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    Hard Times Deli

    4.3 (46 reviews)
    ModerateSandwiches, Delis
    Closed 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

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    HARD TIMES DELI ATMOSPHERE

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    Recommended Reviews - Hard Times Deli

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    Toya D.

    The outsideof the building looks like a car shop and the windows are large making it feel larger than it really it. One side is the sit down sandwich shop and the other side sells local merch. You order at the counter and find a seat. The sandwiches come wrapped in paper and taped closed. Which is good because its easier to take home. I had a buffalo chicken sandwich n pasta salad. My food was very flavorful. Customer service was prompt and friendly. I need to revisit cause my sammach was delicious. I went on a Saturday afternoon and it was busy but still no complaints.

    Eggplant Parm
    Mollie F.

    Hard Times deli is one of those Memphis staples that I can't help but coming back too. I think about their eggplant parm sandwich at least once a week and eat it as often as I can! Their menu isn't huge, but what they offer is all phenomenal. I want everyone to experience the joy of hard times in their life!

    Pickles and Shells
    Camille F.

    I finally made it to Hard Times Deli and tried the Buffalo Chicken Caesar sandwich--so good! I'd been eyeing it for a while, and it didn't disappoint. The sour pickles on it were a game-changer. I never would've thought to add those to a Caesar-style sandwich, but it worked perfectly. My lunch date had the SSS Chopped Cheese and thought it could've used a bit more meat. It disappeared before I could even get a photo, so that says something! We also tried the "Pickle and Shells" seasonal side. I love pickles, so I was curious, but it didn't quite win me over. The flavors didn't blend the way I expected--I think chopped pickles instead of diced might've made a difference. The staff was really friendly, the space was clean, and we even browsed the little shop next door afterward. I'm already planning to come back to try the Italian sub next!

    Spicy Italian
    Ellie F.

    Sometimes you just need a thick, juicy sandwich, ya know? I liked their twist on a classic Italian sub with the spicy garlic sauce. I also tried the chopped cheese and it was kind of life-changing. I can tell that there is a lot of technique and attention to detail put into the food by how well-seasoned and balanced everything is. The inside of the shop is retro and cozy, and it connects to a store next door with lots of cute Memphis merch. I'll be back to try more sandwiches!

    Chopped Cheese, kimchi, tater salad
    Mathew S.

    Seems a little ridiculous to have to keep updating reviews, but this one is important. The crew has settled in at HTD. A bit more efficient, the sandwiches consistently the best in Memphis and certainly within 10 minutes of the downtown core, the crowds still large but thing move along a bit more quickly. And I've tried 4 of the sandwiches. So, a ranking: 4. Ourby's 3. Italian 2b. Chopped Cheese, double beef 2a. Chopped Cheese 1. Chicken Caesar A few considerations: 1) beef is better than chicken. And somehow the chicken Caesar is superior. How? The Caesar sub is a friggin' revelation. It's ALL THE FLAVORS, somehow melded to compliment each other. It's alchemy, I tell you. Pure alchemy. 2) somehow there is, in fact, too much of a good thing. See the chopped cheese, double beef. My vote is that the way they made it, tested it, and worked on it has the perfect portions despite my propensity for a wallop to the gut o' meat. The regular is better than my melding carnivorous amendment because the gents behind the operation know exactly what in the hell they're doing. Don't be a dilettante like me, you'll wind up short-changing yourself. 3) once all the hype died down, it's started to feel a little more like a mom and pop joint. A quick convo with the (same, and I love this) ladies that work the register and end-of-the-line positions, the pop up joint next door, the kitsch/merch/books filling up the shelving. It's getting the feel to match the culinary flash.

    Chop Cheese. It's okay
    Tarshe C.

    We tried this new deli shops because they recently opened. The food here is just okay (My Opinion) not delicious though! We ordered the chop cheese, it lacks flavor and the sandwich was very dry. The sandwiches are also kind of pricey too. We paid $3 for potato chips and another $3 for a Coke. Sandwich average around $17. The ambiance is very welcoming and charming. I like the Decor but it's very hard to move around. The cashier was very nice and friendly, loved her personality. The wait time was around 20min, it gets busy around lunch times so that's understandable and great for business. Maybe next time I'll try something different. If I do decide to return.

    Outside
    Julie G.

    Excellent sandwich... very busy and crowded little shop packed full of delicious sandwiches.. the service was fast for as busy as they were and it's the cutest little place

    Throwback can of Gatorade from Hard Times.
    Shran J.

    The vibe is throwback, back to the future 80's. I had The Fin and omg, I'm funny about tuna salad but the $16.50 price tag is worth it! It's fresh, you get a lot for your bucks and can we talk about the vintage Gatorade can, love it! It make me feel like a kid again. Total price sandwich, soda and chips around $24. Definitely a 10 out of 10!

    Buffalo Chicken Caesar
    Tommie B.

    My teammate decided to try this on a random day and shared half of their buffalo chicken Caesar sandwich with me. This sandwich is the truth! The sauce is very flavorful, the chicken is juicy and you receive a very large portion size.

    Chopped cheese
    Anthony

    My wife and a friend of mine recommended this spot. They both know that I don't like sandwiches. But I got the chopped cheese and my goodness for $16 it was fire and WORTH. Highly recommend. Will be going back again.

    The Italian sandwich
    Margaret J.

    The sandwiches are huge. Look at all that fresh meat! I like spicy Italian sandwiches, and the old-fashioned Cokes are pretty cool. This place is very quaint, but the service was fast. They also have a fabulous gift shop next door that you can browse as you wait for your delicious, huge sandwich.

    Turkey Bacon Ranch
    Allison S.

    I have been dying to try this new sandwich place in Downtown Memphis! And it did NOT disappoint! The restaurant itself has retro vibe with a modern twist. We went for a late lunch and I was surprised with how fast our sandwiches came out after seeing a crowd waiting. I had the Eggplant Parmesan and the flavors were amazing. They are more expensive for a sandwich but I think every dollar was worth it for what you get. I cannot wait to go back to try more sammies!

    Turkey bacon ranch
    Amber B.

    Very cute place on the inside. Busy lunch crowd. Took about ten minutes to get my order. I got the turkey bacon ranch. I love a good turkey sandwich but I did not like this one, lots of quantity but quality was lacking to me. The spread on it wasn't good to me. The avocado seemed out of place, I had to add mustard on it when I got home & lastly, this sandwich gave me a stomach ache that lasted for hours. Something about this sandwich did not agree with me. I tried. Cost with tax was close to nineteen dollars

    Buffalo Chicken Ceasar

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    1 year ago

    Best sandwiches in the city. Buffalo, turkey ranch, spicy Italian are all incredible.

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    1 year ago

    very good sandwiches in a great atmosphere. The buffalo chicken and the chopped cheese were fantastic

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    2 years ago

    Amazing sandwiches and excellent staff. Very neat restaurant and a huge plus for Memphis.

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

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