- Attraction: Cecil’s Delicatessen, Bakery & Restaurant
- Location: 651 Cleveland Ave S, St. Paul, MN 55116
- Industry: Delicatessen
- Website: https://cecilsdeli.com/
Where can you find sandwiches that make New Yorkers weep with nostalgia right in the heart of Minnesota?
Cecil’s Delicatessen stands as St. Paul’s last remaining Jewish deli, defying time and culinary trends since 1949.
This Highland Park institution has mastered the art of the perfect pastrami sandwich while maintaining traditions that disappeared from most American cities decades ago. Walking through the front door feels like stepping into a time capsule where black-and-white tile floors meet towering sandwich creations.
You’ll discover a dual experience here: browse the authentic deli counter stocked with Jewish pantry staples, pickles, and fresh-baked breads, then venture deeper into the bustling restaurant where fourth-generation family members still slice meats using the same techniques their great-grandparents perfected.
Menu Masterpieces
The Legendary Reuben: You’ll understand why customers claim this Reuben rivals anything from New York’s famous Carnegie Deli. Piled high with tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese, all nestled between grilled caraway rye bread that’s baked fresh daily in their own ovens.
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Keep Exploring →The bread maintains its structure despite the generous filling, creating that perfect balance of crispy exterior and gooey, flavorful interior.
The Famous Sasha Sandwich: This signature creation combines hot brisket pastrami, Swiss cheese, and a perfectly fried egg, all brought together with Cecil’s mysterious “bird sauce” that’s been a family secret for over 40 years.
The runny yolk mingles with the creamy, mustard-touched sauce to create something between breakfast and lunch that you’ll crave long after leaving.
Hand-Sized Latkes: These aren’t your typical potato pancakes. You’ll receive three enormous latkes, each the size of a grown man’s hand, crispy on the edges yet perfectly smooth inside. They arrive with both sour cream and homemade applesauce, creating that sweet-and-savory combination that’s absolutely addictive.
From-Scratch Matzo Ball Soup: The chicken soup here tastes authentically “chickeny” without being overly salty, featuring a perfect little matzo ball that’s neither too dense nor too fluffy. You’ll taste the care that goes into making this soup completely from scratch, using recipes that haven’t changed in three generations.
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Discover MoreHouse-Made Borscht: This thick, sweet-leaning borscht comes packed with vegetables and topped with a generous dollop of sour cream. The consistency is hearty enough to feel like a meal, and the flavor profile leans more toward comfort than the sharply sour versions you might find elsewhere.
Vegetarian Reuben: Even meat-lovers rave about this sandwich piled sky-high with grilled peppers and onions, gooey Swiss cheese, hot sauerkraut, and that signature Reuben sauce. The combination creates layers of tangy, creamy, and savory flavors that make you forget you’re eating vegetables.
Bakery & Deli Counter Treasures
Fresh-Baked Breads: You’ll smell the aroma of freshly baked rye, challah, and other traditional breads the moment you enter. The bread disappears quickly throughout the day, so early birds get the best selection of these crusty, flavorful loaves that pair perfectly with the deli’s premium meats.
Shortbread Almond Cookies: These homemade cookies have developed a devoted following among regular customers. The texture strikes that perfect balance between crumbly and tender, with a rich almond flavor that makes them irresistible as a sweet ending to your meal.
Premium Deli Meats: The meat counter features kosher selections imported from Chicago’s best producers, maintaining the same quality standards established in 1949. You can watch them slice your pastrami, corned beef, or turkey to your preferred thickness using dedicated slicers and cutting boards.
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Keep Exploring →Year-Round Hamantaschen: Unlike most places that only offer these traditional pastries during Purim, Cecil’s keeps them stocked throughout the year. The poppyseed variety receives particular praise for being both huge and delicious.
Atmosphere & Décor
Authentic Deli Environment: You’ll experience the real deal here – a bustling, no-nonsense atmosphere where servers move quickly through tight spaces, balancing plates and taking orders with practiced efficiency.
The sound level can get lively during peak hours, creating that energetic deli ambiance that makes you feel like you’re in the middle of a thriving food operation.
Historic Character: The interior maintains its original charm with those classic black-and-white checkered floors and walls lined with photos documenting the restaurant’s 75-year journey.
You’ll notice the vintage elements blend seamlessly with the working deli counter, creating an authentic atmosphere that feels genuinely preserved rather than artificially recreated.
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Discover MoreDual Layout: The unique setup takes you from the retail deli area in front, past displays of Jewish pantry items and baked goods, toward the hostess stand that leads into the dining room. This layout lets you preview the deli offerings before deciding whether to eat in or take items home.
Family Operation Feel: You’ll witness multiple generations of the same family working together throughout your visit – from the owners seating guests to grandchildren serving tables. This creates a warm, family-restaurant atmosphere where everyone seems genuinely invested in your experience.
Other Considerations
Premium Pricing: You’ll find sandwich combos typically running $14-16, reflecting the quality of ingredients and generous portions. While this places Cecil’s in the higher price range for casual dining, most customers agree the quality justifies the cost, especially considering you’re getting authentic deli experience that’s increasingly rare.
Street Parking: You’ll need to find street parking along Cleveland Avenue or nearby residential streets. The Highland Park neighborhood generally offers decent parking availability, though peak dining hours can require a short walk.
Wait Times: Expect lines during weekend mornings and lunch hours, especially on holidays. The popularity means you might wait 20-30 minutes for a table during busy periods, but the turnover is steady, and you can browse the deli counter while waiting.
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Keep Exploring →Family-Friendly: You’ll find this works well for families with children, though the bustling atmosphere and moderate noise levels might be challenging for sound-sensitive diners. The generous portion sizes mean kids can easily share adult entrées.
Best Visit Times: Weekday afternoons offer the most relaxed experience, while early mornings give you the best selection of fresh-baked breads and pastries.
Group Accommodations: The restaurant can handle groups of 20-30 in the main dining area, making it suitable for special occasions or family gatherings.
Cecil’s Delicatessen, Bakery & Restaurant
📍 651 Cleveland Ave S, St. Paul, MN 55116
