Bites Nearby

You could stand on a corner and look around until a restaurant sign draws you in. But we've got a better idea. Each week, Creve Coeur Patch picks a great restaurant either in town or nearby that is worth checking out. Here's this week's choice:

Pumpernickles is a throwback to delicatessens of a bygone era. It combines the best of both worlds with take-out orders and a dine-in option. There is also a wonderful catering menu. As their saying goes, ”You never knew it could be so good!"

Jay Richman has owned and operated the deli for the last 3 years but the menu has remained the same for over 20 years. There is traditional Jewish fare with a fine selection of smoked fish, cheeses, salads, soups, sliced meats, desserts and assorted Jewish specialties.

When entering, the aroma makes you feel like being in New York City's Carnegie Deli with lox, corned beef, pastrami, chopped liver, hand sliced nova, latkes and knishes abundant in the front counters. Sandwiches are served on rye, wheat, white, challah and assorted bagels. They have soup by the bowl or quart including matzo ball, chicken noodle, vegetable, cabbage and split pea.

The restaurant is cozy with a television to watch morning news with your breakfast or lunch. There is also a wall of photos that consists of regulars, some patronizing Pumpernickles longer than Jay has owned it.

"People love to see their photo up on the wall. It makes them feel a part of our restaurant." Jay likes to add, while talking about anything and everything.

Richman sold cars for close to twenty years before making the switch to the food industry. He doesn't feel there is much of a difference in the two professions, "Selling cars or selling sandwiches, it's all about pleasing the customer and that's what we’re good at."

Jay can be found at the restaurant around the clock, "If you don't see me here, I'm out making deliveries."

So stop on by Pumpernickles Deli  say hello to Jay and pick up some corned beef or a quart of old fashioned chicken soup, either one will make your stomach and mother very happy.

Click here for store hours.