A deli dinner can be the best kind of detour. This one lands in Times Square with a classic NYC-style menu at USA Brooklyn Delicatessen. I like that you get a real “choose your comfort” lunch setup, not just a sit-down meal with zero choices. I also like that the price includes fries and salad every time, so you know exactly what you’re getting.

One thing to consider: check-in can be a little awkward if the deli staff needs help applying the mobile ticket voucher, so have your screen ready and be patient.

Key highlights before you go

• Times Square location at 211 W 43rd St, easy to slot into an afternoon or evening
• Pick-one entrée menu from Reubens to pizza to chicken parm
• Fries plus coleslaw or potato salad included with every entrée
• One lunch item and one drink included, with alcohol subject to the 21+ rule
• Small group size with a maximum of 10 travelers
• About 1 hour for the whole experience, so you can keep moving after eating

A 1-hour deli reset in the middle of Times Square

If your day in Midtown feels like nonstop motion, this kind of meal breaks the pattern. You show up, sit down, and get a classic deli plate in about an hour. The setting is right where you expect it, Times Square proximity, which makes it a practical choice when your schedule is tight.

What you’re really buying here is simplicity and certainty. At the deli, you choose one entrée and one drink, and the side plan is fixed: fries plus your choice of coleslaw or potato salad. That matters in New York, where “good value” often comes down to whether the deal includes sides or extra add-ons.

There’s also a small-group vibe built into the experience. With a maximum of 10 travelers, you’re less likely to feel like you’re part of a huge herd. That usually makes ordering and service feel smoother, even when the area is busy.

One last practical note: since this is near major transit, you’re not locked into one neighborhood routine. You can tack it on before dinner plans elsewhere, or use it as your main meal while you keep sightseeing after.

Your menu choices: Reubens, pizza, hot dogs, and chicken parm

The menu is built around deli classics and a few crowd-pleasers. You choose one lunch item, then select one drink. Each entrée also includes fries and either coleslaw or potato salad. That setup keeps decision-making easy, which is exactly what you want after walking a lot.

Here are the entrée options you can choose from:

• Hot Pastrami Reuben: Swiss cheese, Russian dressing, pickles, sauerkraut on a toasted bun
• Hot Corned Beef Reuben: Swiss cheese, Russian dressing, pickles, sauerkraut on a toasted bun
• Roasted Turkey Reuben: Swiss cheese, Russian dressing, pickles, sauerkraut on a toasted bun
• Black Angus Hot Dog: with sauerkraut and mustard
• Margherita Pizza: mozzarella, burrata, and fresh basil
• Classic Chicken Parm Sandwich
• Half Sandwich and Soup combo: your choice of half deli sandwich plus a cup of housemade soup

I like that there’s something for different moods. If you want the full NYC sandwich experience, go for a Reuben. If you want lighter and faster comfort, the hot dog or half sandwich and soup combo can feel less heavy than a full sandwich. If you’re traveling with someone who always wants pizza, the Margherita is there, with burrata and basil.

Also, these are not “mystery deli” choices. The descriptions are specific, so you can match the sandwich to your preferences. If you love tangy flavors, sauerkraut-heavy options are right in the wheelhouse. If you prefer something more familiar and mild, the chicken parm sandwich or the pizza may fit better.

What comes with every entrée: fries and your side choice

This is where the value becomes obvious. Every entrée includes:

• Fries
• Coleslaw or potato salad (your choice)

That’s not just a nice detail. In New York, sides are often where costs sneak up, and where meals stop feeling like a deal. Here, the base meal is predictable, and your only real decision is what sandwich or pizza you want.

For many people, coleslaw versus potato salad becomes a mini food decision. Coleslaw usually brings crunch and a little tang. Potato salad tends to feel more filling and creamy. If you’re not sure, pick the side that matches the entrée intensity. Reubens already have sauerkraut tang, so potato salad can feel like the “cooler” partner. Chicken parm or pizza can pair nicely with either, but coleslaw adds contrast.

And because fries are included, you’re not stuck choosing between a proper meal and an appetizer. You get the full deli comfort loop: sandwich, fries, side salad.

Drinks and the 21+ rule for alcohol

The experience includes one drink with your entrée selection. The key limitation is simple: alcoholic beverages require you to be 21+ to order.

If you’re traveling with teens or someone who doesn’t drink, this is still workable. You can plan your drink choice around what you want that day, and keep the meal focused on food rather than chasing bar menu rules.

One helpful way to think about it: you’re getting a set meal value that includes a drink. If you’re the type who usually orders soda or iced tea with lunch, this can feel like a straightforward package. If you plan to order alcohol, confirm you meet the age requirement and be ready to follow the deli’s ordering rules on-site.

The Times Square stop: how to make it fit your day

This experience is anchored around Times Square and meets at 211 W 43rd St, New York, NY 10017. The whole thing runs Monday to Thursday, 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM during the listed date range, and it lasts about 1 hour.

That timing is actually smart for a few scenarios:

• You can eat after a late museum or a long Midtown walk, then still have time for a show or an early evening stroll.
• You can use it as your main meal during a “watch the lights” Times Square day, when dinner might feel too far away.

Because the activity ends back at the meeting point, it doesn’t force a long walk or a complicated route. You can treat it like a scheduled deli lunch stop and keep your sightseeing flow intact.

My practical tip: if you’re heading there from a busy route, give yourself a little buffer. Times Square crowds can slow things down, and you’ll want time to find the exact deli entrance and settle in before ordering.

Price and value: is $25 fair for what you get?

At $25 per person, you’re not buying a full multi-course New York dining experience. You’re buying a set deli meal where the big-ticket parts are included: a sandwich or pizza, fries, a side, and one drink.

Here’s how I judge whether this price works for you:

• If you want a classic NYC deli style plate with sides included, this is easier to justify.
• If you’re the kind of eater who always adds extra items, this package might feel restrictive because you’re limited to what’s included.
• If you mostly want a quick meal and you value being in and out in about an hour, the included drink and sides can make the math feel cleaner.

Also, this experience is capped at a maximum of 10 travelers, which can help keep service from turning into a chaos line. The listed average booking is about 21 days in advance, which suggests people plan ahead for a convenient Midtown meal break.

Bottom line: it’s a budget-friendly way to eat “New York deli” without guessing what you’ll pay for sides. Just go in expecting classic, filling comfort, not a fine-dining experience.

Communication hiccups at check-in: what to do if the voucher gets stuck

Based on real-world experiences shared after booking, the food is often the win, but the check-in process can occasionally be bumpy. The most common issue is that the deli might be unsure how to handle the mobile voucher at the moment you arrive. In rare cases, the reservation record can also feel confusing.

I can’t predict how smooth it will be for you, but you can reduce stress quickly:

• Have your mobile ticket pulled up before you arrive, not after you’re already seated.
• If someone looks confused, show the ticket again calmly and be ready to clarify that you’re there for the deli dinner included meal.
• Plan a little extra time buffer if you’re doing this right before another Midtown plan.

This matters because the menu choices and included drink are easy once the booking is matched correctly. When check-in is smooth, it’s a straightforward meal. When it’s not, it becomes an awkward wait.

Who should book this deli dinner, and who should skip it

This experience fits best if you want a classic meal that’s easy to plan in Midtown.

You’ll probably enjoy it if:

• You like NYC delis and want a Reuben-style sandwich or a chicken parm comfort meal.
• You prefer a fixed deal where you know fries plus salad are included.
• You want something in Times Square that doesn’t require a long tour day.
• You’re traveling with someone who needs options, because there are multiple entrée types including pizza.

You might consider skipping if:

• You hate any chance of delays around voucher check-in, even small ones.
• You want a very interactive or guided “tour” experience beyond the meal, because the core focus here is the deli dining.
• You plan to order lots of add-ons, since the included setup is built around one entrée and one drink.

The good news is that this is small and time-limited. If you go in with realistic expectations, it’s a satisfying way to eat like a local for an hour, then keep moving.

Should you book USA Brooklyn Delicatessen in Times Square?

Here’s my honest take. If your priority is a classic NYC deli dinner with fries and salad included, and you want an easy meal stop near Times Square that fits into a busy day, this booking can be a good move. The menu is clear, the included sides remove decision fatigue, and the one-hour timing helps you stay flexible.

If you’re someone who needs ultra-smooth check-in with zero friction, I’d still book, but I’d go prepared with your mobile ticket ready on your phone. Plan for the possibility of a quick moment of confusion at the counter, then let the food do the talking.

Quick decision guide

• Book if you want a classic sandwich and deli sides in Midtown for a predictable price.
• Skip if you’re seeking a guided sightseeing tour experience, or you cannot tolerate any check-in hassle.

FAQ

What does the meal include?

You choose one lunch item and one drink. Each entrée includes fries and your choice of coleslaw or potato salad.

Where is the meeting point?

The start location is 211 W 43rd St, New York, NY 10017, USA.

How long does the experience take?

It’s approximately 1 hour.

What entrée options are available?

Options include Hot Pastrami Reuben, Hot Corned Beef Reuben, Roasted Turkey Reuben, Black Angus Hot Dog, Margherita Pizza, Classic Chicken Parm Sandwich, and a Half Sandwich & Soup combo.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

Alcoholic beverages are not automatically included. Also, alcoholic beverages require you to be 21+ to order.

Is there a limit on group size?

Yes, the experience has a maximum of 10 travelers.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.