Lunch with Betty
One Woman's Relentless Search For Great Lunches
Mr. Deli and Mrs. Too!
2023 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, Beufort Plaza
545-4261
fax: 545-2734
Monday-Saturday, 7 a.m.–3 p.m.
Sunday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where to go? What to eat? Those are the thoughts that filled my head as I
sat in traffic, hungry, and ready to share my thoughts on yet another
mouthwatering establishment with my readers. And then it hit me — it was
high time Betty made a trek to “Harrisburg’s only NY Style deli.” I think
you’ll be happy with what I found!
 I
arranged to meet a dear friend on a bustling lunch day at Mr. Deli and
Mrs. Too, located off of Linglestown Road in the Beaufort Plaza. A quaint
eatery, Mr. Deli packs just about as many tables as can theoretically fit
into the square footage…which is a good thing, because they aren’t lacking
for customers! On my visit, Mr. Deli was crowded — the tables were filled
with an eclectic group of diners, from twenty-somethings enjoying a sunny
afternoon and businessmen and women on lunch break to families and
grandmothers and everyone in between. All seemed to be savoring the vast
assortment of tantalizing food offered.
Mr. Deli’s menu packs quite a punch, especially considering it is only
open until 3 p.m. The deli offers smoked fish, jumbo burgers, salads, and
sandwiches of every kind — from the traditional triple deckers, subs, and
deli assortments to the creative “best seller sandwiches” like the
pastrami/provolone/cole slaw/Russian dressing/rye number called the Mighty
Matthew and the Condors Revenge, a grilled Kaiser roll filled with grilled
roast beef, sautéed onions, horseradish sauce, and muenster cheese. Wow!
Mr. Deli also offers an ample lighter fare menu, with pitas, stir fry
vegetables, and tuna, egg, and chicken salad. There are NY hot dogs —
plain, with traditional condiments, or with the choice of sauerkraut,
cheese, or bacon — there are platters, and there are sides and appetizers,
including hummus, chopped chicken livers, French fries, potato salad,
baked beans, and potato knishes.
And, of course, Mr. Deli has bagels. Lots and lots of bagels. The folks at
Mr. Deli cook fresh bagels every day and the selection of bagels is
rivaled only by the selection of available spreads, from a variety of
cream cheeses and white fish salad to hummus and spouts. Mmmm. That noise
you hear? That’s Betty’s belly growling!
Seated amid the throng of diners, my friend and I placed our order from
our friendly and very busy waitress. Eager for a taste of home and
inspired by the New York mood of the menu, respectively, my friend and I
took part in two mountainous potato knishes. Slathered in mustard, the
knishes were filling and tasty — and a special treat, as they are hard to
come by in this neck of the woods!
On to the main course! My companion opted for the Pita Perfection from the
healthy fare. A fresh pita stacked with mozzarella cheese, spinach,
avocado, hummus, cucumbers, and light ranch dressing, the Pita Perfection
lived up to its billing. It was fresh and green and looked like the
“perfect” summer lunch — tasty and filling without leaving a heavy feeling
in the pit of your stomach!
As for me, I ordered what Betty always orders at a deli — a turkey
sandwich! Why? Because I’ve eaten so many that I’m a keen judge! And Mr.
Deli passed with flying colors — what a good sandwich this was! Juicy
turkey was piled high on white bread so fresh it was as if it were just
baked — as a note, in addition to the rolls and bagels, Mr. Deli also
offers rye, pumpernickel, and whole wheat breads — and topped with
lettuce, mayonnaise, and American cheese. Sandwiches can also be topped
with a number of other favorites, like tomato and bacon. In addition to
the bowl of dill pickles available to nibble on while waiting, both of our
orders arrived with complimentary sides of cole slaw and potato salad.
Mr. Deli also boasts a wide selection of beverages, from fountain drinks
and fresh brewed iced tea to a wide assortment of juices (fresh OJ,
Snapple, V-8, apple, and grapefruit!) and NY Egg Cream. Earning even more
points, Mr. Deli offers Betty’s personal favorite, Dr. Browns Soda, in a
variety of flavors, from cherry to cream soda. A great way to quench one’s
thirst on a hot, summer day!
Hungry for a taste of New York but aren’t willing to drive to the City?
Mr. Deli and Mrs. Too! is the perfect solution … they’ve got knishes,
bagels, and delicious deli fare that rivals any corner deli in the City.
So go ahead, take a bite out of the Big Apple — and tell them Betty sent
you!
Mr. Deli and Mrs. Too! offers take-out, call or fax in orders for pick up.
Mr. Deli also offers weekday lunch delivery with no minimum order for a
minimal fee. Breakfast is served all day Saturday and Sunday.
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