Hello Winnipeg, we are Mr. and Mrs. Restaurant. We’re passionate about food, but not about cooking. After growing tired of everyday chain restaurants, we began our search for the best hidden eateries the city has to offer. Ever wonder if that trendy new place is worth the money; or if that greasy burger joint lives up to all the hype? Just ask Mr. and Mrs. Restaurant!
Oscar’s Deli
[flickr style=”border:none; padding:4px; border:1px solid #BDBDBD; float:right; margin-left:5px;”]photo:8240422302[/flickr]Oscar’s Deli has been in business since 1930, with roots in Winnipeg’s North End. In 1982, they moved to their current location on Hargrave Street, where they cater to the downtown lunch-time crowd. Their hours of operation reflect this; you’ll have to try this place during the day as they’re not open in the evenings. Oscar’s Deli tends to get very busy, but we’ve never had trouble getting a seat for two.
The atmosphere in Oscar’s is upbeat, friendly and rushed (for lack of a better explanation!). They realize most customers are on a lunch break, and the servers buzz around to ensure people are getting their orders taken quickly after they’re seated, and that the food comes soon after. This is not a relaxing dining experience by any means, but for a fast lunch that isn’t “fast food”, Oscar’s is perfect.
They also serve breakfast, and while we haven’t had the opportunity to try it yet, the menu includes your typical omelets or eggs and bacon dishes. A homemade soup of the day is always available, Matzo Ball Soup being the feature on our last visit. Daily sandwich specials are featured, and on Clubhouse Thursday, they use roasted turkey rather than deli-style turkey in the famous sandwich. If you’ve been missing the Wagon Wheel since they closed, Oscar’s Thursday Clubhouse is a great way to fill the void!
[flickr style=”border:none; padding:4px; border:1px solid #BDBDBD; float:right; margin-left:5px;”]photo:8239356789[/flickr]Some of the other sandwich choices on Oscar’s menu include Pastrami, Corned Beef, Rueben, Salami, Salami Chunks, Roast Beef and even Chopped Liver. Add more meat if you’re feeling ambitious, but these sandwiches are stacked pretty high even without the extra meat. The salads at Oscar’s are huge, the largest size could easily feed an entire family; the “side” or “quarter” size is definitely enough for one person. The Orange Almond Salad, with an added portion of Teriyaki chicken makes an amazing, lighter lunch; it is something you may crave and go back for!
We ordered the Motzo Ball Soup, a Caesar Salad, the Pastrami sandwich, the Tuna Salad sandwich and a “half-a-dill” each. As with any other visit to Oscar’s, we weren’t disappointed, this is a real homemade sandwich with ingredients that are fresh, not processed. The extra-crunchy “half-a-dill” pickle is an absolute must-try, if you like pickles, you’ll love this one!
Oscar’s Deli is tucked away in an office building on Hargrave Street and even if you work downtown, you may not have noticed this place yet. The next time you’re meeting someone for lunch, ordering for a group of co-workers or just treating yourself to a lunch you didn’t pack at home; make it Oscar’s!
Oscar’s Deli
175 Hargrave St.
(204) 947-0314
