1635 Spring garden Street
Greensboro, 273-5564 First Carolina Delicatessen is located in an unassuming space within walking distance of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) campus. A ten-minute drive from Guilford College, the restaurant is well worth an excursion into UNCG-land. Those willing to break away from the enticements of the Sodexo dining experience should consider making the trip.
First Carolina provides a first-rate example of a Northeastern deli for northerners homesick for real deli-fare and southerners who want a change from grits and pork-rinds. The atmosphere is friendly and casual. A sign inviting you to seat yourself greets you at the door and a large deli-case displaying meats, cheeses and breads dominates the restaurant. While the case seems a little bedraggled, a competent and hard-working crew mans the workstations.
While I was there, a recording of Charlie Christian played unobtrusively over the din of Saturday diners, and I picked a place at the back where there is less noise and more privacy. Business was brisk for a late Saturday afternoon.
Service is energetic, friendly and alert. My server took a moment to chat with regulars which gave me the feeling of a relaxed but competent wait staff. The energy of the employees seemed high and focused. My general impression is that these people know what they are doing.
A large beer case sits on the back wall, and I was happy to see Boddingtons as well as some other more unfamiliar imports. The selection represents dozens of breweries for beer aficionados and swillers alike.
Along with the option to build your own creation, First Carolina offers one of the most inventive house sandwich selections I have ever seen. Each has a name reflecting the Northeastern influence. Try the Hoboken if you like roast beef, the Hackensack if you think Russian dressing is the only thing to spread on rye, or the Asbury if you like prosciutto and grilled chicken. Each sandwich comes with a choice of chips or carrot sticks.
I had the Avon because it featured Nova Scotia smoked salmon. The sandwich came on bialy bread which was a little doughy, and I might have done better ordering it on a bagel. But the salmon was plentiful and there was just enough sandwich to be filling without requiring a four-hour nap afterwards.
The prices are moderate with most menu items coming in at below $6. My bill came to under $10, not including tip, for a sandwich and an imported beer.
While I don’t get the opportunity to eat there often enough, First Carolina Delicatessen remains for me one of the first-rate establishments in the area. Take a trip over to UNCG-ville and check it out.