By Jeanni Ritchie
You expect long lines when a new restaurant opens in Alexandria. It’s been that way my whole life.
But what was different about Joe’s Deli was that most of the customers weren’t there out of curiosity. They’d already been.
Some had just discovered Joe’s Deli from the MacArthur Drive grand opening last week—and they kept coming back. Others have known Mr. Joe’s plates for years from his store—Joe’s Grocery—on Third Street.
While waiting for my dad’s Philly cheesesteak, I started talking to a customer who was there for the third day in a row. With revolving daily specials—along with some everyday items—you have to visit more than once.
Plate lunches are immediately assembled, buffet-style. Choose your entree—today’s choices were Beef Tips, Baked Tilapia, Turkish Meatballs, and Spaghetti—then choose two sides. (I’d opted for the beef tips over rice, corn, and macaroni and cheese. A corn muffin was included.)
I do not subscribe to the colorful plate theory. Save it for my painting. Put carbs in my container!
They were out of white meat chicken for Mom, so I ordered her a giant baked potato instead. Optional toppings included crawfish and shrimp.
Both the potato and the cheesesteak were made to order, and took longer. With call-in and DoorDash orders mixed with walk-ins, Mr. Joe had his hands full! I’d suggest ordering a hot plate lunch during rush hour—which seems to be 11 AM—1 PM.
But judging from my dad’s reaction to his Philly cheese, I’ll be having to wait for it anyway no matter what else I order! I must admit, it looked so good I snuck a bite when he got up to make some tea!
Mom and I enjoyed our food as well, and I’m anxious to try Monday’s Shepherd’s Pie and Friday’s Stuffed Chicken soon.
I skipped the desserts, though the macadamia nut cookies had been pulled out of the oven at the exact right moment. Containers of banana pudding lined the cooler, begging to be added to my meal of yellow.
Next time, I assured them, like a 7-year-old leaving a litter of puppies behind. 🙂
The line had snaked around even longer by the time I left, word of mouth elevating Joe’s Deli from “check out the new restaurant” to “go-to lunch spot.” A small area with eight seats at a U-shaped bar is available for dining in, though most customers picked up orders to go.
The food was great. In addition to the cheesesteak and baked potatoes were hamburgers, fried chicken, meat pies, chicken sandwiches, po’boys, catfish, salads, and egg rolls.
Other daily specials include Baked Chicken (Monday), Turkey Wings (Tuesday—and one of their biggest sellers), Meatloaf (Thursday), Crawfish Fettuccine (Friday), and Lasagna (Saturday). Red beans and rice is a daily hot plate. Check out their full menu for more.
If you want a good, down-home cooked meal without having to worry about the dishes, check out Joe’s Deli. Take the long line as its live Yelp review.
(After all, who wants to be the only customer in a restaurant during rush hour?!)
Joe’s Deli is located at 27 MacArthur Dr in Alexandria. For more information, call (318) 704-0403. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 8 PM, and closed on Sunday.
