Hello Deli
“I went to see Rupert but his wife was the highlight, she is so full of energy and a very nice person "RUPERT POSE FOR THE NICE PEOPLE!"”
“Of course like most patrons that visit the Hello Deli, I would never have known of this place had it not been for Letterman.”
“The menu is very diverse, and it features sandwiches named after people associated with the Late Show.”
Hello Deli
Delivery: Yes
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Good for Kids: Yes
Price range.
$ Price range Under $10
8 reviews
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I remember eating at this place on a high school art trip.. before I even paid attention to who David Letterman was. I was impressed with the politeness and welcoming vibe I got from the owners.
Today I went in and Rupert himself was there! But he's so modest and not a ham at all, it was actually refreshing to meet a "celebrity" and simply order a sandwich. There was a huge line for Colbert outside but none of them seemed interested in the Deli.
Anyway, the food: good! A sandwich will surely simultaneously satisfy your hunger and satisfy your obsessive desire to eat at a famous landmark. In sum, the sandwiches are great and they come out quick. Best in the world? No.. but sometimes you just have to go to a place just because. Worth a trip? Well, if you know of this place via Late Night outlets then yes, it is worth a trip because the food is actually quality.
Very minimalist place and it is unlikely you will be able to sit down inside, so plan on taking it somewhere else.
I didn't eat there, so I can't speak to the food. But I've been a longtime fan of Letterman, and I always remember seeing Rupert at his deli next door looking tired and nervous. I was so excited to see him there, working the register! He had no problem taking a quick picture with us as we bought a bottle of water and a shot glass with his face on it. Other people poked in their heads to take a picture, and he seemed fine with it all. I'm sure he's making plenty of money thanks to Dave!
This is also the closest thing to a gift shop that the Late Show has. When you enter, there's a small display with shirts and other memorabilia for sale. Rupert's even in the lobby after the show selling the stuff, so that must be his gig along with the sandwiches.
I threw a camera in his face, and he obliged with a picture. Easiest semi-celebrity sighting in town!
Stopped in here for a snack before a taping of the Late Show with Stephen Colbert not expecting much and was greeted with the nicest man you've ever met. Told him we were in a time crunch and he immediately started making us a chicken salad sandwich on whole wheat. Also got an iced coffee that was super super good. We quickly scarfed down the sandwich which was stacked with chicken salad and tasted great with the accompanying pickles and were on our way.
This is one of those places that is a super tiny family owned hole in the wall that I'm sure gets most of its business from tourists in the area, but the fact that the man behind the counter was so ridiculously nice and helpful makes this a 5 star place in my book. If I lived in NYC, I would come by all the time to give this man my business.
We were told by the Late Show With Stephen Colbert production staff to comeback at 3:45 pm after the receipt of our tickets for today's taping. We were looking for a place to stay, get nourished and keep ourselves warm while killing time and we get stumbled to this place . It is happen to be the closest deli to the theater and a popular deli with good reviews from all of the show's former audience members. It is a tiny place, full packed when we walked in so we had second thoughts of dining. Anyhow we lined up to get something to eat and while waiting to be accommodated, noticed that they are selling some souvenir items for the show. It has a frame of notable artists photos with their signatures on each. No doubt these people made an appearance to the late night show and stopped by. I remember that Letterman featured this deli most of the time of his show. Met in person Rupert . Nice person and very friendly. We realized how congested the place that we ended up leaving before we get the chance to be taken care of. I'll continue my review next time I get the chance to try their sandwiches. For now, the review is about the place alone.
Celebrity status aside, I love this american dream of a deli. I visit every time I'm in the city and Rupert is always there. I find the pricing to be reasonable for the Manhattan location. Expect to eat while walking there, I think there is only one table.
A highlight of my visit to NYC was visiting Hello Deli, often visited by David Lettermen during the Late Show. Rupert was there when I went in, he autographed a Hello Deli T shirt which is now framed and hanging in my man cave.
A tiny deli, and a stop before visiting the Ed Sullivan theatre where David Letterman does the Late Show. Got a cup of coffee and a really moist and delicious piece of lemon pound cake. Rupert was awesome and very gracious. A great place to visit for those pop culture fans.
I tried a couple sandwiches from here and they were very small and not worth the cost. However the owners are very friendly and service is fast. I won't be returning since the sandwiches were just average and expensive for what they are.
Super cute place to visit it was the highlight of my visit to NYC. No one else online seemed to mention is that Rupert and his wife are genuinely excited to have guests in their restaurant and genuinely excited to serve you fresh food. After standing in line for various other NYC attractions for hours, that turned out to be let downs, it was a pleasant surprise to walk right in, sit down and be welcomed in for sandwiches and coffee. Mr. & Mrs. Jee were happy and good sports about posing for a photo for me. I went to see Rupert but his wife was the highlight, she is so full of energy and a very nice person "RUPERT POSE FOR THE NICE PEOPLE!"
Thanks for the memory, hospitality and the great food!