Home > Cleveland Restaurants > Restaurant Review > Not so typic-AL

When it comes to lunch, I'm a Jim Halpert type of guy.  My almost non-existent variations on the midday meal put me in the exact same boat as the famous "Office" character (so do the quirky, laid back personality and good looks ... ladies).  And while I haven't yet been branded with the "big tuna" moniker, or in my case "big egg salad," I could use a little variety.  A variety I found in a new little lunchtime spot called Al's deli. 

Sporting a large menu, on really large menu boards, Al's serves up traditional American, as well as Greek and Mediterranean favorites.  Popular lunch dishes include the typical array of deli sandwiches, along with shawarma, gyros, wraps, burgers and even fajitas—all served with chips or fries and a crisp pickle.  Not a carnivore?  I'll skip questioning why you're in a deli and let you know that Al's has a nice selection of salads and veggie wraps as well.  Best of all (and a new lunchtime tradition for me) is Al's daily special, usually featuring an item or dish not on the menu.  It's been my personal crusade over the last few weeks to at least pop in once every five days and order whatever is on the special board.  I've yet to be disappointed.

The staff at Al's are some of the nicest people you'll ever meet.  You're greeted with a smile from the moment you walk in (and grab a spot in the long but fast moving line), and wished a good day when your food is ready.  The dining room is clean, comfortable and sizable enough to accommodate the rush of business during the downtown lunch hour. 

The only downside is finding the place, but that's what we're here for.  Al's is inconspicuously tucked away next to the Galleria between St. Clair and Lakeside.  Just head down the promenade and look for the hanging red sign for a welcome replacement to the static lunch doldrums.

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