River Street Deli is near Coolidge Park. Click to enlarge all our photos.
photo by Janet Wilson
We discovered the River Street Deli, located at 151 River Street (Coolidge
Park area), back in August of 2001. I know they have been there for a
while, but at least we found it - and are so glad we did.
On our first visit we were impressed with their display of fresh salads and pastries. It was so difficult to make a selection since we could see
everything and each and every one seemed to be calling our name. For some reason, we had the idea this was strictly a sandwich shop. Not so - they have many delicious items offering a large selection of salads such as Greek, Humus, Tuscan Bean, Tabouli - and the list goes on and on. This is not your regular fare and I am sure you will enjoy the food. Through the week they also have a Soup of the Day.
Wayne ordered a Philly Cheese Steak sandwich (which they only make on
Sunday) with a side of potato salad. He said he really liked what he ordered and would do so again. I ordered the Frittata (look for the recipe on our site) with potato salad ($5.95). I found both to be good and I especially liked the potato salad. In fact, I found the potato salad so yummy, that I
made a second trip to the deli a few weeks later just for potato salad.
We also decided to try one of their fresh made desserts - Wayne tried the
strawberry shortcake while I ordered the chocolate heath bar pie. Both of
these were great - but I must tell you the pie is VERY rich.
When we arrived just before 12:00 on a Sunday, there was only one other
customer - but by the time we left - people were waiting for tables - it was packed! Obviously word has spread about the fresh food served at the River Street Deli.
For a real treat I must tell you about the special dinners. On Friday, these are served by reservation only. This is referred to as International Night and on each Friday you will find a different category of food so don't let the word "deli" fool you - the food is wonderful. We have been to several of these special nights - German, French, Northern Italian, Provence, etc. - and definitely look forward to future visits. You can find their Friday night specials on our site under the menus section.
On German night we started off with different kinds of Rye breads, followed by a fresh salad. We were then treated to three different sausages, with red cabbage and potatoes. The dessert, of course, was Apple Strudel with Ice Cream.
Wayne and I both agree that French night was great. We started off with
French bread dipped in Olive Oil, followed by a delicious salad of baby
greens with pecans, Gorgonzola cheese and pears with a light vinaigrette. Our entrée was Pork Tenderloin marinated overnight in a special brine of Bruce's making, with wonderful, Au-gratin style potatoes and fresh grilled
Asparagus. The dessert was an Apple-filled pastry with Raspberry sauce and whipped cream. Every item on this menu was just wonderful.
But then, Northern Italian night was nothing to sneeze at. We were treated
to handmade pasta! Delicious! However, we both felt that our favorite night so far has been Provence. We started off with freshly baked French Bread with butter that had been mixed with scallions, a wonderful salad,
then Rack of Lamb, with garlic/scallion mashed potatoes and grilled Asparagus. The dessert was an apple/raspberry mixture in a pastry crust. Magnifique!
There are two seatings for these special International dinners - one at 6:30 p.m. and one at 8:30 p.m. The price is just $25 per person. Where in Chattanooga can you get such a fantastic dinner - which includes your bread, salad, entrée, dessert and drink for $25? Most restaurants serving this kind
of food are priced at close to that just for your entrée - then you have to add the salad, dessert and drink!
For these special occasions, the deli is transformed with tablecloths and candles - far more than "just a deli."
Hours for the River Street Deli are Monday through Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.; Friday 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Friday Dinner Special by Reservation Only. Two seatings - 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Call ahead to find out the International Dinner menu. Coming up soon are Moroccan and Southwestern nights.
Don't forget to check out the contest on the Dine Out web site for a chance to win an Adventures Coupon Book.
And remember - if you know anyone who eats out a lot we have the perfect gift for them or even for yourself. The new Adventures coupon books are now in with even more coupons - 86 in all. These are perfect gifts for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and many other occasions. By using our
Adventures book during 2001, Wayne and I saved over $436 that would have
been spent out of our own pockets - and we didn't even use all the coupons. To make shopping easier for you, we now have credit card capability on the Chattanooga Dine Out site. We ship the same day you order (unless it's Sunday) so your books should be received within approximately three days.
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