, the Rachel and Reuben are also both quite good. They added three different hot dogs to the menu a year or two ago. Everything is very affordable. Be advised that this is a take-out only place and it can get very busy during the workday noon hour. Best to go for an early or late lunch. Como Park is just down the street if you want to eat there when the weather is decent. Will I be back? Absolutely, but more and more my food booty call rather than my main squeeze.
(4)
Alicia S.
The sandwiches are DELICIOUS! My personal fav. is the Chicken Little. They also have a great selection of sodas, chips, and candies. Service has been quick and friendly, even when they are really busy. Also very inexpensive. It's just too bad they don't have seating inside.
(5)
Scott D.
Great food. Extremely slow service. 20 minutes to push 6 people thru a line.
(4)
B S.
This market was a deli-ghtful surprise. I expected fresh ingredients but the flavors were great, the portions generous, and the prices reasonable. The service was friendly too. Given they afford such attention to each salad and sandwich made; I could see it getting backed up a bit during peak hours. Regardless, I plan to return to explore their menu of takeout treats.
(5)
Ruth D.
Puts Subway ("Eat Fresh!") to shame. These sandwiches are The. Best. Period. And the cheese! And when you walk in and take a gander at the array of mouthwatering, colorful fresh ingredients in the salad section... oh. Great service, too!
(5)
Michelle A.
Seriously awesome sandwiches on fresh bread. I always get the Mr. T, a fantastic turkey sandwich. It's not advertised, but you can always ask for a 1/2 sandwich. Perfect for the smaller stomachs out there! If you see the carrot cake in the refrigerated case on your way out, get a slice. It is mouth-wateringly delicious. Definitely some of the best cake I've ever had. Weird that it's from a deli. As others have said, Nelson is take-out only (no seating inside or anywhere nearby), so plan accordingly. I'd recommend heading up to Como Park to enjoy lunch by some beautiful nearby lakes!
(5)
Erica L.
I have to admit, I felt very stupid walking into this place and looking at the amazing menu because my family and I have been living near this place since 2009 and never thought of trying it out. When I tried the food, I felt even more stupid. It's so yummy that we've been back 4 times in 1 week!
(5)
Kristin H.
Situated on the corner of Como and Snelling Ave, Nelson's is always bustling. We walked in and got behind the already substantial line. I scanned the menu, thinking maybe this time I would get something besides my usual, no such luck. I ordered the "Create your own" just the way I like it -- delicious bread topped with turkey and roast beef, a huge slice of pepper-jack cheese and various veggies. Then, I always request extra honey mustard to top it off. I don't know what makes their honey mustard so delicious, but it is amazing. Seriously, try it. I think this is the main reason I always tend to create my own sandwich, I need that honey mustard! I switch off between this and the Chicken Little, a delicious homemade chicken salad on a wild rice bun, yum. The chicken salad is another highlight on their menu. All the sandwiches are made to-go, so after a short time waiting we proceeded to the register. At $6.04 plus tax for each sandwich, we left paying a little under $14. We walked out to our car and devoured our sandwiches in the parking lot. Not our usual Nelson's routine, but this time there wasn't a better option. Next time you need a quick pick-me-up or a meal on the go, head over to Nelson's Deli and Cheese. You will not be disappointed. Atmosphere It's a deli, so the atmosphere is nothing special. It's the taste that counts! Service Your sandwich is always handed to you quickly and with a smile. Presentation The sandwiches are always bulging with color and deliciousness. The salads are also a good bet for a beautiful presentation. Taste Delicious. The cheese is definitely a stand out in these sandwiches. Oh, and try that honey mustard! Value for Dollars For a sandwich you could find something cheaper. But, would it taste as good!?
(5)
Jordan H.
Great deli. Just keep an eye one the young staff to make sure you are getting what you ordered. Great selection of root beer. You should atleasttry it once.
(5)
Joey S.
There's nothing positive I can say that hasn't been said in numerous other reviews. Great food, good value, and friendly staff. With that being said there's one major problem, and that's getting people in and out. The staff making sandwiches and salads are on top of things. Quick, friendly, and accurate. The problem is the bottleneck at lunchtime with one cashier who has absolutely no sense of urgency to keep the line moving. I was here last week and had my sandwich in 3-4 minutes. Then I had to wait another 15 just to get up to pay...totally unacceptible. Finally they pulled someone off making sandwiches to run the other register. If you know you're going to be busy why not have a second cashier all the time, or at least if you're only going to have one have someone with some speed?
(4)
Bryon W.
You will not find a better quick lunch in St. Paul then Nelsons. Get a St. Paul Red hot, what a winning wiener! You feeling like a Sammy instead? Town of Nelson on drop dead delightful caraway rye will do you right. Soup? What you like, How about Chicken dumpling? Or Beer Cheese? Chili may haps? You more of a salad green type? Have your salad your way, they will load you up with whatever you like. The food here is really good. You can go to subway and get total Sh*t, or you can come here and get fresh, delicious food made by a fun and helpful group of people. It's a Saint Paul Staple!
(5)
Ryan W.
I live nearby and think this place has the best cold cut sandwiches in town. I don't know how they can make basic sandwiches so amazing, but they are out of this world fantastic. Nothing too fancy. Sandwiches are about 7 bucks but I think well worth the price. It's a large sandwich and everything is as fresh and delicious as can be. I also like to get brick cheese here for parties or o'devours. They have some specialty cheeses you can't find at a standard grocery store. As an FYI - there is no seating here, it's a deli.
(5)
Richard K.
Bustling little sandwich shop @ corner of Como & Snelling. Really crowded during lunch. Call ahead & they will make it for pick up. Mr. T is my favorite. Grab a bag of chips & a pop and head over to a bench in Como park nearby.
(4)
Amy R.
Reubens are pretty good here! I've also enjoyed the St. Paul Special.. Ingredients are always nice and fresh. Sandwiches are quite big. They have great salads too. Service has always been good. As another yelper mentioned, this place gets very packed during the lunch hour and parking can be tricky.. I like that it's close to the lake. Sometimes I'll trot down to the park and savor my sandwich by the lake..
(4)
Nathan L.
Great little cheese shop. I would love to come back for lunch one day but it is a slight stretch on most business days to get over here. But in a pinch on the way home it is a great place to get a block of cheddar for some homemade mac and cheese and a cream soda for the ride home.
(4)
Alex M.
Wow. Rarely am I blown away by something as simple as soup, salad, and sandwiches... but Nelson's does it right. Wait, let me rephrase. Nelson's does it best. I work close to this place - it's on the intersection of Snelling and Como near the fair grounds - so I've been lucky enough to go here on a regular basis. Everything on their menu is fresh and made to order. Items run from cold sandwiches like the Como (Thinly Sliced Chicken Breast, Bacon, Chive Havarti on Vienna White Bread with Lettuce, Tomato, Cucumbers and Ranch Sauce) to hot classics like the Reuben and Philly Beef and Cheese to signature salads and soups of the day. There is also large assortment of imported/specialty goods; these include items like bacon chocolate, old fashioned candies, and of course - Nelson's famous cheese! The assortment for cheese is quite sizable. I recommend the aged sharp cheddar - take some of goodness home to momma! Simply put, Nelson Cheese Factory is the best sandwich shop around. It's gonna make you sorry you ever went to Subway... sorry Jared!
(5)
Lisa M.
Long lines, big sandwiches! We walk in and in addition the large amount of people in there, I notice they now have salads. I haven't been to Nelson's in what seems like forever, so things have changed. They had a large number of salads to choose from, plus it looked like you could make your own. Looked good, long line. We made our way to the sandwiches. I had a Town of Nelson - turkey, ham, baby Swiss, lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo on caraway rye. I don't like onion or mayo, so in retrospect, I should have gone for what I know I like - Como Club or Santa Fe. Don't get me wrong, it was good and very big, but I was wooed by the caraway rye. I should have been wooed by the chive Havarti or caliente sauce instead. We waited again to pay. They have chips, pop, pasta salads, and cookies and bars to tempt you as well. The whole experience took about 20 mins from in to out. That's too long for just a sandwich. It was good and reasonably priced at $6.50 with tax, but next time, I will go either earlier or later. 11:45 is insanely busy.
(3)
Mike M.
Stopped in to Nelson's on our way to Minnehaha falls. My sandwich was huge. I really enjoyed it and the people at Nelson's were very friendly. I didn't actually try any of Nelson's cheese by itself but the muenster cheese on my sandwich was very good and I'm sure their cheese is top notch. On the way there we kept making a joke about Snelling Nelson's cheese, as Nelson's Cheese and Deli is undoubtedly on Snelling Ave and Como, which helped the outing take on a happy vibe from the get go. Anyway, if you're in the area, on your way to the zoo, perhaps, give Nelson's a go. You'll be glad you did.
(4)
Rachael R.
This place is less than 5 minutes away from my office, and I don't think I'll ever quit my job, I love Nelsons too much. My favorite Rachel in town with these modifications: substitute pumpernickel and add pickles (free). Their salads and soups are also amazing. I never get bored of their food.
(5)
Mat L.
Good, not great. Just tried Nelson's for the first time. The inside is much more impressive than the unprepossessing outside suggests. The meats are generally high quality, but I found the two sandwiches we tried (Mr. T & St Paul Special) somewhat uninspired flavor wise. The carrot cake was great, however. Also, the build your own salad bar is impressive. All in all, not a bad deli but the sandwiches aren't really worth going out of your way for.
(4)
Dawn F.
I will never forget my first Cheesemaker Sandwich. A friend had brought lunch to me at work, opting to swing by Nelson Cheese and Deli. I remember seeing that sandwich, it was huge. To say I was intimidated would be an understatement. Yet, it was the best sandwich I've ever had from a deli. Yes, it took 2 days to finish the thing, but it was worth it . Once you try the Cheesemaker, you'll never go back. Before heading into a meeting this week, I happened to be within 6 blocks of Nelson Cheese & Deli. As usual I forgot their hours, and walked up 2 minutes before they were about to close. I had turned around, knowing the staff probably wanted to go home, but alas one of the guys waved me in, and they took care of my order. i.e. ensured I had a Cheesemaker "fix." I knew I already loved this deli. But the staff was beyond welcoming considering they all prob. wanted to go home. Hence, I will continue to sing praises of this wonderful establishment - and also encourage everyone to know that the staff there will treat you like a superstar. :)
(5)
Tracy W.
I went here for the first time tonight, at the recommendation of a friend. I had the Mr. T, and it was absolutely wonderful. I normally don't like mustard, and I was a little worried about the Bermuda (?) Onions, but this was a really good sandwich. There was plenty of turkey and cheese, and the vegetables tasted very fresh. The food deserves 5+ stars. The reason I'm giving Nelson 4 stars is because the food is a little pricey. I spent $10 for a sandwich, a pop, and a cookie. I could spend $10 at a sit down cafe, but the prices at Nelson won't keep me away. Another issue was that the deli was a little understaffed. We had to wait for them to finish making some hot sandwiches before paying for our cold ones. It didn't hurt my experience, because I was in no rush, but this isn't exactly an "in and out" experience like Jimmy John's or Subway. For all the people complaining about no seating, on a nice day, you can pick up a sandwich, walk down the street, and enjoy it at Como Park!
(4)
Emily L.
There is no seating here. So be prepared to take your food back to the office, home or car. This is a great place to take people with varying tastes because they can make their own salad or sandwich or choose from one of the many speciality items on the menu. There is not one weak point of the menu. The salads, sandwiches (hot and cold), hotdogs, and baked goods are all awesome! My go to items are: seven layer salad, health nut salad, como club, coney hotdog, and the meatball sub.
(5)
Erin G.
I stopped in for a salad to bring with me to night class. I try to be as healthy as possible most of the time so I usually end up with a salad wherever I go, unless I am having a yolo moment (which happens more than I'd like sometimes!) so I came for the salad, although the sandwiches sounded delicious. I am notoriously indecisive, so I couldn't decide among their salad options so I chose the "create your own" salad. You don't actually get to make it yourself, you tell them what you want and they put it together in a bowl for you. Mine was huge and delicious! I wished they had red peppers or sun dried tomatoes though. They do have a big selection and didn't skimp on the meat. They lost a star because of their dressing options... they had a lot available but only one light option (ranch), which is a bummer. I love a nice light vinaigrette. I'll definitely come again for a big salad, especially since it's so close to Hamline!
(4)
Pardra H.
I loved it!!! No seating, just order and go. MEATBALL SUB WAS GREAT, definitely going back for more. Coworker tips to go around 11 am to avoid rush, great food and staff was friendly :)
(5)
K K.
Go for the daily walk in special where you can get sandwich + side + drink for under $9. The quality of meats and cheeses is top notch. Desserts aren't bad either. The lemon cake is the clear winner.
(4)
Joe J.
Great deli. This is the place I go to get food for my bosses when they come into town. Great variety of sandwiches, and a really heavy duty salad bar. Every sandwich I've ordered from here I like. Variety is the key with Nelson's, a staple off Como Ave.
(4)
Ken P.
OMG. This place is amazing. Really small thing but I think the pickle was the best one I've ever eaten. The only thing I would skip is the chocolate chip cookie. Bread and Chocolate's cookie is way better. But the pasta salads are perfect. Love all the extra teats you can get here like Anna's cookies. This place is worth the trip. For sure.
(5)
Alexander V.
A nice mom & pop type cheese and sandwich shop. I've been here a few times. I like picking up string cheese every now and then at this location. This shop is the sister location to the one in Wabasha, MN. I think the owners are brothers. I find the prices here are a bit steep for what you end up getting, but I try to remember that I'm supporting a local small business. It can get busy here during the 12:00 lunch time, so shoot for 11am or 1pm to avoid the line. They have an online ordering system I haven't tried yet, but its mainly for their cheese baskets.
(4)
Matthew G.
Nelson's is one of my favorite sandwich and salad shops. The staff is extremely friendly and make sure you say hi to Mark. Everything is made to order and they get quite busy. So give yourself a little extra time.
(4)
Joe S.
Nelson's kills it. Forget about those chain sandwich restaurants. If you are within driving range of this place, this is where you should be getting your sandwiches from. There is an expansive menu to choose from both hot and cold as well as a build your own section with tons of choices, and don't miss the hotdog/brat menu at the end of the sandwich line. The employees are great, super friendly and will take the time to make you something you will like. Nice selection of chips and drinks and a solid rotating pasta and cold sides menu as well. Quick, easy, delicious. Been twice now and will be back many times.
(5)
John S.
It's all in the bread. The moist tasty Nelson's bread is the best part of holding their sandwiches together and surrounding the content with a fresh baked flavor. Based on three visits the product is consistent and I've never had an unpleasant surprise. Many years ago before expanding the deli they used to have a larger selection of cheese as per their name. The little sandwich counter caught on and of course the owners wisely expanded deli selections promoted their catering business which is probably even bigger than their counter sales. There seems to be a little confusion among the patrons as to where to stand to order. It appears the deli does not want to appear procedure driven ( No sandwich for you) but depending on who's working the counter people congregate from the middle to the right side. One time there was an employee on one end of the counter who apparently was not taking orders for sandwiches, and one on the other side who was but he just seemed to pick people at random rather than any order leaving some of us standing and staring longer than those who had just walked in. The most recent visit two employees were working sandwiches and after I ordered two, I received one back. There doesn't seem to be a system for tracking orders, just rely on memory and verbal reminders. The selection of sodas and various drinks and chips is better than most other places and grocery delis.
(4)
Steven D.
I'm so blessed to have this deli near work when I travel in. I wish it was close by for a dinner option so I can buy some cheese from their wide selection. For lunch they have a small selection of pre-made salads but you can also build your own and choose from over 30 different items. You can choose between 20 different sandwiches.. regular, larger, and hot sandwiches. There are also a few selection for soups. If you're a big fan of pasta or potato salads, they have a few to choose from as well that's sold by the pound. It seems like they rotate selections daily and have a few staples ones to choose from. There is a small parking lot in the back, so it might be an issue around the lunch rush, but I think there's street parking available as well if it's really all full. Service is fast and they're very nice! Do yourself a favor and try them!
(5)
Ahmad R.
Really enjoyed this place and may become a regular. It's very casual, no seating, lots of sandwich choices, some salads, cheeses, desserts, and good bottled sodas. Chicken Little was our favorite out of it, the Hamline, and Rachel.
(4)
Karl W.
Kitty corner to the greatest fair on earth is Nelson cheese and deli. I was amazed to find a bottle of Bubble-Up 25 years later after being a regular drinker at Red Owl. The lady helping me checkout looked puzzled for how happy I was over a bottle of soda. After all these years it's not as mind blowing as I remember, tastes like a flat 7up with a hint of orange flavor mixed in Tried the Cheesemaker, which was the most recommended on yelp. It was good but needed more dressing in my opinion. The chips on the othe hand was 5 stars, simply awesome. Disappointed there was no seating so I had to eat in the car, which another guy was doing next to me.
(4)
Annie P.
Great little sandwich shop over by the State Fair. Today I had their marvelous 7 Layer Salad w/ Romaine lettuce, bacon, smoked-turkey, cheddar cheese, peas, onions, tomatoes & croutons. It was fresh and plentiful. I've been coming here for years and always impressed with sandwiches, soups, desserts and customer service. You will not be disappointed.
(4)
Heath S.
I love this place, everything is delicious! My only neg is that they have changed the way that they charge you for the salads. Everything is now based on weight. The issue is that the customer is not making it themselves, the employees are. If you pay by weight it is a way to keep the customer honest when they load up the container. If you want to charge $10 for a salad, that's fine, but post it and train your staff to make it the same weight every time. I am put off by charging by the weight of my salad if I do not make it myself and I have expressed this. I'll bet sales on salads have decreased because of this ambiguity. But I will return because, again, they are delicious. I would go there more often if the salad thing wasn't so backwards.
(4)
Cedar S.
To sum it up in one sentence, Nelson's is the kind of place that serves romaine lettuce instead of iceberg and real bread instead of the typical wonder variety. Prices are low at $6.04 for a sandwich you can literally add anything to. By anything this includes about 10 kinds of meats, 15 veggies, 10 fresh cheeses, sauces, pick your bread (another 10 varieties) for a sandwich made with real food that you can barely fit in your mouth. At noon the line snakes out the door and practically around the building but it moves quickly and the service is great. There's a giant drink cooler, chips, and don't be afraid to get a salad, there are at least 50 things you can put on your salad, all very bright-colored and fresh, and its mixed in a big silver bowl and boxed up for you to take with. There is no seating, so we ate on the drive back to work. Bummer, but honestly with how busy this place is I wouldn't want to throw any sort of cog in their well-oiled sandwich-producing machine. This place SCREAMS foodie, but is entirely (and almost shockingly so) lacking the foodie price or attitude. It's the kind of place you dream about but never actually find. Until you do. Find it, and you'll have a lifetime sandwich shop. If you live within any reasonable distance of this place, from Minneapolis to St. Paul and any surrounding suburb, you will be beside yourself that it took you this long to find Nelson Cheese and Deli.
(5)
David O.
I've eaten at Delis just about everywhere in the Twin Cities and around the US and Nelson's is right up there with the best. The sandwiches are generous and fresh. Their sauces excellent. They have the best selection of small company sodas around. The bread as darn good too. Once you find Nelson's you will be a regular and never eat at a chain sandwich shop again.
(5)
John O.
Nelson, we are cool If you weren't so close to work I would like you more The first couple hundred times I ate here, I probably would have given it five stars. Sometimes you can have too much of a good thing, I guess. Nothing has changed about the place other than that my palate has been fully exposed to the menu, and variety is the spice of life. The KC BBQ sandwich is my favorite item. The thing is massive. Probably not the best for the waistline, though. Usually, I tried to mix in a salad every now and then when I was coming here non-stop. For sandwiches, the Rachel and Reuben are also both quite good. They added three different hot dogs to the menu a year or two ago. Everything is very affordable. Be advised that this is a take-out only place and it can get very busy during the workday noon hour. Best to go for an early or late lunch. Como Park is just down the street if you want to eat there when the weather is decent. Will I be back? Absolutely, but more and more my food booty call rather than my main squeeze.
(4)
Alicia S.
The sandwiches are DELICIOUS! My personal fav. is the Chicken Little. They also have a great selection of sodas, chips, and candies. Service has been quick and friendly, even when they are really busy. Also very inexpensive. It's just too bad they don't have seating inside.
(5)
Scott D.
Great food. Extremely slow service. 20 minutes to push 6 people thru a line.
(4)
Michelle A.
Seriously awesome sandwiches on fresh bread. I always get the Mr. T, a fantastic turkey sandwich. It's not advertised, but you can always ask for a 1/2 sandwich. Perfect for the smaller stomachs out there! If you see the carrot cake in the refrigerated case on your way out, get a slice. It is mouth-wateringly delicious. Definitely some of the best cake I've ever had. Weird that it's from a deli. As others have said, Nelson is take-out only (no seating inside or anywhere nearby), so plan accordingly. I'd recommend heading up to Como Park to enjoy lunch by some beautiful nearby lakes!
(5)
Polly B.
I have tried the Chicken Little (chicken salad and alfalfa sprouts) and Santa Fe (roasted chicken) sandwich. They were both wonderful. I want to try a salad the next time. Anything you would want on a salad, they have it. You walk through the salad line and they build the salad with the toppings you request. Everything looks so fresh and good. Also tried the cookies and the cakes. All delicious. Service is also friendly and efficient. They also have packaged cheese, specialty sodas, gourmet chocolate and a good selection of chip flavors.
(5)
B S.
This market was a deli-ghtful surprise. I expected fresh ingredients but the flavors were great, the portions generous, and the prices reasonable. The service was friendly too. Given they afford such attention to each salad and sandwich made; I could see it getting backed up a bit during peak hours. Regardless, I plan to return to explore their menu of takeout treats.
(5)
Ruth D.
Puts Subway ("Eat Fresh!") to shame. These sandwiches are The. Best. Period. And the cheese! And when you walk in and take a gander at the array of mouthwatering, colorful fresh ingredients in the salad section... oh. Great service, too!
(5)
Erica L.
I have to admit, I felt very stupid walking into this place and looking at the amazing menu because my family and I have been living near this place since 2009 and never thought of trying it out. When I tried the food, I felt even more stupid. It's so yummy that we've been back 4 times in 1 week!
(5)
Kristin H.
Situated on the corner of Como and Snelling Ave, Nelson's is always bustling. We walked in and got behind the already substantial line. I scanned the menu, thinking maybe this time I would get something besides my usual, no such luck. I ordered the "Create your own" just the way I like it -- delicious bread topped with turkey and roast beef, a huge slice of pepper-jack cheese and various veggies. Then, I always request extra honey mustard to top it off. I don't know what makes their honey mustard so delicious, but it is amazing. Seriously, try it. I think this is the main reason I always tend to create my own sandwich, I need that honey mustard! I switch off between this and the Chicken Little, a delicious homemade chicken salad on a wild rice bun, yum. The chicken salad is another highlight on their menu. All the sandwiches are made to-go, so after a short time waiting we proceeded to the register. At $6.04 plus tax for each sandwich, we left paying a little under $14. We walked out to our car and devoured our sandwiches in the parking lot. Not our usual Nelson's routine, but this time there wasn't a better option. Next time you need a quick pick-me-up or a meal on the go, head over to Nelson's Deli and Cheese. You will not be disappointed. Atmosphere It's a deli, so the atmosphere is nothing special. It's the taste that counts! Service Your sandwich is always handed to you quickly and with a smile. Presentation The sandwiches are always bulging with color and deliciousness. The salads are also a good bet for a beautiful presentation. Taste Delicious. The cheese is definitely a stand out in these sandwiches. Oh, and try that honey mustard! Value for Dollars For a sandwich you could find something cheaper. But, would it taste as good!?
(5)
Jordan H.
Great deli. Just keep an eye one the young staff to make sure you are getting what you ordered. Great selection of root beer. You should atleasttry it once.
(5)
Joey S.
There's nothing positive I can say that hasn't been said in numerous other reviews. Great food, good value, and friendly staff. With that being said there's one major problem, and that's getting people in and out. The staff making sandwiches and salads are on top of things. Quick, friendly, and accurate. The problem is the bottleneck at lunchtime with one cashier who has absolutely no sense of urgency to keep the line moving. I was here last week and had my sandwich in 3-4 minutes. Then I had to wait another 15 just to get up to pay...totally unacceptible. Finally they pulled someone off making sandwiches to run the other register. If you know you're going to be busy why not have a second cashier all the time, or at least if you're only going to have one have someone with some speed?
(4)
Bryon W.
You will not find a better quick lunch in St. Paul then Nelsons. Get a St. Paul Red hot, what a winning wiener! You feeling like a Sammy instead? Town of Nelson on drop dead delightful caraway rye will do you right. Soup? What you like, How about Chicken dumpling? Or Beer Cheese? Chili may haps? You more of a salad green type? Have your salad your way, they will load you up with whatever you like. The food here is really good. You can go to subway and get total Sh*t, or you can come here and get fresh, delicious food made by a fun and helpful group of people. It's a Saint Paul Staple!
(5)
Ryan W.
I live nearby and think this place has the best cold cut sandwiches in town. I don't know how they can make basic sandwiches so amazing, but they are out of this world fantastic. Nothing too fancy. Sandwiches are about 7 bucks but I think well worth the price. It's a large sandwich and everything is as fresh and delicious as can be. I also like to get brick cheese here for parties or o'devours. They have some specialty cheeses you can't find at a standard grocery store. As an FYI - there is no seating here, it's a deli.
(5)
Richard K.
Bustling little sandwich shop @ corner of Como & Snelling. Really crowded during lunch. Call ahead & they will make it for pick up. Mr. T is my favorite. Grab a bag of chips & a pop and head over to a bench in Como park nearby.
(4)
Amy R.
Reubens are pretty good here! I've also enjoyed the St. Paul Special.. Ingredients are always nice and fresh. Sandwiches are quite big. They have great salads too. Service has always been good. As another yelper mentioned, this place gets very packed during the lunch hour and parking can be tricky.. I like that it's close to the lake. Sometimes I'll trot down to the park and savor my sandwich by the lake..
(4)
Nathan L.
Great little cheese shop. I would love to come back for lunch one day but it is a slight stretch on most business days to get over here. But in a pinch on the way home it is a great place to get a block of cheddar for some homemade mac and cheese and a cream soda for the ride home.
(4)
Alex M.
Wow. Rarely am I blown away by something as simple as soup, salad, and sandwiches... but Nelson's does it right. Wait, let me rephrase. Nelson's does it best. I work close to this place - it's on the intersection of Snelling and Como near the fair grounds - so I've been lucky enough to go here on a regular basis. Everything on their menu is fresh and made to order. Items run from cold sandwiches like the Como (Thinly Sliced Chicken Breast, Bacon, Chive Havarti on Vienna White Bread with Lettuce, Tomato, Cucumbers and Ranch Sauce) to hot classics like the Reuben and Philly Beef and Cheese to signature salads and soups of the day. There is also large assortment of imported/specialty goods; these include items like bacon chocolate, old fashioned candies, and of course - Nelson's famous cheese! The assortment for cheese is quite sizable. I recommend the aged sharp cheddar - take some of goodness home to momma! Simply put, Nelson Cheese Factory is the best sandwich shop around. It's gonna make you sorry you ever went to Subway... sorry Jared!
(5)
Lisa M.
Long lines, big sandwiches! We walk in and in addition the large amount of people in there, I notice they now have salads. I haven't been to Nelson's in what seems like forever, so things have changed. They had a large number of salads to choose from, plus it looked like you could make your own. Looked good, long line. We made our way to the sandwiches. I had a Town of Nelson - turkey, ham, baby Swiss, lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo on caraway rye. I don't like onion or mayo, so in retrospect, I should have gone for what I know I like - Como Club or Santa Fe. Don't get me wrong, it was good and very big, but I was wooed by the caraway rye. I should have been wooed by the chive Havarti or caliente sauce instead. We waited again to pay. They have chips, pop, pasta salads, and cookies and bars to tempt you as well. The whole experience took about 20 mins from in to out. That's too long for just a sandwich. It was good and reasonably priced at $6.50 with tax, but next time, I will go either earlier or later. 11:45 is insanely busy.
(3)
Mike M.
Stopped in to Nelson's on our way to Minnehaha falls. My sandwich was huge. I really enjoyed it and the people at Nelson's were very friendly. I didn't actually try any of Nelson's cheese by itself but the muenster cheese on my sandwich was very good and I'm sure their cheese is top notch. On the way there we kept making a joke about Snelling Nelson's cheese, as Nelson's Cheese and Deli is undoubtedly on Snelling Ave and Como, which helped the outing take on a happy vibe from the get go. Anyway, if you're in the area, on your way to the zoo, perhaps, give Nelson's a go. You'll be glad you did.
(4)
Rachael R.
This place is less than 5 minutes away from my office, and I don't think I'll ever quit my job, I love Nelsons too much. My favorite Rachel in town with these modifications: substitute pumpernickel and add pickles (free). Their salads and soups are also amazing. I never get bored of their food.
(5)
Mat L.
Good, not great. Just tried Nelson's for the first time. The inside is much more impressive than the unprepossessing outside suggests. The meats are generally high quality, but I found the two sandwiches we tried (Mr. T & St Paul Special) somewhat uninspired flavor wise. The carrot cake was great, however. Also, the build your own salad bar is impressive. All in all, not a bad deli but the sandwiches aren't really worth going out of your way for.
(4)
Dawn F.
I will never forget my first Cheesemaker Sandwich. A friend had brought lunch to me at work, opting to swing by Nelson Cheese and Deli. I remember seeing that sandwich, it was huge. To say I was intimidated would be an understatement. Yet, it was the best sandwich I've ever had from a deli. Yes, it took 2 days to finish the thing, but it was worth it . Once you try the Cheesemaker, you'll never go back. Before heading into a meeting this week, I happened to be within 6 blocks of Nelson Cheese & Deli. As usual I forgot their hours, and walked up 2 minutes before they were about to close. I had turned around, knowing the staff probably wanted to go home, but alas one of the guys waved me in, and they took care of my order. i.e. ensured I had a Cheesemaker "fix." I knew I already loved this deli. But the staff was beyond welcoming considering they all prob. wanted to go home. Hence, I will continue to sing praises of this wonderful establishment - and also encourage everyone to know that the staff there will treat you like a superstar. :)
(5)
Tracy W.
I went here for the first time tonight, at the recommendation of a friend. I had the Mr. T, and it was absolutely wonderful. I normally don't like mustard, and I was a little worried about the Bermuda (?) Onions, but this was a really good sandwich. There was plenty of turkey and cheese, and the vegetables tasted very fresh. The food deserves 5+ stars. The reason I'm giving Nelson 4 stars is because the food is a little pricey. I spent $10 for a sandwich, a pop, and a cookie. I could spend $10 at a sit down cafe, but the prices at Nelson won't keep me away. Another issue was that the deli was a little understaffed. We had to wait for them to finish making some hot sandwiches before paying for our cold ones. It didn't hurt my experience, because I was in no rush, but this isn't exactly an "in and out" experience like Jimmy John's or Subway. For all the people complaining about no seating, on a nice day, you can pick up a sandwich, walk down the street, and enjoy it at Como Park!
(4)
Joe S.
Nelson's kills it. Forget about those chain sandwich restaurants. If you are within driving range of this place, this is where you should be getting your sandwiches from. There is an expansive menu to choose from both hot and cold as well as a build your own section with tons of choices, and don't miss the hotdog/brat menu at the end of the sandwich line. The employees are great, super friendly and will take the time to make you something you will like. Nice selection of chips and drinks and a solid rotating pasta and cold sides menu as well. Quick, easy, delicious. Been twice now and will be back many times.
(5)
Emily L.
There is no seating here. So be prepared to take your food back to the office, home or car. This is a great place to take people with varying tastes because they can make their own salad or sandwich or choose from one of the many speciality items on the menu. There is not one weak point of the menu. The salads, sandwiches (hot and cold), hotdogs, and baked goods are all awesome! My go to items are: seven layer salad, health nut salad, como club, coney hotdog, and the meatball sub.
(5)
Erin G.
I stopped in for a salad to bring with me to night class. I try to be as healthy as possible most of the time so I usually end up with a salad wherever I go, unless I am having a yolo moment (which happens more than I'd like sometimes!) so I came for the salad, although the sandwiches sounded delicious. I am notoriously indecisive, so I couldn't decide among their salad options so I chose the "create your own" salad. You don't actually get to make it yourself, you tell them what you want and they put it together in a bowl for you. Mine was huge and delicious! I wished they had red peppers or sun dried tomatoes though. They do have a big selection and didn't skimp on the meat. They lost a star because of their dressing options... they had a lot available but only one light option (ranch), which is a bummer. I love a nice light vinaigrette. I'll definitely come again for a big salad, especially since it's so close to Hamline!
(4)
Pardra H.
I loved it!!! No seating, just order and go. MEATBALL SUB WAS GREAT, definitely going back for more. Coworker tips to go around 11 am to avoid rush, great food and staff was friendly :)
(5)
K K.
Go for the daily walk in special where you can get sandwich + side + drink for under $9. The quality of meats and cheeses is top notch. Desserts aren't bad either. The lemon cake is the clear winner.
(4)
Joe J.
Great deli. This is the place I go to get food for my bosses when they come into town. Great variety of sandwiches, and a really heavy duty salad bar. Every sandwich I've ordered from here I like. Variety is the key with Nelson's, a staple off Como Ave.
(4)
John S.
It's all in the bread. The moist tasty Nelson's bread is the best part of holding their sandwiches together and surrounding the content with a fresh baked flavor. Based on three visits the product is consistent and I've never had an unpleasant surprise. Many years ago before expanding the deli they used to have a larger selection of cheese as per their name. The little sandwich counter caught on and of course the owners wisely expanded deli selections promoted their catering business which is probably even bigger than their counter sales. There seems to be a little confusion among the patrons as to where to stand to order. It appears the deli does not want to appear procedure driven ( No sandwich for you) but depending on who's working the counter people congregate from the middle to the right side. One time there was an employee on one end of the counter who apparently was not taking orders for sandwiches, and one on the other side who was but he just seemed to pick people at random rather than any order leaving some of us standing and staring longer than those who had just walked in. The most recent visit two employees were working sandwiches and after I ordered two, I received one back. There doesn't seem to be a system for tracking orders, just rely on memory and verbal reminders. The selection of sodas and various drinks and chips is better than most other places and grocery delis.
(4)
Steven D.
I'm so blessed to have this deli near work when I travel in. I wish it was close by for a dinner option so I can buy some cheese from their wide selection. For lunch they have a small selection of pre-made salads but you can also build your own and choose from over 30 different items. You can choose between 20 different sandwiches.. regular, larger, and hot sandwiches. There are also a few selection for soups. If you're a big fan of pasta or potato salads, they have a few to choose from as well that's sold by the pound. It seems like they rotate selections daily and have a few staples ones to choose from. There is a small parking lot in the back, so it might be an issue around the lunch rush, but I think there's street parking available as well if it's really all full. Service is fast and they're very nice! Do yourself a favor and try them!
(5)
Ahmad R.
Really enjoyed this place and may become a regular. It's very casual, no seating, lots of sandwich choices, some salads, cheeses, desserts, and good bottled sodas. Chicken Little was our favorite out of it, the Hamline, and Rachel.
(4)
Karl W.
Kitty corner to the greatest fair on earth is Nelson cheese and deli. I was amazed to find a bottle of Bubble-Up 25 years later after being a regular drinker at Red Owl. The lady helping me checkout looked puzzled for how happy I was over a bottle of soda. After all these years it's not as mind blowing as I remember, tastes like a flat 7up with a hint of orange flavor mixed in Tried the Cheesemaker, which was the most recommended on yelp. It was good but needed more dressing in my opinion. The chips on the othe hand was 5 stars, simply awesome. Disappointed there was no seating so I had to eat in the car, which another guy was doing next to me.
(4)
Ken P.
OMG. This place is amazing. Really small thing but I think the pickle was the best one I've ever eaten. The only thing I would skip is the chocolate chip cookie. Bread and Chocolate's cookie is way better. But the pasta salads are perfect. Love all the extra teats you can get here like Anna's cookies. This place is worth the trip. For sure.
(5)
Alexander V.
A nice mom & pop type cheese and sandwich shop. I've been here a few times. I like picking up string cheese every now and then at this location. This shop is the sister location to the one in Wabasha, MN. I think the owners are brothers. I find the prices here are a bit steep for what you end up getting, but I try to remember that I'm supporting a local small business. It can get busy here during the 12:00 lunch time, so shoot for 11am or 1pm to avoid the line. They have an online ordering system I haven't tried yet, but its mainly for their cheese baskets.
(4)
Annie P.
Great little sandwich shop over by the State Fair. Today I had their marvelous 7 Layer Salad w/ Romaine lettuce, bacon, smoked-turkey, cheddar cheese, peas, onions, tomatoes & croutons. It was fresh and plentiful. I've been coming here for years and always impressed with sandwiches, soups, desserts and customer service. You will not be disappointed.
(4)
Matthew G.
Nelson's is one of my favorite sandwich and salad shops. The staff is extremely friendly and make sure you say hi to Mark. Everything is made to order and they get quite busy. So give yourself a little extra time.
(4)
Heath S.
I love this place, everything is delicious! My only neg is that they have changed the way that they charge you for the salads. Everything is now based on weight. The issue is that the customer is not making it themselves, the employees are. If you pay by weight it is a way to keep the customer honest when they load up the container. If you want to charge $10 for a salad, that's fine, but post it and train your staff to make it the same weight every time. I am put off by charging by the weight of my salad if I do not make it myself and I have expressed this. I'll bet sales on salads have decreased because of this ambiguity. But I will return because, again, they are delicious. I would go there more often if the salad thing wasn't so backwards.
(4)
Cedar S.
To sum it up in one sentence, Nelson's is the kind of place that serves romaine lettuce instead of iceberg and real bread instead of the typical wonder variety. Prices are low at $6.04 for a sandwich you can literally add anything to. By anything this includes about 10 kinds of meats, 15 veggies, 10 fresh cheeses, sauces, pick your bread (another 10 varieties) for a sandwich made with real food that you can barely fit in your mouth. At noon the line snakes out the door and practically around the building but it moves quickly and the service is great. There's a giant drink cooler, chips, and don't be afraid to get a salad, there are at least 50 things you can put on your salad, all very bright-colored and fresh, and its mixed in a big silver bowl and boxed up for you to take with. There is no seating, so we ate on the drive back to work. Bummer, but honestly with how busy this place is I wouldn't want to throw any sort of cog in their well-oiled sandwich-producing machine. This place SCREAMS foodie, but is entirely (and almost shockingly so) lacking the foodie price or attitude. It's the kind of place you dream about but never actually find. Until you do. Find it, and you'll have a lifetime sandwich shop. If you live within any reasonable distance of this place, from Minneapolis to St. Paul and any surrounding suburb, you will be beside yourself that it took you this long to find Nelson Cheese and Deli.
(5)
David O.
I've eaten at Delis just about everywhere in the Twin Cities and around the US and Nelson's is right up there with the best. The sandwiches are generous and fresh. Their sauces excellent. They have the best selection of small company sodas around. The bread as darn good too. Once you find Nelson's you will be a regular and never eat at a chain sandwich shop again.
(5)
John O.
Nelson, we are cool If you weren't so close to work I would like you more The first couple hundred times I ate here, I probably would have given it five stars. Sometimes you can have too much of a good thing, I guess. Nothing has changed about the place other than that my palate has been fully exposed to the menu, and variety is the spice of life. The KC BBQ sandwich is my favorite item. The thing is massive. Probably not the best for the waistline, though. Usually, I tried to mix in a salad every now and then when I was coming here non-stop. For sandwiches, the Rachel and Reuben are also both quite good. They added three different hot dogs to the menu a year or two ago. Everything is very affordable. Be advised that this is a take-out only place and it can get very busy during the workday noon hour. Best to go for an early or late lunch. Como Park is just down the street if you want to eat there when the weather is decent. Will I be back? Absolutely, but more and more my food booty call rather than my main squeeze.
(4)
Alicia S.
The sandwiches are DELICIOUS! My personal fav. is the Chicken Little. They also have a great selection of sodas, chips, and candies. Service has been quick and friendly, even when they are really busy. Also very inexpensive. It's just too bad they don't have seating inside.
(5)
Scott D.
Great food. Extremely slow service. 20 minutes to push 6 people thru a line.
(4)
Polly B.
I have tried the Chicken Little (chicken salad and alfalfa sprouts) and Santa Fe (roasted chicken) sandwich. They were both wonderful. I want to try a salad the next time. Anything you would want on a salad, they have it. You walk through the salad line and they build the salad with the toppings you request. Everything looks so fresh and good. Also tried the cookies and the cakes. All delicious. Service is also friendly and efficient. They also have packaged cheese, specialty sodas, gourmet chocolate and a good selection of chip flavors.
(5)
B S.
This market was a deli-ghtful surprise. I expected fresh ingredients but the flavors were great, the portions generous, and the prices reasonable. The service was friendly too. Given they afford such attention to each salad and sandwich made; I could see it getting backed up a bit during peak hours. Regardless, I plan to return to explore their menu of takeout treats.
(5)
Ruth D.
Puts Subway ("Eat Fresh!") to shame. These sandwiches are The. Best. Period. And the cheese! And when you walk in and take a gander at the array of mouthwatering, colorful fresh ingredients in the salad section... oh. Great service, too!
(5)
Michelle A.
Seriously awesome sandwiches on fresh bread. I always get the Mr. T, a fantastic turkey sandwich. It's not advertised, but you can always ask for a 1/2 sandwich. Perfect for the smaller stomachs out there! If you see the carrot cake in the refrigerated case on your way out, get a slice. It is mouth-wateringly delicious. Definitely some of the best cake I've ever had. Weird that it's from a deli. As others have said, Nelson is take-out only (no seating inside or anywhere nearby), so plan accordingly. I'd recommend heading up to Como Park to enjoy lunch by some beautiful nearby lakes!
(5)
Erica L.
I have to admit, I felt very stupid walking into this place and looking at the amazing menu because my family and I have been living near this place since 2009 and never thought of trying it out. When I tried the food, I felt even more stupid. It's so yummy that we've been back 4 times in 1 week!
(5)
Ryan W.
I live nearby and think this place has the best cold cut sandwiches in town. I don't know how they can make basic sandwiches so amazing, but they are out of this world fantastic. Nothing too fancy. Sandwiches are about 7 bucks but I think well worth the price. It's a large sandwich and everything is as fresh and delicious as can be. I also like to get brick cheese here for parties or o'devours. They have some specialty cheeses you can't find at a standard grocery store. As an FYI - there is no seating here, it's a deli.
(5)
Richard K.
Bustling little sandwich shop @ corner of Como & Snelling. Really crowded during lunch. Call ahead & they will make it for pick up. Mr. T is my favorite. Grab a bag of chips & a pop and head over to a bench in Como park nearby.
(4)
Kristin H.
Situated on the corner of Como and Snelling Ave, Nelson's is always bustling. We walked in and got behind the already substantial line. I scanned the menu, thinking maybe this time I would get something besides my usual, no such luck. I ordered the "Create your own" just the way I like it -- delicious bread topped with turkey and roast beef, a huge slice of pepper-jack cheese and various veggies. Then, I always request extra honey mustard to top it off. I don't know what makes their honey mustard so delicious, but it is amazing. Seriously, try it. I think this is the main reason I always tend to create my own sandwich, I need that honey mustard! I switch off between this and the Chicken Little, a delicious homemade chicken salad on a wild rice bun, yum. The chicken salad is another highlight on their menu. All the sandwiches are made to-go, so after a short time waiting we proceeded to the register. At $6.04 plus tax for each sandwich, we left paying a little under $14. We walked out to our car and devoured our sandwiches in the parking lot. Not our usual Nelson's routine, but this time there wasn't a better option. Next time you need a quick pick-me-up or a meal on the go, head over to Nelson's Deli and Cheese. You will not be disappointed. Atmosphere It's a deli, so the atmosphere is nothing special. It's the taste that counts! Service Your sandwich is always handed to you quickly and with a smile. Presentation The sandwiches are always bulging with color and deliciousness. The salads are also a good bet for a beautiful presentation. Taste Delicious. The cheese is definitely a stand out in these sandwiches. Oh, and try that honey mustard! Value for Dollars For a sandwich you could find something cheaper. But, would it taste as good!?
(5)
Jordan H.
Great deli. Just keep an eye one the young staff to make sure you are getting what you ordered. Great selection of root beer. You should atleasttry it once.
(5)
Joey S.
There's nothing positive I can say that hasn't been said in numerous other reviews. Great food, good value, and friendly staff. With that being said there's one major problem, and that's getting people in and out. The staff making sandwiches and salads are on top of things. Quick, friendly, and accurate. The problem is the bottleneck at lunchtime with one cashier who has absolutely no sense of urgency to keep the line moving. I was here last week and had my sandwich in 3-4 minutes. Then I had to wait another 15 just to get up to pay...totally unacceptible. Finally they pulled someone off making sandwiches to run the other register. If you know you're going to be busy why not have a second cashier all the time, or at least if you're only going to have one have someone with some speed?
(4)
Bryon W.
You will not find a better quick lunch in St. Paul then Nelsons. Get a St. Paul Red hot, what a winning wiener! You feeling like a Sammy instead? Town of Nelson on drop dead delightful caraway rye will do you right. Soup? What you like, How about Chicken dumpling? Or Beer Cheese? Chili may haps? You more of a salad green type? Have your salad your way, they will load you up with whatever you like. The food here is really good. You can go to subway and get total Sh*t, or you can come here and get fresh, delicious food made by a fun and helpful group of people. It's a Saint Paul Staple!
(5)
Andy B.
Tucked into the corner of the Como Park neighborhood, Nelson's is a fine place for sandwiches, salads, and well, cheese. Their menu goes well beyond the typical Jimmy John's standards, offering a variety of smart sandwich combos like roast beef with red onion on pumpernickel, topped with a zippy special sauce. It's amazing what fresh ingredients can do to a simple sandwich. The salads are just as inventive and flavorful, especially the Mardi Gras chock full of olives, blue cheese and other tasty bits. Grab a sandwich and a pickle cut into quarters and you're good to go. Nelson's focuses on the lunch rush and is closed by 7:00 (or earlier). If they stayed open a little later I'd probably go there for lunch AND dinner on the same day.
(4)
John H.
the Cheesemaker with bacon is the King of All Cold-Cut Deli Sandwiches: Virginia Baked Ham, Turkey Breast, Pastrami, and Salami. Wisconsin Cheese, Cheddar and Baby Swiss with Lettuce, Green Peppers, Onions, Mayonnaise and some kind of crazy extra-special sauce on a nice roll. A big sandwich. I mean honestly- 1/2 is a meal. Place is good. And they do hot dogs now. and great salads. and cheese. and Jolt cola. the staff is great too. I've been known to call ahead to get sandwiches and they're cool with it - (ahem) i assume. basically it's a great small place with a huge list of sandwiches. Some great desserts, some great bottled drinks. Not that spendy, and never crazy busy. Try it out some time. And parking too!
(5)
Brendan T.
A great stop after suffering through Como Town with your kids in tow. Great sandwiches and nice beverage selection plus great cheese curds.
(4)
Laura P.
This place is amazing! My favorite place to get a sandwich. I've never been disappointed with Nelson Cheese Factory! Como park is super close by, so it's ideal to take a sandwich to the park on a nice day. I had the Santa Fe chicken last time I was there. It's one of the hot sandwiches. They have amazing bread, which immediately gets an A+ from me. The chicken breast was seasoned wonderfully, there was some veggies and some kind of crazy sauce that was a little spicy. My boyfriend and I split one of their cold pasta salads, it was really good! We definitely made a good decision on trying it :) He had a coney hotdog, he reported that it was much to his liking. I highly recommend this place!
(5)
Hope C.
The boyfriend and I stopped in for a bite to eat before heading to Como Zoo. I had the Mr. T and my boyfriend had a Hot Hero and EVERYTHING WAS SO GOOD. The bread was good, the meat was great, the veggies were fresh and it came with a cookie and drink for about 8 bucks. This place is awesome! Great place to stop for a bite if you're headed to the Zoo and don't want to spend an arm and a leg on zoo food.
(5)
Marc B.
The hands-down place to go for lunch in the area if you don't give a d*mn about your cholesterol. All of their sandwiches are superb, and they pile on the meats and cheeses. Forgot Quiznos or Subways or even Jimmy Johns. This is the real deal. You can't beat the quality or the quantity. I recommend the Cheesemaker, a hefty pound and a half behemoth somehow classifying as a sandwich seems insulting. Make sure to save room for some of Nelson's divine home-made ice cream and an artisanal beverage. Earlier reviewers complained about parking. Between on-street parking and the lot behind the building, I've never had a problem despite going there once or twice a month my entire life.
(5)
Mark M.
They have the best sandwiches in the Twin Cities, the ingredients are all top quality, not bleached out veggies like they have at Subway. Order a Cheasemaker sandwich (and have them add pickles for free). It comes in two halves and feeds two people easily. They pile on the meat and cheese SO THICK! Simply amazing qualities meat, chease, veggies, bread - the real deal here. I never get the drinks or other deli goods, because they are little spendy, but a Cheesemaker that is two meals for $7.50 is a great deal.
(5)
Mellie M.
I have been in love with Nelson's since I was younger. Who doesn't love Cheese? Well, my friend Somers for one...not sure what is wrong with that kid. This place ROCKS if you are craving a sandwich for lunch. Make sure to bring your empty stomach because these babies are big. Nelson's has a very large menu to order from...it is a tiny little shop where you walk in, order and pay. It is not an eat in type of joint. Order any sandwich from the menu and if there is something you don't like...they will leave it off. If there is something you want to add or change...they will be happy to do just that for you!! Everything they put on the sandwiches are fresh and you go away feeling happy about what you just ate. If you go right at noon expect a bit of a line...it goes really quickly however and it is worth the wait. They also offer salads and sides galore including pasta salads, chips, bricks of cheese...yep you can buy yourself a brick of cheese to nibble on at your desk. Don't worry your coworkers will ask for a bite...you can say no. Get in there NOW! Mmmmmmmmmmm sammiches
(5)
Ian Y.
As good as a deli can get. Friendly and efficient staff. The sandwiches are delicious, huge, and reasonably priced. Go on Thursday and get the pulled pork - and leave the slaw on. You'll be glad you did. I moved away two years ago and I still miss those pork sandwiches. The bad: the place gets a little hectic at lunchtime, and can be intimidating to the new visitor. Pro tip: there are separate lines for salad and sandwiches, and a third line to pay once you have your food. Oh, and ask about their frequent sandwicher punch cards. The 12th sandwich tastes that much sweeter when it's free.
(5)
Sylvain P.
Being a Frenchman, I was pleased with their variety of cheeses. I would definitely recommend it and look forward to stopping by again soon.
(5)
Rachel D.
Every year we attend the Region 10 arabian horse show at the St Paul fairgrounds. This is a MUST for us. AWESOME food, fast, a large assortment. Friendly staff, just love this place. After I order I always find something else to add, either a homemade dessert or a different type of chocolate. Great place!
(5)
Irene D.
Whatever you do, get bacon on your sandwich here. The bacon is perfectly cooked: thick cut, melt in your mouth crispy, not at all greasy. I got the California club and wished the turkey was replaced with more bacon. Will request that next time.
(5)
Neuy D.
I love the food but the service during the day is horrible. The manager (maybe owner?) is really nice to people he knows but he can be unfriendly and a dick if you don't know him. I really can't stand that guy, It really makes me feel unwelcome. The blond girl who works during the day also has horrible customer service skills but she just seems to hate her job which is understandable seeing who her boss is. Ironically the teenagers who used to work in the afternoon provided great service. Suggestion: The Cheesemaker Sub is heavenly. Avoid buying blocks of cheese there, not that good and you can get better.
(3)
Andrew R.
I gave Nelson's 5 stars because Yelp wouldn't let me give it 6! It's that good. Basically the best lunch spot in the entire country. No joke. They have tons of great sandwiches that are all made to order. Also they make the best fresh salads. Great prices considering the portions are massive. To be honest I've never tried their cheese, or ice cream but friends say both are really good too. The staff is always on top of their game. Wish I still worked by Nelson's. I would go there literally every day for lunch. Only downside I guess is that there's really nowhere to eat inside Nelson's - so be prepared to either eat it in your car or take it to go.
(5)
Wanda M.
Several lunch meetings have been catered by NCD...makes a way better meeting. Believe it or not, the cheese is delish too.
(3)
Ninja S.
Nelson is one of those places you go to buy cheese. Anything else is really just an added bonus. It's a 3-star deli, but a 5-star cheese place. I'd even go as far as dropping the deli classificiation and just say specialty food store. This is a local dairyland institution and the cheese is good. If you're up to making special trips just to buy cheese, you should consider stopping here.
(4)
Norton L.
In the interest of full disclosure, I have to report that while I do not know the owners of Nelson Cheese personally, they are friends of a friend, so they are acquaintances of mine. I would also like to point out that I am not a big sandwich person. I prefer a lunch of leftovers over a PB&J or ham & cheese. With that said, I LOVE Nelson's sandwiches. They are huge and have great combinations of flavors. I've had their Como Club (the cucumbers are unique and a cool and refreshing addition to a sandwich) and their St. Paul special (great combination of spicy pastrami, pumpernickel, and onions). Both are FABULOUS. Their "A plan" box lunches come with chips and a cookie and their cookies are the best I've tasted anywhere. Their "B Plan" box lunches come with a salad (potato, cole slaw, or pasta) and brownie. Sometimes they have a seafood salad and that's the one to get if it's available. The owner also caters and does a fabulous job with it. He normally does large (100+ groups). I'm not sure if he caters under another name or not. I'll check and update here when I find out. Nelson Cheese has four locations in MN and WI and are all owned by the same family. The original in Nelson, WI was started by husband and wife. The original is now run by one of the sons. Nelson - St. Paul and Nelson - Spring Lake Park are run by two other sons and Nelson - Rochester is run by the daughter. I would have to assume the other Nelson locations are just as good as this one. I happened to be in the area over lunch hour one weekday recently (going to Mac's Fish N Chips) and there was a line out the door. Try 'em. Enjoy 'em. Go back for more.
(5)
Lacey P.
How could I not know this place existed? Oh yeh, because I never go to this part of town. It's like the far edges of the earth to me. They have great sandwiches, but beware A LOT OF MEAT on the menu. They have ice cream and you can build your own salad or sandwich. They also have deli take out items that looked really good. I was kind of expecting a run-down little deli but everything was new and cute and the best part is you can get cheese curds (unfried) and a ton of old-style drinks like Moxie or Afri-cola. You know what I'm talking about. I will be back to get some imported chocolate and CHEESE!
(5)
Carrie S.
Sadly learned that they no longer have breakfast. So bummed.
(5)
Joel P.
A co-worker and I thought we'd give them a shot based on another co-worker's review. We were pleasantly surprised at what we found. Our sandwich's were fantastic! The menu of quick serve salads and sandwich's was so big, it was almost overwhelming though. But they had a creative spin on many sandwich's that were very intriguing. They also had a great gourmet cheese selection. I only wish they had a seating area and better parking. See you guys again soon!
(4)
Shawn Z.
The Cheesemaker with bacon is the best deli sandwich in Minnesota. If you see a big stack of cheese curds, they are fresh. they are awesome.
(5)
justthenuts a.
i love nelson's cheese. don't quote me on this, but i believe this is still a family-owned store (they have a few other locations, such as spring lake park and rochester, which may have been sold outside the family). at any rate, they have great sandwiches, deli salads, and cheese. you can't eat-in; it's pick-up only. but, como park isn't too far away. the service is great every time, and they have a newly renovated shop. i like that they have punch cards. buy 11 and the 12th is free. i think they could cut that number down a little bit though. regardless, prices are good and reasonable. my favorites: reuben, mr. t, town of nelson, chicken rotini salad, seven layer pasta salad, danish blue cheese, gorganzola, smoked gouda, gouda my one wish is that they had a little larger selection of cheese.
(4)
Amy R.
Reubens are pretty good here! I've also enjoyed the St. Paul Special.. Ingredients are always nice and fresh. Sandwiches are quite big. They have great salads too. Service has always been good. As another yelper mentioned, this place gets very packed during the lunch hour and parking can be tricky.. I like that it's close to the lake. Sometimes I'll trot down to the park and savor my sandwich by the lake..
(4)
Nathan L.
Great little cheese shop. I would love to come back for lunch one day but it is a slight stretch on most business days to get over here. But in a pinch on the way home it is a great place to get a block of cheddar for some homemade mac and cheese and a cream soda for the ride home.
(4)
Alex M.
Wow. Rarely am I blown away by something as simple as soup, salad, and sandwiches... but Nelson's does it right. Wait, let me rephrase. Nelson's does it best. I work close to this place - it's on the intersection of Snelling and Como near the fair grounds - so I've been lucky enough to go here on a regular basis. Everything on their menu is fresh and made to order. Items run from cold sandwiches like the Como (Thinly Sliced Chicken Breast, Bacon, Chive Havarti on Vienna White Bread with Lettuce, Tomato, Cucumbers and Ranch Sauce) to hot classics like the Reuben and Philly Beef and Cheese to signature salads and soups of the day. There is also large assortment of imported/specialty goods; these include items like bacon chocolate, old fashioned candies, and of course - Nelson's famous cheese! The assortment for cheese is quite sizable. I recommend the aged sharp cheddar - take some of goodness home to momma! Simply put, Nelson Cheese Factory is the best sandwich shop around. It's gonna make you sorry you ever went to Subway... sorry Jared!
(5)
Lisa M.
Long lines, big sandwiches! We walk in and in addition the large amount of people in there, I notice they now have salads. I haven't been to Nelson's in what seems like forever, so things have changed. They had a large number of salads to choose from, plus it looked like you could make your own. Looked good, long line. We made our way to the sandwiches. I had a Town of Nelson - turkey, ham, baby Swiss, lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo on caraway rye. I don't like onion or mayo, so in retrospect, I should have gone for what I know I like - Como Club or Santa Fe. Don't get me wrong, it was good and very big, but I was wooed by the caraway rye. I should have been wooed by the chive Havarti or caliente sauce instead. We waited again to pay. They have chips, pop, pasta salads, and cookies and bars to tempt you as well. The whole experience took about 20 mins from in to out. That's too long for just a sandwich. It was good and reasonably priced at $6.50 with tax, but next time, I will go either earlier or later. 11:45 is insanely busy.
(3)
Mike M.
Stopped in to Nelson's on our way to Minnehaha falls. My sandwich was huge. I really enjoyed it and the people at Nelson's were very friendly. I didn't actually try any of Nelson's cheese by itself but the muenster cheese on my sandwich was very good and I'm sure their cheese is top notch. On the way there we kept making a joke about Snelling Nelson's cheese, as Nelson's Cheese and Deli is undoubtedly on Snelling Ave and Como, which helped the outing take on a happy vibe from the get go. Anyway, if you're in the area, on your way to the zoo, perhaps, give Nelson's a go. You'll be glad you did.
(4)
Rachael R.
This place is less than 5 minutes away from my office, and I don't think I'll ever quit my job, I love Nelsons too much. My favorite Rachel in town with these modifications: substitute pumpernickel and add pickles (free). Their salads and soups are also amazing. I never get bored of their food.
(5)
Mat L.
Good, not great. Just tried Nelson's for the first time. The inside is much more impressive than the unprepossessing outside suggests. The meats are generally high quality, but I found the two sandwiches we tried (Mr. T & St Paul Special) somewhat uninspired flavor wise. The carrot cake was great, however. Also, the build your own salad bar is impressive. All in all, not a bad deli but the sandwiches aren't really worth going out of your way for.
(4)
Dawn F.
I will never forget my first Cheesemaker Sandwich. A friend had brought lunch to me at work, opting to swing by Nelson Cheese and Deli. I remember seeing that sandwich, it was huge. To say I was intimidated would be an understatement. Yet, it was the best sandwich I've ever had from a deli. Yes, it took 2 days to finish the thing, but it was worth it . Once you try the Cheesemaker, you'll never go back. Before heading into a meeting this week, I happened to be within 6 blocks of Nelson Cheese & Deli. As usual I forgot their hours, and walked up 2 minutes before they were about to close. I had turned around, knowing the staff probably wanted to go home, but alas one of the guys waved me in, and they took care of my order. i.e. ensured I had a Cheesemaker "fix." I knew I already loved this deli. But the staff was beyond welcoming considering they all prob. wanted to go home. Hence, I will continue to sing praises of this wonderful establishment - and also encourage everyone to know that the staff there will treat you like a superstar. :)
(5)
Tracy W.
I went here for the first time tonight, at the recommendation of a friend. I had the Mr. T, and it was absolutely wonderful. I normally don't like mustard, and I was a little worried about the Bermuda (?) Onions, but this was a really good sandwich. There was plenty of turkey and cheese, and the vegetables tasted very fresh. The food deserves 5+ stars. The reason I'm giving Nelson 4 stars is because the food is a little pricey. I spent $10 for a sandwich, a pop, and a cookie. I could spend $10 at a sit down cafe, but the prices at Nelson won't keep me away. Another issue was that the deli was a little understaffed. We had to wait for them to finish making some hot sandwiches before paying for our cold ones. It didn't hurt my experience, because I was in no rush, but this isn't exactly an "in and out" experience like Jimmy John's or Subway. For all the people complaining about no seating, on a nice day, you can pick up a sandwich, walk down the street, and enjoy it at Como Park!
(4)
Thomas R.
Mmm! My favorite sandwich shop in the Twin Cities. Huge menu full of creative, scrumpscious sandwiches. They also have a good selection of bottled boutique soda. Of course, let's not forget the cheese: squeaky curds or other varieties sure to compliment some wine or serve as a delightful snack. Anyway, the sandwiches are fantastic. I usually order the Reuben. Oh, and the staff are happy to be there! Last time I went in, they were singing and the guy at the register was super outgoing.
(5)
Angela S.
This is my favorite place to go for a sandwich. I've tried nearly everything on the menu; pretty much anything you get is going to be amazing. I highly recommend the Mr. T and the St. Paul Special. The prices are reasonable, but a bit more than a regular sandwich shop. It gets super busy at lunch, but it's almost always dead around dinner time if you want to pick one up on the way home. Be warned, this is a small place and there is no seating so plan on getting your sandwich and eating it elsewhere.
(5)
Julian P.
I can always count on Nelson's for that little extra incentive to get my rear to church (it's a block away). That being said, I LOVE that I can get lunch at 10:30 on a Sunday morning. I get realllly excited about Nelson's. It is a very clean, modern deli aesthetically. Great specialty sandwiches and just about any ingredient to make your own creation with. A huge amount of TLC goes into making each sandwich. I usually go for the Como Club - chicken, bacon, chive havarti, ranch sauce, yes please! This sandwich is a monster, two meals in one. With the purchase of a sandwich you can get a 1/2 pound of deli salad for $2, and why wouldn't you? Both the pasta and potato salads are oh so, so, so good. Chip selection is awesomely bountiful. This is a haven for specialty soda nuts, the assortment is bonkers. For dessert they have just about everything your heart could desire; gourmet chocolate bars, candy, and homemade cookies, cakes, and bars. Last Sunday I got a honker of a sandwich, 1/2 pound salad, bag of chips and a large fancy soda pop all for $11. For the quality and quantity of the food I got, that's a pretty great price. Quite the perfect feast for an afternoon of movies. Thank you Jesus for putting the perfect deli right by my church, you know me so well. Amen.
(5)
Sarah K.
Just because I'm giving this place two stars doesn't mean I won't be back. Someday. If I happen to be in the area. And want an overpriced sandwich. There's really nothing special about this place. It's like subway with a local touch. The sandwiches are good, but it was a little too pricey for my taste. Example; they were selling $7 bars of chocolate. Oh...there no seating. That was a nice surprise....or not.
(2)
AJ B.
Nelson's has great sandwiches (hot and cold). The hardest thing about going there is choosing which one to get. They are all so good (esp. the Wednesday special). Their salads are great and huge! Nelson's also has a wide array of potato chips and yummy looking deserts that I refuse to try so I do not get addicted to them. ;o) There is also a nice variety of bottled and canned sodas and other drinks (i.e. Nantucket Nectar). The only thing that makes me sad about Nelson's is that they no longer serve breakfast. They used to have awesome breakfast burritos and omelets. I think the Management did away with the breakfast and swapped it for hot dogs which do not even compare (and are a lot less healthy). P.S. They also have a small, but good selection of different cheeses that are very good.
(5)
Bill H.
This was a nice little deli that made pretty good food. The menu is huge, but one thing you have to consider is that they don't have any seating, so make sure you're planning on going somewhere with your fairly tasty sandwich. The place was clean and the staff was friendly. The reason I'm giving it 3 stars is because I didn't get that 5 star feeling from the place, the food was decent, and everything else was good, but there wasn't really anything special to keep me coming back, if I'm in the neighborhood i'll definitely stop in for a sandwich but I'm not making a special trip for one.
(3)
Allison K.
Hands down my favorite sandwich shop. Based on the lines during the lunch hour, I think there are many who would agree with me. Many of the customers seem to be regulars, judging by the employees' frequent enthusiastic greetings of "Hey! How are ya, man?" The Town of Nelson (cold sandwich) is my jam. I'm not big on Pumpernickel, but the friendly employees let you substitute elements of the sandwich if you so desire. Beware: There is not a great vegetarian option. During my vegetarian stints, I unfortunately have to avoid Nelson's due to fear of heartbreak. And the sandwiches that come with meat COME WITH MEAT... You might want to take some of the meat off if you are worried about your weight, heart, arteries, etc. because of course the sandwiches are loaded with AMAZING cheese (I mean, come on, Cheese Factory is in the title). The only thing that could make this place any greater would be some outdoor seating in the summer and a better veg. option!
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Street, Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
K K.
Go for the daily walk in special where you can get sandwich + side + drink for under $9. The quality of meats and cheeses is top notch. Desserts aren't bad either. The lemon cake is the clear winner.
(4)Joe J.
Great deli. This is the place I go to get food for my bosses when they come into town. Great variety of sandwiches, and a really heavy duty salad bar. Every sandwich I've ordered from here I like. Variety is the key with Nelson's, a staple off Como Ave.
(4)Joe S.
Nelson's kills it. Forget about those chain sandwich restaurants. If you are within driving range of this place, this is where you should be getting your sandwiches from. There is an expansive menu to choose from both hot and cold as well as a build your own section with tons of choices, and don't miss the hotdog/brat menu at the end of the sandwich line. The employees are great, super friendly and will take the time to make you something you will like. Nice selection of chips and drinks and a solid rotating pasta and cold sides menu as well. Quick, easy, delicious. Been twice now and will be back many times.
(5)Emily L.
There is no seating here. So be prepared to take your food back to the office, home or car. This is a great place to take people with varying tastes because they can make their own salad or sandwich or choose from one of the many speciality items on the menu. There is not one weak point of the menu. The salads, sandwiches (hot and cold), hotdogs, and baked goods are all awesome! My go to items are: seven layer salad, health nut salad, como club, coney hotdog, and the meatball sub.
(5)Erin G.
I stopped in for a salad to bring with me to night class. I try to be as healthy as possible most of the time so I usually end up with a salad wherever I go, unless I am having a yolo moment (which happens more than I'd like sometimes!) so I came for the salad, although the sandwiches sounded delicious. I am notoriously indecisive, so I couldn't decide among their salad options so I chose the "create your own" salad. You don't actually get to make it yourself, you tell them what you want and they put it together in a bowl for you. Mine was huge and delicious! I wished they had red peppers or sun dried tomatoes though. They do have a big selection and didn't skimp on the meat. They lost a star because of their dressing options... they had a lot available but only one light option (ranch), which is a bummer. I love a nice light vinaigrette. I'll definitely come again for a big salad, especially since it's so close to Hamline!
(4)Pardra H.
I loved it!!! No seating, just order and go. MEATBALL SUB WAS GREAT, definitely going back for more. Coworker tips to go around 11 am to avoid rush, great food and staff was friendly :)
(5)Ken P.
OMG. This place is amazing. Really small thing but I think the pickle was the best one I've ever eaten. The only thing I would skip is the chocolate chip cookie. Bread and Chocolate's cookie is way better. But the pasta salads are perfect. Love all the extra teats you can get here like Anna's cookies. This place is worth the trip. For sure.
(5)Alexander V.
A nice mom & pop type cheese and sandwich shop. I've been here a few times. I like picking up string cheese every now and then at this location. This shop is the sister location to the one in Wabasha, MN. I think the owners are brothers. I find the prices here are a bit steep for what you end up getting, but I try to remember that I'm supporting a local small business. It can get busy here during the 12:00 lunch time, so shoot for 11am or 1pm to avoid the line. They have an online ordering system I haven't tried yet, but its mainly for their cheese baskets.
(4)John S.
It's all in the bread. The moist tasty Nelson's bread is the best part of holding their sandwiches together and surrounding the content with a fresh baked flavor. Based on three visits the product is consistent and I've never had an unpleasant surprise. Many years ago before expanding the deli they used to have a larger selection of cheese as per their name. The little sandwich counter caught on and of course the owners wisely expanded deli selections promoted their catering business which is probably even bigger than their counter sales. There seems to be a little confusion among the patrons as to where to stand to order. It appears the deli does not want to appear procedure driven ( No sandwich for you) but depending on who's working the counter people congregate from the middle to the right side. One time there was an employee on one end of the counter who apparently was not taking orders for sandwiches, and one on the other side who was but he just seemed to pick people at random rather than any order leaving some of us standing and staring longer than those who had just walked in. The most recent visit two employees were working sandwiches and after I ordered two, I received one back. There doesn't seem to be a system for tracking orders, just rely on memory and verbal reminders. The selection of sodas and various drinks and chips is better than most other places and grocery delis.
(4)Steven D.
I'm so blessed to have this deli near work when I travel in. I wish it was close by for a dinner option so I can buy some cheese from their wide selection. For lunch they have a small selection of pre-made salads but you can also build your own and choose from over 30 different items. You can choose between 20 different sandwiches.. regular, larger, and hot sandwiches. There are also a few selection for soups. If you're a big fan of pasta or potato salads, they have a few to choose from as well that's sold by the pound. It seems like they rotate selections daily and have a few staples ones to choose from. There is a small parking lot in the back, so it might be an issue around the lunch rush, but I think there's street parking available as well if it's really all full. Service is fast and they're very nice! Do yourself a favor and try them!
(5)Ahmad R.
Really enjoyed this place and may become a regular. It's very casual, no seating, lots of sandwich choices, some salads, cheeses, desserts, and good bottled sodas. Chicken Little was our favorite out of it, the Hamline, and Rachel.
(4)Karl W.
Kitty corner to the greatest fair on earth is Nelson cheese and deli. I was amazed to find a bottle of Bubble-Up 25 years later after being a regular drinker at Red Owl. The lady helping me checkout looked puzzled for how happy I was over a bottle of soda. After all these years it's not as mind blowing as I remember, tastes like a flat 7up with a hint of orange flavor mixed in Tried the Cheesemaker, which was the most recommended on yelp. It was good but needed more dressing in my opinion. The chips on the othe hand was 5 stars, simply awesome. Disappointed there was no seating so I had to eat in the car, which another guy was doing next to me.
(4)Annie P.
Great little sandwich shop over by the State Fair. Today I had their marvelous 7 Layer Salad w/ Romaine lettuce, bacon, smoked-turkey, cheddar cheese, peas, onions, tomatoes & croutons. It was fresh and plentiful. I've been coming here for years and always impressed with sandwiches, soups, desserts and customer service. You will not be disappointed.
(4)Matthew G.
Nelson's is one of my favorite sandwich and salad shops. The staff is extremely friendly and make sure you say hi to Mark. Everything is made to order and they get quite busy. So give yourself a little extra time.
(4)Heath S.
I love this place, everything is delicious! My only neg is that they have changed the way that they charge you for the salads. Everything is now based on weight. The issue is that the customer is not making it themselves, the employees are. If you pay by weight it is a way to keep the customer honest when they load up the container. If you want to charge $10 for a salad, that's fine, but post it and train your staff to make it the same weight every time. I am put off by charging by the weight of my salad if I do not make it myself and I have expressed this. I'll bet sales on salads have decreased because of this ambiguity. But I will return because, again, they are delicious. I would go there more often if the salad thing wasn't so backwards.
(4)Polly B.
I have tried the Chicken Little (chicken salad and alfalfa sprouts) and Santa Fe (roasted chicken) sandwich. They were both wonderful. I want to try a salad the next time. Anything you would want on a salad, they have it. You walk through the salad line and they build the salad with the toppings you request. Everything looks so fresh and good. Also tried the cookies and the cakes. All delicious. Service is also friendly and efficient. They also have packaged cheese, specialty sodas, gourmet chocolate and a good selection of chip flavors.
(5)Cedar S.
To sum it up in one sentence, Nelson's is the kind of place that serves romaine lettuce instead of iceberg and real bread instead of the typical wonder variety. Prices are low at $6.04 for a sandwich you can literally add anything to. By anything this includes about 10 kinds of meats, 15 veggies, 10 fresh cheeses, sauces, pick your bread (another 10 varieties) for a sandwich made with real food that you can barely fit in your mouth. At noon the line snakes out the door and practically around the building but it moves quickly and the service is great. There's a giant drink cooler, chips, and don't be afraid to get a salad, there are at least 50 things you can put on your salad, all very bright-colored and fresh, and its mixed in a big silver bowl and boxed up for you to take with. There is no seating, so we ate on the drive back to work. Bummer, but honestly with how busy this place is I wouldn't want to throw any sort of cog in their well-oiled sandwich-producing machine. This place SCREAMS foodie, but is entirely (and almost shockingly so) lacking the foodie price or attitude. It's the kind of place you dream about but never actually find. Until you do. Find it, and you'll have a lifetime sandwich shop. If you live within any reasonable distance of this place, from Minneapolis to St. Paul and any surrounding suburb, you will be beside yourself that it took you this long to find Nelson Cheese and Deli.
(5)David O.
I've eaten at Delis just about everywhere in the Twin Cities and around the US and Nelson's is right up there with the best. The sandwiches are generous and fresh. Their sauces excellent. They have the best selection of small company sodas around. The bread as darn good too. Once you find Nelson's you will be a regular and never eat at a chain sandwich shop again.
(5)John O.
Nelson, we are cool If you weren't so close to work I would like you more The first couple hundred times I ate here, I probably would have given it five stars. Sometimes you can have too much of a good thing, I guess. Nothing has changed about the place other than that my palate has been fully exposed to the menu, and variety is the spice of life. The KC BBQ sandwich is my favorite item. The thing is massive. Probably not the best for the waistline, though. Usually, I tried to mix in a salad every now and then when I was coming here non-stop. For sandwiches, the Rachel and Reuben are also both quite good. They added three different hot dogs to the menu a year or two ago. Everything is very affordable. Be advised that this is a take-out only place and it can get very busy during the workday noon hour. Best to go for an early or late lunch. Como Park is just down the street if you want to eat there when the weather is decent. Will I be back? Absolutely, but more and more my food booty call rather than my main squeeze.
(4)Alicia S.
The sandwiches are DELICIOUS! My personal fav. is the Chicken Little. They also have a great selection of sodas, chips, and candies. Service has been quick and friendly, even when they are really busy. Also very inexpensive. It's just too bad they don't have seating inside.
(5)Scott D.
Great food. Extremely slow service. 20 minutes to push 6 people thru a line.
(4)B S.
This market was a deli-ghtful surprise. I expected fresh ingredients but the flavors were great, the portions generous, and the prices reasonable. The service was friendly too. Given they afford such attention to each salad and sandwich made; I could see it getting backed up a bit during peak hours. Regardless, I plan to return to explore their menu of takeout treats.
(5)Ruth D.
Puts Subway ("Eat Fresh!") to shame. These sandwiches are The. Best. Period. And the cheese! And when you walk in and take a gander at the array of mouthwatering, colorful fresh ingredients in the salad section... oh. Great service, too!
(5)Michelle A.
Seriously awesome sandwiches on fresh bread. I always get the Mr. T, a fantastic turkey sandwich. It's not advertised, but you can always ask for a 1/2 sandwich. Perfect for the smaller stomachs out there! If you see the carrot cake in the refrigerated case on your way out, get a slice. It is mouth-wateringly delicious. Definitely some of the best cake I've ever had. Weird that it's from a deli. As others have said, Nelson is take-out only (no seating inside or anywhere nearby), so plan accordingly. I'd recommend heading up to Como Park to enjoy lunch by some beautiful nearby lakes!
(5)Erica L.
I have to admit, I felt very stupid walking into this place and looking at the amazing menu because my family and I have been living near this place since 2009 and never thought of trying it out. When I tried the food, I felt even more stupid. It's so yummy that we've been back 4 times in 1 week!
(5)Kristin H.
Situated on the corner of Como and Snelling Ave, Nelson's is always bustling. We walked in and got behind the already substantial line. I scanned the menu, thinking maybe this time I would get something besides my usual, no such luck. I ordered the "Create your own" just the way I like it -- delicious bread topped with turkey and roast beef, a huge slice of pepper-jack cheese and various veggies. Then, I always request extra honey mustard to top it off. I don't know what makes their honey mustard so delicious, but it is amazing. Seriously, try it. I think this is the main reason I always tend to create my own sandwich, I need that honey mustard! I switch off between this and the Chicken Little, a delicious homemade chicken salad on a wild rice bun, yum. The chicken salad is another highlight on their menu. All the sandwiches are made to-go, so after a short time waiting we proceeded to the register. At $6.04 plus tax for each sandwich, we left paying a little under $14. We walked out to our car and devoured our sandwiches in the parking lot. Not our usual Nelson's routine, but this time there wasn't a better option. Next time you need a quick pick-me-up or a meal on the go, head over to Nelson's Deli and Cheese. You will not be disappointed. Atmosphere It's a deli, so the atmosphere is nothing special. It's the taste that counts! Service Your sandwich is always handed to you quickly and with a smile. Presentation The sandwiches are always bulging with color and deliciousness. The salads are also a good bet for a beautiful presentation. Taste Delicious. The cheese is definitely a stand out in these sandwiches. Oh, and try that honey mustard! Value for Dollars For a sandwich you could find something cheaper. But, would it taste as good!?
(5)Jordan H.
Great deli. Just keep an eye one the young staff to make sure you are getting what you ordered. Great selection of root beer. You should atleasttry it once.
(5)Joey S.
There's nothing positive I can say that hasn't been said in numerous other reviews. Great food, good value, and friendly staff. With that being said there's one major problem, and that's getting people in and out. The staff making sandwiches and salads are on top of things. Quick, friendly, and accurate. The problem is the bottleneck at lunchtime with one cashier who has absolutely no sense of urgency to keep the line moving. I was here last week and had my sandwich in 3-4 minutes. Then I had to wait another 15 just to get up to pay...totally unacceptible. Finally they pulled someone off making sandwiches to run the other register. If you know you're going to be busy why not have a second cashier all the time, or at least if you're only going to have one have someone with some speed?
(4)Bryon W.
You will not find a better quick lunch in St. Paul then Nelsons. Get a St. Paul Red hot, what a winning wiener! You feeling like a Sammy instead? Town of Nelson on drop dead delightful caraway rye will do you right. Soup? What you like, How about Chicken dumpling? Or Beer Cheese? Chili may haps? You more of a salad green type? Have your salad your way, they will load you up with whatever you like. The food here is really good. You can go to subway and get total Sh*t, or you can come here and get fresh, delicious food made by a fun and helpful group of people. It's a Saint Paul Staple!
(5)Ryan W.
I live nearby and think this place has the best cold cut sandwiches in town. I don't know how they can make basic sandwiches so amazing, but they are out of this world fantastic. Nothing too fancy. Sandwiches are about 7 bucks but I think well worth the price. It's a large sandwich and everything is as fresh and delicious as can be. I also like to get brick cheese here for parties or o'devours. They have some specialty cheeses you can't find at a standard grocery store. As an FYI - there is no seating here, it's a deli.
(5)Richard K.
Bustling little sandwich shop @ corner of Como & Snelling. Really crowded during lunch. Call ahead & they will make it for pick up. Mr. T is my favorite. Grab a bag of chips & a pop and head over to a bench in Como park nearby.
(4)Amy R.
Reubens are pretty good here! I've also enjoyed the St. Paul Special.. Ingredients are always nice and fresh. Sandwiches are quite big. They have great salads too. Service has always been good. As another yelper mentioned, this place gets very packed during the lunch hour and parking can be tricky.. I like that it's close to the lake. Sometimes I'll trot down to the park and savor my sandwich by the lake..
(4)Nathan L.
Great little cheese shop. I would love to come back for lunch one day but it is a slight stretch on most business days to get over here. But in a pinch on the way home it is a great place to get a block of cheddar for some homemade mac and cheese and a cream soda for the ride home.
(4)Alex M.
Wow. Rarely am I blown away by something as simple as soup, salad, and sandwiches... but Nelson's does it right. Wait, let me rephrase. Nelson's does it best. I work close to this place - it's on the intersection of Snelling and Como near the fair grounds - so I've been lucky enough to go here on a regular basis. Everything on their menu is fresh and made to order. Items run from cold sandwiches like the Como (Thinly Sliced Chicken Breast, Bacon, Chive Havarti on Vienna White Bread with Lettuce, Tomato, Cucumbers and Ranch Sauce) to hot classics like the Reuben and Philly Beef and Cheese to signature salads and soups of the day. There is also large assortment of imported/specialty goods; these include items like bacon chocolate, old fashioned candies, and of course - Nelson's famous cheese! The assortment for cheese is quite sizable. I recommend the aged sharp cheddar - take some of goodness home to momma! Simply put, Nelson Cheese Factory is the best sandwich shop around. It's gonna make you sorry you ever went to Subway... sorry Jared!
(5)Lisa M.
Long lines, big sandwiches! We walk in and in addition the large amount of people in there, I notice they now have salads. I haven't been to Nelson's in what seems like forever, so things have changed. They had a large number of salads to choose from, plus it looked like you could make your own. Looked good, long line. We made our way to the sandwiches. I had a Town of Nelson - turkey, ham, baby Swiss, lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo on caraway rye. I don't like onion or mayo, so in retrospect, I should have gone for what I know I like - Como Club or Santa Fe. Don't get me wrong, it was good and very big, but I was wooed by the caraway rye. I should have been wooed by the chive Havarti or caliente sauce instead. We waited again to pay. They have chips, pop, pasta salads, and cookies and bars to tempt you as well. The whole experience took about 20 mins from in to out. That's too long for just a sandwich. It was good and reasonably priced at $6.50 with tax, but next time, I will go either earlier or later. 11:45 is insanely busy.
(3)Mike M.
Stopped in to Nelson's on our way to Minnehaha falls. My sandwich was huge. I really enjoyed it and the people at Nelson's were very friendly. I didn't actually try any of Nelson's cheese by itself but the muenster cheese on my sandwich was very good and I'm sure their cheese is top notch. On the way there we kept making a joke about Snelling Nelson's cheese, as Nelson's Cheese and Deli is undoubtedly on Snelling Ave and Como, which helped the outing take on a happy vibe from the get go. Anyway, if you're in the area, on your way to the zoo, perhaps, give Nelson's a go. You'll be glad you did.
(4)Rachael R.
This place is less than 5 minutes away from my office, and I don't think I'll ever quit my job, I love Nelsons too much. My favorite Rachel in town with these modifications: substitute pumpernickel and add pickles (free). Their salads and soups are also amazing. I never get bored of their food.
(5)Mat L.
Good, not great. Just tried Nelson's for the first time. The inside is much more impressive than the unprepossessing outside suggests. The meats are generally high quality, but I found the two sandwiches we tried (Mr. T & St Paul Special) somewhat uninspired flavor wise. The carrot cake was great, however. Also, the build your own salad bar is impressive. All in all, not a bad deli but the sandwiches aren't really worth going out of your way for.
(4)Dawn F.
I will never forget my first Cheesemaker Sandwich. A friend had brought lunch to me at work, opting to swing by Nelson Cheese and Deli. I remember seeing that sandwich, it was huge. To say I was intimidated would be an understatement. Yet, it was the best sandwich I've ever had from a deli. Yes, it took 2 days to finish the thing, but it was worth it . Once you try the Cheesemaker, you'll never go back. Before heading into a meeting this week, I happened to be within 6 blocks of Nelson Cheese & Deli. As usual I forgot their hours, and walked up 2 minutes before they were about to close. I had turned around, knowing the staff probably wanted to go home, but alas one of the guys waved me in, and they took care of my order. i.e. ensured I had a Cheesemaker "fix." I knew I already loved this deli. But the staff was beyond welcoming considering they all prob. wanted to go home. Hence, I will continue to sing praises of this wonderful establishment - and also encourage everyone to know that the staff there will treat you like a superstar. :)
(5)Tracy W.
I went here for the first time tonight, at the recommendation of a friend. I had the Mr. T, and it was absolutely wonderful. I normally don't like mustard, and I was a little worried about the Bermuda (?) Onions, but this was a really good sandwich. There was plenty of turkey and cheese, and the vegetables tasted very fresh. The food deserves 5+ stars. The reason I'm giving Nelson 4 stars is because the food is a little pricey. I spent $10 for a sandwich, a pop, and a cookie. I could spend $10 at a sit down cafe, but the prices at Nelson won't keep me away. Another issue was that the deli was a little understaffed. We had to wait for them to finish making some hot sandwiches before paying for our cold ones. It didn't hurt my experience, because I was in no rush, but this isn't exactly an "in and out" experience like Jimmy John's or Subway. For all the people complaining about no seating, on a nice day, you can pick up a sandwich, walk down the street, and enjoy it at Como Park!
(4)Emily L.
There is no seating here. So be prepared to take your food back to the office, home or car. This is a great place to take people with varying tastes because they can make their own salad or sandwich or choose from one of the many speciality items on the menu. There is not one weak point of the menu. The salads, sandwiches (hot and cold), hotdogs, and baked goods are all awesome! My go to items are: seven layer salad, health nut salad, como club, coney hotdog, and the meatball sub.
(5)Erin G.
I stopped in for a salad to bring with me to night class. I try to be as healthy as possible most of the time so I usually end up with a salad wherever I go, unless I am having a yolo moment (which happens more than I'd like sometimes!) so I came for the salad, although the sandwiches sounded delicious. I am notoriously indecisive, so I couldn't decide among their salad options so I chose the "create your own" salad. You don't actually get to make it yourself, you tell them what you want and they put it together in a bowl for you. Mine was huge and delicious! I wished they had red peppers or sun dried tomatoes though. They do have a big selection and didn't skimp on the meat. They lost a star because of their dressing options... they had a lot available but only one light option (ranch), which is a bummer. I love a nice light vinaigrette. I'll definitely come again for a big salad, especially since it's so close to Hamline!
(4)Pardra H.
I loved it!!! No seating, just order and go. MEATBALL SUB WAS GREAT, definitely going back for more. Coworker tips to go around 11 am to avoid rush, great food and staff was friendly :)
(5)K K.
Go for the daily walk in special where you can get sandwich + side + drink for under $9. The quality of meats and cheeses is top notch. Desserts aren't bad either. The lemon cake is the clear winner.
(4)Joe J.
Great deli. This is the place I go to get food for my bosses when they come into town. Great variety of sandwiches, and a really heavy duty salad bar. Every sandwich I've ordered from here I like. Variety is the key with Nelson's, a staple off Como Ave.
(4)Ken P.
OMG. This place is amazing. Really small thing but I think the pickle was the best one I've ever eaten. The only thing I would skip is the chocolate chip cookie. Bread and Chocolate's cookie is way better. But the pasta salads are perfect. Love all the extra teats you can get here like Anna's cookies. This place is worth the trip. For sure.
(5)Alexander V.
A nice mom & pop type cheese and sandwich shop. I've been here a few times. I like picking up string cheese every now and then at this location. This shop is the sister location to the one in Wabasha, MN. I think the owners are brothers. I find the prices here are a bit steep for what you end up getting, but I try to remember that I'm supporting a local small business. It can get busy here during the 12:00 lunch time, so shoot for 11am or 1pm to avoid the line. They have an online ordering system I haven't tried yet, but its mainly for their cheese baskets.
(4)Matthew G.
Nelson's is one of my favorite sandwich and salad shops. The staff is extremely friendly and make sure you say hi to Mark. Everything is made to order and they get quite busy. So give yourself a little extra time.
(4)Joe S.
Nelson's kills it. Forget about those chain sandwich restaurants. If you are within driving range of this place, this is where you should be getting your sandwiches from. There is an expansive menu to choose from both hot and cold as well as a build your own section with tons of choices, and don't miss the hotdog/brat menu at the end of the sandwich line. The employees are great, super friendly and will take the time to make you something you will like. Nice selection of chips and drinks and a solid rotating pasta and cold sides menu as well. Quick, easy, delicious. Been twice now and will be back many times.
(5)John S.
It's all in the bread. The moist tasty Nelson's bread is the best part of holding their sandwiches together and surrounding the content with a fresh baked flavor. Based on three visits the product is consistent and I've never had an unpleasant surprise. Many years ago before expanding the deli they used to have a larger selection of cheese as per their name. The little sandwich counter caught on and of course the owners wisely expanded deli selections promoted their catering business which is probably even bigger than their counter sales. There seems to be a little confusion among the patrons as to where to stand to order. It appears the deli does not want to appear procedure driven ( No sandwich for you) but depending on who's working the counter people congregate from the middle to the right side. One time there was an employee on one end of the counter who apparently was not taking orders for sandwiches, and one on the other side who was but he just seemed to pick people at random rather than any order leaving some of us standing and staring longer than those who had just walked in. The most recent visit two employees were working sandwiches and after I ordered two, I received one back. There doesn't seem to be a system for tracking orders, just rely on memory and verbal reminders. The selection of sodas and various drinks and chips is better than most other places and grocery delis.
(4)Steven D.
I'm so blessed to have this deli near work when I travel in. I wish it was close by for a dinner option so I can buy some cheese from their wide selection. For lunch they have a small selection of pre-made salads but you can also build your own and choose from over 30 different items. You can choose between 20 different sandwiches.. regular, larger, and hot sandwiches. There are also a few selection for soups. If you're a big fan of pasta or potato salads, they have a few to choose from as well that's sold by the pound. It seems like they rotate selections daily and have a few staples ones to choose from. There is a small parking lot in the back, so it might be an issue around the lunch rush, but I think there's street parking available as well if it's really all full. Service is fast and they're very nice! Do yourself a favor and try them!
(5)Ahmad R.
Really enjoyed this place and may become a regular. It's very casual, no seating, lots of sandwich choices, some salads, cheeses, desserts, and good bottled sodas. Chicken Little was our favorite out of it, the Hamline, and Rachel.
(4)Karl W.
Kitty corner to the greatest fair on earth is Nelson cheese and deli. I was amazed to find a bottle of Bubble-Up 25 years later after being a regular drinker at Red Owl. The lady helping me checkout looked puzzled for how happy I was over a bottle of soda. After all these years it's not as mind blowing as I remember, tastes like a flat 7up with a hint of orange flavor mixed in Tried the Cheesemaker, which was the most recommended on yelp. It was good but needed more dressing in my opinion. The chips on the othe hand was 5 stars, simply awesome. Disappointed there was no seating so I had to eat in the car, which another guy was doing next to me.
(4)Annie P.
Great little sandwich shop over by the State Fair. Today I had their marvelous 7 Layer Salad w/ Romaine lettuce, bacon, smoked-turkey, cheddar cheese, peas, onions, tomatoes & croutons. It was fresh and plentiful. I've been coming here for years and always impressed with sandwiches, soups, desserts and customer service. You will not be disappointed.
(4)Heath S.
I love this place, everything is delicious! My only neg is that they have changed the way that they charge you for the salads. Everything is now based on weight. The issue is that the customer is not making it themselves, the employees are. If you pay by weight it is a way to keep the customer honest when they load up the container. If you want to charge $10 for a salad, that's fine, but post it and train your staff to make it the same weight every time. I am put off by charging by the weight of my salad if I do not make it myself and I have expressed this. I'll bet sales on salads have decreased because of this ambiguity. But I will return because, again, they are delicious. I would go there more often if the salad thing wasn't so backwards.
(4)Cedar S.
To sum it up in one sentence, Nelson's is the kind of place that serves romaine lettuce instead of iceberg and real bread instead of the typical wonder variety. Prices are low at $6.04 for a sandwich you can literally add anything to. By anything this includes about 10 kinds of meats, 15 veggies, 10 fresh cheeses, sauces, pick your bread (another 10 varieties) for a sandwich made with real food that you can barely fit in your mouth. At noon the line snakes out the door and practically around the building but it moves quickly and the service is great. There's a giant drink cooler, chips, and don't be afraid to get a salad, there are at least 50 things you can put on your salad, all very bright-colored and fresh, and its mixed in a big silver bowl and boxed up for you to take with. There is no seating, so we ate on the drive back to work. Bummer, but honestly with how busy this place is I wouldn't want to throw any sort of cog in their well-oiled sandwich-producing machine. This place SCREAMS foodie, but is entirely (and almost shockingly so) lacking the foodie price or attitude. It's the kind of place you dream about but never actually find. Until you do. Find it, and you'll have a lifetime sandwich shop. If you live within any reasonable distance of this place, from Minneapolis to St. Paul and any surrounding suburb, you will be beside yourself that it took you this long to find Nelson Cheese and Deli.
(5)David O.
I've eaten at Delis just about everywhere in the Twin Cities and around the US and Nelson's is right up there with the best. The sandwiches are generous and fresh. Their sauces excellent. They have the best selection of small company sodas around. The bread as darn good too. Once you find Nelson's you will be a regular and never eat at a chain sandwich shop again.
(5)John O.
Nelson, we are cool If you weren't so close to work I would like you more The first couple hundred times I ate here, I probably would have given it five stars. Sometimes you can have too much of a good thing, I guess. Nothing has changed about the place other than that my palate has been fully exposed to the menu, and variety is the spice of life. The KC BBQ sandwich is my favorite item. The thing is massive. Probably not the best for the waistline, though. Usually, I tried to mix in a salad every now and then when I was coming here non-stop. For sandwiches, the Rachel and Reuben are also both quite good. They added three different hot dogs to the menu a year or two ago. Everything is very affordable. Be advised that this is a take-out only place and it can get very busy during the workday noon hour. Best to go for an early or late lunch. Como Park is just down the street if you want to eat there when the weather is decent. Will I be back? Absolutely, but more and more my food booty call rather than my main squeeze.
(4)Alicia S.
The sandwiches are DELICIOUS! My personal fav. is the Chicken Little. They also have a great selection of sodas, chips, and candies. Service has been quick and friendly, even when they are really busy. Also very inexpensive. It's just too bad they don't have seating inside.
(5)Scott D.
Great food. Extremely slow service. 20 minutes to push 6 people thru a line.
(4)Michelle A.
Seriously awesome sandwiches on fresh bread. I always get the Mr. T, a fantastic turkey sandwich. It's not advertised, but you can always ask for a 1/2 sandwich. Perfect for the smaller stomachs out there! If you see the carrot cake in the refrigerated case on your way out, get a slice. It is mouth-wateringly delicious. Definitely some of the best cake I've ever had. Weird that it's from a deli. As others have said, Nelson is take-out only (no seating inside or anywhere nearby), so plan accordingly. I'd recommend heading up to Como Park to enjoy lunch by some beautiful nearby lakes!
(5)Polly B.
I have tried the Chicken Little (chicken salad and alfalfa sprouts) and Santa Fe (roasted chicken) sandwich. They were both wonderful. I want to try a salad the next time. Anything you would want on a salad, they have it. You walk through the salad line and they build the salad with the toppings you request. Everything looks so fresh and good. Also tried the cookies and the cakes. All delicious. Service is also friendly and efficient. They also have packaged cheese, specialty sodas, gourmet chocolate and a good selection of chip flavors.
(5)B S.
This market was a deli-ghtful surprise. I expected fresh ingredients but the flavors were great, the portions generous, and the prices reasonable. The service was friendly too. Given they afford such attention to each salad and sandwich made; I could see it getting backed up a bit during peak hours. Regardless, I plan to return to explore their menu of takeout treats.
(5)Ruth D.
Puts Subway ("Eat Fresh!") to shame. These sandwiches are The. Best. Period. And the cheese! And when you walk in and take a gander at the array of mouthwatering, colorful fresh ingredients in the salad section... oh. Great service, too!
(5)Erica L.
I have to admit, I felt very stupid walking into this place and looking at the amazing menu because my family and I have been living near this place since 2009 and never thought of trying it out. When I tried the food, I felt even more stupid. It's so yummy that we've been back 4 times in 1 week!
(5)Kristin H.
Situated on the corner of Como and Snelling Ave, Nelson's is always bustling. We walked in and got behind the already substantial line. I scanned the menu, thinking maybe this time I would get something besides my usual, no such luck. I ordered the "Create your own" just the way I like it -- delicious bread topped with turkey and roast beef, a huge slice of pepper-jack cheese and various veggies. Then, I always request extra honey mustard to top it off. I don't know what makes their honey mustard so delicious, but it is amazing. Seriously, try it. I think this is the main reason I always tend to create my own sandwich, I need that honey mustard! I switch off between this and the Chicken Little, a delicious homemade chicken salad on a wild rice bun, yum. The chicken salad is another highlight on their menu. All the sandwiches are made to-go, so after a short time waiting we proceeded to the register. At $6.04 plus tax for each sandwich, we left paying a little under $14. We walked out to our car and devoured our sandwiches in the parking lot. Not our usual Nelson's routine, but this time there wasn't a better option. Next time you need a quick pick-me-up or a meal on the go, head over to Nelson's Deli and Cheese. You will not be disappointed. Atmosphere It's a deli, so the atmosphere is nothing special. It's the taste that counts! Service Your sandwich is always handed to you quickly and with a smile. Presentation The sandwiches are always bulging with color and deliciousness. The salads are also a good bet for a beautiful presentation. Taste Delicious. The cheese is definitely a stand out in these sandwiches. Oh, and try that honey mustard! Value for Dollars For a sandwich you could find something cheaper. But, would it taste as good!?
(5)Jordan H.
Great deli. Just keep an eye one the young staff to make sure you are getting what you ordered. Great selection of root beer. You should atleasttry it once.
(5)Joey S.
There's nothing positive I can say that hasn't been said in numerous other reviews. Great food, good value, and friendly staff. With that being said there's one major problem, and that's getting people in and out. The staff making sandwiches and salads are on top of things. Quick, friendly, and accurate. The problem is the bottleneck at lunchtime with one cashier who has absolutely no sense of urgency to keep the line moving. I was here last week and had my sandwich in 3-4 minutes. Then I had to wait another 15 just to get up to pay...totally unacceptible. Finally they pulled someone off making sandwiches to run the other register. If you know you're going to be busy why not have a second cashier all the time, or at least if you're only going to have one have someone with some speed?
(4)Bryon W.
You will not find a better quick lunch in St. Paul then Nelsons. Get a St. Paul Red hot, what a winning wiener! You feeling like a Sammy instead? Town of Nelson on drop dead delightful caraway rye will do you right. Soup? What you like, How about Chicken dumpling? Or Beer Cheese? Chili may haps? You more of a salad green type? Have your salad your way, they will load you up with whatever you like. The food here is really good. You can go to subway and get total Sh*t, or you can come here and get fresh, delicious food made by a fun and helpful group of people. It's a Saint Paul Staple!
(5)Ryan W.
I live nearby and think this place has the best cold cut sandwiches in town. I don't know how they can make basic sandwiches so amazing, but they are out of this world fantastic. Nothing too fancy. Sandwiches are about 7 bucks but I think well worth the price. It's a large sandwich and everything is as fresh and delicious as can be. I also like to get brick cheese here for parties or o'devours. They have some specialty cheeses you can't find at a standard grocery store. As an FYI - there is no seating here, it's a deli.
(5)Richard K.
Bustling little sandwich shop @ corner of Como & Snelling. Really crowded during lunch. Call ahead & they will make it for pick up. Mr. T is my favorite. Grab a bag of chips & a pop and head over to a bench in Como park nearby.
(4)Amy R.
Reubens are pretty good here! I've also enjoyed the St. Paul Special.. Ingredients are always nice and fresh. Sandwiches are quite big. They have great salads too. Service has always been good. As another yelper mentioned, this place gets very packed during the lunch hour and parking can be tricky.. I like that it's close to the lake. Sometimes I'll trot down to the park and savor my sandwich by the lake..
(4)Nathan L.
Great little cheese shop. I would love to come back for lunch one day but it is a slight stretch on most business days to get over here. But in a pinch on the way home it is a great place to get a block of cheddar for some homemade mac and cheese and a cream soda for the ride home.
(4)Alex M.
Wow. Rarely am I blown away by something as simple as soup, salad, and sandwiches... but Nelson's does it right. Wait, let me rephrase. Nelson's does it best. I work close to this place - it's on the intersection of Snelling and Como near the fair grounds - so I've been lucky enough to go here on a regular basis. Everything on their menu is fresh and made to order. Items run from cold sandwiches like the Como (Thinly Sliced Chicken Breast, Bacon, Chive Havarti on Vienna White Bread with Lettuce, Tomato, Cucumbers and Ranch Sauce) to hot classics like the Reuben and Philly Beef and Cheese to signature salads and soups of the day. There is also large assortment of imported/specialty goods; these include items like bacon chocolate, old fashioned candies, and of course - Nelson's famous cheese! The assortment for cheese is quite sizable. I recommend the aged sharp cheddar - take some of goodness home to momma! Simply put, Nelson Cheese Factory is the best sandwich shop around. It's gonna make you sorry you ever went to Subway... sorry Jared!
(5)Lisa M.
Long lines, big sandwiches! We walk in and in addition the large amount of people in there, I notice they now have salads. I haven't been to Nelson's in what seems like forever, so things have changed. They had a large number of salads to choose from, plus it looked like you could make your own. Looked good, long line. We made our way to the sandwiches. I had a Town of Nelson - turkey, ham, baby Swiss, lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo on caraway rye. I don't like onion or mayo, so in retrospect, I should have gone for what I know I like - Como Club or Santa Fe. Don't get me wrong, it was good and very big, but I was wooed by the caraway rye. I should have been wooed by the chive Havarti or caliente sauce instead. We waited again to pay. They have chips, pop, pasta salads, and cookies and bars to tempt you as well. The whole experience took about 20 mins from in to out. That's too long for just a sandwich. It was good and reasonably priced at $6.50 with tax, but next time, I will go either earlier or later. 11:45 is insanely busy.
(3)Mike M.
Stopped in to Nelson's on our way to Minnehaha falls. My sandwich was huge. I really enjoyed it and the people at Nelson's were very friendly. I didn't actually try any of Nelson's cheese by itself but the muenster cheese on my sandwich was very good and I'm sure their cheese is top notch. On the way there we kept making a joke about Snelling Nelson's cheese, as Nelson's Cheese and Deli is undoubtedly on Snelling Ave and Como, which helped the outing take on a happy vibe from the get go. Anyway, if you're in the area, on your way to the zoo, perhaps, give Nelson's a go. You'll be glad you did.
(4)Rachael R.
This place is less than 5 minutes away from my office, and I don't think I'll ever quit my job, I love Nelsons too much. My favorite Rachel in town with these modifications: substitute pumpernickel and add pickles (free). Their salads and soups are also amazing. I never get bored of their food.
(5)Mat L.
Good, not great. Just tried Nelson's for the first time. The inside is much more impressive than the unprepossessing outside suggests. The meats are generally high quality, but I found the two sandwiches we tried (Mr. T & St Paul Special) somewhat uninspired flavor wise. The carrot cake was great, however. Also, the build your own salad bar is impressive. All in all, not a bad deli but the sandwiches aren't really worth going out of your way for.
(4)Dawn F.
I will never forget my first Cheesemaker Sandwich. A friend had brought lunch to me at work, opting to swing by Nelson Cheese and Deli. I remember seeing that sandwich, it was huge. To say I was intimidated would be an understatement. Yet, it was the best sandwich I've ever had from a deli. Yes, it took 2 days to finish the thing, but it was worth it . Once you try the Cheesemaker, you'll never go back. Before heading into a meeting this week, I happened to be within 6 blocks of Nelson Cheese & Deli. As usual I forgot their hours, and walked up 2 minutes before they were about to close. I had turned around, knowing the staff probably wanted to go home, but alas one of the guys waved me in, and they took care of my order. i.e. ensured I had a Cheesemaker "fix." I knew I already loved this deli. But the staff was beyond welcoming considering they all prob. wanted to go home. Hence, I will continue to sing praises of this wonderful establishment - and also encourage everyone to know that the staff there will treat you like a superstar. :)
(5)Tracy W.
I went here for the first time tonight, at the recommendation of a friend. I had the Mr. T, and it was absolutely wonderful. I normally don't like mustard, and I was a little worried about the Bermuda (?) Onions, but this was a really good sandwich. There was plenty of turkey and cheese, and the vegetables tasted very fresh. The food deserves 5+ stars. The reason I'm giving Nelson 4 stars is because the food is a little pricey. I spent $10 for a sandwich, a pop, and a cookie. I could spend $10 at a sit down cafe, but the prices at Nelson won't keep me away. Another issue was that the deli was a little understaffed. We had to wait for them to finish making some hot sandwiches before paying for our cold ones. It didn't hurt my experience, because I was in no rush, but this isn't exactly an "in and out" experience like Jimmy John's or Subway. For all the people complaining about no seating, on a nice day, you can pick up a sandwich, walk down the street, and enjoy it at Como Park!
(4)Joe S.
Nelson's kills it. Forget about those chain sandwich restaurants. If you are within driving range of this place, this is where you should be getting your sandwiches from. There is an expansive menu to choose from both hot and cold as well as a build your own section with tons of choices, and don't miss the hotdog/brat menu at the end of the sandwich line. The employees are great, super friendly and will take the time to make you something you will like. Nice selection of chips and drinks and a solid rotating pasta and cold sides menu as well. Quick, easy, delicious. Been twice now and will be back many times.
(5)Emily L.
There is no seating here. So be prepared to take your food back to the office, home or car. This is a great place to take people with varying tastes because they can make their own salad or sandwich or choose from one of the many speciality items on the menu. There is not one weak point of the menu. The salads, sandwiches (hot and cold), hotdogs, and baked goods are all awesome! My go to items are: seven layer salad, health nut salad, como club, coney hotdog, and the meatball sub.
(5)Erin G.
I stopped in for a salad to bring with me to night class. I try to be as healthy as possible most of the time so I usually end up with a salad wherever I go, unless I am having a yolo moment (which happens more than I'd like sometimes!) so I came for the salad, although the sandwiches sounded delicious. I am notoriously indecisive, so I couldn't decide among their salad options so I chose the "create your own" salad. You don't actually get to make it yourself, you tell them what you want and they put it together in a bowl for you. Mine was huge and delicious! I wished they had red peppers or sun dried tomatoes though. They do have a big selection and didn't skimp on the meat. They lost a star because of their dressing options... they had a lot available but only one light option (ranch), which is a bummer. I love a nice light vinaigrette. I'll definitely come again for a big salad, especially since it's so close to Hamline!
(4)Pardra H.
I loved it!!! No seating, just order and go. MEATBALL SUB WAS GREAT, definitely going back for more. Coworker tips to go around 11 am to avoid rush, great food and staff was friendly :)
(5)K K.
Go for the daily walk in special where you can get sandwich + side + drink for under $9. The quality of meats and cheeses is top notch. Desserts aren't bad either. The lemon cake is the clear winner.
(4)Joe J.
Great deli. This is the place I go to get food for my bosses when they come into town. Great variety of sandwiches, and a really heavy duty salad bar. Every sandwich I've ordered from here I like. Variety is the key with Nelson's, a staple off Como Ave.
(4)John S.
It's all in the bread. The moist tasty Nelson's bread is the best part of holding their sandwiches together and surrounding the content with a fresh baked flavor. Based on three visits the product is consistent and I've never had an unpleasant surprise. Many years ago before expanding the deli they used to have a larger selection of cheese as per their name. The little sandwich counter caught on and of course the owners wisely expanded deli selections promoted their catering business which is probably even bigger than their counter sales. There seems to be a little confusion among the patrons as to where to stand to order. It appears the deli does not want to appear procedure driven ( No sandwich for you) but depending on who's working the counter people congregate from the middle to the right side. One time there was an employee on one end of the counter who apparently was not taking orders for sandwiches, and one on the other side who was but he just seemed to pick people at random rather than any order leaving some of us standing and staring longer than those who had just walked in. The most recent visit two employees were working sandwiches and after I ordered two, I received one back. There doesn't seem to be a system for tracking orders, just rely on memory and verbal reminders. The selection of sodas and various drinks and chips is better than most other places and grocery delis.
(4)Steven D.
I'm so blessed to have this deli near work when I travel in. I wish it was close by for a dinner option so I can buy some cheese from their wide selection. For lunch they have a small selection of pre-made salads but you can also build your own and choose from over 30 different items. You can choose between 20 different sandwiches.. regular, larger, and hot sandwiches. There are also a few selection for soups. If you're a big fan of pasta or potato salads, they have a few to choose from as well that's sold by the pound. It seems like they rotate selections daily and have a few staples ones to choose from. There is a small parking lot in the back, so it might be an issue around the lunch rush, but I think there's street parking available as well if it's really all full. Service is fast and they're very nice! Do yourself a favor and try them!
(5)Ahmad R.
Really enjoyed this place and may become a regular. It's very casual, no seating, lots of sandwich choices, some salads, cheeses, desserts, and good bottled sodas. Chicken Little was our favorite out of it, the Hamline, and Rachel.
(4)Karl W.
Kitty corner to the greatest fair on earth is Nelson cheese and deli. I was amazed to find a bottle of Bubble-Up 25 years later after being a regular drinker at Red Owl. The lady helping me checkout looked puzzled for how happy I was over a bottle of soda. After all these years it's not as mind blowing as I remember, tastes like a flat 7up with a hint of orange flavor mixed in Tried the Cheesemaker, which was the most recommended on yelp. It was good but needed more dressing in my opinion. The chips on the othe hand was 5 stars, simply awesome. Disappointed there was no seating so I had to eat in the car, which another guy was doing next to me.
(4)Ken P.
OMG. This place is amazing. Really small thing but I think the pickle was the best one I've ever eaten. The only thing I would skip is the chocolate chip cookie. Bread and Chocolate's cookie is way better. But the pasta salads are perfect. Love all the extra teats you can get here like Anna's cookies. This place is worth the trip. For sure.
(5)Alexander V.
A nice mom & pop type cheese and sandwich shop. I've been here a few times. I like picking up string cheese every now and then at this location. This shop is the sister location to the one in Wabasha, MN. I think the owners are brothers. I find the prices here are a bit steep for what you end up getting, but I try to remember that I'm supporting a local small business. It can get busy here during the 12:00 lunch time, so shoot for 11am or 1pm to avoid the line. They have an online ordering system I haven't tried yet, but its mainly for their cheese baskets.
(4)Annie P.
Great little sandwich shop over by the State Fair. Today I had their marvelous 7 Layer Salad w/ Romaine lettuce, bacon, smoked-turkey, cheddar cheese, peas, onions, tomatoes & croutons. It was fresh and plentiful. I've been coming here for years and always impressed with sandwiches, soups, desserts and customer service. You will not be disappointed.
(4)Matthew G.
Nelson's is one of my favorite sandwich and salad shops. The staff is extremely friendly and make sure you say hi to Mark. Everything is made to order and they get quite busy. So give yourself a little extra time.
(4)Heath S.
I love this place, everything is delicious! My only neg is that they have changed the way that they charge you for the salads. Everything is now based on weight. The issue is that the customer is not making it themselves, the employees are. If you pay by weight it is a way to keep the customer honest when they load up the container. If you want to charge $10 for a salad, that's fine, but post it and train your staff to make it the same weight every time. I am put off by charging by the weight of my salad if I do not make it myself and I have expressed this. I'll bet sales on salads have decreased because of this ambiguity. But I will return because, again, they are delicious. I would go there more often if the salad thing wasn't so backwards.
(4)Cedar S.
To sum it up in one sentence, Nelson's is the kind of place that serves romaine lettuce instead of iceberg and real bread instead of the typical wonder variety. Prices are low at $6.04 for a sandwich you can literally add anything to. By anything this includes about 10 kinds of meats, 15 veggies, 10 fresh cheeses, sauces, pick your bread (another 10 varieties) for a sandwich made with real food that you can barely fit in your mouth. At noon the line snakes out the door and practically around the building but it moves quickly and the service is great. There's a giant drink cooler, chips, and don't be afraid to get a salad, there are at least 50 things you can put on your salad, all very bright-colored and fresh, and its mixed in a big silver bowl and boxed up for you to take with. There is no seating, so we ate on the drive back to work. Bummer, but honestly with how busy this place is I wouldn't want to throw any sort of cog in their well-oiled sandwich-producing machine. This place SCREAMS foodie, but is entirely (and almost shockingly so) lacking the foodie price or attitude. It's the kind of place you dream about but never actually find. Until you do. Find it, and you'll have a lifetime sandwich shop. If you live within any reasonable distance of this place, from Minneapolis to St. Paul and any surrounding suburb, you will be beside yourself that it took you this long to find Nelson Cheese and Deli.
(5)David O.
I've eaten at Delis just about everywhere in the Twin Cities and around the US and Nelson's is right up there with the best. The sandwiches are generous and fresh. Their sauces excellent. They have the best selection of small company sodas around. The bread as darn good too. Once you find Nelson's you will be a regular and never eat at a chain sandwich shop again.
(5)John O.
Nelson, we are cool If you weren't so close to work I would like you more The first couple hundred times I ate here, I probably would have given it five stars. Sometimes you can have too much of a good thing, I guess. Nothing has changed about the place other than that my palate has been fully exposed to the menu, and variety is the spice of life. The KC BBQ sandwich is my favorite item. The thing is massive. Probably not the best for the waistline, though. Usually, I tried to mix in a salad every now and then when I was coming here non-stop. For sandwiches, the Rachel and Reuben are also both quite good. They added three different hot dogs to the menu a year or two ago. Everything is very affordable. Be advised that this is a take-out only place and it can get very busy during the workday noon hour. Best to go for an early or late lunch. Como Park is just down the street if you want to eat there when the weather is decent. Will I be back? Absolutely, but more and more my food booty call rather than my main squeeze.
(4)Alicia S.
The sandwiches are DELICIOUS! My personal fav. is the Chicken Little. They also have a great selection of sodas, chips, and candies. Service has been quick and friendly, even when they are really busy. Also very inexpensive. It's just too bad they don't have seating inside.
(5)Scott D.
Great food. Extremely slow service. 20 minutes to push 6 people thru a line.
(4)Polly B.
I have tried the Chicken Little (chicken salad and alfalfa sprouts) and Santa Fe (roasted chicken) sandwich. They were both wonderful. I want to try a salad the next time. Anything you would want on a salad, they have it. You walk through the salad line and they build the salad with the toppings you request. Everything looks so fresh and good. Also tried the cookies and the cakes. All delicious. Service is also friendly and efficient. They also have packaged cheese, specialty sodas, gourmet chocolate and a good selection of chip flavors.
(5)B S.
This market was a deli-ghtful surprise. I expected fresh ingredients but the flavors were great, the portions generous, and the prices reasonable. The service was friendly too. Given they afford such attention to each salad and sandwich made; I could see it getting backed up a bit during peak hours. Regardless, I plan to return to explore their menu of takeout treats.
(5)Ruth D.
Puts Subway ("Eat Fresh!") to shame. These sandwiches are The. Best. Period. And the cheese! And when you walk in and take a gander at the array of mouthwatering, colorful fresh ingredients in the salad section... oh. Great service, too!
(5)Michelle A.
Seriously awesome sandwiches on fresh bread. I always get the Mr. T, a fantastic turkey sandwich. It's not advertised, but you can always ask for a 1/2 sandwich. Perfect for the smaller stomachs out there! If you see the carrot cake in the refrigerated case on your way out, get a slice. It is mouth-wateringly delicious. Definitely some of the best cake I've ever had. Weird that it's from a deli. As others have said, Nelson is take-out only (no seating inside or anywhere nearby), so plan accordingly. I'd recommend heading up to Como Park to enjoy lunch by some beautiful nearby lakes!
(5)Erica L.
I have to admit, I felt very stupid walking into this place and looking at the amazing menu because my family and I have been living near this place since 2009 and never thought of trying it out. When I tried the food, I felt even more stupid. It's so yummy that we've been back 4 times in 1 week!
(5)Ryan W.
I live nearby and think this place has the best cold cut sandwiches in town. I don't know how they can make basic sandwiches so amazing, but they are out of this world fantastic. Nothing too fancy. Sandwiches are about 7 bucks but I think well worth the price. It's a large sandwich and everything is as fresh and delicious as can be. I also like to get brick cheese here for parties or o'devours. They have some specialty cheeses you can't find at a standard grocery store. As an FYI - there is no seating here, it's a deli.
(5)Richard K.
Bustling little sandwich shop @ corner of Como & Snelling. Really crowded during lunch. Call ahead & they will make it for pick up. Mr. T is my favorite. Grab a bag of chips & a pop and head over to a bench in Como park nearby.
(4)Kristin H.
Situated on the corner of Como and Snelling Ave, Nelson's is always bustling. We walked in and got behind the already substantial line. I scanned the menu, thinking maybe this time I would get something besides my usual, no such luck. I ordered the "Create your own" just the way I like it -- delicious bread topped with turkey and roast beef, a huge slice of pepper-jack cheese and various veggies. Then, I always request extra honey mustard to top it off. I don't know what makes their honey mustard so delicious, but it is amazing. Seriously, try it. I think this is the main reason I always tend to create my own sandwich, I need that honey mustard! I switch off between this and the Chicken Little, a delicious homemade chicken salad on a wild rice bun, yum. The chicken salad is another highlight on their menu. All the sandwiches are made to-go, so after a short time waiting we proceeded to the register. At $6.04 plus tax for each sandwich, we left paying a little under $14. We walked out to our car and devoured our sandwiches in the parking lot. Not our usual Nelson's routine, but this time there wasn't a better option. Next time you need a quick pick-me-up or a meal on the go, head over to Nelson's Deli and Cheese. You will not be disappointed. Atmosphere It's a deli, so the atmosphere is nothing special. It's the taste that counts! Service Your sandwich is always handed to you quickly and with a smile. Presentation The sandwiches are always bulging with color and deliciousness. The salads are also a good bet for a beautiful presentation. Taste Delicious. The cheese is definitely a stand out in these sandwiches. Oh, and try that honey mustard! Value for Dollars For a sandwich you could find something cheaper. But, would it taste as good!?
(5)Jordan H.
Great deli. Just keep an eye one the young staff to make sure you are getting what you ordered. Great selection of root beer. You should atleasttry it once.
(5)Joey S.
There's nothing positive I can say that hasn't been said in numerous other reviews. Great food, good value, and friendly staff. With that being said there's one major problem, and that's getting people in and out. The staff making sandwiches and salads are on top of things. Quick, friendly, and accurate. The problem is the bottleneck at lunchtime with one cashier who has absolutely no sense of urgency to keep the line moving. I was here last week and had my sandwich in 3-4 minutes. Then I had to wait another 15 just to get up to pay...totally unacceptible. Finally they pulled someone off making sandwiches to run the other register. If you know you're going to be busy why not have a second cashier all the time, or at least if you're only going to have one have someone with some speed?
(4)Bryon W.
You will not find a better quick lunch in St. Paul then Nelsons. Get a St. Paul Red hot, what a winning wiener! You feeling like a Sammy instead? Town of Nelson on drop dead delightful caraway rye will do you right. Soup? What you like, How about Chicken dumpling? Or Beer Cheese? Chili may haps? You more of a salad green type? Have your salad your way, they will load you up with whatever you like. The food here is really good. You can go to subway and get total Sh*t, or you can come here and get fresh, delicious food made by a fun and helpful group of people. It's a Saint Paul Staple!
(5)Andy B.
Tucked into the corner of the Como Park neighborhood, Nelson's is a fine place for sandwiches, salads, and well, cheese. Their menu goes well beyond the typical Jimmy John's standards, offering a variety of smart sandwich combos like roast beef with red onion on pumpernickel, topped with a zippy special sauce. It's amazing what fresh ingredients can do to a simple sandwich. The salads are just as inventive and flavorful, especially the Mardi Gras chock full of olives, blue cheese and other tasty bits. Grab a sandwich and a pickle cut into quarters and you're good to go. Nelson's focuses on the lunch rush and is closed by 7:00 (or earlier). If they stayed open a little later I'd probably go there for lunch AND dinner on the same day.
(4)John H.
the Cheesemaker with bacon is the King of All Cold-Cut Deli Sandwiches: Virginia Baked Ham, Turkey Breast, Pastrami, and Salami. Wisconsin Cheese, Cheddar and Baby Swiss with Lettuce, Green Peppers, Onions, Mayonnaise and some kind of crazy extra-special sauce on a nice roll. A big sandwich. I mean honestly- 1/2 is a meal. Place is good. And they do hot dogs now. and great salads. and cheese. and Jolt cola. the staff is great too. I've been known to call ahead to get sandwiches and they're cool with it - (ahem) i assume. basically it's a great small place with a huge list of sandwiches. Some great desserts, some great bottled drinks. Not that spendy, and never crazy busy. Try it out some time. And parking too!
(5)Brendan T.
A great stop after suffering through Como Town with your kids in tow. Great sandwiches and nice beverage selection plus great cheese curds.
(4)Laura P.
This place is amazing! My favorite place to get a sandwich. I've never been disappointed with Nelson Cheese Factory! Como park is super close by, so it's ideal to take a sandwich to the park on a nice day. I had the Santa Fe chicken last time I was there. It's one of the hot sandwiches. They have amazing bread, which immediately gets an A+ from me. The chicken breast was seasoned wonderfully, there was some veggies and some kind of crazy sauce that was a little spicy. My boyfriend and I split one of their cold pasta salads, it was really good! We definitely made a good decision on trying it :) He had a coney hotdog, he reported that it was much to his liking. I highly recommend this place!
(5)Hope C.
The boyfriend and I stopped in for a bite to eat before heading to Como Zoo. I had the Mr. T and my boyfriend had a Hot Hero and EVERYTHING WAS SO GOOD. The bread was good, the meat was great, the veggies were fresh and it came with a cookie and drink for about 8 bucks. This place is awesome! Great place to stop for a bite if you're headed to the Zoo and don't want to spend an arm and a leg on zoo food.
(5)Marc B.
The hands-down place to go for lunch in the area if you don't give a d*mn about your cholesterol. All of their sandwiches are superb, and they pile on the meats and cheeses. Forgot Quiznos or Subways or even Jimmy Johns. This is the real deal. You can't beat the quality or the quantity. I recommend the Cheesemaker, a hefty pound and a half behemoth somehow classifying as a sandwich seems insulting. Make sure to save room for some of Nelson's divine home-made ice cream and an artisanal beverage. Earlier reviewers complained about parking. Between on-street parking and the lot behind the building, I've never had a problem despite going there once or twice a month my entire life.
(5)Mark M.
They have the best sandwiches in the Twin Cities, the ingredients are all top quality, not bleached out veggies like they have at Subway. Order a Cheasemaker sandwich (and have them add pickles for free). It comes in two halves and feeds two people easily. They pile on the meat and cheese SO THICK! Simply amazing qualities meat, chease, veggies, bread - the real deal here. I never get the drinks or other deli goods, because they are little spendy, but a Cheesemaker that is two meals for $7.50 is a great deal.
(5)Mellie M.
I have been in love with Nelson's since I was younger. Who doesn't love Cheese? Well, my friend Somers for one...not sure what is wrong with that kid. This place ROCKS if you are craving a sandwich for lunch. Make sure to bring your empty stomach because these babies are big. Nelson's has a very large menu to order from...it is a tiny little shop where you walk in, order and pay. It is not an eat in type of joint. Order any sandwich from the menu and if there is something you don't like...they will leave it off. If there is something you want to add or change...they will be happy to do just that for you!! Everything they put on the sandwiches are fresh and you go away feeling happy about what you just ate. If you go right at noon expect a bit of a line...it goes really quickly however and it is worth the wait. They also offer salads and sides galore including pasta salads, chips, bricks of cheese...yep you can buy yourself a brick of cheese to nibble on at your desk. Don't worry your coworkers will ask for a bite...you can say no. Get in there NOW! Mmmmmmmmmmm sammiches
(5)Ian Y.
As good as a deli can get. Friendly and efficient staff. The sandwiches are delicious, huge, and reasonably priced. Go on Thursday and get the pulled pork - and leave the slaw on. You'll be glad you did. I moved away two years ago and I still miss those pork sandwiches. The bad: the place gets a little hectic at lunchtime, and can be intimidating to the new visitor. Pro tip: there are separate lines for salad and sandwiches, and a third line to pay once you have your food. Oh, and ask about their frequent sandwicher punch cards. The 12th sandwich tastes that much sweeter when it's free.
(5)Sylvain P.
Being a Frenchman, I was pleased with their variety of cheeses. I would definitely recommend it and look forward to stopping by again soon.
(5)Rachel D.
Every year we attend the Region 10 arabian horse show at the St Paul fairgrounds. This is a MUST for us. AWESOME food, fast, a large assortment. Friendly staff, just love this place. After I order I always find something else to add, either a homemade dessert or a different type of chocolate. Great place!
(5)Irene D.
Whatever you do, get bacon on your sandwich here. The bacon is perfectly cooked: thick cut, melt in your mouth crispy, not at all greasy. I got the California club and wished the turkey was replaced with more bacon. Will request that next time.
(5)Neuy D.
I love the food but the service during the day is horrible. The manager (maybe owner?) is really nice to people he knows but he can be unfriendly and a dick if you don't know him. I really can't stand that guy, It really makes me feel unwelcome. The blond girl who works during the day also has horrible customer service skills but she just seems to hate her job which is understandable seeing who her boss is. Ironically the teenagers who used to work in the afternoon provided great service. Suggestion: The Cheesemaker Sub is heavenly. Avoid buying blocks of cheese there, not that good and you can get better.
(3)Andrew R.
I gave Nelson's 5 stars because Yelp wouldn't let me give it 6! It's that good. Basically the best lunch spot in the entire country. No joke. They have tons of great sandwiches that are all made to order. Also they make the best fresh salads. Great prices considering the portions are massive. To be honest I've never tried their cheese, or ice cream but friends say both are really good too. The staff is always on top of their game. Wish I still worked by Nelson's. I would go there literally every day for lunch. Only downside I guess is that there's really nowhere to eat inside Nelson's - so be prepared to either eat it in your car or take it to go.
(5)Wanda M.
Several lunch meetings have been catered by NCD...makes a way better meeting. Believe it or not, the cheese is delish too.
(3)Ninja S.
Nelson is one of those places you go to buy cheese. Anything else is really just an added bonus. It's a 3-star deli, but a 5-star cheese place. I'd even go as far as dropping the deli classificiation and just say specialty food store. This is a local dairyland institution and the cheese is good. If you're up to making special trips just to buy cheese, you should consider stopping here.
(4)Norton L.
In the interest of full disclosure, I have to report that while I do not know the owners of Nelson Cheese personally, they are friends of a friend, so they are acquaintances of mine. I would also like to point out that I am not a big sandwich person. I prefer a lunch of leftovers over a PB&J or ham & cheese. With that said, I LOVE Nelson's sandwiches. They are huge and have great combinations of flavors. I've had their Como Club (the cucumbers are unique and a cool and refreshing addition to a sandwich) and their St. Paul special (great combination of spicy pastrami, pumpernickel, and onions). Both are FABULOUS. Their "A plan" box lunches come with chips and a cookie and their cookies are the best I've tasted anywhere. Their "B Plan" box lunches come with a salad (potato, cole slaw, or pasta) and brownie. Sometimes they have a seafood salad and that's the one to get if it's available. The owner also caters and does a fabulous job with it. He normally does large (100+ groups). I'm not sure if he caters under another name or not. I'll check and update here when I find out. Nelson Cheese has four locations in MN and WI and are all owned by the same family. The original in Nelson, WI was started by husband and wife. The original is now run by one of the sons. Nelson - St. Paul and Nelson - Spring Lake Park are run by two other sons and Nelson - Rochester is run by the daughter. I would have to assume the other Nelson locations are just as good as this one. I happened to be in the area over lunch hour one weekday recently (going to Mac's Fish N Chips) and there was a line out the door. Try 'em. Enjoy 'em. Go back for more.
(5)Lacey P.
How could I not know this place existed? Oh yeh, because I never go to this part of town. It's like the far edges of the earth to me. They have great sandwiches, but beware A LOT OF MEAT on the menu. They have ice cream and you can build your own salad or sandwich. They also have deli take out items that looked really good. I was kind of expecting a run-down little deli but everything was new and cute and the best part is you can get cheese curds (unfried) and a ton of old-style drinks like Moxie or Afri-cola. You know what I'm talking about. I will be back to get some imported chocolate and CHEESE!
(5)Carrie S.
Sadly learned that they no longer have breakfast. So bummed.
(5)Joel P.
A co-worker and I thought we'd give them a shot based on another co-worker's review. We were pleasantly surprised at what we found. Our sandwich's were fantastic! The menu of quick serve salads and sandwich's was so big, it was almost overwhelming though. But they had a creative spin on many sandwich's that were very intriguing. They also had a great gourmet cheese selection. I only wish they had a seating area and better parking. See you guys again soon!
(4)Shawn Z.
The Cheesemaker with bacon is the best deli sandwich in Minnesota. If you see a big stack of cheese curds, they are fresh. they are awesome.
(5)justthenuts a.
i love nelson's cheese. don't quote me on this, but i believe this is still a family-owned store (they have a few other locations, such as spring lake park and rochester, which may have been sold outside the family). at any rate, they have great sandwiches, deli salads, and cheese. you can't eat-in; it's pick-up only. but, como park isn't too far away. the service is great every time, and they have a newly renovated shop. i like that they have punch cards. buy 11 and the 12th is free. i think they could cut that number down a little bit though. regardless, prices are good and reasonable. my favorites: reuben, mr. t, town of nelson, chicken rotini salad, seven layer pasta salad, danish blue cheese, gorganzola, smoked gouda, gouda my one wish is that they had a little larger selection of cheese.
(4)Amy R.
Reubens are pretty good here! I've also enjoyed the St. Paul Special.. Ingredients are always nice and fresh. Sandwiches are quite big. They have great salads too. Service has always been good. As another yelper mentioned, this place gets very packed during the lunch hour and parking can be tricky.. I like that it's close to the lake. Sometimes I'll trot down to the park and savor my sandwich by the lake..
(4)Nathan L.
Great little cheese shop. I would love to come back for lunch one day but it is a slight stretch on most business days to get over here. But in a pinch on the way home it is a great place to get a block of cheddar for some homemade mac and cheese and a cream soda for the ride home.
(4)Alex M.
Wow. Rarely am I blown away by something as simple as soup, salad, and sandwiches... but Nelson's does it right. Wait, let me rephrase. Nelson's does it best. I work close to this place - it's on the intersection of Snelling and Como near the fair grounds - so I've been lucky enough to go here on a regular basis. Everything on their menu is fresh and made to order. Items run from cold sandwiches like the Como (Thinly Sliced Chicken Breast, Bacon, Chive Havarti on Vienna White Bread with Lettuce, Tomato, Cucumbers and Ranch Sauce) to hot classics like the Reuben and Philly Beef and Cheese to signature salads and soups of the day. There is also large assortment of imported/specialty goods; these include items like bacon chocolate, old fashioned candies, and of course - Nelson's famous cheese! The assortment for cheese is quite sizable. I recommend the aged sharp cheddar - take some of goodness home to momma! Simply put, Nelson Cheese Factory is the best sandwich shop around. It's gonna make you sorry you ever went to Subway... sorry Jared!
(5)Lisa M.
Long lines, big sandwiches! We walk in and in addition the large amount of people in there, I notice they now have salads. I haven't been to Nelson's in what seems like forever, so things have changed. They had a large number of salads to choose from, plus it looked like you could make your own. Looked good, long line. We made our way to the sandwiches. I had a Town of Nelson - turkey, ham, baby Swiss, lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo on caraway rye. I don't like onion or mayo, so in retrospect, I should have gone for what I know I like - Como Club or Santa Fe. Don't get me wrong, it was good and very big, but I was wooed by the caraway rye. I should have been wooed by the chive Havarti or caliente sauce instead. We waited again to pay. They have chips, pop, pasta salads, and cookies and bars to tempt you as well. The whole experience took about 20 mins from in to out. That's too long for just a sandwich. It was good and reasonably priced at $6.50 with tax, but next time, I will go either earlier or later. 11:45 is insanely busy.
(3)Mike M.
Stopped in to Nelson's on our way to Minnehaha falls. My sandwich was huge. I really enjoyed it and the people at Nelson's were very friendly. I didn't actually try any of Nelson's cheese by itself but the muenster cheese on my sandwich was very good and I'm sure their cheese is top notch. On the way there we kept making a joke about Snelling Nelson's cheese, as Nelson's Cheese and Deli is undoubtedly on Snelling Ave and Como, which helped the outing take on a happy vibe from the get go. Anyway, if you're in the area, on your way to the zoo, perhaps, give Nelson's a go. You'll be glad you did.
(4)Rachael R.
This place is less than 5 minutes away from my office, and I don't think I'll ever quit my job, I love Nelsons too much. My favorite Rachel in town with these modifications: substitute pumpernickel and add pickles (free). Their salads and soups are also amazing. I never get bored of their food.
(5)Mat L.
Good, not great. Just tried Nelson's for the first time. The inside is much more impressive than the unprepossessing outside suggests. The meats are generally high quality, but I found the two sandwiches we tried (Mr. T & St Paul Special) somewhat uninspired flavor wise. The carrot cake was great, however. Also, the build your own salad bar is impressive. All in all, not a bad deli but the sandwiches aren't really worth going out of your way for.
(4)Dawn F.
I will never forget my first Cheesemaker Sandwich. A friend had brought lunch to me at work, opting to swing by Nelson Cheese and Deli. I remember seeing that sandwich, it was huge. To say I was intimidated would be an understatement. Yet, it was the best sandwich I've ever had from a deli. Yes, it took 2 days to finish the thing, but it was worth it . Once you try the Cheesemaker, you'll never go back. Before heading into a meeting this week, I happened to be within 6 blocks of Nelson Cheese & Deli. As usual I forgot their hours, and walked up 2 minutes before they were about to close. I had turned around, knowing the staff probably wanted to go home, but alas one of the guys waved me in, and they took care of my order. i.e. ensured I had a Cheesemaker "fix." I knew I already loved this deli. But the staff was beyond welcoming considering they all prob. wanted to go home. Hence, I will continue to sing praises of this wonderful establishment - and also encourage everyone to know that the staff there will treat you like a superstar. :)
(5)Tracy W.
I went here for the first time tonight, at the recommendation of a friend. I had the Mr. T, and it was absolutely wonderful. I normally don't like mustard, and I was a little worried about the Bermuda (?) Onions, but this was a really good sandwich. There was plenty of turkey and cheese, and the vegetables tasted very fresh. The food deserves 5+ stars. The reason I'm giving Nelson 4 stars is because the food is a little pricey. I spent $10 for a sandwich, a pop, and a cookie. I could spend $10 at a sit down cafe, but the prices at Nelson won't keep me away. Another issue was that the deli was a little understaffed. We had to wait for them to finish making some hot sandwiches before paying for our cold ones. It didn't hurt my experience, because I was in no rush, but this isn't exactly an "in and out" experience like Jimmy John's or Subway. For all the people complaining about no seating, on a nice day, you can pick up a sandwich, walk down the street, and enjoy it at Como Park!
(4)Thomas R.
Mmm! My favorite sandwich shop in the Twin Cities. Huge menu full of creative, scrumpscious sandwiches. They also have a good selection of bottled boutique soda. Of course, let's not forget the cheese: squeaky curds or other varieties sure to compliment some wine or serve as a delightful snack. Anyway, the sandwiches are fantastic. I usually order the Reuben. Oh, and the staff are happy to be there! Last time I went in, they were singing and the guy at the register was super outgoing.
(5)Angela S.
This is my favorite place to go for a sandwich. I've tried nearly everything on the menu; pretty much anything you get is going to be amazing. I highly recommend the Mr. T and the St. Paul Special. The prices are reasonable, but a bit more than a regular sandwich shop. It gets super busy at lunch, but it's almost always dead around dinner time if you want to pick one up on the way home. Be warned, this is a small place and there is no seating so plan on getting your sandwich and eating it elsewhere.
(5)Julian P.
I can always count on Nelson's for that little extra incentive to get my rear to church (it's a block away). That being said, I LOVE that I can get lunch at 10:30 on a Sunday morning. I get realllly excited about Nelson's. It is a very clean, modern deli aesthetically. Great specialty sandwiches and just about any ingredient to make your own creation with. A huge amount of TLC goes into making each sandwich. I usually go for the Como Club - chicken, bacon, chive havarti, ranch sauce, yes please! This sandwich is a monster, two meals in one. With the purchase of a sandwich you can get a 1/2 pound of deli salad for $2, and why wouldn't you? Both the pasta and potato salads are oh so, so, so good. Chip selection is awesomely bountiful. This is a haven for specialty soda nuts, the assortment is bonkers. For dessert they have just about everything your heart could desire; gourmet chocolate bars, candy, and homemade cookies, cakes, and bars. Last Sunday I got a honker of a sandwich, 1/2 pound salad, bag of chips and a large fancy soda pop all for $11. For the quality and quantity of the food I got, that's a pretty great price. Quite the perfect feast for an afternoon of movies. Thank you Jesus for putting the perfect deli right by my church, you know me so well. Amen.
(5)Sarah K.
Just because I'm giving this place two stars doesn't mean I won't be back. Someday. If I happen to be in the area. And want an overpriced sandwich. There's really nothing special about this place. It's like subway with a local touch. The sandwiches are good, but it was a little too pricey for my taste. Example; they were selling $7 bars of chocolate. Oh...there no seating. That was a nice surprise....or not.
(2)AJ B.
Nelson's has great sandwiches (hot and cold). The hardest thing about going there is choosing which one to get. They are all so good (esp. the Wednesday special). Their salads are great and huge! Nelson's also has a wide array of potato chips and yummy looking deserts that I refuse to try so I do not get addicted to them. ;o) There is also a nice variety of bottled and canned sodas and other drinks (i.e. Nantucket Nectar). The only thing that makes me sad about Nelson's is that they no longer serve breakfast. They used to have awesome breakfast burritos and omelets. I think the Management did away with the breakfast and swapped it for hot dogs which do not even compare (and are a lot less healthy). P.S. They also have a small, but good selection of different cheeses that are very good.
(5)Bill H.
This was a nice little deli that made pretty good food. The menu is huge, but one thing you have to consider is that they don't have any seating, so make sure you're planning on going somewhere with your fairly tasty sandwich. The place was clean and the staff was friendly. The reason I'm giving it 3 stars is because I didn't get that 5 star feeling from the place, the food was decent, and everything else was good, but there wasn't really anything special to keep me coming back, if I'm in the neighborhood i'll definitely stop in for a sandwich but I'm not making a special trip for one.
(3)Allison K.
Hands down my favorite sandwich shop. Based on the lines during the lunch hour, I think there are many who would agree with me. Many of the customers seem to be regulars, judging by the employees' frequent enthusiastic greetings of "Hey! How are ya, man?" The Town of Nelson (cold sandwich) is my jam. I'm not big on Pumpernickel, but the friendly employees let you substitute elements of the sandwich if you so desire. Beware: There is not a great vegetarian option. During my vegetarian stints, I unfortunately have to avoid Nelson's due to fear of heartbreak. And the sandwiches that come with meat COME WITH MEAT... You might want to take some of the meat off if you are worried about your weight, heart, arteries, etc. because of course the sandwiches are loaded with AMAZING cheese (I mean, come on, Cheese Factory is in the title). The only thing that could make this place any greater would be some outdoor seating in the summer and a better veg. option!
(4)