This place is great! It is a small space, but they have 4 or 5 tables inside and two on the sidewalk. The sandwiches were fantastic, my boyfriend ordered the Michael's choice and I made my own sandwich. We also had coleslaw and the dill potato salad, both of which were great. We ended up getting coleslaw to take home - 1.5 lbs which we ate in less than two days. tl;dr come for the sandwiches and DEFINITELY get some coleslaw read more

First food stop in Boston, Hello Michael's Deli. The people here are amazing. The first time we went in the lady up front was so kind. She figured we would yelp in and she gave everyone free potato salad to go with the sandwiches. What was even better was since I went last, she gave me chips to make my sandwich messy (its a style of sandwich where they take half a bag of chips and crush it into the the sandwich) so since she understood I'm not a big fan on condiments she gave me the chips for free instead of the potato salad. But it didn't stop there, she also gave us two free bottles of water. I got the Michael's choice the first time I came in ... it was so huge and so delicious. The brisket was hot and fat and I just had to take my time to enjoy and savior every bite I could. The second time, the dude with the sweet locks totally remember us 4 days later, from Texas and all, Not only that the first time we went, he recommended a delicious pizza joint. I should have went with the Michael's Choice again because the corned beef wasn't as worthwhile as that delicious two meat sandwich. I also got the froot loop kanish which was a froot loop mixed into the breading over a fried chicken breast. It wasn't worth it. I wasn't sure about something about my sandwich though. I asked for a half but I'm not sure if I got a full, can someone look at my photo and tell me If they gave me another upgrade on the house :] read more

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Good find via Anthony Bourdain. Prices are HIGH, expensive. Both sandwiches were very good, the interior needs work; it's not 'endearing or quirky' like other famous deli's; Carnegie, Schwartz, etc.. It looks dumpy/cluttered. The sandwich makers (younger), spending a little too much time working on cheesy jokes/played out lines (just make the food!). read more

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Got a corned beef sandwich and pastrami sandwich both with kraut and mustard... OH MY so good! The meat on both was so delicious. We also got a Pastrami Knish which was truly special as well. Will be back very soon! read more

Just renewed my lease around the corner and people ask me, "why not live closer to work?". To that I say "well you know, it's hard to beat living next to Trader Joe's and a T station" but I would be lying if I didn't also mention Michael's Deli. It's really a cornerstone of the neighborhood alongside Brookline Booksmith, the Theatre, and Zaftigs; it's also the only reason I still carry dollars in my wallet! Get the Black & Gold or Pastrami. read more

I normally don't write bad reviews for a small business that I would like to succeed as I use to frequent it a lot and this place use to be great. It's changed a lot under new ownership. If they went back to they way they were I would be back. The sandwiches use to be really cheap and you'd get a huge sandwich maybe even to big to finish sometimes. Now you get an empty sandwich wear I could eat 3 of them. Take this for what it is. The sandwich are $14. That's not cheap. So it should be filled. Good luck! read more

I had take away from here due to ap credit, so I had a bagel sandwich, latkas, a blueberry blintz and a pickle. Everything was forgettable and soggy. I would try again in person, but will not be ordering DoorDash from them again. read more

Normally I would not write a bad review, but I have to in this case. The last time I was there was about 5 or 6 years ago and found what seemed to be a pubic hair in the chicken salad sandwich. I returned the sandwich and watched the deli man scoop out the corner of the sandwich and use the same spoon to get a scoop out of the same tub of chicken salad to rebuild the sandwich. Needless to say, I left it on the counter and left, vowing never to return. Today, I went against better judgement and was as dissatisfied. The order was wrong in several ways getting me to wonder how many ways can you screw up a tuna sandwich? I could have dealt with it, but the lettuce was rotting. I asked for a new sandwich on the correct bread choice and again watched them replace the bread and lettuce only. That has to be some sort of health code violation. read more

Best deli in town. Huge Rueben, delicious potato latkes and a fantastic whitefish salad sandwich. read more

Michael's Deli - Potato latkes - Delis Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

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This place is solid! 2nd best pastrami place in Boston (1st prize goes to Sam Lagrassa's). I actually prefer the corned beef here but the pastrami is a close second. My go to is a Reuben that's half corned beef, half pastrami on challah bread with sauerkraut and dijon mustard. read more

Came here for lunch on a Saturday afternoon with a friend, and the line was out the door. It moved quickly though, and I was soon enjoying the Thorty Black and Gold sandwich which features their famous pastrami. The meat portion was generous, moist, and tasty, and I also appreciated the accompanying pickle. And if you check in on Yelp, you can also choose a free side of potato salad or coleslaw. Although the prices are considered on the steep side for a sandwich, the quality of the ingredients speak for themselves. Would not recommend for large groups though since seating is extremely limited to about four tables. Cash only too. read more

I've been anxious to try this place out looking for a sandwich place here in Boston. I ordered the chicken salad on pumpernickel which was alright. The chicken salad had a lot of chicken and not a lot of filler, so you definitely get your chicken's worth for what you pay ($8/sandwich). However, I felt the chicken salad was quite tasteless. No punch, no spice, no salt? My husband had the turkey club, which he enjoyed a lot. I think next time I might try one of their famous corned beef sandwiches or the cheesesteak... And definitely remember: cash only! read more

I always pass this place because it was Cash only. One day I dropped my laundry off in the area, and had some cash left and figured, why not. I am NEVER going to Stop & Shop again for deli meat. The pastrami sandwich I had was just pure awesome, the corned beef I sampled was also very good! I took some black forest ham to go for home, and that was good too. One thing to note, their specialty is deli meat. I would recommend just taking deli meat to go. Although my sandwich was great, making one at home will also work, and save you a bit of money. read more

Do you sometimes wonder what a "knish" is? Are you also looking for a good pastrami and corn beef sandwich? Well if you are looking for both, this place has your answer. A knish (KE-NI-SH) is supposedly a small baked or fried pastry with some sort of filling inside that's popular in Jewish cuisine, and it's one of the most quintessential dishes.I got a pastrami knish and a potato knish. The potato knish was really good, it was nice and warm, and I really liked the chewiness. The pastrami knish was also nice and warm, with good flavor from the meat. Adding a little mustard to the pastrami knish made it even tastier. Two units of pastrami knish should be enough for a light lunch or a hearty snack. A potato knish is a great side dish if you are eating something like a small sandwich or even a 8 ounce (227g) steak. The sandwiches are impressive as well. I had a Corned Beef Reuben, supposedly one of the most popular sandwiches in Jewish cuisine. This sandwich has pumpernickel bread, Russian dressing, and Sauerkraut. The bread was decently toasted, with a little crispiness. The meat was nicely hot enough and they provided a generous helping. I really liked the warm, tender and meaty taste of the corn beef with the slightly crispy bread. The Russian Dressing and the sourness of the Sauerkraut just made the meat and the entire sandwich tastier. The place only accepts cash as payment, which is not a serious problem. However, one major improvement is that I think the guy who works at the cash register and takes the orders just needs to be a little kinder, sincerer and a little more genuine. If that happens, this deli could become one of the best delis in the nice and quiet community of Brookline. The really cool thing though is that he has met some fairly famous people like Anthony Bourdain. Overall, this is a good choice to get a knish and a corn beef sandwich for a hearty lunch. If I was craving for a good knish, and a sandwich at the same time, I would probably come back here again. read more

Michael's Deli - Reuben with chips and a drink - Total of $13 - Delis Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

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I'm not much of a sandwich aficionado but it's local and I know Michael's is a pretty popular deli place in Boston. Went to grab some lunch to go during a weekday and it wasn't crowded at all. The cashier woman was also very friendly despite some feedback below about bad customer service. I went with "Michael's Choice" (roast beef and beef brisket with horseradish sauce) and got the potato salad as a free side for checking in (there are 3 variations to choose from). They are definitely very generous with the amount of meat packed in the sandwiches. I could have very well saved the other half but trucked through my meal. It also comes with a half-sour pickle. Though it seems a little crazy to pay $11 for a sandwich, I suppose with all the meat and the free potato salad, it evened itself out. Will be returning to try the others! read more

Michael's Deli - Michael's choice on wheat with side of (free) potato salad with check in - Delis Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

I went to college in the area and now live down the street from Coolidge corner, coming to Michael's I have been disappointed with the owner of the location, have some respect class and appreciation, if you have someone come in engage with them don't act abrupt call a comment out to Someone trying to flip any slang words, the owner should respectful with whoever comes in, as someone who worked in restaurants for many years you should have some sympathy for how to get your local business, honestly I haven't been back to Michael's cause of the way he has treated and not engaged with myself, don't get to business be pleasant and engaged, it sets a tone for how you want to grow, the food is decent but the owner should none the less have some respect for the people who come in, you can learn some common sense for how your attitude portrays to others. There are other places for great sandwiches around this area. read more

Breakfast sandwiches can be skipped, but the Howie Carr is one of the best Sammies i've ever had. Certainly in the brookline area. Corned beef and brisket, baybeee! Throw a little sauce on that bad boy, and you're good to go. I went with horseradish, and I'll do it again! But you can get Russian or mustard also. Would've been 5 stars if piled slightly higher. read more

Coolidge corner has a lot of sandwich choices including chain places. Don't forget about this place when you decide your sandwich lunch. Michael's has great quality and volume. I just uploaded corned beef sandwich picture. You will know how it is great. Even though it was half size of sandwich. Good enough amount of meats to make me happy. read more

Michael's Deli - corned beef - Delis Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

Discovered on the Yelp app a block away from my hotel. Solid corned beef sandwiches and breakfast options. I ordered The Rachel, and they definitely don't hold back on the meat. Though people really shouldn't be comparing this place to Katz's Deli - that's an insult to NYC. read more

Michael's Deli - Delis Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

I feel like I'm in NYC when I walk in. The people here have personality and like what they do! Pickles are soooo good all the sandwiches are really good. I can't believe it took me 5 years to get a sandwich here. Don't wait that long! read more

Michael's Deli - Delis Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

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I'm a loyal repeat customer. As a born and bred New Yorker this is the closest taste of home that's available in the Boston area. The smoked fish is all heavenly. But really everything is delicious. The service is thoughtful, and they deliver! read more

Put simply: Go here. You will have an amazing sandwich. You will not be disappointed. Our lunch at Michael's Deli was the absolute highlight of an overnight in Boston. What an amazing place; the quality of the ingredients and the expertise in making our delicious sandwiches was clear. My wife had a Rachel, and I had a Big Lebowski. I mostly ordered that because of the hots, and they were delicious. In retrospect, I realize I should've gotten something with entirely pastrami, because it was as good as anything I've had in New York, if not better. We were debating that on the ride home. Either way, it was amazing. The staff was friendly, service was fast, and I can't wait to go back! read more

The Corned beef sandwich is as good as everyone says. But, what overwhelmed is the politeness of the owner. I knew very little about what to order, he helped me out with it. The place has that genuine neighbourhood spot feel to it. The knishes we're great too. I particularly liked the pastrami knish. Prices were reasonable given rents in that neighbourhood. It is cash only. There are capital one and BofA bank centers right by the street though. read more

We drove from the South Shore in search of a good Jewish deli. This ain't it. Normally I base my reviews on the food, not the atmosphere or service, however, the owner is a full blown ahole, rude, nasty, and condescending. He acts like he is doing you a big favor waiting on you and taking your money. Minus at least one star for his demeanor. Their corned beef sandwiches are ordinary, better than Zaftig's down the street or Rubin's (which closed). Not much atmosphere but for me it is all about the food, which disappointed. read more

Headed out to eat after church this afternoon and saw a small hole in the wall kind of deli, judging from the many stickers on the glass I figured this place would be awesome! I was right. Hands down the best corned beef sandwich I've ever had in my life (my sandwich experience isn't very wide though) a little pricey (~$12 for a sandwich) but totally worth if you're craving one! Their corned beef reuben was steaming hot and delicious! read more

Michael's Deli - The corned beef reuben! - Delis Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

This place--it's holds a special spot. Yes, the sandwiches brought me there (my staple/standard: Reuben). But, the folks-family who work there are the reason I return (I'm in town every month, and always grab a sandwich on my way out)... They're always friendly, but it's that someone adds an extra "enjoy yourself, buddy" or "take care," after the standard "thank yous" that occur at the counter, usually when I'm at the door... It makes a real difference. read more

Went to buy a bunch of deli meat. Cash only????? Goodbye. Ok, I gave them another chance and bought sandwiches. Corned beef, pastrami, turkey. The woman at the counter was lovely, but man oh man did the sandwiches are no bueno. For $10 you are given one of the smallest, thinly layered pastrami and corned beef sandwiches I've ever seen from a NY style deli. I understand that the rent is high, but this is ridiculous. King of corned beef? No way. Forget the small sandwiches, the corned beef is dry as a bone. Mediocre flavor. Not going back. This is the problem with high rents. You turn the businesses to sh*t and then they have to close. Of course, if it's not the rent that is the problem, then we need to have a different conversation. One big fat ugly star. #GoingToCuttysNextTime read more

I got the Thorty Black and Gold pastrami sandwich, and just wow. This is the definition of a great pastrami sandwich.

AMAZING! Out of nowhere my inner carnivore demanded a massive quantity of corned beef and I turned to my trusty Yelp to find some...and I was not disappointed. Not only was the food at Michael's Deli delicious but the atmosphere was so inviting and a delight to anyone who lives in the middle of Boston where everyone is constantly carrying a scowl on their faces! I was extremely impressed by the friendliness and family-style of business. Definitely will be coming again and telling all my friends about this little gem. read more

Michael's Deli - Corned Beef Reuben! Corned beef, sauerkraut, Russian dressing, and Swiss cheese on pumpernickel bread. :) - Delis Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

I would give this place 3.5 stars. The deli sandwiches are solid and the owner is super nice. The fact that they have Dr. Brown's is a nice touch of authenticity. That said, it's hard to justify the high prices given the amount of food. read more

I have been coming here for years for me this is the best deli in the Boston area I usually get the corned beef or hot pastrami love both . I don't know why Boston doesn't have more but at least we have Michael's read more

Really enjoyed all the items I purchased and the owner and staff were accommodating. Cash or Venmo only for those not visiting previously. Will be back soon, glad they are so close by to my home. read more

This one is dedicated to all the ladies. Because we rock. You see, most of us get awful food cravings about, oh, every month or so. Usually we crave foods that make us fat and bloated, like red meat, salt and chocolate. The universe likes to play cruel jokes on us. It's like, haha, looky. We made it socially unacceptable to be fat and then we gave these womenfolk all kinds of intense hormonal desires to eat things that make them fat. Oh that's funny. Now I don't know about you guys, but people are always trying to offer me steak when I get these cravings. It makes me very cranky. Why the heck would I want to sit here chewing on little bites of steak for half an hour, when I can be consuming an entire pound of roast beef in 8 minutes flat? It's nonsense. When I say I want red meat, I mean I want it NOW. This is where Michael's Deli comes in. It's like a beacon of hope shining down upon me when I am two seconds away from drizzling hot fudge over a cow and just gnawing on it. The people who work at Michael's ply you with all kinds of meat. Lots and lots of juicy, tender, flavorful meat. And they won't judge you if you order a sandwiche that is roughly the size of your head. They encourage it. I like to get the Howie, which is about 3/4 lbs of corned beef and another 1/4 lb or so of roast beef. The meat is incredibly delicate and just falls apart in your mouth. I like it on the pumpernickel bread with lettuce, onions, tomatoes, horseradish sauce, mayo and brown mustard. Day one, I eat half the sandwiche. Day two, I take some of the meat I've got left and throw it over scrambled eggs and toast. Later that night, I make the rest of it into French dip sandwich (remaining meat with cheese on a grilled baguette and some onion soup for dipping). That's three meals for about $10. Not too shabby, huh? read more

Wish I could comment on the food; it looked pretty good! Except, the owner was the biggest jerk SOB I've ever seen. EVER. Gave me grief over paying with a credit card, after which I offered to order the larger sandwich (knowing he was a local business owner), but he continued his incessant tirade. This is the first and *only* time I've ever called my bank to demand a chargeback (for the sandwich he charged me for but never made), and filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. Ultimately, I know small business owners get screwed with credit card fees. Many places I frequent don't accept them, which is fine. Deal with it or don't, but act like an adult. read more

I had some business in Coolidge Corner today and i got hungry! I walked into Michael's Deli after noticing their "Phantom Gourmet" banner hanging proudly on their storefront. I took a quick look around for a "people love us on yelp" sticker, but didn't see one anywhere and figured I'd take the chance anyway. I ordered a turkey sandwich and then saw their old register and realized they probably don't take cards. I should have known, as the place really did just look like a classic deli- the kind you can only find in old neighborhoods like the one i was in. I told the guy I didn't have cash and I had to run to the atm. I thought for sure that when i got back, I'd have to wait in line and order again, but to my surprise, my sandwich was ready for me on the counter! There was a boat-load of turkey on the sandwich. It was a nice sandwich... nothing spectacular, nothing out of this world, just a nice turkey sandwich. I chose to ignore the signs next to every single table that said "Please do not read in our dining room" Hello?! I was eating alone, and i'm reeeeally into my book. I was NOT willing to follow the rules. I tried not to lolly-gag, and I went on my way. Next time I'm in C.C and i'm in the mood for a sandwich, I might stop in and try something a little more adventurous. read more

If you're in Coolidge Corner and looking for a good Jewish deli, skip the ridiculous line at Zaftigs and head for Michael's. They're best known (and deservedly so) for their incredible corned beef sandwiches, but the best thing I've ever had there (ADD aside, I just used all three forms of "there" in one sentence) is actually the smoked salmon breakfast sandwich. Simple, but oh so delicious, and overflowing with Omega 3s. To top it all off, the lady at the counter (I refer to her as the lady at the counter because I have never seen anyone else there) is the nicest person ever. I think the phrase "service with a smile" was actually invented for her. *Tip! Checking in on the Yelp app will get you a free side of potato salad or coleslaw. Yes, please! read more

Came here upon hearing good things about this place from a co-worker. I tried their Thorty Black and Gold (black pastrami with cheddar cheese, honey mustard, and hots served on Bulkie Roll) and my wife got the Beef Brisket with horseradish sauce on wheat. I personally thought the taste was just average. Nothing special at all. Just your regular, everyday, normal sandwich.....This place is very expensive too. We ordered two sandwiches and the total came out to be $25 which is kind of outrageous if you think about it.... Not sure if I'll be visiting this place again....In my personal opinion, they overcharge too much and I really think you can find better, cheaper sandwich places other than here. read more

I don't really see what the hype is about. Let's see... decent food that I can't enjoy while reading a book on my much needed break from work after the waitstaff scowls at me when I place my order. All set with that. Next. P.S. The coffee is gross. read more

The worst. Zero value for the money. Pathetically undersized sandwhiches and breakfast sandwiches...I simply can't believe the reviews that are posted here. Are they paid for? I work literally 100 yards from them and NEVER ever go there for anything unless I am totally desperate. read more

Great pastrami and corned beef, but I'm not a fan of the half-sour pickles or the cole slaw, which doesn't have enough flavor or tanginess to it. The people there are great though, and I'd recommend those who like deli sandwiches to give it a try. read more

Michael's Deli - Pastrami sandwich + free coleslaw with Yelp checkin - Delis Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts