Josh's Delicatessen & Appetizing

Best pasteami on rye I have ever ordered! The meat is hand carved right in front of you if you are seated at the counter. The spicy mustard he uses is wonderful, as are the homemade slaw & pickle. Other than The Greek Place and Sushi Republic, Surfside dining  was never very special, Josh's Deli has changed that.

I went to Josh's with two friends.  It was our first time there.  Josh's is a tiny restaurant in the space that used to be Chow Down Grill.  For me the experience was just okay.  One of my friends ordered the turkey sandwich for $10.50.  He said the turkey was delicious.  My other friend ordered the half sandwich/half soup combo. She had a pastrami sandwich and matzo ball soup for $10.95 plus $1.00 extra for the matzo ball.  She said the soup was good and the pastrami was tasty. She was disappointed that the serving of pastrami was small and she said she was still hungry when she finished. Both of my friends sandwiches came with a pickle and a small serving of slaw.  I ordered a bowl of matzo ball soup for $5.95. The soup was good, but not the best I've had.  Out of the three of us we had one very satisfied with his turkey sandwich, one disappointed with the size of her half pastrami sandwich, and one okay, but not great.

I've been apprehensive about writing a review about Josh's Delicatessen and Appetizing because, admittedly, I am totally selfish and have not wanted to disclose the whereabouts of such complete and utter goodness that awaits a person who ventures inside these doors.  I've spent countless dollars eating at restaurants in South Florida and have experienced everything from great food to having night terrors over a hellish meal or run in with a bad server.  It is refreshing to find such a place that serves up such delicious, honest, simple yet creative, food that isn't pretentious or overpriced.  For me, the star of the show is the Matzo Ball Soup.  Simply amazing.  Typically this type of soup is bland, but Josh adds herbs to the Matzo Ball and allows it to bathe with some egg noodles, hunks of chicken in a savory broth.  The soup is served in a huge bowl and would probably satisfy most people with lighter appetites.  A huge must-try is the pastrami and the corned beef.  The best I've ever had - hands down.  They do all the meat smoking in house, which only makes it that much more special.  The Jewben is a cross between a traditional pastrami sandwich and a Reuben - get this sandwich - that isn't a request!  I have to admit my favorite is the poutine with corned beef.  It's a huge helping of crispy fries slathered with beef gravy and topped with chunks of homemade corned beef.  Whoa.  This stuff is epic.  Not for those on a diet.  Lastly, let's not forget the homemade donuts that are made daily.  Sadly, by the time I usually get to Josh's, they have already run out.  Get there early to try ever-changing flavors like PBBJ (peanut butter, banana, jelly), amaretto cream, Nutella/chocolate infused - many of them involve boozy flavors.  You never know what they'll come up with next.  Josh's isn't open late so if you miss a breakfast or brunch session, you can come back later to experience the pop-up spots that take over like Joe's Tacos or Brad's BBQ on Tuesday nights only.  Josh, will you marry me????  (PS - Just kidding - I'm married, but can you teach my husband to cook like you? :)