By Marco Antoima – The Culinary Chronicle.

One Sunday, my husband and I were strolling down Broadway and came across Saratoga Broadway’s Deli. We went in without much expectation, but it turned into one of those small discoveries that leaves a big impression. For me, Jewish food has always carried more than flavor; it carries culture, memory, and family. I remember the first time I was invited to celebrate Passover with close friends, being welcomed into their traditions, their rituals, their table. It felt like being folded into something sacred and warm. That memory came back the moment I saw matzo ball soup on the menu here. Food can do that, it can remind you of love and belonging.

The Story

The deli is the creation of Chef Daniel Chessare, who many know from his time as head chef at The Merry Monk. He is seen by some as controversial, but I understand where he is coming from. The restaurant world is brutal. Most people do not see what goes on behind the doors of a kitchen or how staff are treated by demanding and entitled customers. His honesty about those challenges and his refusal to sugarcoat the reality resonated with me. It told me that this place is led by someone who values integrity, someone who believes in protecting the people who make the food and keep the place alive. That matters. Knowing that he also embraces values like diversity and anti-discrimination only deepens the respect I feel. Food is always about people, and here you can taste that connection.

The Vibe

Walking in, you are greeted with energy. The space feels modern yet comfortable, decorated with art that gives the deli a personality. The staff are warm and welcoming, which already puts you at ease. Then there are the arcade machines in the corner, free to play, which make the whole place feel playful and alive. One visit gave me a moment I will never forget: old-school reggaetón suddenly came through the speakers, not the polished mainstream kind, but the songs I grew up dancing to as a teenager. Hearing those tracks took me back instantly, like a time capsule opening right there in the middle of lunch. I started singing along, smiling at my husband, and it felt like I was carrying a piece of my own story into the room. That is what I loved about this place. It is not trying to be polished or curated for tourists; it is just real, unfiltered, and full of life.

The Food

The matzo ball soup arrived steaming and fragrant, and the first spoonful told me it was made with care. The broth was rich and balanced, the seasoning perfect, and the matzo ball itself was pillowy and moist, just the way it should be. There was nothing to add, nothing missing. It was comfort in a bowl, and it tasted like home, even though this is not the home I was born into.

Then came the Reuben. The sandwich was piled high with tender corned beef, Swiss cheese melting into the layers, sauerkraut tangy and sharp, and Russian dressing binding it all together. The marble rye was toasted and crisp, giving every bite texture and weight. On the side, a crunchy pickle and coleslaw that rounded out the plate in a way that felt complete.

I also tried the knish, which carries its own story. Knishes were brought to America by Ashkenazi Jewish immigrants in the early 1900s, often sold on pushcarts in New York City. They became a symbol of home for families trying to hold on to their traditions in a new world. Yonah Schimmel’s Knish Bakery, still standing on the Lower East Side, is one of the most famous examples of this legacy. Biting into the one at Saratoga Broadway’s Deli felt like tasting that history in Saratoga Springs. It was golden, flaky, filled with soft potato, simple but full of meaning. This was more than a snack, it was a quiet reminder of survival and tradition carried through generations.

Why It’s Special

Saratoga Broadway’s Deli is more than a place to eat. It is a place that brings history, culture, and community into the present. The food is soulful, the atmosphere is alive, and the people behind it carry values that matter. For me, as a man of color, it is powerful to step into a space like this in Saratoga Springs and feel diversity being honored, not ignored. The city is beautiful and welcoming, but places like this give it depth. They remind you that culture is not static, it is alive, evolving, and worth celebrating.

Recommendation

Start with the matzo ball soup, because it captures the heart of the place. Order the Reuben, because it will not disappoint. Try the knish if you want to taste history folded into pastry. And let yourself enjoy the vibe, whether that means hopping on one of the free arcade machines or singing along if reggaetón suddenly fills the room. This is not just a deli; it is an experience, one that stays with you long after you leave.

Thank you for reading, Marco.

Visit Saratoga Broadway’s Deli

_{Photos from The Culinary Chronicle.}