Wish we had places like this back home but that's what makes NY so special! 4am run to the local bodega that serves a delicious "chopped cheese" sandwich. The store had so many options for food and drinks. I got a CBD/THC seltzer that looked appealing that I took back home. (It knocked me on my butt ) but the sandwiches here are fire ! Friendly people behind that counter and a good place to people watch that late at night. Good vibes, good late night spot! read more

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Friend who lives in NYC is raving about the chopped cheese sammy's. We finally found one after hitting lots of bodegas. This one was legit. Im sure these are a dime a dozen... but glad I found a good one! Now I can share the wealth! Sounds like a NYC staple for those of us who like to ball on a budget :) read more

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Yep, I would absolutely come back to this deli again if I was visiting new york city. The bacon and egg cheese both on a bagel and roll were super tasty. Bacon was cooked perfectly. A little intimidating to walk in but everyone in their was kind and understanding. read more

Optimum Gourmet Deli - Bacon egg and cheese bagel - Delis Near Me - New York, New York

Optimum Gourmet Deli cooks with ingredients that taste fresh and well-chosen. Superior personalized service. The space merges sophistication with a welcoming feel. The whole menu shows consistent quality. This place is worth your visit. read more

Had a decent chopped cheese on a kaiser roll. Took about 10 mins to wait. Looks clean. Friendly owner. Told me they were in business for 40 years! Had a large selection of snack, beers, and beverages. A high tier bodega right here. read more

Optimum Gourmet Deli - Chopped cheese was solid - Delis Near Me - New York, New York

YUMMY!!! A total vibe, friendly service & memorable food! I got the veggie omelette on an everything bagel! AMAZING! read more

Really enjoyed my sausage egg and cheese 10/10. Bagel was so soft. Nice guys working the front.

Pretty standard NYC bodega overall. Yummy sandwiches & friendly service. Only thing is that it seems a bit on the pricey side for a bodega in the LES but I guess in the grand scheme of things, not terribly expensive, could be worse. Shared a chopped cheese & a reuben (both on heros) with my boyfriend - both were so delicious and extremely filling. I had no business finishing the halves of both sandwiches but alas I did, and stuffed myself silly oops. One half of either sandwich is definitely enough for a meal, especially for a small person like myself, but they were so. good. I couldn't help myself. We also bought a small 8oz container of cole slaw, which paired well with the sandwiches. Total came out to be over $18. I returned a few days later to just buy a half pound of maple ham, also delicious & fresh, but it was $6 (which means $12 per lb) ... again, not cheap but worth a purchase every now and then since it was pretty great quality. I don't frequent other delis though so can't really compare. read more

Optimum Gourmet Deli - Reuben (on a hero) - Delis Near Me - New York, New York

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Ordered 3 different bagel breakfast sandwiches on a weekday morning. It was hot and yummy and exactly what we were hoping for that day. They even let us pay before the food was ready bc just after us was a huge crowd of kids we didn't want to get stuck behind as we were trying to also make our ticketed ferry time. Many of the kids were rude, cutting by placing their items on the counter when we were clearly in line. The store keeper recognized this and took payment from us first, then gave us the food once it was ready. Wish I could go more often and express my sympathy to the store keeper who probably has to deal with those kids every day, but alas we were tourists and I can only dream now of the next chance I'll get to eat the best egg and cheese bagels in LES! read more

Didn't want to leave the city without getting a dope breakfast sandwich, this place didn't disappoint. Ended up being $5.20, cheaper than getting breakfast at a crappy chain. read more

Optimum Gourmet Deli - SECSPK - Delis Near Me - New York, New York

I've been in this neighborhood for the past 40 years. Even though I didn't frequent as often for the past 20, but am now a resident again due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, has me working remotely from my apartment and also is a closer commute to the office as an essential worker if required to go in. Anyways, didn't give this place a thought, it seemed like a fancy overpriced deli to me from the outside, until I finally looked up the other Yelp reviews and saw what a gem of a place it really was. So like, one night around 2am, while working remotely at my apartment, I had a bad craving for a burger since the "Shelter In Place" happened. I didn't want to go to some fancy burger joint like Holy Cow (no offense to them) or to a fast food joint like McDonald's. I decided to give these guys a try for the first them and they didn't disappoint. Burger was juicy, with the right amount of ketchup and mayo. Fries weren't soggy, but weren't crisp, still satisfied my craving. I regularly support them now, by buying a drink or sandwich when I can. read more

Optimum Gourmet Deli - Bacon Cheeseburger Deluxe - Delis Near Me - New York, New York

This is a THE best version of a NYC bodega. All the necessities and snacks are loaded and the menu is filled with affordable NYC classics. Bacon egg n cheese was 5$ and with a drink 6.25. The food was fantastic too and they serve it nice and hot. The front cashier became my friend and everyone was super done to earth. Loved the vibes here! read more

Optimum Gourmet Deli - Bacon egg and cheese - Delis Near Me - New York, New York

Go to spot for early morning Phili cheesesteak or chopped cheese after a long flight (red eye) Hits the spot every time, gm and thank you for your 24/7 service read more

Went on the recommendation of the Tennement Museum (seriously, at the end they talk about how the neighborhood evolved to today and this was a local business that was highlighted). The placed is cramped, but plenty of options and we got a quick bite to eat. Damn good Reuben sandwich, IDK if I would go on to say the best ever but it was wicked good in a pinch. My wife got chicken fingers and fries. She complained that we didn't have a sit down meal. There's no rest for the weary, time is short and things moves fast in NYC! Wanting to make most of our visit I wanted to move as quickly as possible. read more

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I'm not trying to be dramatic, but I probably could not function without this place. It's the best quick spot for all the essentials, including your bagels and coffee. They have an extensive menu and some really great options. Everyone that works here is friendly and efficient. It will always be my go-to bodega. 4.8/5 read more

Great late night food, friendly people. Had a chop cheese and still thinking about it the next day.

I love this place because the food is always great, but I do have to say that in recent months, they've really gone downhill in terms of delivery. I've now called maybe five times where the phone just rings and rings and then when someone finally picks up, I'm told they don't have anyone to deliver. There are so many people out there looking for jobs, and they can't find a few good backup delivery guys? Not having the once reliable Optimum (all through COVID!) has left me starving a few mornings now. Great food, needs better delivery. read more

Service: 5/5 super friendly, probably noticed I was a new face and completely lost. One worker told me where to order as I honestly didn't know lol. Food: 4/5 bought a sausage, egg & cheese with large iced coffee black. The sausage, egg & cheese was on the salty side for me. Was in & out probably about 5 mins. Didn't feel like I waited long at all. It was a small deli and pretty filled with customers. I'd come back for breakfast again before my internship! read more

Best deli in LES. For sure. Clean, fast, delicious, affordable. Some sandwiches as cheap as $4! Friendly staff! It's lit. read more

This was one of my fav deli in the area but I stop using them due to covid. None of the short order cooks are wearing mask. Such a shame. I wont be back. read more

I've literally grew up with the family that owns this establishment. They've known me since I was 8 yo. I'm 27 now lol. Always friendly, funny & very inviting. The menu has evolved & everything is good. Few tips : - open 24/7 & the grill is ALWAYS ON - ask for Boo Boo , he makes the best ANYTHING & can take multiple orders with even the most add ones he will remember! - tell them Tasha sent you , haha Only four stars because unfortunately things are so expensive now so I can't frequent how I used to . read more

Excellent sandwiches. Quick and easy. Made to order as well as solid menu option. Absolutely will return. read more

The deli person is rude and does not listen to orders correctly. Then the cashier is going to say we call it even because his worker made the wrong sandwich, and my co worker wanted a different sandwich. Plus, the two sandwiches was different price and the one he messed up cost more so they didn't want to give a refund. Be careful ordering here read more

Awesome bodega. They make my favorite bacon egg and cheese in the city. Never have to wait to order even when the city is waking up. They always get my order right and the cashier is super friendly. I always have a great experience here. read more

Optimum Deli comes to the LES from the same team that brought the neighborhood the vaunted and beloved Happiness Deli, which was formerly located on Delancy, just up the block from this brand new spot. The ownership structure is apparently quite similar to that of the now shuttered Happiness Deli. According to the guys who work at Optimum (who I recognize from Happiness), it's the brother of the owner of Happiness that owns the new joint. Basically, it's just Happiness Deli a block further south in new--and much nicer and cleaner--digs. The (awesome) menu is pretty much the same, as is the selection of non-deli goods. Right now they're not selling beer or wine, but, according to the people working there, they will be soon; the application for a license has just been submitted, and since the ownership structure has (barely) changed, as has the name, they have to get a new license. The food is everything that people in the neighborhood know and love. Happiness was long regarded as one of the (if not THE) best deli in the neighborhood, and since I moved down here, it has been a favorite of mine. They have a great selection of cooked-to-order sandwiches, including (and this rocks my world) breakfast sandwiches cooked 24-7, 365! And, the sandwiches are GREAT. The ingredients are fresh, the combinations work very well, and it's relatively cheap. $7 will get you an amazing sandwich on a hero, and it will fill you up! Many of their sandwiches, especially breakfast sandwiches, are only like $3. And, once they get the beer going again, their beer prices are great. I'm a big fan of the #7 sandwich, the name of which I can't remember off the top of my head, but it is a chicken, jalapeño, and pepper jack combo. The other night I went and they were out of something they needed for it (I think jalapeño), and the guy offered to whip me up something similar, and he came to me with a chicken and spicy peppers sandwich that was nothing short of spectacular. I was so pleased (and admittedly a bit . . . uh . . . tipsy) that I called them and told them it rocked and that it should be a staple on the menu, since it was off-menu! The people that work here are awesome, too. They're friendly, funny, and totally willing to make jokes with you. Also, they take credit, and a $5 minimum. Not a fan of CC minimums, but hell, at least it's not something ridiculous. If I could change anything, I'd have them stock a few more groceries. Like bread. But then again, it's a deli that stocks some groceries, not a grocery store that has a deli counter. I am SO, SO happy that Happiness hasn't left the LES. Yeah, it's got a different name, but it's the same animal. If you live here and need a great and filling sandwich, this should be one of your first stops. It's easily my favorite deli in the neighborhood, and maybe in Manhattan. It's better than the several delis around my old place in the Village . . . read more

Optimum Gourmet Deli - The paper is down now . . . Optimum (essentially Happiness with a new name) is now OPEN! Photo from Bowery Boogie. - Delis Near Me - New York, New York

Awesome food variety flavorful great staff friendly and attentive homie convenient with a great menu

The food is great and the price is inexpensive. But more importantly, the people that works here are awesome! They're super nice :) I usually get a salad w smoked salmon. I always see them prep the vegetables which is a great thing bc that means the veggies are fresh never stale or leftovers from previous days. read more

Visit from GA and found this place on Yelp. Excellent bagel sandwich and friendly stsff..

Was starving and this deli was PACKED and it was 3:00am. Got me the Pho #2 it was definitely spicy and delicious. Great deli Also Seth Rogan approves of this deli. read more

I just called to have an order delivered. I asked for a grilled cheddar on rye with lettuce and tomato with mustard the side and an order of homefries. They brought me a grilled cheddar on white bread with fucking ketchup and no fork for the home fries. Guy even repeated my fucking order back to me what the hell. I'm stuck at work I can't leave and this fucking food tastes like shit. This happened once before when I went into the store. I got to work and the order was wrong. read more

I love this deli. The prices are reasonable, the guys behind the counter are always extremely friendly. They've got cheap milk and I can always trust they'll have my favorite flavor chip and gatorade for the weekend hangover. I can get a plain bagel toasted with butter and somehow it tastes delightful. I love living on this block with the deli right here and I'll be sad to move. read more

My favorite neighborhood spot. Chopped cheese, good breakfast anything, and the nicest family. Decent coffee too!

Very clean, very affordable! Closest thing your getting to a Brooklyn deli in the LES. Friendly staff. I usually get wraps and sandwiches. Tried the veggie omelette combo, came with a lot of stuff for the price, but didn't enjoy. Wayyyyyyyy too much onion and peppers that I couldn't taste the egg. Oh, and the grill is on 24 hours! read more

I work around the corner and stop by here almost everyday. Great service and the staffs always friendly. The food is good and well priced.

Good sausage/egg/cheese sandwiches (better than most I've had at other corner grocers or restaurants), more importantly, very nice people who work there. read more

Optimum Gourmet is the best deli in Manhattan. The food is delicious and the service is beyond compare. I have known the owners for over 30 years; they are always gracious, attentive and kind. It's been a pleasure to see the family grow up over the decades. Mexico, the head cook is fantastic- and as handsome when he was younger man. The other day I stopped by for just a sliced egg sandwich sandwich. He added avocado and his own pico do gallo and it was incredibly delicious. I'm sure some of the nearby restaurants could have it on their menu for 4x the price. They have the class and flavor of the old LES. Long live happiness 101- gourmet optimum. read more

Best deli in LES. The chicken cutlet is so crispy and the cheddar cheese is so gooey. Hot chocolate is bomb. The prices so low. I want to date optimum deli. read more

Delicious AF. Our entire office eats there 3x a day. The omelets are fluffy and magical. The iced coffee is superior to all others in the neighborhood (sorry Irving Farm) and it's $2.50. read more

As good as it gets when it comes to a LES bodega. Muhammed and his staff are extremely friendly and are always in the mood to strike conversation with all their patrons. Their sandwiches are on point. Keep up the good work, boys! read more

Love this place! Great food at reasonable prices, plus a super friendly staff - all of which can be tough to find in this neighborhood. Very solid breakfast sandwich. Highly recommended. read more