This Florida Deli’s Reuben Is Better Than Most Famous Sandwich Shops
If there is one thing Florida does surprisingly well, it is turning a simple sandwich into a full-on craving. Pickles New York Deli in Longwood brings bold New York deli energy to Florida, stacking Reubens so generously they feel like a personal challenge.
This is the kind of place where portions are serious, flavors are confident, and nobody pretends a sandwich has to be fancy to be unforgettable.
Come hungry, leave impressed, and do not be shocked if this becomes your go-to Florida deli obsession.
Exact Location And How To Get There
Pickles NY Deli sits at 1891 W State Rd 434, Longwood, FL 32750, a straight shot off I-4 and easy to spot in a low-key plaza. Parking is plentiful right out front, so there is no tight city squeeze while juggling takeout bags.
Plug the address into maps and you will slide into a space with time to spare.
Inside, the counter hums, and a steady line forms without feeling tense. Staff keep things moving with calm, practiced rhythm, calling names and double checking orders.
Call ahead for large orders, especially on weekends, because the rush tends to peak at lunch and early dinner.
Phone is +1 407-951-8662, handy if you want to confirm daily soups or ask about specials. The website, picklesnydeli.com, lists the hours, menu, and online ordering options.
Closed signs flip to open at 9 AM most days, and the grill stays hot well into the evening on Fridays and Saturdays.
Outdoor seating offers fresh air when the dining room fills. If you are picking up, aim for the right side of the entrance where takeout bags are staged.
The flow is simple, friendly, and designed for quick in-and-out without sacrificing charm.
Hours Of Operation And Best Times To Visit
Doors open at 9 AM daily, giving you a head start on bagels, egg sandwiches, and early Reubens if you roll that way. Weekday hours run to 8 PM Monday through Thursday, with longer evenings Friday and Saturday until 9 PM.
Sundays ease back to 5 PM, perfect for a late lunch or early supper.
Mid-morning is a sweet spot if you want elbow room and the freshest bagels, while the noon rush brings energy and the familiar clatter of a busy counter. Dinner can get lively, especially Fridays when families settle in for sandwiches and hot plates.
If you are takeout-inclined, order online ten to fifteen minutes ahead to beat the crowd.
Newcomers should try a late lunch between 2 and 3 PM for fast service and conversation with staff about menu picks. Weekend brunch hours fill quickly, but turnover is steady and friendly.
Outdoor tables help when the dining room is buzzing.
Holiday weekends and rainy days can spike traffic, so flexibility is your friend. The posted hours are reliable, yet calling ahead for large parties or special items helps.
Either way, arriving hungry is a wise plan.
Decor, Ambiance, And Setting
The space balances unfussy comfort with playful New York touches, including a subway mural that draws smiles and a few quick photo stops. Booths and tables are set close enough to build a hum without crowding, while an inviting counter showcases pickles, cheesecakes, and cookies.
It is casual, bright, and practical, the way a neighborhood deli should feel.
Music rides the line between upbeat and familiar, with 80s tracks slipping in often enough to stir nostalgia. Staff chatter blends with clinking plates, creating a lived-in soundtrack that promises hot food and quick refills.
If you prefer a little more space, the outdoor tables give you breeze and sunshine.
Details reveal care: polished silverware, tidy napkin caddies, and clean counters even during the lunch rush. The dessert case glows like a beacon, luring you into post-sandwich decisions you pretend to resist.
Families, solo diners, and regulars share the room in an easy rhythm.
Lighting stays warm through the day, and the line moves with friendly momentum. Nothing fussy, nothing overdesigned, just straightforward comfort.
You will sit down and feel your appetite sharpen, which is exactly the point.
History And Ownership Notes
Pickles NY Deli presents itself as an unpretentious NYC-style deli translated for Central Florida, and that identity carries through the menu and decor. Public details about original founders and opening dates are not prominently listed, so the story is best told by what is on the plate.
The commitment to corned beef, pastrami, knishes, and matzo ball soup says plenty.
Regulars talk about consistency and friendly faces at the counter, which might be the most important ownership signature of all. Staff address guests with quick smiles and an easy cadence, offering suggestions without pushing.
Responses to online reviews show management that reads and responds with appreciation.
Rather than spin a myth, the deli leans into craft and reliability. Meat is sliced to order, sandwiches arrive hot, and sides taste like they were made the same day.
That practical focus feels truer than any origin story could.
If you want a deeper backstory, ask while you order and you will likely get a thoughtful, no-drama answer. Meanwhile, the New York soul is unmistakable in every bite.
A place like this earns its reputation one Reuben at a time.
The Reuben That Steals The Show
Order the Reuben and you will understand why it is the deli’s calling card. Thick-sliced corned beef anchors the build, tender and well-seasoned, with sauerkraut that adds tang instead of pushy sourness.
Swiss melts into the meat and the dressing, creating that luscious bridge between salty and sweet.
Rye arrives griddled to a gentle crunch, not greasy, and sturdy enough to corral the stack without collapse. One bite gives you temperature contrast, juicy drips, and a clean finish that keeps you reaching for the next half.
Portions are generous, easily satisfying a hungry lunch or a shared plate with extra sides.
If you like a sharper edge, ask for a little extra kraut or a side of dressing for strategic dipping. Some guests compare it favorably to bigger-city legends, and it holds its own with confidence.
A crisp pickle spear brightens everything and resets your palate for more.
Value lands squarely in the $$ range for the area, and the quality makes sense the moment you taste it. Get napkins ready, then sit back and enjoy a sandwich that respects tradition.
It is comfort, craft, and crowd-pleasing charisma on rye.
Other Must-Try Dishes And Sides
The pastrami leans smoky and deeply savory, sliced so it folds on the bread without fighting back. A classic pastrami on rye with mustard is pure simplicity, while sliders let you sample without committing to a behemoth.
Potato salad has that creamy-dill balance locals praise, cool and herby against warm sandwiches.
Knishes come golden and comforting, with a flaky jacket and steamy potato center. Potato pancakes land crisp at the edges with a tender middle, especially good with applesauce.
Matzo ball soup, when available, arrives soothing and aromatic, the kind of bowl that sets things right on a drizzly day.
Hot dogs, including Coney Island style, snap with personality and make an underrated lunch. Waffle fries bring crunch, and a French dip with a generous cup of jus satisfies on a heartier afternoon.
Save room for cheesecake or rainbow cookies waiting in the counter case.
If you are grazing, split a sandwich and explore sides to learn your favorites. The menu is broad without scattering its focus, and everything ties back to deli comfort.
You will leave already planning the next round.
Service Style and Staff Interaction
Service is quick-step and personable, the kind of hospitality that makes regulars out of first-timers. Hosts greet warmly, servers suggest smart pairings, and the counter crew confirms the details before your order heads to the grill.
Even on a busy day, checks are managed efficiently and refills appear before you need to flag anyone down.
Names come up in reviews because people remember how they were treated. That speaks to training, teamwork, and pride in a job done well.
If you are undecided, staff will steer you toward familiar comfort or a new favorite without any pressure.
Special requests are handled with care, from extra dressing to Katz-style cuts for those in the mood for a stacked experience. Takeout orders are bagged neatly, with sides secured so nothing tips during the drive home.
Accuracy matters here, and it shows in the calm confidence at the counter.
Questions about ingredients or portion sizes get clear answers. You will feel looked after whether you sit inside, step outside, or grab and go.
The warmth is genuine, and it pairs beautifully with hot sandwiches.
Prices, Portions, And Value
Pricing sits comfortably in the mid-range for Central Florida, reflected in solid portion sizes and quality ingredients. Sandwiches come stacked and satisfying, often generous enough to share if you add a side or dessert.
Sides like potato salad, waffle fries, and knishes fill out a meal without breaking the bank.
What stands out is how consistently hot, fresh, and well-seasoned the food arrives. The Reuben, pastrami, and brisket options deliver that deli heft you expect, while lighter picks like turkey panini still feel substantial.
Desserts are fairly priced for the quality and portion, especially the cheesecakes and cookie packs.
Paying in cash can sometimes net a small discount, effectively mirroring card processing costs without surprise fees. Online ordering helps you control the total and customize add-ons.
You will know exactly what you are getting, and you will get a lot of it.
Overall value lands high because satisfaction lingers long after the last bite. Bring an appetite, split a dessert, and consider a pint of pickles for later.
Leftovers make a stellar next-day lunch, which is its own kind of bonus.
Tips For First-Time Visitors
Start with the Reuben or pastrami on rye if you want the truest read of the kitchen. Add potato salad or potato pancakes to round it out, then circle back for cheesecake if you have room.
If your schedule allows, slide in mid-afternoon for quick seating and a relaxed pace.
Order online during peak lunch hours to skip the line, and mention any preferences like extra kraut or leaner cuts. Outdoor tables are great when the dining room buzzes, and the staff will gladly guide you through portion sizes.
For takeout, check your bag for utensils, dressing, and pickle spears before you leave.
Parking is easy in the plaza, though spaces closest to the door turn over quickly at noon. Ask about daily soups and knish availability since they can sell out.
Dessert cases move fast on weekends, so claim those rainbow cookies early.
Most importantly, come hungry and curious, because this menu rewards exploring. After one visit, you will understand the loyal following and the steady stream of satisfied guests.
It is a deli that earns your return.