Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    River Street Deli

    4.5 (245 reviews)
    ModerateDelis, Sandwiches
    Closed 10:30 am - 3:00 pm

    River Street Deli Photos

    Business Info

    RIVER STREET DELI ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Classy
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

    You might also consider

    More like River Street Deli

    Recommended Reviews - River Street Deli

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Club sandwich
    Rachelle H.

    My husband and I were in Chattanooga for the weekend and decided to try River Street Deli based on the great Yelp reviews, and I'm so glad we did. The deli is tucked away in a cute little neighborhood center. When you walk in, it's fairly dark and the dining area is very simple, no frills, no nonsense. Which was fine! But we didn't come for the decor, we came for the sandwiches, and they absolutely delivered. Everything tasted incredibly fresh and high quality. I ordered the tuna salad on wheat with a side of bow tie pasta salad, and my husband got the club. Every bite was delicious, honestly, dare I say perfect. It was exactly what I was craving. The cute older gent at the counter said we gotta try the prosciutto and mozzarella with fig and gave us more reasons to come back! Looking forward to our next visit.

    Ham and Brie
    Melissa E.

    River Street Deli is an absolute gem! I stopped in for lunch and was immediately greeted by the super friendly Italian guy at the counter who made me feel right at home. I originally wanted the broccoli and cheese soup, but they were out -- so he recommended the Asian soup instead, and wow, it did not disappoint! The broth was rich and flavorful, packed with veggies, noodles, and tofu -- absolutely delightful. I also asked him to surprise me with a sandwich, and he chose the ham, arugula, and brie sandwich -- it was out of this world! The bread was fresh and soft, the meat was top quality, and the brie with the sauce tied everything together perfectly. This is hands-down the perfect lunch spot -- delicious food, friendly service, and a cozy local vibe. I'll definitely be back!

    Special sandwiches prosciutto, Brie, arugula and Spanish fig jam. Grilled club with candied bacon and broccoli salad.

    We went to the deli for lunch. As I saw in another review the man behind the counter that helped us with our order was great. He explained the specials and I heard him helping others to make their choices. We followed his suggestion and had the specials. Mine was prosciutto, Brie, arugula and fig jam from Spain on ciabatta. My husband had the club special with candied bacon on grilled sourdough. (It is heavy on the mayo so depending on what you like you might want light or none). Each sandwich was fantastic. Mine had a well balanced creamy, salty, sweet combination that was tasty and unique. The club was a standout with the candied bacon and grilled sourdough. It got pretty busy but most people that ate in didn't linger, so the seating was constantly turning over. Parking was pretty easy on a Sunday around noon and it was easy to get in and out if you are just driving through.

    smoked salmon bagel
    Rachel C.

    The sandwiches are honestly not as good as the reviews suggest to be honest. The turkey sandwich is so so so plain, the "sun dried tomatoes" are extremely sweet and the bread is so dry it gets stuck on the roof of your mouth. If they had toasted it or something it would've been different, but it was so so dry and tasteless. The other ones we tried were alright, but nothing special or worth noting.

    Elena Ruz - needed more strawberry preserves and a bit more cream cheese spread evenly. But pretty tasty.
    Dan K.

    Honestly, the sandwiches were not as great as reviews suggest, but I may have hit a bad (very busy!) day. The service was great and they apologized for the wait, which was only 20 mins despite a major event across the street and lots of customers. I got the Elena Ruz (turkey on baguette with cream cheese and strawberry preserves) and the rare roast beef (with boison cheese and mustard). These were pretty good, but could have been better. Both came with barely a swipe of the condiment ingredients and I think with better ratio/more on there, these could both be *fantastic* flavors. I also got the Chef Salad with "the works" Honestly, this isn't great as a salad, BUT it is *amazing* as a cheap way to get delicious sandwiches for the rest of the week! Seriously, I took this giant thing home, got some buns and condiments, and made about 5 good sized turkey/ham/roastbeef/cheddar/swiss sandwiches AND an egg salad sandwich, complete with very good mixed greens for lettuce on all sandwiches. Can't imagine trying to mix this into one mega salad, but as 5-6 good sandwiches, it's pretty economical!

    White board menu
    Tammy D.

    The food we ordered was very good. We ordered the club special and white chicken chili. The chili had a nice spicy kick but not too spicy. The sandwich had plenty of meat and crispy bacon cooked just right. You order at the counter where the nice man had to offer us a menu because the white board showed mostly specials, not the full menu. The food came quickly enough. The dining area was old and dingy. Very friendly staff. The prices were fair. Worth a visit.

    Chopped Italian
    Meagan A.

    My fiancé and I stopped by for a quick lunch on our way to our weekend getaway in Blu Ridge. We strategically planned to stop in Chattanooga because we both love the area. I will give all the credit to him for choosing a wonderful place for lunch. Normally, I'm not big on deli sandwiches. I prefer them loaded with veg But this was a pleasant surprise. We were welcomed by who I assume was the owner/manager and he quickly helped us choose what we wanted to order. My fiancé loves a Cuban and they happened to have on left and their other special was a chopped Italian. We were able to order them cut in half and shared both. And both were equally delicious and definitely fresh! You can tell this is a great local hangout for lunch and folks were in and out the whole time we were there even though it was a later lunch. I'm so glad we stumbled across this place and they have changed my mind about deli sandwiches

    Turkey and bacon wrap
    Dustin H.

    A really solid, old-school deli. I like this whole section of Chattanooga by the water. Lots of diverse dining and shopping options and parking so cheap it's almost unheard of. Prices for the deli are fair, expect to pay for quality ingredients but not be gouged. I'd recommend the specials as they seem to know what they're doing there. When we recently stopped in while in town, I particularly enjoyed the turkey cranberry wrap I tried. Wait times can be a few minutes if they're busy, but you can see them actively preparing your order with fresh ingredients.

    Chopped Italian

    Chopped Italian Sandwich. Friday Special Served on Fresh Baked Ciabatta Bread

    Daily special

    Solid local Deli with great service. We both got the daily special and really enjoyed it!

    Benn A.

    What an amazing place to enjoy a sensational sandwich and to chat with the locals. We got to enjoy getting to know the owner Bruce and some of his amazing staff, Michelle, Libby,Mel, Dusty and Jeff. We went 3 days in a row for lunch and got the Specials everyday. 1st day was the Chicago Beef done wet and the Stromboli. Both sensational especially dipping in the Aus Jus. 2nd day was the Beef Brooklyn style and the Ham and Brie sandwich. Absolutely delicious. 3rd day was take out and we got the Italian sandwich and tortilla soup which was soooooo good. If I lived in Chattanooga I would be a regular. Great job BRUCE!!

    This sandwich. Was the best sandwich. I've ever had. In my life. Staff was so friendly and makes it easy to customize your sandwich. 11/10 reccomend!

    The Ruben sandwich I had was good. My husband had the Muffaletta. He said it was good. However, it came with an olive/ artichoke tappenade. My husband didn't know if he would like it and wanted it on the side so he could try it before putting it all over his sandwich. The man at the counter said if he didn't want it, he'd just take it off. I asked about the side so he could try it first. He reiterated that he would just take it off. He seemed a little irritated that we would make changes to a sandwich. The service was okay. The atmosphere was quiet, larger inside than it assists from the street, but very, very, dated.

    Hot pastrami sandwich (with Swiss cheese added)

    See all

    Photo of Lisa W.
    0
    46
    20

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    29 days ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Esther F.
    123
    15
    14

    22 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Dan K.
    156
    48
    35

    10 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sam H.
    107
    15
    68

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jordan B.
    295
    19
    2

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Benn A.
    0
    29
    16

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Absolutely! The pastrami Reuben was awesome. Those New Yorkers are the truth. They were great! I'll be back.. again and again!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of PJ G.
    0
    45
    53

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Love to meet my bestie here. Pastrami wins every time. Will return next time I'm in the area

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Will K.
    0
    71
    71

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    The best deli in Chattanooga by far. We were totally amazed at the quality and service. 15/10

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kathy F.
    25
    123
    301

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ann C.
    155
    418
    3040

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ryan Q.
    0
    40
    78

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jim R.
    19
    37
    0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Cc M.
    0
    43
    97

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 7

    Ask the Community - River Street Deli

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Delis 1,174 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Yellow Deli

    Yellow Deli

    4.4
    (348 reviews)
    1.4 mi
    $$

    Despite all the rumors I hear about yellow deli, I have no intentions of discontinuing my visits…read morehere. Yellow deli is one of the best restaurants in Chattanooga in terms of tourist experience due to it being truly once of the first yellow delis. Although the staff might be a bit off putting at times, they are very kind and respectful of the customers that come in--all of them are very gentle and soft spoken. If you are in a rush this is not the place to go because their service time is respectfully slower than most. The interior of yellow deli is so beautiful, very much old cottage/pub like style--the whole place has intricate woodwork, warm/soft lighting, and giant murals on the wall. I am vegetarian, and get the veggie burger a majority of my visits, and it is TO DIE FOR in terms of flavor. I have been aching to get my hands on the recipe because it really is that good. On that note, it is difficult to eat at times because the patty comes apart, I would ask for a fork and I'm sure you will receive. Before I went vegetarian my go to was the deli rose and the saltiness of the deli meat with the sweetness of the sauce is unbelievable. The bread is house made and is undoubtedly fresh and delicious. There is not one time I have been that the quality of food they serve has slacked. I definitely recommend!

    I can't brag enough about everything! The service was excellent they checked in on us constantly…read more It was the middle of the week so we got a lot of attention as there was only a few other guests downstairs. I love the decor. This is the third location I have been to! The location is different menu items than the ones I've been to in california. The sweet potato pound cake is probably the best thing I have ever eaten. I also had one of their lattes and it was a phenomenal mix. I highly recommend stopping and enjoying this little spot.

    Photos
    Staircase leading to the upstairs
    Staircase leading to the upstairs
    The Reuben sandwich with chips side ($10)
    The Reuben sandwich with chips side ($10)
    Apple Basket Lights

    See all

    Apple Basket Lights
    Main Street Meats

    Main Street Meats

    4.5
    (586 reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$

    As soon as I walked into Main Street Meats, I knew I was in for something good. The smell alone was…read moreenough to make me hungry. The team was incredibly welcoming and shared that they're part of the same restaurant group behind Easy Bistro and Little Coyote, which immediately raised my expectations--and they delivered. For our picnic, we were sent off with a fantastic selection of cured meats accompanied by mustard and giardiniera. The combination of savory meats, tangy mustard, and the bright kick from the giardiniera created the perfect balance of flavors. I love businesses that take simple ingredients and execute them exceptionally well, and Main Street Meats does exactly that. Whether you're building a charcuterie board, grabbing lunch, or looking for quality meats to take home, this place deserves a visit.

    Absolutely amazing. This was a standout steak dinner…read more Ordered the Niman ribeye and filet. We preferred the ribeye but both were so delicious, the ribeye just had than extra oomph for us. We subbed mashed potatoes for cut fries and broccoli and this was the way to go! The broccoli was so delicious, I love the char taste + Parmesan. We had two glasses of wine and finished off the meal with their chocolate gelato. I'll be raving about this meal to anyone who chooses to visit Chattanooga. Very great service, indoor and outdoor seating, and no wait (waitlist available if there is).

    Photos
    Counter with Bourbon selection
    Counter with Bourbon selection
    Autumn Squash @tiffhuangry
    Autumn Squash @tiffhuangry
    Ambiance

    See all

    Ambiance
    Tasty Heaven Sandwiches

    Tasty Heaven Sandwiches

    4.6
    (41 reviews)
    6.4 mi
    $

    Naming your sandwich shop Tasty Heaven Sandwich Shop "Heaven" is a bold strategy. That's not…read morebranding... that's a performance guarantee. I needed something quick, light, and close to our company office in Chattanooga. The ratings were strong, the reviews looked promising, and frankly when you call yourself Heaven, expectations go up fast. I'm not asking for miracles... but a great sandwich would be a nice start. First clue something was... developing... was the sign. Still a banner out front. Which usually means one of two things: 1. Brand new and figuring things out. 2. Someone lost a bet with a printing company. Inside felt like a sandwich shop that's been around for decades. Worn floors, chalkboards tossed up on the wall like they lost a game of darts, and the menu scribbled across them in chalk. Not charming-chaotic. More like... chaotic-chaotic. No problem. I'm here for the sandwich. I ordered the #1, because when a place names a sandwich after itself, that's usually the mic drop item. The "Heaven Classic." If you're going to plant your flag, plant it on the best hill. It came out fast. Very fast. Suspiciously fast. I brought it back to the office, opened it up, took a bite... and immediately felt like I'd been transported to the deli aisle of a gas station. "If this sandwich were any more average, it would come with an Oscar Mayer jingle." The bread was actually pretty good. Nice texture, solid foundation. But the filling? It felt like someone stopped at a convenience store, grabbed a pack of cold cuts, and said, "Yep... this'll do." Now here's where the plot twist comes in. Afterward I started digging through the reviews because the disconnect was wild. People were raving about this place. Five stars everywhere. I'm thinking, "Did I walk into the wrong universe?" Turns out... most of those reviews are for Steamboat. Looks like the place changed names sometime late last year. Same location, new name, very different experience. So the glowing reputation may belong to a former tenant. Which leads to my final thought... If this is Heaven, I'd hate to see the alternative. I'm landing at three stars, mostly because I'm feeling generous today and the bread deserved better than the situation it was put in. Would I go back? Probably not. Chattanooga has way too many great sandwich spots to gamble on purgatory again.

    Good basic sandwich. Bread always fresh, and I think made on site. Usually brisk business but quick…read moreservice nonetheless.

    Photos
    Menu
    Menu
    Heaven Classic sandwich combo exactly $11.00  In 2025! Are you kidding me?! On homemade bread! This is awesome.
    Heaven Classic sandwich combo exactly $11.00 In 2025! Are you kidding me?! On homemade bread! This is awesome.
    Menu

    See all

    Menu
    Figgy's Sandwich Shop

    Figgy's Sandwich Shop

    4.0
    (23 reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $

    I stumbled across Figgy's while staying at Hotel Clemons and looking for a late lunch around 3:45…read morePM, when many downtown restaurants were closed between meal services. I arrived just as the owner was getting ready to close. Even so, he kindly welcomed me in and made me a sandwich, which immediately left a great impression. I ordered the daily special with a side of pasta salad, and both were excellent. The sandwich was generously filled, the ingredients tasted fresh, and the prices were very reasonable. While waiting, I learned the owner has been running Figgy's for about 30 years. The restaurant has that classic local lunch spot feel, with regulars stopping in and a friendly, community atmosphere. The restaurant was clean, had plenty of seating, and the service was genuinely welcoming. If you're looking for a local Chattanooga sandwich shop with great food, fair prices, and an owner who truly cares about his customers, Figgy's is absolutely worth a visit.

    Tried Figgy's one a random Tuesday I was craving a Grinder Sandwich. Well they have a very limited…read moremenu which did not disappoint. Service was ehh. Which could have been due to the afternoon lunch rush or she just wasn't feeling it. Either way 2/5. The special is packed with meat and some type of sauce. I tried it warmed with a bag of plain Lays and a brownie. I give the entire meal a solid 3. Plenty of seating and conveniently located but nothing to rave about. It's not your typical sandwich shop but it's a sandwich shop.

    Photos
    Figgy's Sandwich Shop
    My half ate "special wrap"
    My half ate "special wrap"
    Figgy's Sandwich Shop

    See all

    River Street Deli - delis - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...