Sheridan Street Delicatessen - Ely, MN

The most pleasant lunch I've had in three years of going to Ely . . . 

Yeah, Sheridan Street Delicatessan was a joy.  It was our third year up at family camp, and camp's a bit of a nightmare for me, so I like nothing more than driving into Ely to explore.  This trip, I had the most delightful relaxed lunch on the covered back patio while reading.  A cute place where if you can't find a seating option to your liking, then you're probalby a giant pain in the ass.  It was a sleepy June Tuesday in town, weather was decent with a light breeze, and the mosquitoes seem to not exhist in town . . . unlike the hellscape of camp.  The ladies running the show were friendly with some good natured sass, and how was the food?  I was VERY happy

Not much is made-to-order perse, but you'll find plenty of thoughtful breakfast and lunch options of sandwiches, wraps, burritos, salads, and baked goods

I went with the Field of Dreams . . . Pastrami, Prov, Spinach, brown mustard, nice slices of pickle, and a packet of mayo on the side.  She even offered to heat it up.  I ordered it with a surprisingly good Chickpea Salad.  It could have used a bit more vinegar and spice, but it is Minnesota so they have to be gentle for the milktoast palates in the state.  Frankly, it's a wonder they even had a chickpea salad.  I liked it so much I made a version of it to bring to a 4th of July gathering

To drink I had cold brew that was fine if not very strong, and I HAD to try their homemade ginger ale.  Of anything on the menu, this was probably the most labor intense bit of made-to-order.  Man, she put a whole ordeal into, measuring and mixing and stirring and adjusting.  I have to say it was quite lovely. Could have used more ginger, but I'm a ginger fiend, and I bet if I asked she'd kick up the jams.  Wasn't overly sweet, and perfectly refreshing on a summer day

Since things were on a roll, I figured what the hell and ordered a couple muffins.  Their Lemon Muffin was dense yet still moist, with chunks of lemon, maybe even preserved.  Delicious, loved it.  Their Blueberry had whole blueberries in it, and both were light on the sugar, which I truly appreciated.  Again, she offered to heat it up, and not only that, with butter on it.  I know that if I'd have brought the ladies, that would have been ALL OVER it.  THAT is true service and care, and Brainstorm Bakery across the street could learn a lesson or two in hospitality

Not to oversell the place, because they're not reinventing the wheel, but if we're in Ely again next summer, you can be damn sure I'm hitting this place up again and bringing the lady and the kiddo so we can try more things  :D

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Sheridan Street Delicatessen - 343 E Sheridan St, Ely, MN 55731

218-504-4036

IG #sheridanstreetdeli