Millburn Deli is a Circus of Flavors

The Millburn Delicatessen could easily change its name to the Millburn Circus. Don’t be fooled by its simple exterior. One step through the door and you enter an alternate universe where employees gobble, toot horns and sing out sandwich orders. Not even slightly daunted by a constant stream of customers rushing in and out, they have enough energy to power a city.

The deli, located at 328 Millburn Ave., has been popular with locals since opening in 1946. There are colorful sarcastic signs and figurines hanging all over the walls—even on the ceiling—and a menu with so much variety it makes your head spin.

As soon as my sister Christine ordered, I figured out what the hoopla, heard constantly throughout the day, is all about. It means someone just ordered one of the signature picks: the Gobbler. A turkey sandwich with all your favorite Thanksgiving fixings stuffed between two slices of freshly baked white bread, it’s nearly impossible to fit your mouth around. Cranberry sauce poured out the sides as Christine attempted to take a bite. 

I recommend having some idea of what you want before walking in. The sandwiches, soups, salads, wraps, veggies, specials and desserts are all listed on chalkboards behind the counter, amid the decorations. When you think you’ve seen the whole menu, look up. I totally missed the signs on the ceiling that listed more paninis.

With the constant stream of customers, it was tough to read everything without getting overwhelmed. I finally just ordered the grilled veggie sub because it sounded the most familiar. It was served on incredibly fresh multi-grain bread, sliced right when I ordered. With a hard crust but soft middle, the bread was excellent. The veggies would’ve been better served warm, but there was a good blend and they were topped with fresh mozzarella. 

My family has been going to Millburn Deli since the late 1970s, and my uncle always ordered the “World Famous” Sloppy Joe. It’s a triple-decker with your choice of meat, Swiss cheese, coleslaw and Russian dressing on homemade sourdough rye bread served with pickles and olives. In the 20 minutes or so that I was there, I saw at least three customers come in to pick up Sloppy Joe Platters. The platters feed 10-15 people and go for $87.50. They are a staple at many Millburn family parties.

My mom picked up one of the pre-made salads and asked to add grilled chicken. There were plenty of on-the-run options in case you're crunched for time including salads and sandwiches. All are displayed in the glass cases in front of the counter. There are also daily soup specials, like Mushroom Barley and Cream of Broccoli. I thoroughly enjoyed the Tuscan white bean.

With no indoor tables, we decided to sit outside instead of heading home. It was a nice idea, but it was still a little too cold to be eating outdoors. Without my soup, I would’ve been way too cold. My sister Shawn agreed. She was happy to have ordered a bowl of hot, hearty chili, topped with melted cheese.

As the cashier was ringing us up, I couldn’t resist the bag of homemade granola on the counter. But you might want to. It was overcooked. Stick to the sandwiches, soups and salads and you are sure to be going back again soon.

The best part of the meal could arguably be that all 5 of us ate for less than $50, including snacks and drinks. Everything was reasonably priced, with sandwiches ranging from $6-$9. Party platters of wraps, classic sandwiches and Sloppy Joes are available for $87.50; Giants Subs go for $18/foot; and you can also order Veggie Fruit and Cheese Platters (prices vary).