Discover The Hidden North Carolina Deli With Legendary Pastrami Today

Tucked inside the bustling Morgan Street Food Hall sits a spot that brings authentic New York deli flavor straight to the heart of the South. Times Square Deli serves up towering pastrami sandwiches, crispy potato twists, and all the classic comfort food that makes a proper deli worth seeking out.

The kind of place where meat gets piled high, bread gets toasted just right, and every bite tastes as if it traveled straight from a Brooklyn corner shop. North Carolina just got a whole lot tastier.

Located at 411 W Morgan St in Raleigh, this hidden jewel has been winning over locals and visitors with generous portions, friendly service, and flavors that remind transplants of home while introducing Southerners to what a real deli sandwich should be.

The space hums with energy from morning until evening, filling the food hall with the smell of grilled onions, melted cheese, and freshly toasted rye bread that makes stomachs rumble from across the room.

1. Signature Potato Twists That Crunch

Potato twists at Times Square Deli start as whole potatoes that get spiral-cut and fried until crispy. The unique preparation creates more surface area than regular fries, resulting in extra crunch with every bite.

The loaded version arrives piled with toppings like cheese, bacon, and sour cream. Multiple reviews highlight how the potato maintains its crispiness even under all those additions, which speaks to the quality of the frying technique.

Plain potato twists come as a side option with sandwiches, offering a twist on traditional fries. The shape makes them fun to eat and provides excellent surface area for dipping into the various sauces the deli offers.

One reviewer specifically mentioned the cinnamon sugar option paired with sweet potato fries as phenomenal. The versatility of the potato twist format allows for both savory and sweet preparations, making it a signature item that works across different taste preferences and meal types throughout the day.

2. Classic Reuben Sandwich Execution

The Reuben at Times Square Deli follows traditional construction with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and dressing on grilled rye. Getting the balance right between these ingredients determines whether a Reuben succeeds or disappoints.

Several customers praised the proper meat-to-sauerkraut ratio, noting that the sandwich avoided the common pitfall of too much kraut overwhelming the other flavors. The grilling technique ensures the cheese melts thoroughly while the bread develops a golden exterior.

One reviewer appreciated that the Reuben contained not too much meat like some places pile on, nor too little like others skimp with. The measured approach creates a sandwich where all the components work together rather than competing.

The flavors and textures blend properly when executed well, with the tangy sauerkraut cutting through the richness of the meat and cheese. Some reviewers mentioned getting the pastrami version instead of traditional corned beef, which the deli accommodates as a popular variation on the classic recipe.

3. Philly Cheesesteak With Proper Bread

Cheesesteaks at Times Square Deli earn praise from reviewers who grew up eating them in Philadelphia and New Jersey. Getting the bread right matters as much as the meat and cheese, and this deli apparently understands that principle.

One customer specifically mentioned the hoagie was firm on the outside to properly hold all the ingredients but tender inside. That texture contrast keeps the sandwich from falling apart while maintaining an enjoyable eating experience.

The steak comes served hot with fresh vegetables, and multiple reviews emphasize that the deli does not skimp on cheese like many places do. The generous cheese application ensures every bite includes that creamy, melted texture that defines a proper cheesesteak.

A South Jersey reviewer gave the cheesesteak their stamp of approval, which carries weight given the regional expertise. The deli offers both traditional beef and chicken versions, with the spicy variation adding heat for those who want extra kick in their sandwich.

4. Operating Hours Seven Days Weekly

Times Square Deli maintains consistent hours throughout the week, opening at 11 AM daily for lunch service. The schedule runs until 9 PM Sunday through Thursday, giving downtown workers and residents reliable access to deli sandwiches through dinner time.

Friday and Saturday hours extend until 10 PM, accommodating the weekend crowd that tends to dine later. The later closing on weekends aligns with the increased foot traffic in the Warehouse District as people explore downtown Raleigh nightlife.

The seven-day schedule means the deli never closes for a weekly break, which benefits both regular customers and visitors who might only have certain days available. One reviewer mentioned stopping by on a Sunday evening after a museum visit, finding the deli open and ready to serve.

Operating within the food hall means the deli benefits from the overall traffic patterns of the larger venue. The consistent schedule builds trust with customers who know they can count on the deli being open when they plan a visit downtown.

5. Hand-Made Sides Prepared Fresh

Sides at Times Square Deli get made by hand rather than arriving pre-prepared from a supplier. One reviewer specifically noted that all the sides were handmade and prepared to order, which explains the quality difference customers notice.

Onion rings receive particular praise in multiple reviews, with one customer mentioning they normally do not enjoy onion rings but these blew their mind. The rings come with a special dipping sauce that enhances the experience.

Sweet potato fries offer another popular side option, with the cinnamon sugar dip earning mentions as phenomenal. The combination of savory fried sweet potato with sweet cinnamon creates an interesting flavor contrast that works surprisingly well.

The made-to-order approach means sides come out hot and fresh rather than sitting under heat lamps. This commitment to preparation quality extends the same attention to detail given to the main sandwiches down to the accompaniments, ensuring the complete meal meets expectations from first bite to last.

6. New York Style Pastrami Done Right

Pastrami at Times Square Deli comes stacked so high it barely fits between two slices of rye. The meat arrives tender and smoky, seasoned with the kind of peppery crust that defines proper deli pastrami.

Each sandwich gets built to order, with the pastrami sliced thick enough to maintain its texture but thin enough to bite through comfortably. The rye bread holds up under the weight without getting soggy, toasted until the outside develops a slight crunch while staying soft inside.

Reviewers consistently mention the generous meat portions as a standout feature. One visitor noted the Brooklyn Pastrami Club had meat piled high like a New York sandwich should be, with perfectly toasted bread that completed the experience.

The pastrami comes from a trusted source that the staff happily discusses with curious customers. The flavor profile stays true to East Coast tradition, bringing that authentic taste to downtown Raleigh without requiring a plane ticket north.

7. Generous Portion Sizes Throughout Menu

Portion sizes at Times Square Deli consistently surprise first-time visitors who expect standard sandwich dimensions. Multiple reviewers mention the sandwiches being huge, with one parent noting both the Reuben and BLT they ordered were massive.

The meat portions specifically earn repeated mentions as undeniably what a sandwich should be according to one satisfied customer. Another reviewer could only finish half their chicken Philly because of how much meat the sandwich contained.

This generosity extends beyond just the sandwiches to the sides as well. The loaded potato twist arrives piled with toppings, and reviewers note being impressed with how much food they receive for the price.

Some customers mention the portions justify the cost, while one reviewer felt the price ran too high for what they received. The majority opinion leans toward the generous side, with most people finding the amount of food appropriate or even more than expected for a deli sandwich in this price range.

8. Vegetarian Options Like Veggie Philly

Times Square Deli accommodates vegetarian diners with options like the veggie Philly. One customer enthusiastically returns specifically for this sandwich, describing it as delicious and worth repeat visits.

The veggie Philly follows the same construction method as the meat versions but substitutes grilled vegetables for steak. The sandwich still includes the melted cheese, peppers, and onions that make a Philly satisfying.

The same customer gave the service amazing ratings and praised the owner’s commitment to quality, suggesting the vegetarian options receive the same attention as the meat-based menu items. The food hall environment makes it easy for mixed groups to dine together even when dietary preferences differ.

Having substantial vegetarian choices matters in a deli setting where meat typically dominates the menu. The veggie Philly provides a filling option rather than relegating vegetarians to salads or basic cheese sandwiches, which shows thoughtfulness in menu planning and respect for different dietary approaches.

9. Quick Service During Busy Times

Speed of service receives frequent mentions in reviews, with customers noting their food arrives quickly even when the food hall appears busy. One family mentioned their sandwiches came out fast on a Sunday evening, which tends to be a popular time.

The made-to-order model could potentially create long waits, but the deli apparently manages workflow efficiently. Another reviewer appreciated how quickly their order was ready despite being freshly prepared rather than pre-made.

Quick service matters particularly in a downtown location where lunch breaks have time limits and museum visitors work around schedules. The deli balances speed with quality, avoiding the trap of rushing preparation at the expense of proper cooking.

The efficiency likely comes from good systems and experienced staff who know how to manage multiple orders simultaneously. The food hall format helps too, as customers can place orders and then find seating while their food gets prepared, making the wait feel shorter than standing at a counter watching the clock.

10. Location Inside Morgan Street Food Hall

Morgan Street Food Hall provides the perfect home for Times Square Deli in downtown Raleigh’s Warehouse District. The food hall concept brings together multiple vendors under one roof, creating a lively dining atmosphere where different food styles coexist.

Times Square Deli operates as one of the anchor vendors inside this popular destination. The food hall setup allows diners to order from the deli counter and then choose from various seating options throughout the shared space.

The Warehouse District location puts the deli within walking distance of offices, museums, and other downtown attractions. Several reviewers mentioned stopping by after visiting nearby museums or during lunch breaks, finding the food hall convenient and welcoming.

The communal atmosphere means the space stays busy during peak hours, especially on weekends. The energy level runs high as different vendors serve their specialties while customers move between counters and tables, creating a dynamic dining environment that feels more like a marketplace than a traditional restaurant.

11. Special Dipping Sauces Worth Trying

Sauces at Times Square Deli, at 411 W Morgan St in Raleigh, earn specific mentions in reviews as exceptional additions to the meal. One customer called the dipping sauce with their turkey club exceptional, while another praised the special sauce that accompanied the onion rings.

The cinnamon sugar dip paired with sweet potato fries gets described as phenomenal by multiple reviewers. This sweet sauce option shows creativity beyond typical ketchup and mustard, giving customers something unexpected to try.

Au jus appears as an option for dipping, with one reviewer mentioning using it for their loaded potato twist. The availability of this rich beef broth adds a savory dimension that works well with both sandwiches and sides.

These house-made sauces demonstrate attention to details that elevate the dining experience. Rather than relying on standard condiments, the deli creates signature accompaniments that complement specific menu items and give customers reasons to explore different combinations across multiple visits to find their personal favorites.