Welty's Deli. CBD: 336 Camp. 504-592-0223.

Written by Tom Fitzmorris October 18, 2010 20:47 in

2 Fleur
Average check per person $5-$15
 BreakfastNo Breakfast SundayBreakfast MondayBreakfast TuesdayBreakfast WednesdayBreakfast ThursdayBreakfast FridayNo Breakfast Saturday
LunchNo Lunch SundayLunch MondayLunch TuesdayLunch WednesdayLunch ThursdayLunch FridayNo Lunch Saturday
DinnerNo Dinner SundayNo Dinner MondayNo Dinner TuesdayNo Breakfast WednesdayNo Dinner ThursdayNo Dinner FridayNo Dinner Saturday

Welty's Deli

CBD: 336 Camp. 504-592-0223. Map.
Casual.
AE MC V
Website

WHY IT'S NOTEWORTHY
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.

WHAT'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.

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.

ESSENTIAL DISHES
salads
Caesar salad
House salad
Chef's salad
Shrimp remoulade salad
Asian chicken salad
Chicken salad
Tuna salad
Chicken curry salad
Smoked salmon salad
Baby spinach salad
Creole potato salad
Cole slaw
Fruit cocktail
Fresh fruit salad
Italian pasta salad
sandwiches
Oven roasted medium rare roast beef
Baked ham
Smoked deli turkey breast
Corned beef
Pastrami
Muffaletta
CBD club
New Orleans AK
Veggie
Reuben
Tuna salad
Chicken salad
Curry chicken salad
Sliced roasted chicken
Egg salad
Tuna or roasted chicken melty
Cheese melty
Daily special platters

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).

OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT
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.

FACTORS OTHER THAN FOOD
Up to three points, positive or negative, for these characteristics. Absence of points denotes average performance in the matter.

  • Dining Environment
  • Consistency +1
  • Service+1
  • Value +1
  • Attitude +2
  • Wine & Bar
  • Hipness
  • Local Color -1

 

SPECIAL ATTRIBUTES
  • Sidewalk tables
  • Good for business meetings
  • Open Monday lunch
  • Quick, good meal
  • Good for children
  • No reservations