The Brown Bag Delicatessen

- 898 Mohawk St, Columbus, OH 43206

Nestled in the picturesque and historic German Village of Columbus, Ohio, The Brown Bag Delicatessen has long been a cherished institution, offering a delightful escape for sandwich lovers. This charming spot is more than just a place to grab a quick bite; it's a culinary experience known for its generous portions, fresh ingredients, and inventive take on classic deli fare. For decades, The Brown Bag Delicatessen has served the local community, building a reputation for crafting "excellent sandwiches all around" that are both "big serving" and "great taste." It embodies the spirit of a true neighborhood deli, where quality food and a friendly atmosphere combine to create a welcoming environment for everyone. Whether you're a long-time resident or just exploring the quaint streets of German Village, The Brown Bag Delicatessen offers a comforting and satisfying meal, making it a staple for daily lunches, casual dinners, or a lovely picnic stop near Schiller Park. Its commitment to flavor and substantial portions ensures that every visit leaves you feeling well-fed and happy, making it a must-try for any Ohioan seeking a genuinely good sandwich.

The Brown Bag Delicatessen is ideally situated at 898 Mohawk St, Columbus, OH 43206, USA, placing it firmly in the heart of Columbus's iconic German Village. This location is one of its most appealing features, as it's set on a charming street that invites leisurely strolls, making it a perfect spot for locals and visitors exploring the historic neighborhood. Accessibility to The Brown Bag Delicatessen is generally straightforward. For those arriving by car, street parking is available in the surrounding German Village area, though it's worth noting that parking can sometimes be a bit challenging during peak lunch hours or on busy weekend afternoons, reflecting the popularity of the neighborhood. However, the deli is also very accessible for pedestrians and cyclists, given German Village's highly walkable nature. It's conveniently "close to Schiller Park," making it an ideal destination to grab a sandwich to-go and enjoy it amidst the beautiful scenery of one of Columbus's beloved public spaces. Public transportation options via COTA bus routes also serve the German Village district, providing another convenient way to reach this local favorite. Its location allows patrons to combine a delicious meal with the unique experience of exploring one of Columbus's most charming and historic areas.

• Specialty Sandwiches: The core of The Brown Bag Delicatessen's offering is its extensive menu of specialty sandwiches. These include popular creations like "The Village Addiction" (smoked turkey, havarti, cranberry mayonnaise), "The Mohawk Stroller" (smoked turkey, roasted red peppers, basil pesto), "Molly's Favorite" (roast turkey, mozzarella, sundried tomato pesto), and "The Classic Club." They feature a wide array of meats, cheeses, and unique house-made spreads.
• "Design Your Own" Sandwiches: For those with specific preferences, The Brown Bag allows customers to create their own sandwiches, choosing from various fresh meats (like roast turkey, smoked ham, corned beef, salami), cheeses, vegetables, and a selection of house-made spreads and mustards.
• Fresh Salads: In addition to sandwiches, they offer a variety of fresh, crisp salads. Options include a Chef's Salad, Cranberry Apple Salad, Mediterranean Salad, and more, providing lighter yet satisfying meal choices.
• Homemade Soups: The menu frequently features homemade soups, with daily specials that change regularly, perfect for pairing with a sandwich or enjoying on their own.
• Deli Sides and Desserts: A selection of classic deli sides like potato salad, macaroni salad, and cole slaw are available, alongside seasonal salad options and delectable desserts that change daily.
• Indoor and Outdoor Seating: The delicatessen offers both comfortable indoor seating and a charming outdoor patio area, perfect for enjoying a meal on a nice day and observing the lively German Village scene.
• Takeout and Online Ordering: The Brown Bag Delicatessen caters to those on the go with robust takeout services. While some reviews mention potential wait times for in-person orders during rushes, online ordering is often an encouraged option for efficiency.
• Catering Services: For events and gatherings, The Brown Bag Delicatessen offers catering, allowing you to bring their delicious sandwiches and sides to your next party or office lunch.

• "Excellent Sandwiches All Around": The primary highlight of The Brown Bag Delicatessen is the consistent praise for its sandwiches. Customers frequently describe them as "excellent," "big serving," and having "great taste," indicating high quality and satisfying portions.
• Inventive and Varied Menu: The deli goes beyond basic sandwiches, offering a creative array of specialty combinations like "The Village Addiction" with cranberry mayonnaise, and "Molly's Favorite" with sundried tomato pesto, alongside classics, providing options for every palate.
• Generous Portions: Reviewers often highlight the "big" and "filling" portions of the sandwiches, ensuring that customers receive great value for their meal. One customer even noted that a whole sub and a side were enough for two meals.
• Charming German Village Ambiance: The location itself is a major draw. The "cute shop" and the ability to "sit outside on a nice day" while "watching people walk their significant others and dogs by" contribute to a pleasant and authentic neighborhood experience.
• Fresh and Quality Ingredients: The deli prides itself on using quality ingredients, with soups and desserts made in-house daily, and sandwiches crafted with fresh components.
• Adaptable to Various Preferences: With options to "Design Your Own" sandwich, as well as vegetarian and vegan choices like "Weezie's Cheesie" and "T.L.C. (Vegan!)" (made with cucumber steaks, roasted tomatoes, and hummus), the menu caters to a wide range of dietary needs.
• Long-Standing Local Institution: Operating since 1974, The Brown Bag Delicatessen has achieved "long-time resident" status in German Village, becoming a beloved and trusted part of the community's culinary fabric.
• "Best 'Hole-in-the-Wall' in the State": According to Lovefood, an online publication, The Brown Bag Delicatessen has been named the "best 'hole-in-the-wall' restaurant in Ohio," an impressive accolade based on user reviews and firsthand experiences.

For those in Ohio eager to experience the culinary delights of The Brown Bag Delicatessen, here is their contact information:

Address: 898 Mohawk St, Columbus, OH 43206, USA

Phone: (614) 443-4214

Mobile Phone: +1 614-443-4214

For residents of Columbus and the surrounding Ohio communities, The Brown Bag Delicatessen is far more than just a place to grab a sandwich; it's a cherished local gem that offers a taste of authentic German Village charm combined with genuinely satisfying food. Ohioans value quality, good portions, and establishments with character, and The Brown Bag delivers on all fronts. Its reputation for "excellent sandwiches all around," known for their "big serving" and "great taste," speaks to its consistent ability to satisfy cravings for hearty, well-made meals. The variety of specialty sandwiches, alongside the option to "Design Your Own," ensures that every local can find something perfectly suited to their palate, whether they're a meat-lover or prefer vegetarian and vegan options.

The deli's location within the beautiful German Village, coupled with the availability of outdoor seating, makes it an ideal spot for a leisurely lunch on a pleasant day, allowing patrons to soak in the neighborhood's unique ambiance. For those on a tighter schedule, the option to order ahead online helps manage potential wait times during busy periods, a practical solution for the fast-paced lives of many Ohioans. While some customer experiences have noted occasional inconsistencies in execution or wait times, the overwhelming sentiment leans towards strong appreciation for the core product – delicious, generously portioned sandwiches made with fresh ingredients. The Brown Bag Delicatessen's status as a long-standing local institution and its recognition as the "best 'hole-in-the-wall' in the state" further solidify its suitability for locals. It's a place where you can rely on a satisfying meal that feels both familiar and special, making it a beloved and essential part of the Columbus dining scene for anyone in Ohio.

The Brown Bag Delicatessen

898 Mohawk St, Columbus, OH 43206, USA