When John and Anna Carroll Gregory opened Empire Bagel and Delicatessen in 2017, their goal was to bring a New York-style eatery to Thomasville. The restaurant was a hit immediately, selling out during the grand opening. People are still crowding into the delicatessen for breakfast and lunch, and they rave about the food and atmosphere. Let’s take a closer look at this NY-style deli.
A True NY Delicatessen Experience
When you eat here, you will get an authentic delicatessen experience straight out of New York. New York delis are all about interaction. You don’t just wander in, browse the menu, and quietly place your order. No, the conversation begins as soon as you walk through the door. You’re greeted the moment you enter, and the staff talks to you while you decide what to order. That conversation will continue until you get your food.
It’s also an authentic deli due to its menu. It has a full range of sandwiches and soups, just like a New York delicatessen. Also, just like an authentic deli, the menu is diverse. It has all kinds of items, including The Bronx Bomber Cuban. This phenomenal sandwich has sliced ham, roasted pork, pickles, and other goodies on a house-made roll. This, like the other offerings, is scrumptious.
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Hand-rolled Bagels and Delicious Spreads
You don’t have to worry about a stale bagel when you eat at Empire Bagel Delicatessen. The team rolls all the bagels by hand, which you can see at the rolling station. The hand-rolled bagels come in various flavors, such as cinnamon raisin and onion. Plus, the delicatessen has seasonal bagels available throughout the year. No matter what you order, you can expect a bagel that’s crisp on the outside and soft inside, just like New Yorkers (and Georgians) like it.
The bagels are even better when you add a spread. Referred to as a “shmear” at the delicatessen, you can find everything from the classics to unique flavors and seasonal offerings. The house-made pimento cheese is an amazing spread, and you will also love the bacon cheddar shmear.
The bagels are available all day, and you can eat them as is or get them on a sandwich. Oh, and you can also grab the My Favorite Co-Worker bagel platter. It has enough bagels and shmear for 12-15 coworkers. You’ll be their favorite indeed.
Don’t let the crowds keep you away. Yes, lots of people come here for breakfast and lunch, but the staff works fast. You won’t have to wait long before placing your order and devouring your breakfast or lunch. Once you take that first bite, you’ll commit to coming back to Empire Bagel and Delicatessen over and over.
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