Welty's Deli
Backstory
Donald and Tina Welty are a young couple who worked in other local restaurants before opening this one shortly after the hurricane. When they opened their place, they clearly planned their menu without reference to what every other downtown lunchroom has offered for the last hundred years. The freshness of the offerings is itself an attraction. It's so popular that one has to lunch there early or late to avoid a long wait in line.
Dining Room
A single long room, comfortable, clean, and bright, with the order counter and kitchen in the rear and a line (usually) running through the middle. A very helpful staff brings your food to the table.
Why It's Essential
Welty's menu clearly was planned without reference to what every other downtown lunchroom had offered for the the previous hundred years. The freshness of the offerings is itself an attraction, even though it seems like a sandwich shop in another city.
Why It's Good
The sandwiches that take up most of the menu are made in a much lighter style than that practiced by the classic poor boy shop. The breads, meats, cheeses, and dressings cover such a wide range and depart so much from the conventional that it's a great change of pace.
Most Interesting Dishes
<em><strong>salads</strong></em><br /> Caesar salad<br /> House salad<br /> Chef's salad<br /> Shrimp remoulade salad<br /> Asian chicken salad<br /> Chicken salad<br /> Tuna salad<br /> Chicken curry salad<br /> Smoked salmon salad<br /> Baby spinach salad<br /> Creole potato salad<br /> Cole slaw<br /> Fruit cocktail<br /> Fresh fruit salad<br /> Italian pasta salad<br /> <em><strong>sandwiches</strong></em><br /> Oven roasted medium rare roast beef<br /> Baked ham<br /> Smoked deli turkey breast<br /> Corned beef<br /> Pastrami<br /> Muffaletta<br /> CBD club<br /> New Orleans AK<br /> Veggie<br /> Reuben<br /> Tuna salad<br /> Chicken salad<br /> Curry chicken salad<br /> Sliced roasted chicken <br /> Egg salad<br /> Tuna or roasted chicken melty <br /> Cheese melty<br /> Daily special platters
Deficiencies
Salad dressing are not tossed with the greens, but served on a side in a plastic cup. That's what most people like, but it's not the best way to serve a salad.
For Best Results
Welty's is so popular that one has to lunch there early or late to avoid a long wait in line. Don't come here with a hankering for a New Orleans-style lunch (red beans, for example).
Bonus Ratings
2
Attitude
1
Service
1
Value