What has happened to Paul's Deli? We've lived in Williamsburg for over 25yrs and Paul's was always a favorite for locals. We used to love eating here. Every time we went we saw neighborhood friends. But things have changed at Paul's. The food is bland and doesn't taste fresh. The serving sizes are smaller. I usually get a piece of carrot cake to go. Their carrot cake used to be amazing. Tonight when I got home and opened my to go box, I was very disappointed. Not only was the cake small, it was old and dry. I have attached 3 pictures. Two pictures are of the carrot cake Paul's used to serve. The third picture is what I brought home. Also, that small piece was $10.00. We were there close to two hours and only saw one other customer in the restaurant. I'm giving 2 stars because our server was wonderful. read more

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Food was pretty decent. I ordered the French dip sandwich. They definitely provided the meat! It was loaded down. However, some of the meat was chewy and I had to pull off the fatty parts. French fries were great! At this location, you order at the bar and the food is brought to your table. It was brought it a timely manner. This is definitely a bar like location. The tables are worn down, the floor is sticky, and the walls look like they could be cleaned. The walls are covered in photos and memorabilia and you can just tell they need a good cleaning. Food was decent, service was good, but the location made me feel kind of dirty when I walked out. If you're looking for bar food in a bar like location, this is it. read more

Paul's Deli Downtown - French Dip - American Near Me - Williamsburg, Virginia

What was wrong? Portable air conditioner on a hot summer day. So, very warm inside. Server had fully immersed himself in cheap cologne. Headache inducing. Walls and floors are dirty. Food was not good but, honestly, I wasn't surprised at all after what we'd seen so far. Fries had no flavor. None. Eggplant in my sub was tough. My husband's sub was cold in the center. We paid and left more than half of the food for the trash. I hate wasting food but it was that bad. What was good? The server was nice. read more

Solid sports bar and quick service. We popped in for lunch and it met our expectations. Lots of seating and the service was friendly. As it was summer, a bit quieter than I think you'd normally get. The chicken parm was tasty - not a classic cutlet but well prepared. The other sandwiches our group got were nice as well. read more

Yall, I haven't been out past midnight in a hot second. I am not a college kid, but I ended up in a college bar with a small group last Saturday evening (morning?!) around midnight. Paul's Deli is one of the late-night spots in Williamsburg, and they offer a large, diverse menu. You order and pay at the counter and then they bring your food to your table when it's ready. I looked up reviews in advance and thus ordered the steak and cheese, no onions, extra mayo. Sadly, I must've ordered the wrong thing. The meat was extremely dry and chewy, which was a shame because the other parts of the sandwich weren't bad at all (the cheese and bread, specifically). They didn't add much mayo at all, but when I pointed it out, it was remedied immediately. My friends ordered fries, which I also heard were kind of meh, and a pizza. They enjoyed the pizza, but it was the thick/crispy kind, so not my thing. After tip, I paid roughly $19 for my overcooked sandwich that didn't come with a side. The menu price was also roughly 50 cents lower than what I was charged, which I assume can be attributed to either an inflation bump or a credit card fee that I didn't notice posted somewhere. Didn't particularly love the experience overall, but based on other positive reviews here, I'd maybe be willing to give it another shot and try something else in the future. read more

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This is a sad review for a sad restaurant that rests on its captive audience of students and 40+ year olds in the summer. A once wonderful place where my favorite sub of all time existed: the prince George - defining flavor of salty Smithfield ham, turkey, thinly sliced dill pickle, and tomato. Last night, mild semi-flavorless ham and a pickle that tasted like a cucumber. They are hardly trying to make food right. I ordered the appetizer of wings, as well. The prince George was served 10 minutes before the wings appetizer was ready. Soggy bread, not tasty at all. It was edible food. Not much more. My spouse and mother in law ordered a Stromboli with spinach and feta cheese. I joked about a florentine Stromboli. Served with three times the feta needed and tomato, no spinach. My 16 y/o daughter ordered loaded French fries (fries with cheese and bacon). Served cold with flavorless bacon. Congealed cheese, she ate very little of it. My wife ended up serving our table after the server neglected our food that sat on the ready bar, dying for 10 minutes. DON'T TIP WHEN ORDERING!!!!! I SUSPECT THEY WILL NEGLECT YOU, TOO!!!! Pro tip: literally tell them you will tip based on their service! Oh, and you order at the counter and bus your own table. What are you tipping for, seriously? What service are they giving? Their only service is bringing you the hot food. That's it. Just bringing the food to your table when it's ready. Period. After ordering, I never saw my server again after serving the sandwich, she never served the wings or loaded fries. She never checked on anything ever again. Stick to this place for beer and liquor. Oh, yeah, the wings were ok but they were plain wings with no dressing AT ALL. Just deep fried wings with a dipping sauce. Same with the plain deep fried chicken strips - 14 y/o said they were ok. As long as the cooks don't have to do much... deep field food is ok. The men's bathroom had no soap to wash hands with. The paper towel roll was on the somewhat dirty bathroom sink. To flush the men's toilet, they had thankfully removed the toilet lid so you, the guest, can reach into the toilet tank to flush by pulling the chain for the toilet handle which did not work. Somewhat unsanitary considering no soap, no soap dispenser, or any idea that handwashing soap was ever there. Gross??!!?? You be the judge This is a sad drinking bar now. So depressing to see a good menu in such depressing hands. I will never go back read more

Paul's Deli Downtown - American Near Me - Williamsburg, Virginia

Paul's deli needs to stop pretending to be an Italian restaurant and people need to recognize them for what they are- a place for nobodies to go and drink themselves under. Numerous times they have greatly disappointed my family and I even though we come back in the hopes it will be better. They almost without fail get the orders wrong, no marinara sauce on spaghetti, random bits of spare pasta in a fertucini dish and the wrong dressings with the salads. The DoorDash service is terrible it took 3 hours and the order was still wrong. If you want ur dinner ruined for the price of 60 bucks for 2 people this is the place! They also seem to have been the first people to manage to undercook and burn chicken at the same time, incredible! Avoid at al costs just head to Sals. read more

Paul's Deli Downtown - Spaghetti randomly in here when I didn't order it?? - American Near Me - Williamsburg, Virginia

Dive bar with promise of being a great hangout. Prices are high and don't match the ambience at all. Food and drinks were good, but not worth the money to get my own water and lemonade from the fountain and pay $10 for a house glass of wine. read more

We love this place. This is our third or fourth visit here over the past 20 years and it never disappoints. Fair price for a good meal. It's a dive, but it's clean and delicious. What more can one ask for? read more

Best roast beef sandwich I have had in the 757! Still have not found one that matches it!

In the three years I have lived in Williamsburg, the food here is the worst I have experienced. Ordering a Texan Reuben because you can't screw that up, right, wrong the fries were lukewarm and soft, obviously been laying in a warmer for hours, the Brisket on the Reuben consisted of globs of fat, it was so bad I never even bothered taking it home to my dog. Lesson learned, will never set foot in this place again. read more

New girl being taught how to do things in front of me for entire duration.They were out of the special for the day at noon,offered alternative which was just a salty salty bloob and not very good.Pizzas were too heavy,deep dish with 3 pounds of cheese on it,on the pizza i got for my kid there was a few inches of plastic wrap in the cheese,just gross.Windows might never been washed,has a old dirty tavern vibe,if you are into that kind of things.Carrot cake is really delish and blond server girl was amazing.Others....idk,don't seem like a nice place to work or visit,maybe good to get drunk only. read more

Paul's Deli Downtown - crab grossness - American Near Me - Williamsburg, Virginia

Like one of the other reviewers said, this is a dive bar. Do not come here expecting a Michelin star experience where you are treated as the most important person in the room. Do come here, however, if you would like a great meal and want to see some really cool memorabilia of William & Mary in the past. There are what seems like 100 sandwiches on the menu. I agree with other reviews about getting the holly. I like to add hot peppers to it as well. Usually, I go with a steak and cheese sandwich. Another option I've had and liked is the spinach pizza. It is pretty hard to go wrong with your order here. Parking is limited but depending on when you go you can just park on the street by the university or park in the football stadium parking lot. This more applies if you are going in the evening or on the weekend. read more

The food was so disappointing. Nearly flavorless and cold. The service was non existent. We had to claim our own food by going to the cooks and asking about it. We had 4 orders and nothing was ready at even close to the same time. We watched one person eat their meal before the next person's meal was ready. The water in the drink dispenser was dripping onto the to go containers. Server didn't care. The bathrooms were filthy any not stocked. Why would anyone go here again? read more

First of all, good luck finding a parking spot. The menu has a lot of good choices. I wasn't thrilled by the folded over turkey in my sub, I admit I prefer thinly sliced or shaved meats to thick pieces of folded over meat in my sub but the flavor was good. I ordered the Prince George which was ham and turkey. Another friend ordered the Gringo but was not told that the subs are all toasted and they had to remake it untoasted as my friend does not like their mayo and lettuce heated (understandably). Another friend ordered the hot dog with sauerkraut which they said was ok and we all split the white pizza which was good but not like the traditional white pizza which has ricotta and garlic and oil. This was basically just a mozerella pizza which although good was not what we were craving. The place was recommended by a local and so we tried it but I honestly wouldn't go back. read more

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Classic spot in Williamsburg from beer and Greek/Italian food. Food portions are huge so we usually split something. Stop in, have a few beers and watch some W&M Football! read more

Went here with the anticipation it was going to be great, I mean it's been around since 1977, and it is in a nice little nook of a college campus; so yeah it should have been good. Wrong on every level and maybe this was just a one off but a one off this bad was enough for me. First off the Gyro that came out looked like it was a left over from the night before and that was just half the order. The other half, The Mahoyneo Gringo (I spelled this wrong), came out about 20 minutes later only after telling me that this was the first day of the new cook. The sub was good and that's cool but it was not made to what the menu description, and after being there so long was not worth asking to make it correct. The fries though were on point. Beer was cold. Staff very friendly. Sorry for the 1-star review but it was so bad for a first time. I'll re-visit and will upgrade this review if the second coming is a 180. read more

Collage town, college bar with a lot of history. I classify this as your typical hole in the wall type bar which are usually the best kind! Paul's offers 30 different types of subs hot and cold and other menu items. Everything tasted great but they were just sandwiches nothing ingredient wise stood out as being exceptional. read more

Paul's Deli Downtown - Outside - American Near Me - Williamsburg, Virginia

We've been coming to Paul's for maybe 20 years :). A reliable and consistent experience, and wonderful old school ambiance. Service is good, without any fuss, and the food is old fashioned sandwich and baked pasta fare. Good salads, within the context of the old sports bar tradition. In the past they've had amazing specials (a memorable fresh mozzarella, basil and tomato salad comes to mind!) which are always good. read more

Went with a large Group on Sunday. Everyone was very happy with Italian sub and several got the All meat Spaghetti bowl. They appeared to be short on help, and one meal (Stromboli) was forgotten. Everyone was done there meals when the Stromboli came out. Is was over cooked and Cold. A manager should offered something for this error! read more

Very good! One of my favorite places to eat! The service is always great, and the staff is always friendly!

One of the best Philly Steak & Cheeses I've had in Virginia and complimentary mini cannoli's are the best

I had the seafood platter and i was happy with the portion and the presentation. The service was a bit slow as it was packed but i will be returning as the food was good and the place is in a good locale. Try them and let me know what you think. read more

Where to eat (that is of course open after 10pm) after a long winter day at Busch Gardens. To YELP we go! Found Paul's and we figured it was a bar type place due to being open till 2am. We were a little wary of what the neighborhood would be like but it was in a nice location and the outside was nice. We entered and it did not disappoint that it was indeed a bar...very loud and crowded. We were seated on the heated patio...Ahhh! Nice! Our server was really good and steered my hubby to the Holly (Roast beef, turkey, bacon, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, mayo, pickle). I got the Turkey Club Sub (Turkey, bacon, swiss, lettuce, tomato, mayo, pickle) but opted for white bread instead of a roll. We ate it all and were so glad we came here! PS. do not use the bathroom here...go before you come here. It is a typical bar bathroom and could possibly ruin your meal. read more

Food & ambiance was great. Went there for lunch, got the Reuben and my boyfriend got the Godfather Hoagie. Service on the other hand...not so great (despite a generous tip). Was walking with my boyfriend much later in the day when our waitress--young and stout woman with dark hair, tattoos and glasses--passed us in her car with a guy in the passenger seat who yells out, "Nice hickey bro," referring to my boyfriend. They sped off immediately after that. I have no doubt that the woman driving was our waitress, who definitely recognized us because we were one of two couples eating lunch here. We didn't recognize the guy. Overall, the white-trash waiting staff is the reason I give this place 2 stars. read more

Came here with family for lunch, had to wait for service, they were very busy for a mid-day on a Saturday. Staff was run ragged between 2 close locations, kitchen was challenged. Finally seated and ordered, servings were generous, but slightly inaccurate. Typical college deli, bathroom was filthy. Why? read more

We visited on a miserable, rainy Sunday for a late lunch. I hadn't been in Paul's for a long time and had planned on going to Green Leafe which, for some reason was closed. I'm not a big fan of the menu as I'm not a sub-style sandwich fan. I'd always prefer more "typical" deli sandwiches...without tomato, lettuce, etc. That said I had the Chicken Philly (see photo) that comes with fries. It arrived in good time, HOT and full of seemingly fresh stuff. The accompanying fries were really good and made with fresh oil. Anyway, be prepared to take care of yourself once you arrive. Orders are taken at the bar but once the food arrives you're on your own. Self- serve fountain drinks and/or water, locate napkins and flatware as well as catsup and dressing in containers. No one checks on your satisfaction levels of your food...at least they didn't with our table or the three others around us. The place has been there for years and this "3-Star" rating will have a zero impact on their continued cash flow or their service level. I'll try it again in another 5 or 6 years. read more

Ok, so let's do some expectation setting to help you calibrate between the 5 and 1 star reviews. This is basically a college dive bar that serves food to everyone else who wanders through. I spent *a lot* of time here as an upperclassman on weekends (which as everyone knows starts Thursday night). Is the food going to be pretty good? Yeah. Are there some things on the menu better than other things? You bet. Will the staff cater to your every whim? Uh ... re-read that opening paragraph to find out. Still, we just went again this past weekend while we were touring the town & campus. Everyone loved their food. I had a greek salad (which was huge and fresh), my youngest had a calzone (which was ENORMOUS and crazy good), and everyone else had sandwiches. Hard to mess up a sandwich. I dunno if it's still true but two of the most popular items on the menu are the loaded fries (get some ranch dipping sauce with them) and the hot holly. read more

Place is nice enough. Service is marginal. The pizza is overpriced and under cooked. Not a good experience I'd never go back. My pizza was basically a wet ball of dough read more

Excellent Rueben's, great wings!! I highly recommend. I ordered the wings which were also on point!!

Another stellar experience here. Once again, we got the spinach, tomato, feta pizza (they only have a large or small - we got the large, which was perfect). It was just so delicious! Will definitely be back. read more

Another wonderful lunch at Paul's. Enjoyed a lovely day out and a delicious burger with an 147 IPA beer :) Had a delicious dinner in the outside patio. We had blackened salmon BLT, french dip sub, and a few "superb" IPA on tap. There were many specials to choose from and a large assortment of beer on tap. Good mix of older couples and families. Staff was friendly and helpful. Atmosphere was casual but comfortable. Much prefer the Newtown location to the other one. read more

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The bathrooms here are gross. Dirty, stinky,and you can't even wash your hands. Unsanitary.

Delicious sandwiches. Friendly service. Hubby and I had the Pastrami and the Paul's Special #2. Both were yummy! Sides are a la carte. Our kiddos had the hot dog and grilled cheese, both off the kids menu. The kids meal come with fries. Hot dog came on a toasted bun...not your usual hot dog bun, but my kid enjoyed it. My other kid was not so fond of the grilled cheese because it was American cheese. My fault for not asking what kind of cheese they use. So despite the good food I can only give it 2 stars because they did not honor their "kids eat free on Tuesdays" as advertised on their website. My husband asked and they said "No.... We don't do that.". False advertising is never good business practice in my book. read more

Paul's Deli Downtown - Did not honor their "Kids eat free" as stated on website. - American Near Me - Williamsburg, Virginia

This is still the most amazing unexpected find ever, seriously. Collegetown sports bars are not supposed to have obscenely good mako-and-scallop fra diavolo, served in bowls so large they'd feed two, with leftovers. They shouldn't have glorious pork shank osso bucco that melts in your mouth, or the tenderest fried calamari in town. And yet. Nothing is ever short of delicious, nor will anyone ever go home hungry. Dietary restrictions are met with cheerful smiles and true care from the staff [we had an onion allergy they took -very- seriously], and the atmosphere is incredibly relaxed and comfortable. And they have the best carrot cake I have ever tasted, which I feel compelled to note, is not a statement I make easily. I have had some truly splendid carrot cake. I MAKE pretty excellent carrot cake... and it's just better. read more

Whenever I am in Williamsburg I stop here, and have been doing so since 1978. The deli moved down the street from its original location almost 30 years ago but it does still have the Chandler, Virginia, and Gringo subs as in 1978. Filling tasty toasted subs. A pitcher of beer. I am as happy now as I was 40 years ago. Today's menu is GREATLY expanded with full meals, all sorts of bar food favs, etc. but I go for the subs--can't beat them in Williamsburg read more

Decent food, and good location. It's opened late which is a plus. Came here when we arrived to Williamsburg looking for some good fried food, and luckily we found Paul's! read more

The food here is homemade and fresh. Prices are reasonable! Food is cooked to order! They have all tables spaced out for social distancing and you must wear a mask unless you are eating. Big TVs to watch the sports channels! Cooks are very helpful with helping you pick something off the menu. There recommendations were excellent! My first time visiting and I will be back! read more

Paul's Deli Downtown - Hawaiian Pizza - American Near Me - Williamsburg, Virginia

We stopped for a quick lunch and we are glad we found this gem! I got the nachos as my meal and couldn't begin to finish them. They were massive and delicious! read more

Paul's Deli Downtown - Nachos! - American Near Me - Williamsburg, Virginia

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Terrible don't wast your time WaWa has better sandwiches the chili taste weird/vinegary I know I will pay for it later omg