This California Deli Serves Sky-High Corned Beef Sandwiches That Barely Fit In Your Hands

Some sandwiches are perfectly manageable with one hand.

Others arrive looking like the kitchen has issued a personal challenge, and a towering corned beef sandwich definitely belongs in the second category.

Thinly sliced meat piled between slices of bread sounds simple enough, but the proportions can turn an ordinary lunch into a serious undertaking.

Add that unmistakable deli flavor, and the temptation to keep eating becomes considerably stronger than your ability to hold everything together.

A California deli sandwich reaches a whole new level of ambition when the corned beef starts competing with the bread for space.

That generous, old-school approach is part of what makes a proper delicatessen so appealing.

The food feels substantial, the familiar favorites get plenty of attention, and nobody needs a complicated explanation of what makes a good sandwich.

Sky-High Sandwiches That Require Both Hands To Handle

Tall food has a way of making people smile before they even pick it up.

Elijah’s Restaurant, Delicatessen and Catering is known for its Sky High sandwiches, a special group of double-stacked creations built in the New York deli style.

The restaurant sits at 7061 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, Suite 210, San Diego, California 92111, and the sandwiches are one of the main reasons people visit.

Holding one usually takes both hands and a little patience. The stack can lean if it is lifted too fast, so a gentle squeeze from the top and bottom tends to help.

Some diners may find a knife and fork easier, especially when dressing or cheese starts sliding out the sides.

Size is part of the fun, but it also affects how a meal is planned. One sandwich could easily feed two light eaters, so sharing is a smart idea for anyone who wants room for soup or dessert.

Leftovers are common, and asking for a to-go box is perfectly normal at a deli like this.

Fresh rye gives the stack a soft yet sturdy base that holds up under the weight. A quiet table and a few extra napkins make the whole experience more relaxed.

The Empire State Building Sandwich Stacks Corned Beef And Pastrami With Swiss Cheese And Russian Dressing

Named after one of the tallest landmarks in New York, this sandwich lives up to its title in a fun way.

The Empire State Building Sandwich combines hot corned beef and hot pastrami in one big stack.

Swiss cheese adds a mild, slightly nutty layer that softens the salty meats. Russian dressing brings a creamy, tangy finish that ties everything together.

All of it rests on rye bread, which has a light sour flavor that pairs well with cured meats. The two meats offer a nice contrast in texture and taste.

Corned beef tends to be tender and mellow, while pastrami usually carries a peppery, smoky edge.

First-timers who cannot choose between the two meats might enjoy this option the most. It gives a sample of both without ordering two separate sandwiches.

The warm meat can make the cheese turn soft and melty, so eating it fresh from the kitchen is a good idea.

Dressing may drip as the sandwich gets pressed, so keeping a napkin nearby is wise. Cutting it into smaller sections could make it easier to manage at the table.

Fans of bold, hearty flavors will likely find this one memorable. It stands as one of the signature picks on the Sky High lineup.

Pastrami Sandwiches Give Meat Lovers Another Hearty Option

Pepper, smoke and warm rye make a winning team for many sandwich lovers. The Hot Pastrami Sandwich stands as one of the most talked-about items on the menu.

It comes served hot on rye bread, which is the classic way to enjoy it. Pastrami gets plenty of attention from regular visitors, so it is a natural pick for a first trip.

Pastrami starts much like corned beef, with cured beef. After curing, it is coated in spices such as black pepper and coriander, then smoked and steamed.

Texture can vary from slice to slice, with some pieces leaner and others a bit richer.

The warm meat often softens the rye bread slightly, making each bite tender. A pickle on the side may help cut through the strong spices.

Diners who enjoy smoky foods might prefer pastrami over corned beef. Trying both meats on separate visits is a fun way to find a favorite.

Some guests may like their pastrami plain, while others prefer it with mustard. Asking the server about options is easy and common in a casual deli setting.

Freshly Made Deli Salads Offer More Than Just Sandwiches

Not every deli visit has to end with a mountain of meat.

Fresh salads give diners a lighter path through the menu. Choices include a House Salad, a crisp Lettuce Wedge, a Caesar and a Greek Salad.

Heartier picks such as Cobb Salad, Sunshine Chicken Salad, Crispy Duck Salad and Steak Salad are also listed.

Dressing options cover a wide range of tastes. Ranch, blue cheese, Italian, Thousand Island and Greek are among them. Balsamic vinaigrette and raspberry vinaigrette add sweeter, tangier choices.

Salads can be a smart move after a big breakfast or before a busy afternoon. Some of the larger options, like the steak or duck salads, may be filling enough to work as a full meal.

Asking for dressing on the side helps control how much goes on the greens. That small request is common and easy to make. It also keeps lettuce crisp if part of the salad is going home.

Groups with mixed appetites often find salads helpful. One person can enjoy a towering sandwich while another picks something fresh and crunchy.

Traditional Matzo Ball Soup Brings A Taste Of Jewish Deli Comfort

A warm bowl of soup can feel like a hug on a cool afternoon.

Matzo ball soup is one of the most loved comfort foods at the deli. It features chicken noodle soup with a round matzo ball floating in the center.

The broth tends to be light and soothing, while the matzo ball adds a soft, filling bite.

Matzo balls are made from matzo meal, eggs and fat, shaped into dumplings and cooked in liquid.

They have long been part of Jewish cooking, especially during Passover. Some come out fluffy and others firmer in the middle, depending on the recipe.

Hungry diners might want to try the Mish-Mosh Soup instead. It includes chicken noodle soup with carrots, a matzo ball and kreplach.

Kreplach are small filled dumplings, somewhat like a Jewish version of wontons.

Soup pairs nicely with a sandwich, especially when sharing a tall stack. A cup or bowl can also work as a light meal on its own. On chilly days, it may be the first thing many people reach for on the menu.

Steam rising from the bowl is a sign to wait a moment before the first spoonful. Breaking the matzo ball into smaller pieces helps it soak up the broth.

Classic Jewish Deli Specialties Keep The Menu Rooted In Tradition

Grandparents across many generations would recognize the dishes on this part of the menu.

Knish is one standout, made of potato and onion wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Blintzes are rolled crepes filled with cheese, cherries or apples, served with sour cream and apple sauce.

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls come filled with ground beef in a sweet and sour sauce. Chopped Liver is available too, often paired with rye bread.

Matzo Brie, a mix of matzo and eggs, offers a simple and warming option. Each dish carries a piece of Jewish home cooking from Eastern Europe.

Many items are made fresh in-house each day. That includes challah bread and cheesecakes, which adds a homemade feel to the meal.

Challah is a soft, slightly sweet braided bread often served on holidays and Sabbath dinners.

Trying one or two of these specialties can make a visit feel more complete. Blintzes may appeal to anyone with a sweet tooth, while cabbage rolls suit those wanting something savory.

Sharing a few small plates is a relaxed way to sample several traditions at once.

Breakfast Favorites Include Bagels, Eggs And Other Hearty Morning Plates

Morning cravings do not have to stop at noon here. An all-day breakfast menu covers a wide range of plates.

Two Eggs Any Style is a simple start, while omelettes add more variety. The Reuben Omelette packs corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and Russian dressing into eggs.

Eggs Benedict comes with Canadian bacon, lox or crab cakes. Challah French Toast, pancakes and waffles bring sweeter options to the table.

Deli Hashes, including Corned Beef, Mushroom and Ground Turkey, are tossed with crispy potatoes and topped with two eggs.

Bagel lovers have plenty to choose from as well. Bagels with cream cheese and lox platters offer a classic deli breakfast.

The Big Wave Breakfast includes eggs, a bagel, lox or whitefish, choice of meat, cream cheese, fresh fruit and a beverage.

A Breakfast Bagel Sandwich layers scrambled eggs, bacon and cheddar on a sliced bagel. It can be a handy choice for a quicker morning meal.

Weekend mornings at popular breakfast spots often draw more people, so arriving early might help.

An Extensive Menu Makes It Easy To Bring Friends With Different Appetites

Picking a restaurant for a group can be tricky when everyone wants something different.

A long menu solves much of that problem at this deli. New York deli classics sit right alongside San Diego diner favorites.

Options stretch from overstuffed sandwiches and Sky High stacks to half-pound burgers, wraps and fresh salads.

Vegetarian guests have a full range of choices too. The Veggie Reuben, Veggie Burger and roasted eggplant and vegetable sandwiches or wraps are all on the list.

Families will appreciate the dedicated kids’ menu. Younger diners can find simpler plates sized for smaller appetites. Parents may feel more relaxed knowing there is something for everyone.

Reading through the menu ahead of time can save a few minutes at the table. The sheer number of options might feel a little overwhelming on a first visit.

Asking a server for popular picks can help narrow things down.

Groups could also plan to order several dishes and share them. That approach lets everyone sample sandwiches, sides and breakfast plates in one sitting.

The deli tends to receive positive feedback for its variety, and a menu this broad means picky eaters and adventurous eaters can sit side by side without fuss.

A Casual, Family-Friendly Atmosphere Makes It An Easy Spot For A Filling Meal

Comfort matters just as much as the food when settling in for a big meal.

The dining room has a casual, no-frills style with a roomy layout. Seating feels spacious, which helps groups and families spread out without crowding.

Families tend to feel welcome thanks to the kids’ menu and relaxed pace. High chairs are on hand for little ones.

The overall vibe leans more toward a friendly neighborhood diner than a fancy restaurant.

Bigger events have a place here too. A banquet room can host gatherings of up to 120 guests. That space may work well for birthdays, club meetings or family celebrations.

Getting there is fairly simple, with a free parking lot right in front. The restaurant usually opens daily from 8 AM to 9 PM.

Hours may change around holidays, so calling ahead is a good idea.

Noise levels can vary with the crowd, so quieter visits might happen during off-peak hours like mid-afternoon.

Easygoing comfort, hearty plates and plenty of room make this California place a dependable stop for a meal that leaves everyone full.