Steve’s Downtown Deli

If I worked downtown,

and if I had unlimited funds,

and if my metabolism would allow,

I would have lunch at Steve’s Downtown Deli once a week.

I’ve only eaten two meals there and it already holds a soft spot in my heart…or stomach…either way.

Steve’s close proximity to the newspaper makes it a favorite among the Clarion Ledger staff, and it’s only fitting two friends (previous CL employees) suggested it. My initial visit was months ago and we’ve had long standing plans for a repeat. The stars aligned, the time was right and we went back for seconds last week.

By 11:30 a.m. a line rapidly forms to the door, so I’d advise arriving early to beat the rush. Armed with this knowledge we headed downtown with high hopes for a short wait. Anticipating this lunch for awhile, I already knew what to order. They offer a daily plate special and on Fridays it’s a Black Bean and Pulled Chicken Burrito, Corn Rice Pilaf, and Cantaloupe Salsa. I also got a cup of  Senegalese Peanut Chicken soup.

Good soup is hard to find.

Soup is one of the items I judge a restaurant by because few places make soup from scratch (1) that taste good (2). I’ve had plenty of watery, thin, bland versions or others that come from a bag, can, or box. The Senegalese Peanut Chicken soup is none of those things. This soup has pieces of tomato, chicken, and some sort of greens in a peanut, coconut milk broth (my guess). Although not very thick, it’s full of flavor; a unique taste experience. The soup has been established as a regular item on the menu due to it’s popularity. I cleaned my cup.

The Chicken Burrito special is more like a chicken soft taco (if you want to get technical), nevertheless it’s stuffed with black beans, cheese, and topped with salsa and sour cream. The chicken is moist, the salsa has a smokey element and it’s a generous portion. The yellow rice is slight sweet (I’m guessing from the corn) and the cantaloupe salsa is more like a small salad: melon, tomato, and jalapeno on spring mix. I cleaned my plate.

One of my friends ordered exactly what I had, another got the Brisket Wrap Sandwich Special, and another got a sandwich I can’t remember at the moment. The Brisket Wrap was bursting with meat and coleslaw, it was my back-up choice maybe my first next time.

Steve’s is a city deli serving consistently good food, adding charm and life to Jackson’s downtown area. It has fairly fast service despite a steady crowd. I’d like to go back for the quiche, or Tuscan Chicken Pot Pie, or muffuletta, or one of every daily special. Thankfully I don’t work downtown, otherwise my wallet and hips would be in imminent danger.

Steve’s Downtown Deli
125 S. Congress St.
Capital Towers
Jackson, MS 39201
www.stevesdowntown.com