Tried the Reuben sandwich because someone said they cure their own pastrami. The sandwich was only middling good. I couldn't taste anything special about the meat. No one seems to grill reubens properly any more, so it is served only warm and not crispy. Pet peeve is that such a heavy sandwich (that drips) is only served on sheets of wax paper. A plate or sturdy foil-lined paper would have been much better. read more

I recently moved to the Chapel hill area recently and am in the process of identifying good places to eat in the area. I had high expectations reading the reviews, unfortunately they were not meet. The pastrami sandwich was underwhelming. The special pork belly sandwich had little meat and even less flavor. I will not be returning here. read more

Another place that has been added to my list of things I crave. Neal's manhattan sandwich. One of the best sandwiches i have ever had. Very cool atmosphere, small, but I still like it. Hard to beat the location. Free parking all over Carrboro, next door you have the Open Eye and the Speakeasy, across the street, Glass Half Full, short walk away, Weaver Street. Love Carrboro! read more

This is a must try place, especially if you're into house-made food. The brisket for the pastrami is purchased at Cliff's Meat Market (a local business), and made on the premises of Neal's Deli. Even the green tomato pickles are house made. I love the pastrami; but it is a tad salty. Of course if you like that, go for it! All the sides are house made, and they are constantly coming up with new ways to use fresh veggies in salads. read more

Went there because The Barbecue Joint was closed : ( I hope not permanently. And because of the mentions in the NY Times. My lunch companion was 94 years old, and I second the comment from an earlier poster about the bar stools being difficult for an elderly person to contend with. After reading the unencouraging remarks from other posters about fluffy rye bread, I opted for the pastrami plate, which comes with two sides. I picked coleslaw and the "Farmer's Market side", which was a cucumber salad with onions. My companion had the Veggie, a pureed white bean sandwich, which she pronounced excellent. The pastrami was delectable---savory and pungent. The coleslaw was well-made. When I got to the cucumbers, though, I found them to be the wrong choice with the pastrami---too salty and oniony, or something---and went into a slump of palate fatigue. Perhaps I should have gone with a sandwich instead of a plate...fluffy rye bread might have been a better foil for the pastrami. Here's what I mean by palate fatigue in this context: my feeling is, a food that is salty, savory, smoked, fatty, or otherwise highly-flavored needs an accompaniment that is sweet and/or bland to set it off. For example, I find the southern version of a seafood dinner, consisting of fried seafood, fried hushpuppies, and french fries, with only a scoop of coleslaw for relief from all the deep-frying, to be exhausting. If I have a corned beef or salami sandwich, I have no desire for a dill pickle with it. On the other hand, with an egg salad sandwich, a pickle is wonderful. So I couldn't make it through the cucumber salad and took it home to give it another chance. That evening, I had a mild fish for dinner, and discovered that the cucumber salad harmonized perfectly with the fish. Wow! It made me want to go back for more! It also made me wish I'd brought home my pickle to have with the fish as well. So, back to Neal's-the people there were very nice---not New Yorkish at all, and didn't snap at me when I asked questions about the menu, in spite of the long line that day. In my opinion, the concept is great, the food well-prepared, and I believe it's a great addition to Carrboro, and even to North Carolina. All it needs is a bigger space with more seating, and I'd give it that final star. read more

The pastrami and corned beef are seriously amazing. Yummy and creative sides. You really feel like every single thing on the menu was made by people who love what they do, take an enormous amount of pride in serving quality ingredients, and just have great taste. People may tell you it's overpriced, but you truly get what you pay for at Neal's-- huge, delicious, fresh, sandwiches. Sometimes crowded, that's the only downside. read more

So my co-worker sweared by their sandwhiches! The guys in my group ordered a Manhattan, Corned Beef, and Pastrami? I ordered the Squash & Mozz (which for the vegetarians out there this treat included slices of thick mozzarella, fresh basil, tomatoes, squash, red vinigarette. Delicious. read more

I'm rating Neal's based on the hot dogs alone. Sorry, but it's all I've tried here and I was blown away by how delicious their hot dogs are. Have eaten here 3 times now. Never knew a processed tube of meat on a bun could be so flavorful and delicious. They have a seasonal hot dog which has cheddar cheese and fried apples, served on a pretzel roll. wow! reasonably priced considering the quality...$4 apiece, or 2 for $7. Best hot dogs I've had by far....ever. read more

CH FOOD and WINE SNOB: 1 Star worst "deli" i've ever been in if you think the food is good here, you've never been out of the south. virtually nothing is the way it's supposed to be. fatty, weird-tasting corned beef, useless southern soft bread, the mildest possible flavorings, etc. no need to go on. if you read the nyt mention carefully, you realize they tried hard not to be critical just for the effect of the article. sorry -- bill neal has a lot to learn about food flavors. read more

I finally tried Neal's! I ate the manhattan: basically a Reuben with slaw instead of sauerkraut (and we're talking about a Russian dressing reuben). The meat was tasty - not too salty or greasy. The sandwich was perfectly sized: I was full but not groaning. It was $8.50 and came with a nice half-sour pickle. We also got an amazing cauliflower side. The restaurant is small. We got to eat at the little outdoor porch counter, but it was a nice day and the people-watching was good (cause it's Carrboro). I'll be back. read more

Just had a fantastic lunch here! The chicken salad sandwich is a must and they have great gotmet drink options. Yum. Brandon at the front counter was so professional and enthusiastic. Definitely a solid option for lunch in you're in town! read more

I dig Neal's Deli the most. Congratulations to Matt and his awesome wife for opening this place up. The pastrami sandwich is the best in the state. Nothing like it outside of New York (that I've seen). The muffaletta is incredible. And the hot dogs are served on PRETZEL BREAD. It can be kind of expensive depending on what you order, but you can get a cup of water. You don't really need that cream soda every time ;) Parking can be difficult to navigate, but you can find a place. It's carrboro. read more

I love Neal's Deli! Every sandwich is crazy delicious! And the staff has always been really friendly and helpful in my decision making. This place seems like a NYC deli transplanted into quaint Carrboro. I definitely recommend, all the sandwiches are completely worth the money read more

Have loved many of Neal's sandwiches. The Manhattan is my way fav....the chicken salad was surprisingly different (in a good way), the Italian--a delight! YUM! I am particularly fond of their soups. Their chicken soup is just like Mom used to make. Their other offerings yummy as well. Can't help but stop in for some frequently during the winter. They are pricier than most sandwich places, but I think that may be the emphasis on quality ingredients--they tantalize my taste buds and always leave me wanting to come back. Cons--small place...but with a HUGE PRO: an owner with a big heart and a love of good food. Keep 'em coming. read more

Nothing special. Do yourself a favor and go home to make the same exact sandwhich for less. Your welcome.

If you haven't heard, the pastrami sandwich is a must. Just tried it today and it seriously blow me away. I have never been there before and have no idea what the rest of the food taste like at Neal's but I'll definitely be coming back for that pastrami sandwich. read more

Breakfast or lunch, Neal's can't be beat. Bacon, egg and cheese biscuits like you've never had. I am addicted to the egg salad sandwich and the muffaletta. Best this side of Central Grocery in New Orleans. Maybe better...Oh, and homemade pastrami. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/14/dining/14deli.html?pagewanted=all read more

The best breakfast biscuits ever. Extremely addictive. They stop serving breakfast relatively "early" but if you're out and about in Carrboro in the morning, stop in. read more

I've been several times and had hot dogs, pastrami, corned beef, and the Manhattan. After my first Manhattan it's all I've eaten since because it's unbelievably delicious! You may have to wait 10 - 20 minutes for your food if it's during a peak time, like 11 am - 1 pm (never been for breakfast), but it's worth the wait if you have the time. I've never had anything here I didn't like, including the last 50 Manhattan's. Did I mention the Manhattan's are really good? read more

I had the vegetarian sandwich and it was a little pricey for the ingredients in my opinion. But, more importantly, it's unlikely I'll come back to this place now that I know their political leanings. These guys seemed to have teamed up with some other small businesses to push a charity kitchen for the poor out of downtown Carrboro. It's really too bad that people use the political clout they have in a small town to marginalize the poor and prevent groups from helping people. Some places that jumped on this anti-poor bandwagon have already retracted their alliances. I hope that Neal's deli does the same. http://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/community/chapel-hill-news/article45659466.html http://www.dailytarheel.com/article/2015/11/ifc-kitchen-folo-1120 read more

Neal's is my go to breakfast/biscuit joint in Carrboro. I have never tried the sandwiches so I can not attest to them. My go to is to split a sausage, egg, and cheese biscuit with avocado salsa added and a sausage, cheese and fried apple biscuit with my SO. The staff is usually very friendly but have had negative experiences. The prices are super fair and I always leave full. Five stars for quality, consistency, and overall experience. read more

Super tasty! Can't beat these sandwiches in Carrboro. They also make a fantastic breakfast biscuit that can hold it's own next to time out or sunrise biscuit kitchen. Definitely recommend the turkey avocado. read more

I only get to eat here during capoeira workshops since I am never in this side of town during their business hours. THeir pastrami and corned beef sandwiches are the best. read more

Firstly, I have to say I am a pimento cheese addict and a biscuit addict. Ugh combine the two together and I could not be any happier! I stopped by Neal's around 11 am, and it was crowded but not overwhelmingly busy. You place your order at the counter and pay there; afterwards, you kind of move off to the side awkwardly and wait for them to call out your name. It took a little bit longer than I was expecting, but then again they were busy, and I liked how they took the time to toast the biscuits rather than just slicing them open and shoving in the stuff- to me, it really showed attention to detail. I ordered a pimento cheese and bacon biscuit, as well as a sausage egg and cheddar. My order was wrapped in some butcher paper, placed in a brown bag, and off I went. First bite in and the biscuit was warm, perfectly toasted, and that pimento cheese was just HEAVENLY. The pimento cheese here is a little bit more sharp than what I prefer, but good nonetheless. If you're looking for some really 'strong' pimento cheese, this is the place for you! The whole thing was a bit greasy but it was so good I honestly didn't even notice. Prices are decent considering how good the quality is, just make sure you try to go around early morning or late lunch so you can get a seat! read more

First, let me start by saying -- I LOVE NEAL'S DELI!!! I have worked in Carrboro for four years, and I always said "man we really need a good lunch place." While I also love Weaver St Market, you get sick of eating there every day. Then along comes Neal's, with their delicious hot dogs (served in a pretzel roll), tasty potato salad, fresh veggie sides, seasonal sandwiches, HOMEMADE BAGELS, delicious biscuits, crispy crunchy bacon, and more. They also have fabulous desserts, especially the macaroons and black-and-white cookies, which are better than any B&W cookies I've ever gotten in NYC. They cater and they deliver. Delivery comes on a bike with a cooler attached to the front. They also have really cute T-shirts. Neal's Deli is the jewel of Carrboro -- eat there! read more

The smoked salmon biscuit I am eating right now is to die for! We eat breakfast at Neal's frequently. Best biscuit place in Carrboro! The sandwiches for lunch are wonderful including gluten free if needed. Best pastrami you will find anywhere! read more

Woah. Tiny space but big sandwiches. I have long gone for the pastrami but veered from the ordinary this past weekend for the gourmet hot dog....the pretzel roll was amazing, guacamole, and chipotle mayo, OMG! I could have eaten 12 of them. I wonder what the world champion hot dog eating lady would think! Truly to be savored. read more

Gotta try the pretzel roll hotdog! They have the most unique combinations of toppings. The atmosphere has a nice country kind of feel to it. Along with the hotdogs, they serve some amazing deli sandwiches. The staff are very happy, friendly people. read more

This is an excellent place - high quality food. It's more expensive than basic deli food, but you get what you pay for! (actually, you probably get more than you pay for at Neal's Deli - great quality, fresh food - it's worth it). Good people, pleasant environment, a little small, so it can be challenge some days to get a self-serve table. I highly recommend this place and take family here when they come to town. Go. You'll like it. read more

I tried this place yesterday with my husband and we were both blown away, both with their food and customer service. The cashier was so friendly and patient while we made up our minds and then changed them. There were too many good options to choose from! My husband loves deli sandwiches and had the pastrami sandwich. He said it was so delicious it melted in his mouth. I had the apple chedder german dog on a pretzel roll and it was fantastic. Best hot dog I've had since I was actually in Germany. I just wish they were open later! read more

Simply one of my fave places in Carrboro. Just wish they served their delicous biscuits all day long!

I'm a vegetarian but Neal's almost makes me want to turn carnivore. That's OK, because they have plenty of delicious veggie options. I love the veggie sandwich, cole slaw, beet salad and of course the best biscuits in town! read more

I ordered The Manhattan. It's a pastrami sandwich with the coleslaw right on the sandwich! A thing like that!

I went here today for the first time, and had a pimento cheese bacon on a sweet potato biscuit. It was delicious, and the coffee was actually good. The vibe was relaxed, and it was clean inside. read more

Can't go wrong for breakfast or lunch.Their pickled green tomatoes are absolutely a unique and fun treat. I've also used them for catering and give them two thumbs up! I highly recommend their BLT as well as the Italian combo, but you cannot go wrong. read more

Wow...biscuts that will make you smile and best part is they don't use animal based lard!!!! How incredible! Thanks to Shelia for making my day and teaching me a thing or two about baking using local and organic ingredients. read more

Amazing food, every time. High quality fresh meat, no mystery items from some factory farm in Iowa. Local, organic veggies and bread-- you definitely get what you pay for, which is greatness. And the Neal's are hard to beat, too. read more

In a town full of great food, Neal's Deli is the one place I always make sure to take friends when they visit the area. There's no need to recommend one thing over another--you can't go wrong with any of their food. Expect high-quality meat, fresh vegetables, and interesting sides. One of the things I appreciate is that they won't ship in vegetables from Florida or California if they aren't in season nearby. The Neals know that leaving the tomato off is better than including a bad one. The staff has always treated me well and been quick with service, even during the lunch rush when it's standing room only. I can't speak highly enough about this wonderful deli. The free town lot a hundred feet down S. Greensboro is the best bet for parking, and is never full during business hours. read more

The best biscuit in town (yes, it's better than Sunrise).

The staff here are some of the friendliest in Carrboro and it's a cozy lunch spot. When I went it was raining so it was a little crowded since no one wanted to eat outside. This probably isn't the best place if you want to have a long lunch with someone as it has only a few tables and is clearly popular. I got the Smoked Turkey, which was good but not my favorite sandwich ever and a little on the pricey side for the size of the sandwich - wishing I would have tried the Reuben instead. The guacamole tasted a little pre-packaged, but overall a good sandwich and such a cute vibe. Park in the large gravel lot next to Open Eye - this is probably your best bet if you want to visit anything in this area of Carrboro. I really want to come back for breakfast because their selection looks awesome! read more