A stop along the way through St. Joseph, Missouri brought us to this step back in time. Worth the stop for some great food, fantastic welcoming feeling and nostalgia from days gone by. Looks like a very popular music venue as well. Unfortunately, too early for that. It was hopping at 1:45 for lunch and filled with regulars. The fantastic bartender, Jerry, shouts out a greeting to everyone who walks in and hustles to make sure everyone is taken care of QUICKLY! The menu was perfect for a delicatessen with standard choices of turkey, pastrami, tuna salad, soups and specialty beef brisket sandwiches. The prices are more than fair with the delicious pastrami sandwich coming with a sufficient amount of meat and quality bread for the great price. You can add additional meat for a small charge. It's nice to have a sandwich that isn't is more than you can eat and twice the price. I had the homemade chicken and wildrice soup which was also delicious filled with chunks of white chicken meat. We topped it off with a slice of Magoons famous cheese cake which did not disappoint! The atmosphere is eclectic with booths that have heard many stories over the years, a great bar with plenty of seating and unique antiques. Whether stopping by to check out the Pony Express or Jesse James museum, or living in the area Magoons is definitely worth a stop. read more

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We love Magoon's! Truly a part of St. Joe history. Great food & live music. Thanks Barry!

Beautiful day for a ride country roads with This place as the destination. Lunch's are packed. We got there about 1:20 that crowd had just left. Immediately seated by none other than Jerry who was real helpful with the menu. Simple single page with a lot of variations. Not a bar, food. Oh yeah thats why its called a delicatessen. Had a simple ham n cheese n chips with an iced tea. Perfectly good. Then good ol' Jerry strolls by and says ya want cheesecake. Well twist my arm. It too was perfect portion and had chocolate and Carmel drizzle. Carb overload for sure. Its a destination for sure. read more

Magoons Famous Delicatessen - This is da place - Delis Near Me - Saint Joseph, Missouri

My husband and I love this bar. Bob was fantastic and the best. We will be back soon. Met some locals and we adore them. Great people here and a must for all to come see. read more

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What went well? All of it! Food, service, and ambience. This place is local, divey, and if you enjoy a simple sandwich, you can't go wrong here. Out-of-towners might get scared of the location, but I've never had issues with stopping by here for lunch, so don't get scared off. And I wouldn't say it has crazy or unique flavor combinations; they just do the classics very well. If you like chili, try it here, bc the meat used in it isn't just your typical ground beef. Lastly, cheesecake. I'm not a huge fan myself, but I've had it here and it's good. Not my personal fave bc cheesecake just doesn't do it for me, but I'll probably keep getting it every time I stop in here. read more

Very good. Tried 1st time. It is restaurant week. Had the special that day. Good food, good conversation with owner

We found this little place kind of by accident. If we get back to St. Joseph, we will for sure go back. It's kind of like the old TV show Cheers where everybody knows your name. Lots of cool memorabilia that would take several trips to see everything. The waiter/bartender was attentive, made suggestions and was very friendly. The food is reasonably priced and very good. Plenty of menu items but not over whelming. read more

Went to this place was amazing like eating in a museum the owner was great like a history teller.we had ate earlier and it just popped into folks mind so we had desert and a beer cheesecake was awesome going back tomorrow menu is limited but all of it was great atmosphere was amazing hopefully catch the band next time so there won't be disappointed. read more

This is a gem tucked away in the former industrial area. The atmosphere is great and the food was good and well priced. It is worth the trip for the atmosphere alone, but the food is worth staying for. read more

This place is really good! My hubby and I had a delicious lunch during #stjosephrestaurantweek. I had the Ruben. It was hot and freshly toasted. The meat was really tasty. The sour kraut was good and the Russian dressing was delicious. I enjoyed it. I would have it again! My hubby had the French dip and gave me a bite. It was hot and tasty too. The meat had a delicious smoky flavor. He loved it! The creamed horseradish was wonderful. He'd have this again in a heartbeat. Hubby also had a bowl of gumbo. It was hot and meaty. It was good. The pickles were quality, crunchy pickles, just how I love them. The cheesecake was good. Although it's a bit different than what I'm used to. Their hot food was hot, just like you want it to be. Their meat is quality meat, just like you want it to be. If I ever crave a sandwich with good, quality meat, I'm going to think of this place! read more

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I am not sure what Magoons BP from Alabama was eating at as the Magoons Deli in St Joseph doesn't serve the items he was reviewing. The food is excellent! Fresh made to order sandwiches and salads. Very accommodating to gluten free AND Keto! The decor is a treat itself and worth the trip!!!! read more

Old and dingy. Brought out croutons on a salad when I specifically asked for none. I can not have gluten. They made me a new one. I heard them throw the plate from the other side of the restaurant. I got super sick afterwards. I can't recommend this place in good conscience with anyone with food allergies. read more

We were randomly visiting the Pony Express Museum and decided to try a local place for lunch. What a treasure! We split a French dip, chili, and the soup of the day - shrimp corn chowder, and a piece of cheesecake for dessert. Everything was absolutely delicious - coming in second place to only the exceptional service. read more

Magoons Famous Delicatessen - French dip! - Delis Near Me - Saint Joseph, Missouri

I found this place through Yelp and after reading the reviews, I decided I was going to meet a colleague from St. Joes at this spot for lunch. The front of the restaurant is very deceiving, made me want to double check my Google Map directions because it didn't look like a deli. Once I saw a signage declaring this was Magoons, I parked my vehicle on the side of the street and walked in. Right away, service was very friendly, welcoming, and fantastic. I was very surprised on the decor, seemed like this place was 80 years old and in the same condition from decades ago. I ordered the hot beef sandwich, chips, and a cheesecake. The sandwich and chips came out quickly and I was pleasantly surprised of the great taste and simple presentation (see picture). This place allowed great conversation and hardly any distraction. The bartender was very good in checking up on us, double checking to see what else he could provide to promote the friendly atmosphere. At the end, I picked up a cheesecake to go and thought I would definitely make a return visit once I am in the area again. read more

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We have lived here six years and finally went and tried this place, didn't know it was there, which is probably because it is across the street from a homeless food kitchen in a not so pretty part of town. I was kind of hesitant to even go in because it is definitely a hole in the wall and you can see the dust and dead bugs in the storefront windows, but I love dive bars. I am pretty sure they last dusted back when it was established in 1918. It has shelves full of old junk everywhere, very eclectic. The menu is limited and I just decided to have the "world famous" chili. It was okay, was served a bit lukewarm rather than hot. It also could use more spice in my opinion, but it was good. The waiter, I dont remember his name, was great and very attentive - I give him 5 stars. read more

Checked out this place for my sandwich influencer blog (Instagram @bloemkesandwich), and was not disappointed. I imagine the atmosphere hasn't changed much in the last several decades, which I love to see in these local gems. I ordered the Grilled 3-cheese with cheddar, provolone, and Swiss + organic spring mix, tomato, onion, mayo, and spicy mustard, per the suggestion of the bartender/waiter (I wish I remembered his name). It was outstanding. Not the typical grilled cheese. Next to my table was a framed letter from 2.29.80 espousing the deliciousness of the homemade cheesecake, so obviously I couldn't pass that up. The letter was not wrong. Damn, that was good cheesecake! The service was great. The food was great. The cheesecake was out of this world. Definitely worth checking out. read more

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This place is old school and super fun. Food was yummy! I had a delicious Reuben with perfectly toasted marbled rye. My husband had the beef melt (which he devoured!). Daughter had a chicken salad sandwich, which she loved. Service was good. We'll be back when we're in St. Joe. read more

The French Dip is stellar! Highly recommend if you are in St. Joseph. It is definitely one of those "hole in the wall" locations but so worth it! read more

Woweeeee this restaurant was AMAZING. The food was EXCELLENT. I had the Ruben and my husband had the corned beef. Just DELICIOUS! The waiter was all over the place.. jumping from tables to the bar. He was so nice and very friendly. We DEFINITELY will make it a point to go there again. We had a "little" slice of cheesecake. It was absolutely delicious. The owner told me his wife makes the cheesecakes. Make sure you try this place. It's the best food and atmosphere. read more

Great sandwich shop with great service. Jerry our waiter was great. The Chile is good. The beef dip was awesome ! read more

Magoons Famous Delicatessen - Delis Near Me - Saint Joseph, Missouri

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This is truly a hidden gem in St. Joe. This literal hole-in-the wall deli has been around since 1918 and is stilling serving up delicious sandwiches. I don't know what it is about this deli, but I absolutely love it. I love everything about it. Its antiquated interior that is straight out of the 40s, its vast collection of dusty beer bottles and presidential bumper stickers covering the walls, and the locals who are as interesting as the décor are some of the things that have caused me to fall in love with Ben Magoon's. This is the most "uncasual" deli you'll ever visit. Being half a bar and half a deli creates fun, eclectic atmosphere that is so satisfying. The sandwiches are big, fresh, and made to order. There are several meats, cheeses, and breads available so that you can create any masterpiece you wish. I was excited to see that my favorite bread, potato, was on the menu. The one thing that pushes Ben Magoon's over-the-top is their cheesecake. Oh, their cheesecake! You haven't lived until you've tried their cheesecake. I shed a tear with every piece that enters my face. My death row meal would be Ben Magoon's cheesecake. Have I convinced you to try it yet? If you find yourself wandering about the streets of downtown St. Joseph and are looking for something tasty, Ben Magoon's is just around the corner. read more

Magoons Famous Delicatessen - Turkey Club - Delis Near Me - Saint Joseph, Missouri

If your not a social person this bar will bring it out of you. Fantastic people who engage with their customers. I'm sorry did I go to a bar or did I go to my buddy's house. Either way it felt like home! Cheesecake is fucking dank & your patrons who dine at your bar are very social and nice. Oh and the sandwiches were good. Finished them in a few minutes it was so good read more

I had the ham with ghost pepper cheese on sourdough bread grilled, this was the best sandwich i've ever had. I also had the clam chowder soup and it was excellent. The service was fast and very well done, the people there were also very friendly. I recommend getting the homemade cheese cake as well, it was also very very good. Definitely worth stopping by and trying this place out. read more

So, I feel like we've been a little uppity lately with our selection of restaurants and events. But no one will accuse this briefing of being to snobby today. In fact, Magoon's famous delicatessen in St. Joseph is decidedly low-brow, and they wear that badge with honor. Just past it's 100th year, Magoon's started out as an honest to goodness New York style deli with rows of meat coolers, where locals would come to buy their meat for the week. Ultimately, Magoon's went the way of so many other specialty shops and closed its doors more than 20 years ago. But many of the interior features of the building remained. In 2005 a couple of enterprising gentlemen reopened Magoon's with a goal of keeping as much of the original feel of the place intact and keeping the prices low, but the activity high. We went for lunch and had a very good Ruben sandwich, Fritos, a drink and some hand-made cheesecake for less than $15. But if you need bright lights and cleanliness to enjoy a restaurant - Magoon's might not be for you. Don't picture in your mind a pristine 1920's deli. It is not. This place is raw and old and very cool. Magoon's has live music every night, according to Jerry, the powerfully friendly and terribly overworked one-man show bartender, waiter and busboy. And even at lunch, it seems Magoon's is more a live music venue that serves sandwiches during the day, than a restaurant that happens to have live music. The owner of the joint is clearly a garage sale junkie. The place is full of items from every era of Americana - and no single piece of it worth more than a fist-full of dollars. But to get a feel of a truly local joint in St. Joe and, to eat a really good sandwich and cheesecake - a trip to Magoon's should be on your short list. Magoon's famous delicatessen - although it's arguably neither of those: an enjoyable and remarkable place to see old St. Joe, eat a good sandwich, drink a beer and listen to live local music. Just a few blocks from the river at 8th and Locust. You should go. read more

I have lived just steps away from this place and never knew it was there, stop in for lunch this afternoon, and I was blown away with their Ruben sandwich great food and atmosphere, will defiantly go again read more

Eccentric deli that is also a bar. Went for lunch, had the hot ham and cheese on a hogie bun. Pretty good, bread was great, ham was very tasty. Wanted some mac salad to go with but they didn't have. Bartender/waiter said they never have it and several other items on the menu, but didn't want to change their menu. That's why I went with 4 vs 5 stars. Def worth a try if you are in town. read more

Magoons Famous Delicatessen - a view of a bar - Delis Near Me - Saint Joseph, Missouri

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We had a great stop here after a visit to the Pony Express Museum and Jesse James House. It's very close to both. The atmosphere at Magoons is both interesting and entertaining with liquor signs and bottle collection. Jerry waited on us and made us feel right at home. We had sandwiches, their famous homemade chili and soup and we all four enjoyed our lunch. But the highlight was an amazing homemade cheesecake with a choice of toppings. And at only $4, you HAVE to try it. read more

Husband and I walked here from Patee House Museum, and glad we did. It's an eyeful of decor and history. Good food too. read more

Magoons Famous Delicatessen - Delis Near Me - Saint Joseph, Missouri

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This review is for 3.5 stars. Magoons is a very interesting place. They have a deli/restaurant that occupies the same building as a bar. First, the food was quite nice. It took way too long as there was only 1 person working and crafting the sandwiches, but overall a nice meal for a good price. The bar also had some great variety of beers for the area with plenty of Boulevard on draft and other micros. I came for lunch so didn't experience the bar atmosphere as much, but I'll be back. And they have live justice in the venue some nights which could be enticing. read more

Best local deli and bar in St Joseph, MO. Unique atmosphere. Great food! Love music 5 nights per week.

Magoons is just a comfortable bar and deli. It could easily become your "where everybody knows your name" bar! We had a Celebration of Life for my cousin who loved this place. The owner/bartender, Barry, made it a comfortable, homey place for our family! Drinks were good, food is awesome. Thanks Magoons! read more

Sandwiches were good but small for a deli. I look forward to the no smoking ordinance. I will be back when it takes effect.

Good Rubens even better chili and fun atmosphere.....kind of a classic vibe of an old timers tavern with a mom and pop diner.

Don't come here unless your have time to hang out. The food takes a while to get served. That being said, the sandwich was awesome. Unique ambiance. read more

Whoops... this place is known for their lunch. We came at night and the only thing available was the bar menu. No kids allowed after 9 PM. Seemed like a really cool, unique dive deli in downtown St Joe. We'll have to check out the famous lunch menu another time. read more

Great place to grab a drink and sandwich for lunch. Every sandwich and soup I have tried has been great. It isn't anything fancy but that is why I like it. read more

Magoons Famous Delicatessen - French dip, turkey on pumpernickel, side salad, and Magoon's famous chili. - Delis Near Me - Saint Joseph, Missouri

This used to be the place!!! Lunch soups and sandwiches are the best and they catered too!

If there is such a thing as a "dive delicatessen", this is it. I like the low-brow ambiance and the owner/server was on the ball and very friendly and helpful. I got the ham salad sandwich and was somewhat disappointed on the very small amount of actual ham salad there was on it, but it was good. The chicken noodle soup was decent, but it didn't have a whole lot of flavor to it. I got tea, but there was no sweetener on the tables. The cheesecake was spoken of favorably, but I didn't take advantage of it- maybe next time. read more

Great hidden gem in St Joseph! We eat here often, and love both the food and the decor. The chili and the Ruben are highly recommended! I often go in the evenings for live music, and was thrilled to discover that Magoons is also open on Sundays, and offers great live blues all afternoon. This is a cool place to grab lunch and a neat spot at night to hear great local music. read more

I tried the Reuben and my friend had the turkey & cheese. Both were excellent,. In fact, the Reuben might be the best one I've ever had. The caramel cheesecake was scrumptious. It had a crust and two layers drizzled with caramel. Yum! We will be back! read more