Hal's Deli, an Ithaca tradition since 1961

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Hal's Deli has been in downtown Ithaca since 1961, and in their current location on North Aurora Street since 1971, and they make some of the area's biggest and best sandwiches. Hal Kuntz, the original proprietor, passed away years ago, but his memory lives on in the tasty food his family serves. Hal's wife, Sandy, is still often at the deli.

One thing I often forget about Hal's is that they double as a diner... starting at 6am daily, you can enjoy delicious and inexpensive breakfasts cooked to order, such as four waffles with syrup for just $2.75; the Allison, an egg with bacon, ham, or sausage and cheese on a bagel or muffin; or a variety of omelets starting at $4.80, including french fries or mini potato pancakes, plus toast and jelly. I just had one of Hal's delicious corned beef omelets this morning, and the side of potato pancakes was a perfect match. Egg white omelets are available for a little extra, if you want to stay a little healthier.

Of course, Hal's is first and foremost a deli, so sandwiches are where they shine. They've got lean corned beef and pastrami, and they're one of the few places in town with chopped liver. Hal's has all the usual deli stuff, but we suggest trying one of the original triple-deckers, such as the Cornell Big Red special, with roast beef, swiss, tomato, cole slaw, and russian dressing... or the Ithaca College Bombers sandwich, corned beef, pastrami, and turkey with cole slaw and russian. There's even a special named for the late Cornell psychology professor Ron Mack... the corned beef piled on mini potato pancakes that he used to order. If you like hot food, order a reuben and one of Hal's fantastic knishes. Never had a knish? Think of a square of mashed potatoes, deep fried until the outside's crisp.

Plan on just a few bucks for a filling breakfast, up to ten or so for lunch or supper, they deliver, and they take CityBucks. Call Hal's Deli at 273-7765 and tell them you heard about them here.