St. Paul's Deli Legend: Cecil's Is Still Crushing It

Tommy Brandt — West St. Paul
HVAC tech, beer league hockey coach, the most Minnesotan person alive. Discovered he could write when a county fair cheese curd rant went viral on a local Facebook group.

Alright, listen up. It's August, it’s hot, and honestly, sometimes you just need something reliable. Something that isn't trying to reinvent the wheel, isn't going for some 'fusion' nonsense, and definitely isn't charging you eleven bucks for a single slice of avocado on toast. I'm talking about real food. Food that sticks to your ribs, tastes like your grandma might have made it (if your grandma was a New York deli legend), and comes with zero pretension. And for my money, and yours, that means getting your butt to Cecil's Deli in St. Paul.

More Than Just a Deli, It's a Landmark

Now, some of you St. Paul lifers might be rolling your eyes, thinking, 'Tommy, everyone knows Cecil's.' And yeah, you're not wrong. People who know, know. But I'm telling you, there are still plenty of folks out there, especially on the Minneapolis side or if you haven't been in the Cities for decades, who haven't experienced the absolute glory that is Cecil's. They’re probably still lining up for whatever new spot got a fancy write-up last week, while Cecil's just keeps on doing what it’s done for, no joke, almost 75 years.

Walking into Cecil's is like stepping back in time, in the best possible way. It's got that classic deli bustle, the smell of corned beef and pickles hitting you the second you open the door. The place isn't trying to be hip, or modern, or whatever else they're calling 'chic' these days. It’s got booths, a long counter, and shelves absolutely packed with every kind of Jewish grocery item you could imagine – from obscure sodas to matzo ball soup mix. It's a grocery, a bakery, and a restaurant all rolled into one, and it just works. The staff, honestly, they’re the real deal. They’ve seen it all, and they’re efficient, friendly, and they know their stuff.

The Sandwiches Are What You Came For (And They Deliver)

Let's get to the important part: the food. Specifically, the sandwiches. If you’re a fan of pastrami, corned beef, or really any kind of glorious, piled-high deli meat, you’ve hit the jackpot. I'm talking about portions so generous, they’re almost a challenge. You order a hot pastrami on rye, and what you get isn't just a sandwich, it's a small, delicious mountain of thinly sliced, perfectly seasoned meat, steaming hot, nestled between slices of fresh, tangy rye bread. You'll get a pickle on the side, obviously. And honestly, it’s a two-meal sandwich, minimum. I often get one for lunch and then save half for dinner, or even breakfast the next day, no joke.

My go-to is usually the #1 (Hot Pastrami), but the #2 (Hot Corned Beef) is equally legendary. And if you're feeling adventurous, try a Reuben or a Rachel. Their homemade potato salad and coleslaw are the perfect sides – simple, classic, and exactly what you want. This isn’t a place where they’re trying to impress you with foam or microgreens. This is just damn good food, made with care, and served up in quantities that make you feel like you’re actually getting your money’s worth.

No Pretension, Just Perfection

Cecil’s isn’t on the 'top ten new restaurants to try' lists because it doesn't need to be. It's a bedrock of the St. Paul food scene. It’s the kind of place your grandpa probably took your dad, and your dad took you. It’s consistent. It’s comforting. And in a world of ever-changing trends and Instagram-bait food, there's something genuinely refreshing about a place that just does what it does, and does it impeccably well, year after year.

It’s the perfect spot for a casual lunch, a hearty dinner, or even just to grab some deli meat and cheese for a picnic. In August, when you want good food without making a fuss, Cecil's hits different. Grab a sandwich, maybe some potato knishes, and a black and white cookie for later. You won't regret it.

Parking? A Breeze, Honestly.

Okay, let's talk brass tacks. Parking. For me, this is a dealbreaker. Nothing ruins a good meal like circling the block for 20 minutes. But at Cecil’s? Forget about it. They’ve got a huge, dedicated parking lot right next door. It’s free, it’s easy, and you’ll always find a spot. You can pull right up, grab your glorious sandwich, and be on your way without a single parking-related headache. It’s honestly one of the best parking situations in the entire Twin Cities.

If you're rolling without a car, Metro Transit is your friend. The 70 bus runs right along Grand Avenue, stopping practically at the door, and the 84 isn't far off on Snelling. So no excuses, get yourself over there.

So, next time you're craving something substantial, something that's been proven for decades, skip the trendy spots and head to Cecil's. You'll thank me later, no joke.

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Photo by Kalle Georgiev on Unsplash