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    Ranelli's Deli & Cafe

    4.4 (67 reviews)
    InexpensiveDelis, Italian, Cafes
    Open 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

    Ranelli's Deli & Cafe Photos

    RANELLI'S DELI & CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Divey
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Ranelli's Deli & Cafe

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    Meatball sub and garlic cheese bread
    Chris M.

    Friendly owner-run service, authentic decor, and of course delicious food! Not living downtown, their weekday only daytime hours make it hard for me to visit more often. But when the opportunity is there, this is one of a small handful of spots for to go.

    All You Can Eat
    M.D. L.

    Excellent lunch value here, all over the menu. A Bham anchor 50yrs, the famous Richmond sub can feed a table of four or a vivatiosly hungry two. Call ahead at lunch and pick up at the counter. Interesting history music fans. Live blues music the first Friday evening of each month. The Little Richmond, Spaghetti with salad, or Chicken Salad with chips for around $10-12? Who can beat that?

    a patio with a table and chairs
    Anna M.

    Saw Ranelli's in some kind of coverage over the last year, though I don't remember why. I was probably looking up something about Reubens. (It's a thing; I've been known to do it.) Anyway, we were relatively close for an appointment around lunch time, so I requested to go. Even though we've lived in the metro area for more than 25 years, I hadn't heard of Ranelli's. So, I ordered the reuben (surprise). Though in retrospect, my spouse also tends to order reubens (remember the 25 years + thing--yeah), so I kind of wish I had ordered the Richman. I could have made him trade halves so I could still try the reuben, but you know what they say about hindsight. Got a combo with chips and a drink. Their chip partner is Gold Flake, so it was just the normal flavors--we asked if there was baked, but the owner said GF doesn't make them anymore. We decided to take ours out on the patio as it was a little crowded inside. A few people were waiting for orders, but it just seemed a little like there was a lot of furniture in the space. And the weather was nice, so why not. Reuben was good, though I'll admit I've never had one with pickles, so I took them off and enjoyed them separately. Nice thick sliced pickles that I did not ask, but it wouldn't surprise me if they were homemade. I also had never had a double decker (3 slices of bread) reuben. It was good, and the bread was so fresh it was the stick-to-your-teeth kind of bread. If you're looking for a super clean, glossy kind of restaurant, this isn't it. It's the we-take-care-of-everything-ourselves, and the food is more important kind of place. The owner let us know that he had just pruned some things outside but hadn't had the time to clean up all the branches. I'd like to go back to try the Richman.

    Kelsey C.

    I got a meatball sub and it was delicious! The service was great and it was a short wait for a to go order. I definitely plan to go back!!

    Santana C.

    Boy o boy....I'm mad at myself for not stopping here before today. I had the best sub ever!!! When we walked in I was amazed by all the music items and posters that were on the wall it was beautiful. I had the 16in...yes 16in Richman sub which came with fresh Italian bread and stuffed woth Ham, Corned Beef, Peppered Beef, Genoa Salami, Pastrami, Swiss, Provolone, Mustard, and Topped with Ranelli's Olive Salad...it was AMAZING and baby that bread make you wanna slap yo mama (sorry mom)!! I will be back Tuesday for SPAGHETTI DAY!! Heck I may go back tomorrow to try the pizza...either way Ranelli's you have 2 new family members so get ready ;)

    Roast Beef sandwich with mushroom gravy.
    Paul T.

    I heard about Ranelli's at work and the reviews on Yelp were good for the roast beef so I ordered it and it was delicious. Solid bun with mushroom gravy. I do suggest you eat it while it's hot, it's fine cold but better hot.

    Music memorabilia from their shows

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    21 days ago

    Excellent food with welcoming casual atmosphere. Wallet friendly pricing lasagna best in town

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    2 months ago

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    1 month ago

    Best real Italian subs in Birmingham with 50 years in business to perfect them! A favorite spot for sure.

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    7 months ago

    The price, the price, the price. It gives you really tasty food, and great service for an UNBEATABLE price. The decor is off the chain too.

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    2 years ago

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    9 months ago

    Excellent food and service. We also enjoyed looking at all the Rock n Roll memorabilia.

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    3 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Good food, fast service! Wish they would stay open a little later. Have to add more characters to enable posting this.

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    8 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Friendly service. Excellent sandwich. Will be back again to try the spaghetti and lasagna!

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    6 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Excellent old school deli spot in Five Points South. Try the Italian Sausage Sub or the Richman.

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

    The ambience is music themed and a very casual spot to eat the Best Meatball Sub in the country!!!!!

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    Al's Deli and Grill

    Al's Deli and Grill

    4.1
    (262 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$

    I got the combination chicken and beef potatoe it was huge I ate it for lunch and I ate it dinner…read morejust good !! Still have left overs !!

    While searching for a vegetarian restaurant in the Birmingham area, Al's Deli & Grill popped up, so…read moreI gave it a try. Al's is right by UAB's campus and serves American and Mediterranean food. Their exterior is nice in theory, with a fountain and a pretty fence, but it needs some cleaning up. Their parking lot could also be better. It's a small lot hidden behind the building with some potholes and invisible parking lines. The interior is quite small, but they still have enough seating. I came in with the intention of trying a vegan menu item, but I was informed by a kind man working behind the desk that he wasn't sure what they had that was vegan. He asked another employee if they had falafel at the moment, but they didn't. He was very helpful, but I was still disappointed that they didn't have falafel since I've tried it before and enjoyed it. I continued to look at the menu and finally decided on the veggie burger. The price was nine dollars and some change, which was baffling to me as I only ordered the burger and nothing else. I only had to wait a couple of minutes for my order, and I took it to go. The burger was packaged with care, large in size, and had plenty of toppings. The burger tasted good and didn't have that weird taste that some vegetarian meat patties have. I really enjoyed the bun of the burger in particular since it was really soft, not soggy, and had lots of sesame seeds. The veggie burger is a pretty good vegetarian option on their menu!

    Photos
    Al's Deli and Grill
    Bar-B-Q Grilled Chicken Baker
    Bar-B-Q Grilled Chicken Baker
    Al's Deli and Grill

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    Birmingham Breadworks

    Birmingham Breadworks

    4.4
    (172 reviews)
    0.7 mi
    $$

    One of the best sourdough-based bakeries we have tried in the US. The bread was supple with…read moreexcellent crumb. They take absolute care and pride in everything--even the eggs were extra tasty and their breakfast sandwiches....yum. Most of the pastries are made with sourdough (except danishes, cookies, muffins). And they are top notch. Tender, buttery, flavorful, no skimping on anything. Just plain delicious. Bought more to save for afternoon coffee. The Friday offerings of challah, rye, and bagels are not sourdough but made with great care--even the bagels are made using tangzhong and cold proofed for 48 hours. Even those who do not emote about food and those carefully counting macros and calories in our family were impressed, vocal, and eagerly finishing off all of the offerings, sweet and savory. And great service!

    Breadworks is one of those rare bakeries that feels both thoughtfully designed and deeply…read moreauthentic. The space itself is beautiful--clean, intentional, and unique--with visual nods to milling and baking traditions. You can see elements of the mill and wheat motifs in the background, which adds a quiet sense of craftsmanship and history without feeling staged. The pastries are exceptional. Their croissants are perfectly flaky and buttery, the sourdough is deeply flavorful, and the morning buns strike that ideal balance of richness and warmth. The baguette is crisp on the outside, tender inside--everything you want it to be. Every item feels carefully made, never rushed. What stands out most is the consistency and care. Breadworks manages to feel elevated yet welcoming--refined without being pretentious. It's clear they take pride in both their craft and their process, and it shows in every bite. A true standout in Birmingham and absolutely worth returning to.

    Photos
    Side room dining area
    Side room dining area
    Birmingham Breadworks
    Latte

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    Latte
    Sam's Deli & Grill

    Sam's Deli & Grill

    4.4
    (45 reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $

    I wanted to be a fan so bad! But maybe my expectations were a little too high. A friend and I…read morestopped in for lunch on a Monday. There was no line so we were able to quickly order. My friend ordered the chicken kabob entree but the man quickly told us it would be a 20 minute wait. I appreciated that he let us know since we were on a hour lunch break. He did recommend the lunch special alternative which she went with. I got the mushroom and Swiss burger. I absolutely loved the patio area. It's actually the only seated dining option since the inside is only big enough for ordering. Our food came out pipping hot which was nice! The burger and fries are a great portion for the price. I was a little disappointed that there was mustard on my burger. However that's my fault! It's clearly on the menu I just didn't pay close enough attention. I'm a huge mustard hater so that threw me off. The fries looked delicious but they were just a tad undercooked for my liking. Definitely not raw, just not cooked long enough. My friend enjoyed her food for the most part but it was nothing to rave about.

    On my quest to try all the city's Mediterranean restaurants, Sam's Deli and Grille was on my radar…read morethis particular weekend. I used to frequent a bakery that was on this strip but I never saw this quaint little deli. The staff was pleasant as we looked over the menu. I ordered the chicken kebabs and my friend ordered the Philly with fries. Later he added a plain cheeseburger just to try it. He said his Philly didn't have much meat and he didn't care for the wrap. He thought it was going to be a traditional sandwich. However, my chicken kebab meal was flavorful and delicious. I didn't like the salad dressing that came on the salad, but that's just my particular preference. Everything was very fresh and was enough for two meals. I particularly enjoyed the outdoor seating on this nice Fall afternoon. We had differences of opinion on the burger. I thought it had a great taste-seasoned well, and fresh. My friend wasn't impressed and mentioned that it came out too fast to have been made fresh. I would love to go back and order one with all the trimmings to get a more accurate account as to how to rate it. I will definitely return to try more menu items.

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    Health score
    Health score
    Chicken kabobs
    Chicken kabobs
    Sam's Deli & Grill

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    Ranelli's Deli & Cafe - delis - Updated August 2026

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