This Maine Deli Offers Over 35 Handcrafted Sandwiches And Choosing Just One Is The Hard Part

Over 35 handcrafted sandwiches sit on one menu, and every single one lands on bread baked from scratch that day. That’s not a typo. It’s a daily commitment to nine different breads.

The story behind it starts with two Brooklyn natives who opened a bagel and ice cream shop in Denver. Somehow that idea traveled all the way to a sandwich counter in Maine. I love a food story with that kind of unlikely route.

The meats are nitrate-free, and the cheese is non-GMO. Breakfast runs all day, so nobody has to rush out of bed for a burrito. I believe that alone deserves a thank-you note.

So here’s the real problem. With marble rye, fresh bagels, soups, smoothies, and cannoli all competing for attention, how does anyone pick just one thing?

A Brooklyn Deli Story That Took The Scenic Route To Maine

Heidi and Steve Naples grew up in New Jersey, and they founded Heidi’s Brooklyn Deli in 1994. Their first shop was in Denver, and it sold bagels and ice cream.

That small start grew into a full deli with a big menu. The family kept the Brooklyn spirit while the business spread to new places.

The South Portland location began serving its take on Brooklyn deli cooking in 2007. That gives this spot plenty of practice with pastrami, rye, and stacked sandwiches.

Today the founders’ daughters help lead the company. Juliana Naples and her sister describe Heidi’s as a small, family-owned business.

The South Portland shop is now run directly by the company. Before that, a local operator named Michele ran it and built strong ties with the community.

I like that the roots still trace back to one family. A New York deli idea, born in Colorado, now feeds hungry folks in Maine.

That’s a lot of miles for a sandwich. Still, good recipes tend to travel well when people keep them close.

So when you order here, you’re tasting a story that has been building for three decades.

Nine Breads Baked Daily Means Your First Decision Comes Before The Fillings

Bread is the boss at this deli. Every sandwich starts on bread baked from scratch in-house each day.

Customers can choose from nine different types. That means picking a sandwich is really a two-step puzzle.

Marble rye gets a lot of love here, and it fits the classic deli lineup perfectly. A swirl of light and dark rye makes a Reuben look as good as it tastes.

There’s also a baguette topped with poppy seeds, which shows up on the French dip. Hoagie rolls are on hand too for heartier builds.

Here’s a practical tip for first-timers. Ask which bread pairs best with the sandwich you’re eyeing, then trust that advice.

Fresh bagels are baked daily as well. So even the breakfast crowd gets something warm from the oven.

I can’t imagine a better foundation for a deli menu. Fillings matter, sure, but bread holds everything together, literally.

Gluten-free options are available for many menu items too. That makes the bread question friendlier for people who usually feel left out of sandwich shops.

Choose wisely, or just come back and try another one.

Good Luck Narrowing Down More Than 35 Handcrafted Sandwiches

Thirty-five sandwiches is a lot of choices before lunch. The menu at Heidi’s Brooklyn Deli makes indecision feel completely reasonable.

Deli classics lead the way. The Corned Beef Coney Island and the Coney Island Reuben keep the Brooklyn theme front and center.

Pastrami and corned beef are among the most talked-about items here. If you love traditional deli meats, those are a smart place to start.

Then the menu gets local. The Bay Ridge Bomber borrows its name from the area, which is a fun nod to the neighborhood.

Seafood fans have the Salmon Melt to consider. Meatball subs, chicken salad, and turkey options round things out for more familiar cravings.

The meats are nitrate-free, and the cheese is non-GMO. Those ingredients come from suppliers the deli trusts.

A friendly strategy helps here. Pick one classic and one wild card, then split both with a friend.

Wraps are on the menu too, if bread isn’t your mood that day. Same flavors, different package.

No matter what you choose, you’ll probably spot three more you wanted. That’s the fun and the frustration of this menu.

Breakfast All Day Is A Promise Late Sleepers Can Appreciate

Sleeping in should never cost you breakfast. At this deli, breakfast items are served all day long.

That means a bagel at two in the afternoon is totally fair game. Nobody will raise an eyebrow.

The Vegetarian Breakfast Burrito is a good example of the morning menu. It’s filled with scrambled eggs, potatoes, avocado, cheese, and green chile.

Green chile is a nice reminder of the brand’s Colorado years. Brooklyn deli meets the Rockies in one tortilla.

Fresh bagels are baked every day too. They’re a simple choice when you want something quick that still feels homemade.

Here’s a helpful tip for planning. The deli opens at 9 AM, so it works well for a late breakfast or brunch stop.

Since breakfast doesn’t end at a set hour, groups can mix and match easily. One person grabs a burrito while another orders pastrami.

I like a menu that respects different schedules. Not everyone wants the same meal at the same time.

So whether your day started at dawn or closer to noon, breakfast is still waiting.

Soups, Salads, And Smoothies Make A Strong Case Against Ordering Only A Sandwich

Some of the best supporting players here come in a bowl or a cup. The soups at Heidi’s Brooklyn Deli get frequent mentions, and French onion is a standout.

A Maine winter practically demands soup. Pair a cup with half a sandwich, and you’ve got a cozy lunch.

Salads offer a lighter route. They’re a solid option when you want deli flavor without a giant roll.

Smoothies might be the surprise of the menu. Choices include the Hawaiian Hurricane and the Caribbean Spice, which carries a hint of cinnamon.

They’re blended fresh with fruit. That makes them a refreshing match for a salty pastrami sandwich.

Side dishes deserve a look too. Potato salad and coleslaw are classic deli companions, and both appear on the menu.

The Cajun sauce has its own fans as well. It’s worth asking about if you like a little kick.

Here’s a simple game plan. Order a sandwich, add a soup or smoothie, and you’ll taste more of what makes this menu fun.

Variety is the real headline here.

Save Room, Because The Cannoli Are Hard To Skip

Cannoli at a Brooklyn-style deli just makes sense. Heidi’s keeps that tradition alive with cannoli on its dessert lineup.

They’re among the most popular sweets here. A crunchy shell and creamy filling make a fitting finish after a hearty sandwich.

The dessert case offers other choices too. It’s worth a peek before you pay, because temptation works best up close.

Here’s my honest strategy. Order the cannoli with your meal, even if you plan to save it for later.

That way you won’t have to stand in line twice. Your future self will be grateful.

Desserts also travel well for a car ride home. A cannoli makes a pretty great surprise for someone who stayed behind.

I believe every good deli meal needs a sweet ending. Even a small one counts.

New York delis and Italian bakeries have long shared neighborhoods. Seeing cannoli here feels like a little piece of Brooklyn landed in Maine.

So go ahead and plan for dessert from the start. The sandwich might fill you up, but there’s always room for one more bite.

Fast Service Meets A Laid-Back Room And A Roomy Patio

Speed and comfort don’t always share a table, but this deli aims for both. Its goal is fast service inside a relaxing space.

The indoor seating is open and casual. A large menu board helps you plan your order while you wait.

When the weather cooperates, the spacious patio is the place to be. Maine summers are short, so outdoor lunches feel like a reward.

Families will find it easy to visit. The deli is kid-friendly and offers high chairs for little ones.

Free Wi-Fi is available too. That makes it handy for a working lunch or a quick email check.

The space is accessible, and parking is available. Those small details make a quick stop much less stressful.

Lunchtime can get busy, so timing matters. Arriving a bit before or after the noon rush is a smart move.

I like a place that doesn’t demand dressing up. You can show up in a work shirt or a fleece jacket and fit right in.

Pick your seat, unwrap your sandwich, and enjoy the easygoing pace.

Boxed Lunches Can Turn You Into The Office Hero

Feeding a group is tricky, and everyone has opinions. Heidi’s Brooklyn Deli makes it easier with boxed lunches built for people on the go.

Each box keeps things neat and simple. No one has to fight over the last sandwich on a messy platter.

That’s useful for meetings, field trips, sports teams, or a day of moving furniture. Hungry helpers work harder, after all.

The big menu helps here too. With so many sandwiches and many gluten-free options, picky eaters get real choices.

Here’s a practical tip. Collect orders early and note any special needs, so the deli can prepare everything correctly.

Planning ahead also keeps your schedule calm. Last-minute group orders rarely go smoothly anywhere.

Remember the hours when you plan. The deli runs Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 4 PM and closes on Sundays.

So a Sunday picnic needs a Saturday pickup. Mark that on the calendar.

I can’t imagine a faster way to win over coworkers. Show up with fresh bread and good fillings, and the meeting suddenly feels shorter.

Easy To Find And Even Easier To Work Into A South Portland Day

Location can make or break a lunch plan. You’ll find this deli at 415 Philbrook Ave, South Portland, ME 04106.

That puts it close to the Maine Mall area. Shopping, hotels, and other stops are all nearby.

For travelers, it’s a convenient break from seafood shacks. Sometimes you just want a pastrami sandwich instead of another lobster roll in Maine.

For locals, it’s an easy errand-day lunch. Grab a sandwich between stores, then keep moving.

The hours shape your plans. Heidi’s Brooklyn Deli opens at 9 AM and closes at 4 PM, Monday through Saturday.

That makes it a daytime spot only. Dinner cravings will need to wait for tomorrow’s lunch.

Portland’s busy downtown is a short drive away. So you can enjoy a sandwich here, then head out to explore the waterfront.

Parking on site keeps the visit simple. No circling the block with a growling stomach.

Out of 35-plus sandwiches, you’ll leave having tried only one. That’s the perfect excuse to come back to Heidi’s Brooklyn Deli again and again.