World Deli
4414 Clearview Pkwy, Metairie, LA 70006, USA
Metairie 3: Houma Blvd To Kenner Line
Backstory
The World Deli opened in 1980, but a previous, similar operation was there (or very near by) even before then. It is as much a catering operation than a restaurant, perhaps more so.
Dining Room
The building looks like an electronics parts warehouse from the outside, but it's pleasant enough within. It has certain qualities of the Central Grocery, because it functions as much as a deli as it does a restaurant. The staff can get mechanical, especially when the place is busy.
Why It's Essential
The demand for lunch is strong around the nexus of Clearview Parkway and West Esplanade in Metairie. The nearby medical complex alone keeps a lot of quick-eats places busy. World Deli is to that neighborhood what Mother's is to the CBD. Despite the name, it's a deli only in the New Orleans sense. The sandwich trade is mostly in poor boys and muffulettas. A short list of salads and platters (mostly Italian and basic seafoods) and the tried-and-true daily specials completes the menu.
Why It's Good
The muffuletta has long been the signature dish of the World Deli. But the roast beef poor boy is also very good, sliced and served with a lighter-than-average gravy. Not everybody likes this style, but I do. The several Italian dishes are served generously and are not bad, but with so many great Italian places within striking distance it doesn't rank high.
Most Interesting Dishes
<em><strong>Daily Specials</strong></em><br /> MO: Red beans or butter beans, rice, sausage <br /> »TU: Beef stew; Stuffed peppers<br /> WE: Breaded pork chops, baked macaroni<br /> TH: Pork roast<br /> FR: Crawfish Monica; Fried seafood platter <br /> <em><strong>Starters</strong></em><br /> Potato salad <br /> »Italian salad <br /> Pasta salad <br /> Olive salad <br /> Crunch salad <br /> Chicken, tuna, or egg salad <br /> Chef salad <br /> Grilled chicken salad <br /> <em><strong>Sandwiches</strong></em><br /> <em>Poor boys: </em><br /> »Roast beef<br /> »Corned beef <br /> »Pastrami <br /> »Ham <br /> Meatball or Italian sausage, marinara <br /> Veal or chicken parmesan<br /> Baby veal cutlet <br /> »Hot sausage <br /> Fried shrimp, catfish or oyster <br /> <em>Other sandwiches </em><br /> »Muffuletta <br /> Turkey <br /> Fried chicken breast <br /> Grilled chicken <br /> Reuben <br /> Deli club<br /> <em><strong>Entrees</strong></em><br /> Spaghetti and: meatballs, Italian sausage, veal or chicken parmesan<br /> Breaded veal, creamed potatoes <br /> »Fried catfish, shrimp, oysters or combo platters<br /> Fried boneless chicken breast, creamed potatoes <br />
Deficiencies
The roast beef gravy is overserved on the poor boys, and too light to create the magic that happens when thicker brown gravy meets mayo and pickles.
For Best Results
This is a good place from which to order a bunch of sandwiches for the office.
Bonus Ratings
1
Value