Finding the restaurant itself was easy, but parking was another story -- the one‑way street and small lot made it a challenge. When we walked in, the cashier immediately asked whether we were dining in or taking out. We chose to dine in. We ordered the roast beef sandwich and the pastrami sandwich, along with potato pancakes. They brought out a full assortment of pickles and pickled vegetables. Unfortunately, they only offer one diet option: Dr Pepper Zero, no other diet sodas from the fountain or in bottles. The potato pancakes were a disappointment -- mostly batter with very little shredded potato. The pickled vegetables also lacked flavor and didn't really taste pickled. Our table wasn't cleared at any point during the meal, and the waiter stood nearby waiting for us to finish, which felt a bit uncomfortable. The desserts looked amazing, but we were too full to try them. We also couldn't take anything to go since we had plans for the rest of the day and didn't want it sitting in the car. Next time, we'll come back specifically to try the desserts. read more

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I am from Philadelphia and grew up on AUTHENTIC NYC style Jewish Delis. I moved to B'more in 2015 and was shocked how lacking the Deli scene was; especially considering it's Jewish population. When Essen FIRST opened I was relieved...finally a solid Deli. However, as you know it slowly deteriorated until I stopped patronizing it. I was initially happy to see it changed ownership. Reading the reviews however, it seems it is continuing to be SUBPAR! The Management apologies are scripted(cut & paste) for goodness sakes!! I think I'll pass! Fortunately, when I go back home periodically, I have several solid authentic options. read more

Mikey & Mel's - That's the portion of "Chunky"(NOT)Whitefish on the bottom! I used to argue that you pay for what you get! - Delis Near Me - Pikesville, Maryland

A true deli!! Best meats, sandwiches, salads, breads, sides, pickles, desserts and so much more!!! So much on the menu to choose from. Huge portions!!!!! Friendly staff and lots of indoor seating!! read more

Mikey & Mel's - Turkey on a challah roll - Delis Near Me - Pikesville, Maryland

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Everything . Omelets were not fluffy, no flavor, potatoes were not cooked, bagels very heavy, no flavor At all. Deserts were very disappointing, especially the hamantaschen. Very heavy , doughy, no flavor and very expensive. Nice salad pickle bar. Our waiter was nice , but did not clear the dishes from the table for the entire meal. Fruit salad was soggy, Coffee and soda bar was a nice feature to get yourself. Hope this place survives after getting negative reviews. Won't return. read more

This place use to be the Essen Room Jewish Delicatessen. It's Mikey & Mel's Famous Deli now that's partnering with Essen Room. I was excited to see they are now on DoorDash so I ordered their Combo Ruben with Macaroni Salad. I only got the Half Sandwich because it is so huge that's all I can eat, but you can get a whole it's plenty of meat on it. I got the Half Corn Beef/ Pastrami Ruben on Rye and it was delicious, I highly recommend if you want a great Ruben. Mikey & Mikes are still keeping the same Essen Room menu that includes overstuffed Sandwiches, Subs, their Corn Beef Rubens, Soups, Pickle Bar, Cakes, Cookies they also serve Breakfast which I have to try and adding new Menu items. They are also expanding next door for a larger Dining Room and they have two other locations one here in MD and the other in DC. Please stop by and give them a try. read more

Mikey & Mel's - Delis Near Me - Pikesville, Maryland

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The food is delicious and the line inside was proof of it. The ambiance feels like an old small town Jewish bakery, with self serving items, and the quality of the food shows the hard work they put into making their foods from scratch. The service was respectful, and ready to serve. I appreciated Ricky for his' hard working ethic, he really did go above and beyond in his' job. Thank you Ricky and cooks for providing us a delicious meal and relaxing atmosphere. I look forward to returning here soon. read more

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If you're looking for a top notch Jewish deli, The Essen Room will deliver and some! They have a variety of sandwiches and combinations of meats you can stack to create your own if you. They also have a selection of sides as well as dessert! The best part if you are a pickle lover, that they have a pickle bar that you can get as many pickles as you want if you're dining in. They have a range of half hours to hot pickles as well as two pickled tomatoes. If you're carrying out, you can purchase a bag to grab as many pickles as you want. The only thing I was not a big fan of was their coddies as upon biting in to it the texture was very offputting as it seemed like it was more filler than it was actual cod. Inside the restaurant, there are many tables available but ideal for smaller groups between 2 to 4 . We stopped in for carryout around noon and it was fairly packed so I would plan to get here a little bit earlier or after the lunch rush. read more

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Very disappointed with the new Essen Room. Corn beef sandwhich is half the size it used to be and very expensive. Chicken cheese steak was small, dry and came on challa bread. More bread then chicken. Chicken salad sandwhich was good, but they forgot to put my side with the order. Sweet Potato fries were soggy and had a burnt taste. read more

It's not a trip up to NYC but it's close! A friend recommended the Fulton location to me a week ago and I just so happened to be walking distance from this one today! The shop transports you to New York as soon as you walk in. I love the signage, setup, everything. The guys working there were so kind and patient while I was figuring out what to order. Thankfully they weren't busy around 11:00am on a Friday, but they started getting crowded as it got closer to 11:30. I ordered two pastrami & brisket sandwiches with latkes, and two knish. I requested one applesauce and one sour cream for the latkes and mustard on the side. The mustard and applesauce were forgotten but I'm not going to take off a star for that. They're clearly still getting their footing and the employees are still learning the ins and outs of the new ownership. They're taking it on with a positive attitude and great food! The sandwiches were huge and well worth the price. I've paid more for less when striving for a solid sandwich. Looking at their website and in the shop, they cure their own meats and use fresh baked bread. I wish I lived closer but now I need to try the Fulton location (it's bit closer to home). read more

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Went to lunch w my family and enjoyed our experience at The Essen Room. My dad likes this deli a lot and has been wanting us to go here. Walking in we saw a long deli with tons of meats and baked goods. We were seated for lunch and our server was kind and helpful. We got drinks and sampled the pickle bar while we waited. Sauerkraut, sweet pickles, half and half pickles were good. My daughters ordered a plain hot dog & pancakes. Pancakes were big and she got a stack of three. I got the grilled cheese with bacon. I like my bacon crispy but this was good too plus fries which were like steak fries. My father ordered a western omelette with fruit and bagel. My husband ordered a double meat sandwich with Turkey and pastrami. He said the Turkey was a bit dry but he ordered the "whole" sandwich and ate it all! read more

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I had not eaten since they opened I was really craving a corned beef sandwich so I purchased one. The corned beef was tough as shoe leather and was not very flavorful, very disappointing. My friend got matzahball soup the broth was flavorless I don't think there was any way that broth was made with a chicken all powder bullion and let's not forget about the matzahballs they were more like an enormous cement ball also flavorless. I don't understand why we can't get a decent Jewish deli in Baltimore it's pathetic. read more

Not as good as Essen....no pickle bar when I visited....sandwiches are smaller and more expensive....matzo ball soup was eh....

Best pastrami in MD. Pickle bar is fantastic. $$$ Don't come when you're in a hurry. 9/10

TLDR: Huge sandwiches and a bottomless pickle bar make The Essen Room a must-visit for deli lovers. Pricey but worth it for the portions and quality. If you're craving a classic NYC Jewish deli vibe, The Essen Room delivers. My party of two came for a late Friday lunch. The place was not busy but our server was attentive and helped us first timers navigate the huge menu. We shared the Reuben Western Fries, which could easily feed 4. They were crispy, cheesy, and loaded with corned beef. I had the Triple Decker Pastrami and Corned Beef Club--massive, flavorful, and perfectly paired with pickles. Also tried the kosher hot dog wrapped in bologna (a bit overcooked but still good), and my friend loved the Jewish Cheesesteak. Portions are huge--we took half of it home. Our bill was close to $100 with tip, but considering the amount of food, it felt justified. They even have an eating challenge for their biggest sandwich! Overall, The Essen Room is definitely a must stop if you find yourself in Pikesville. read more

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I was hopeful that when Essen Room changed ownership, there would improvements. I took my family there yesterday for brunch ..... the bagels are like rolls with a hole in the middle, not a real bagel. The matzoh ball soup was tasteless, the bacon was not crisp, and, the omelette was fair. With a community yearning for a great Jewish deli, this is NOT it!!! read more

Way overpriced. $21 for a corned beef sandwich. The corned beef was the worst I've ever had, gave most of it to my dog. It was very fatty. It was wet, but did not taste "corned"--not pickled or spiced. Service less than friendly. I grew up in an area where good corned beef was plentiful. Essen doesn't have it. Stay away. read more

The Essen Room is the place to go if you're hungry. Their sandwiches are absolutely gigantic! My Reuben was so big I was able to share half and still be full. While the prices are a little higher, the portion sizes and quality make it completely worth it. The staff is friendly and welcoming, and there's a large eat-in area if you choose to dine in. I usually get carryout, and the food is always fresh and satisfying. Definitely a solid spot when you want a serious sandwich. read more

If you're in the mood for a good hot corn beef sandwich this is the place to visit love the homemade desserts. The price is reasonable.

This is my go to for a corn beef or roast beef sandwich... they are always good. The serving size are huge it takes me 2-3 days to finish a sandwich. I only have one complaint and I probably could fix it myself but, i don't like my pickles in the container with my sandwich because it makes my sandwich soggy. I think i will ask to have it separated read more

This is probably the best pastrami Reuben in the area. It's a bit pricey but you get a lot of meats. I'd say it very similar to Katz in New York. read more

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The food is really good and I can't wait for the new owners to expand. The service is okay but may need a refresh and replace some of the hold overs from the previous ownership. Hold judgement on the ambiance until they expand. I'm so glad the place is owned by successful restaurateurs that are expanding the hours as well. I will update as time goes on. read more

Under new management and they will run this place to the ground, customer service is lacking. Use to come here often, sometimes you have to pay for the pickle bar and sometimes you don't, depends on who's working! Also will skip you in line if your skin isn't pale. Will never shop here again and will tell everyone in the area to just go to downtown to get sandwiches! read more

Mikey & Mel's - Delis Near Me - Pikesville, Maryland

Classic Jewish deli. Plus pickle bar!! Time for a pastrami sandwich and if you are worried it's too big you can get a half. Sides like Cole slaw and potato latkes! Really good! Bagels, breakfasts and a huge takeout counter. This place is the real deal. read more

The Essen Room is a solid 'Jewish style' deli in Pikesville, about 25 minutes northwest of Baltimore. Large portions are standard, whether breakfast, or lunch. All the typical items, like omelettes, pancakes, and bagels for breakfast, and corned beef, pastrami, and smoked fish salads for lunch. The complimentary pickle bar, is a huge bonus with something for everyone. A tad on the expensive side, though a discount is applied if you pay in cash. Service can sometimes be slow, if very crowded, but that gives you more time at the pickle bar. Ample free parking, and not far from another shopping center with Trader Joe's. Never had a bad meal at Essen Room!! read more

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I've been dropping by for the last couple of years as I have need to be in the Baltimore area. Overall, the food is excellent. The love and devotion to Jewish cuisine is apparent in the preparation. For foodies like me, it's what we seek: authenticity. The service, well...it could use some improvement. That's why I give it 4 stars. To The Essen Room's credit, I received my lunch order (soup and sammie) for free yesterday due to the very long wait that I experienced. The man who seems to be running the show (silver hair, energetic) told me that he was embarrassed at how long it took to kick out my to-go order. I've never had this happen to me for a late order. So, thank you, sir. I appreciate your thoughtfulness. The world sometimes does have a heart--it exists at this deli. read more

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I have been eating at the Essen room since they opened their doors years ago. It WAS fabulous. And then they changed owners, and apparently recipes and cooks!!! That was then and this is now. DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY OR TIME!! Seriously!! My wife ordered 5 quarts of Matzo Ball soup expecting to receive what we have always received from them in the past years. Instead, we got something that didn't even resemble your basic chicken soup let alone matzoh ball soup although, to be fair it's hard to screw up a matzoh ball. The soup was thee worst, it was clear, obviously watered down to the point it could have been used in a car radiator it was so H2O!!!! The taste was non existent, no parsnips, no bow tie noodles, no chicken flavor, nothing but disappointment in product, in their lack of quality that obviously did not carry over from the Former owners. $60 bucks my wife spent on our Passover soup, $60 completely wasted! You should be ashamed Essen room! My family was so disappointed, pushing that slop aside in disgust! IN DISGUST!!! Where did it go? Right down the kitchen sink drain , and I'm surprised our pipes didn't wretch from the foul broth they passed off as " soup "!!! Patrons are not idiots, when you dilute soup to this watery extent, especially at time of Passover and customers are too busy preparing to make the soup and count on reputation you earn that negative review and loss of customers. I stopped going to the restaurant when the portions shrank following the sale to the new owners. These new owners need to realize that people don't mind spending a little more money provided they get the appropriate quality and portion size they are custom too. Pikesville deserves and expects better! $60 bucks wasted! read more

I love a Jewish deli and this one doesn't disappoint. It's in the county so it's a bit further from the city but worth the visit every time. The prices are higher than a traditional deli but what makes The Essen Room standout is the pickle bar on the back of the restaurant with so many types of pickles and pickled tomatoes, cucumber salad and sauerkraut. The diner is cozy and always very clean and even when I come at random hours of the day I'm never the only one. The ordering can be confusing, you walk to the left of the counter vs ordering at the register which is what you see when you first walk in. They also give you a to-go bag to pack a bar of picked and I'm always impressed with how much I can get in the plastic bag. The matzo ball soup is solid and I tried the tongue sandwich and it's excellent. The desserts are kind of average and pricey but if you're like me and wake up randomly craving Jewish deli this is the place for you! read more

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It was obvious that the worker taking orders was new on the job, Challenged, she gets grace. However, my sister and I picked up our orders and found a table to have lunch, As soon as we sat dow, a gentleman who was clearly irritated because we had take-out container. unbeknownst to us, You are only allowed to sit at the tables when you order from the wait staff and not the counter. This gentleman acted like a child. II won't be back and will be sure to share my experience with others. . read more

I purchased a corn beef and pastrami sandwich from them and added a triple chocolate cupcake that totaled $34.76 . The pastrami was dry and the corn beef was tough. The cupcake was cold and hard. Even the potatoes chips that came with the sandwich were stale. I called to inform them but their phone is automated so I was unable to speak to anyone. I have been here a couple of times before and I had no issues but today they struck out on everything I bought.. read more

We got the fish platter. We picked 2 fishes; lox and chunky whitefish salad. It came with two bagels. The lox was great, the chunky whitefish was full of bones and difficult to eat. The bagels were very different. Very heavy and seemed to have the consistency of something stale; I'm sure they weren't. We just didn't care for the style. read more

I've been visiting this place for years, but I've never written a review. The restaurant itself isn't a glamorous spot, but the staff are friendly people and so is the food (including desserts). I usually get the Reuben Burger, which consists of two hamburger patties, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, Russian dressing & your choice of corned beef, pastrami, or brisket on grilled rye bread. If you dine in, you get a wide selection of all-you-can-eat pickles as well. I definitely recommend you give them a try. read more

We came hungry 15 mins before closing time. They were very accommodating. The food was ready within a short time. Sandwiches were huge and delish. Matzo ball soup was fantastic. They waited for us to be finished completely before gently telling us it was time to leave. I'd come back for sure. read more

Their sandwiches are great and are huge! Normally sandwiches do not fill me up but these sandwiches are big and taste great. The service is great and if you love pickles you will love the pickles bar. read more

Mikey & Mel's - Delis Near Me - Pikesville, Maryland

Do I have to give it a star? It doesn't deserve one!!! I ordered a few quarts of matzo ball soup for Passover and was shocked at the appearance and smell of the broth...it was practically clear and smelled awful! The broth appeared as though they opened a jar of dry soup seasoning and dumped it into water with carrots and shredded overcooked chicken pieces. Such a disappointment from a couple years ago when I first ordered a few quarts of soup for a holiday dinner. That soup was delicious! Golden broth, deep flavor, robust. This soup...I was too embarrassed to serve it. The new owner should be ashamed of what he's done to a successful recipe. read more

One of the best delis in the area. The matzah ball soup is ginormous and delicious, the corn beef is amazing, the desserts are delectable. The cake slices are ginormous and never disappoint. Friendly, helpful and accommodating staff. Unlimited pickle bar when you dine in, too! read more

Mikey & Mel's - matzah ball soup - Delis Near Me - Pikesville, Maryland

There is delicious food here. I've never actually eaten in the restaurant, but their takeout is good: matzo ball soup, corned beef, turkey, and pastries, all delicious. It is pricey, as I came here just the other day to get a slice of ribbon cake, a chocolate-topped cookie, and an apple Danish and walked out of there for $21 later. The meats are top-notch and pricey, but top-notch. Expect it to be crowded here when you come at a premium hour for a meal. The takeout service line can also be extended wait to place an order. read more

Last time I got a corned beef Reuben here (about 4 months ago) it was so fatty I couldn't eat it. I went today for lunch and ordered a pastrami Reuben. It was so ridiculously fatty I couldn't eat it. This used to be my favorite Jewish deli. Did they change owners or something? read more

High quality food. Be patient it is usually very busy. You will be happy you did. The corned beef is top notch!

Went there today to get a Turkey Reuben with coleslaw. It was terrible! I've never gotten bad food from the Essen Room until today. The turkey was dry, tasteless & grey looking! It tastes like it's old yet they're still selling it. The quality of the food was definitely not what I'm use to having. Do not get turkey! Very disappointing! I regret not sticking to corned beef. Even the pickle was old, hard and yellow! Shameful at those prices! read more

Mikey & Mel's - Dried up pickle with dry turkey sandwich - Delis Near Me - Pikesville, Maryland

My family loves the Essen Room. Pikesville delis are struggling and some have closed, so when this opened it was nice to have a good quality deli in the area. We often order trays and they are beautiful. The meat is lean, the presentation is professional. They are ready on time and the price is as expected. Dining in, there is a plentiful high quality pickle bar available. The rainbow cake isn't quite traditional Baltimore rainbow cake, but we LOVE it. They also have the huge hamantaschen and other treats at the counter. Highly recommend. read more

Mikey & Mel's - Matzoh Ball - Delis Near Me - Pikesville, Maryland