Garrett's Downtown Deli - Knoxville

The Reuben. Best corned beef--I almost always judge a deli by their corned beef. So many places try to pass off a rubbery meat-like substance as corned beef--but THIS PLACE makes the real thing! It was a delicious surprise to bite into a thick, meaty, tender moist sandwich. Haven't had one like this in YEARS!

What a surprise!. I travel the country for my law practice. Last week I found myself in Knoxville,TN.<br/ Wherever I go I buy lunch for the office I am visiting. I had arranged a delivered lunch for the entire crew long story short, they bungled the order.<br/ One of the girls suggested we try Garrett 's Downtown Deli (very close by).<br/ I was reluctant because they had received a bad review on Urbanspoon and I was unfamiliar with them. Went there in person and spoke with manager, Dawn. Could she be more charming and accommodating?! <br/ They took care of our last minute order (33 people including several 'add on ' last minute call ins)...result: OUTSTANDING JOB!<br/ Every item was beautifully prepared and frankly, the quality of the sandwiches blew me away.<br/ We ordered both breakfast and lunch there for the next three days (actually had breakfast catered/ delivered on the third day). <br/ They do a 'Chefs Plate ' which I guess changes every week several of us tried the 'Sonora Enchilada Platter '...WOW!<br/ I love Latin cuisine...this was a good as anything I 've had ANYWHERE.<br/ Overall, the service and quality of the food were absolutely knockout. (The Ruben got major raves)<br/ It was by sheer luck I came upon this place it will be my number one destination every time I visit Knoxville the place is a treasure.

Try The CHEF'S PLATE!!. Working in the Downtown area, I often go out for lunch. I am always greeted with helpful and friendly staff at Garrett's. Their menu has everything and anything to suit your mood. A simple grilled Turkey melt is awesome! I don't know what they do to the sandwiches to make them so good--I'm guessing it is the quality of the ingredients. Their chicken salad, tuna, and egg salads are all homemade and you can taste the difference from what you would purchase from the grocery store. But my new favorite is the Chef's Plate--a restaurant-style cuisine without the upscale price! So far I have enjoyed seared salmon, chicken enchiladas, stuffed pork chops, and New Orleans jambalaya!! Every week it changes and I am always excited to see what is new and different! What I like the best about this place is that you could spend a little more on your lunch with the Chef Plate or as little as $6 for your lunch. They offer a variety of options so you can spend as little or as much as you like.I have been a customer of theirs for over a year and always have been really happy with every meal--breakfast and lunch!

The Reuben. I haven't had a sandwich like this since I visited New York!! You can tell the corned beef is the real deal--not the typical lunch meat style that many delis try to get away with.

Great tasting sandwiches and burgers with a good range of side options at very reasonable prices. I usually eat here for less than $8. If you work downtown thus is a great hidden lunch stop at the base of the First Tennessee tower.