Charlie's Deli & Delivery Reviews

Great sandwiches! I had the turkey and salami and the Italian Job (separate days) and both were fantastic. The service was super friendly. I would highly recommend this place if you're in Portland!

We decided to get some lunch from the vicinity. Saw this nondescript establishment touting that they had the best sandwiches in Portland. We decided to go for it. Got Alicia's Cuban Sandwich and Prime Rib Philly Cheese on recommendation by the very friendly staff, with the potato salad and coleslaw sides. Excellent taste and value. If the signage was more obvious it would have been better - we almost thought the shop was closed from the outside and it would have been a waste to have given this place a miss.

I had the breakfast for lunch sandwich and it was really good. The only bad thing was that my cheesecake was still frozen when served.

The sandwiches are really yummy and there is a broad selection of them. Service is fast and friendly. Very reasonable prices for the high quality.

We ordered a couple turkey plus extra bacon sandwiches to go for our trip back to Chicago. The two sandwiches were good and very large, but since they were grilled, not so good many hours later when consumed. Especially for having paid $27! I’d recommend this place for when you visit the Chinese Garden, which is quite nearby. Eat them on site for the best, just off the grill quality.

Yep Portland's weird but if you walk right in and step right up Charlie's Deli will treat you to a special sandwich experience! The Italian was huge and so dang good. Including the pesto pasta side!

The best tomato soup I have had! Hands down. The cubano was fantastic. Perfectly toasted. The house smoked ham and pork had great flavor. I will definitely come back.

Charlie's is a popular little neighborhood deli in Portland's Chinatown. We were staying in a nearby hotel. I Googled delis in the area and found Charlie's. We wanted to have a sandwich before heading out on Amtrak. Since it was between the hotel and the train station, it was a great location. When we saw the list of sandwiches we were really excited to see corned beef and pastrami in addition to lots of other great sounding options. Sandwiches come with a side. I ordered corned beef on rye with cole slaw. My husband ordered a Ruben with potato salad. We asked in advance for half of each sandwich to be wrapped to go to eat later on the train. They were very accommodating to do that for us. My corned beef was excellent. Where I live it is hard to find good quality corned beef sandwiches, so I enjoyed the fresh marbled rye bread along with the meat, cheese, and mustard. Rather than a dill pickle on the side, dill pickle slices are on the sandwich. My husband loved them on his Ruben, so I gave him all of mine since I am not much of a pickle fan. My cole slaw was very good, not too sweet or too tangy. The potato salad wasn't the usual deli mustard potato salad. It was large chunks of skin on potatoes in an oil dressing. My husband thought it was very good but it may disappoint you if you expect a mustard/mayo-based potato salad. The only reason I couldn't give 5 stars is because the seating area is shabby, but not shabby chic. I don't think it would take a lot to improve the appearance a bit. We were there on a Saturday, and the deli had numerous customers in the seating area, plus they were handling a brisk take out business both to individuals and delivery services. I can imagine that weekday business is really hopping. Whether a local, tourist, or business traveler please give Charlie's a try. You won't regret it!

This place is better than it looks ( no offense) it looks like a hole in the wall with a few "vagabonds" outside. I had the Italian Job and an IPA. Very good. The half sandwich was huge!!!!!!

Ordered a corned beef on rye, it took over 25 minutes for take out. The place was not busy at lunch hour. This should have given me a hint on what was to come. The sandwich was very skimpy very little corned beef and very fatty, had to throw half of the "meat" away. The worst corned beef ever.

Walking around downtown Portland and stopped in front to look at the menu. The cook told us it was good food all made from scratch and that we should come it and try it. I'm glad we did. The half size sandwiches are big enough for 2 if you want to share. I had the veggie and my husband has the turkey. All really good and fresh. The potato salad is excellent. Inside is a great place to chill and have lunch. Very relaxing. Staff is friendly.

Had the whole ham sand, which included side of choice (mine was pesto pasta). The sandwich was good, but in retrospect, I wish I hadn't had it heated, which made the bun a little too hard and crunchy for my liking. The pasta was good and the price was right, under 10 bucks. The service was fast and friendly, had a pleasant conversation while waiting with counter man Andy.

Had a Cuban on most recent visit. Always good. Big portions. Reuben and pastrami are good too. Best in town.

It was fine just not anything special. Didn’t taste bad but wasn’t very flavorful either. Staff was very kind and atmosphere was average

I spent 2 weeks in the Pacific NW, Charlie's had the best sandwich- Strawberry Fields, homemade tiramisu and homemade cannoli made with homemade cheese. A must for everyone. Just inside China Town. Safe area. Grub-hub also delivers. A great walk to and from local hotels.

This place is absolutely the most mind bending ridiculous sandwich joint I have honestly ever been to. Do not miss this place in Portland. Amazing.

Stumbled into this spot, could smell him smoking, and was sold on the classic diner feel. Sandwiches that came were fantastic. Best Reuben I've had since Katz' deli. Couple taps to keep one lubricated. And the potato salad! Oh man, worth a stop. Would be my daily lunch if I lived nearby.

Just happened in and so glad we did. The deli sandwiches are piled high with deliciousness and then grilled to perfection. The staff is friendly and welcoming. Give them a visit.

Ok don't let the neighborhood put you off - it is a bit dodgy but that's just a part of Portland! The deli is bright, clean and very spacious and the people are amazing. They smoke all their meats and cheeses and that takes their sandwiches to a new level. Each sandwich is made to order on bread from the local Pearl Bakery which is a match made in heaven. There are veggie options and even grilled cheese - good family dining. Quality all the way, this is not a Subway sandwich!!!! Give Charlie's a try you won't regret it!

Sandwiches are interesting and excellent. Second visit with pastrami and Cuban tried so far. A lot to eat. Friendly owners. Just what Portland needs.

Tried the Turkey on ciabatta with pasta salad. The bread really makes the sandwich. Funky friendly place.

Couldn't be better! Sandwiches are the best. Don't miss them. But better are the people. Everyone cares about you!

I recently ate here with a couple of coworkers and we all really enjoyed our meals. I had the turkey and genoa based on the recommendation of the employee ringing us up. It was very tasty, though I would still want to try other things to see if there is a different sub I may enjoy even more. Speaking of the employee ringing us up, he provided great service making the meal a little bit more enjoyable. I also had the german potato salad as my side, it was tasty. They also have a loyalty program in which you can sign up and earn free stuff. Overall, a good experience at this deli.

Tried for the first time today. Food is great. Split a pastrami on rye with a co-worker, and had a cup of coleslaw. Both were excellent. Everything made in-house. Classic quirky little Portland restaurant. Location leaves something to be desired, as it's just off Burnside, and next to "Dreamland 2" or whatever the name is. I certainly wouldn't visit it after dark.

Not the best location and really you might miss it unless you really know what you are looking for. Sandwiches were average. Not a great option for kids.

Passed by another sandwich shop that was just too crowded to even think about going in (location, location, location). Just kept walking and saw a sign for Charie's "Best Sandwiches in Portland". The facade was unassuming but certainly looked doable. Went in and was greeted by a friendly cashier. Ordered the Reuben and really loved the flavor. Was not a fan of the cole slaw, it wasn't bad, just not the flavor I normally look for. You can get Coke from the fountain, or from a bottle (the good Mexican stuff with real sugar!). The atmosphere was very casual and cozy and their choice of music was spot on for me. Viola! Just found another place I'll be frequenting during my extended stay in Portland.

I certainly don't know where else to get a better one on a regular basis. They smoke their own meats. Made with love as they say. The owners run this place like a New York Deli. Charlie's from NY and the "blood" for running a proper NY Deli. The focus of this place is food one of my favorite lunch places in Old Town. Split a whole one with a friend for a good deal. The coupon/email system is worth doing. Also the only place that knows what a east coast bagel is too.

I saw their sign claiming to be the best sandwich in Portland. I'll say it has got to be near the top. The dining space looks like it doubles as a storage area, so that probably leads people to assume a speck of uncleanliness. Didn't bother me too much, but I guess the floors could use a polish. Anyway, you're here for the sandwiches. My smoked pork shoulder sandwich with coleslaw was a mighty fine sandwich, with that good bite mouth feel you want from a deli. Join their email list for plenty of coupon offers (I was visiting so it's no longer useful other than the free cookie instant offer I received).

Charlies catered out wedding and did a phenomenal job! Everything was fresh beautiful tasted amazing and was absolutely everything we wanted! We have eaten soooo many of Charlies great sandwiches and they are truly Portlands finest! So this was simple put an easy decision when it came to deciding who we wanted to feed our guests. They did not disapoint! We got everything we wanted and much more thank you so much!

This was a delicious sandwich. I'm not a spicy fan so had them hold the pepperoncini . Also asked to hold onions if they serve raw, but include if cooked. Bonus points for their reading the GrubHub order details and following my request. What a great sandwich. While au jus was used, the meat is already saturated with it rather than having to keep dipping in a little container. Bread was toasted and the cheese melted perfectly. I'm very happy with the taste and texture. The only caveat I have is that I ordered using a delivery service (GrubHub) and because not eaten right away at shop, when I got the sandwich the bread was soaked and falling apart - they used regular bread and not hoagie style not sure if can customize the bread as this was my first time ordering from here. It didn't stop me, but the soaked bread did make for a messy lunch. Cannot beat the flavor though - the soaked meat was so flavorful and tender!

We were just in Portland for the first time this past 4th of July and were walking around trying different good sandwich shops. This place ranks as one of my favorite in a long time. Very good Cuban sandwich. We sat next to a lady that got the special of the day, which was a turkey on a chiabatta roll and it was stuffed with meat. Ours was very good but not nearly as meaty. Would return. It is in kind of a seedy area with a lot of homeless. Great staff.

Charlie’s deli is a dive in the best sense of the word. Low key and comfortable with the best sandwich you can find anywhere. They house smoke their meats. My favorite is the Rueben.

Very friendly owner and staff. I had the Rueben and my friend had the brisket sandwich. Both were delicious and very satisfying! We'll definitely be back. When we left, they were smoking meat for the next day and the smell was haunting my dreams last night so I might have to go back today!

I still don't know why this dump is so big deal. I got a pork sandwich which was completely standard. Nothing a lot better than you can get in Subway or Quiznos. It took more than 15 minutes to get it and the place was not busy. People were extremely kind... but the place is disgusting ... dirty and untidy. When you get here just keep wallking and buy a sandwich in Safeway. .. you will be saving 40% and will get the same stuff.

Not the spot you'd take a date, business lunch, or much else cause the interior is Chinatown chic but each sammy I've had has been really good and a great value, rally great value. Try em - order a to go if yer not used to Chinatown funk....