Lion's Deli — Review by J. Kenji López-Alt

Name: Lion's Deli Review by J. Kenji López-Alt
Item: Lion's Deli
Author: J. Kenji López-Alt

Seattle, United States — Deli / Sandwiches

Kenji visits Lion's Deli in Westlake with his new rescue dog Ruby and friend Wombat for a casual playground picnic. They enjoy a BLT and grilled cheese sandwich, with Kenji calling it his number one sandwich spot and noting that the original owner Wong has also opened Other Side Cafe in Eastlake for more great deli options.

What was great: Fantastic sandwiches, real nice bacon in the BLT, good grilled cheese

What could improve: Nothing mentioned

The Dishes

The main sandwiches featured in this casual review are a BLT and a grilled cheese. The BLT stands out for its real nice bacon, which impressed both Kenji and Ruby the rescue dog who particularly enjoyed the bacon component. The grilled cheese is also highlighted as being good, with Wombat ordering it and Kenji taking a bite to confirm its quality. Both sandwiches represent the kind of fantastic deli work that Lion's Deli is known for.

The Experience

This review takes place at a playground rather than inside the restaurant, creating a casual, informal dining experience. Kenji is introducing his new 7-year-old rescue dog Ruby to different foods, making the tasting session a fun family moment with his friend Wombat. The relaxed, outdoor setting emphasizes the convenience and quality of the takeout sandwiches.

Value and Pricing

No specific pricing information is mentioned in the transcript, though the casual nature of the review and the playground setting suggest these are reasonably priced deli sandwiches.

Notable Moments

Lion's Deli. That's got to be my number one sandwich.

This is Kenji's strong endorsement, declaring it his favorite sandwich spot despite having many other food options available in the area. The touching moment of introducing his rescue dog Ruby to new foods adds a personal, heartwarming element to the review.

The Verdict

Kenji highly recommends Lion's Deli for anyone seeking excellent deli sandwiches in the Westlake area. He also mentions that the original owner Wong has expanded to the Eastlake side with Other Side Cafe, providing another location for quality deli sandwiches. This restaurant is best for anyone wanting classic, well-made sandwiches with quality ingredients like fresh bacon.