Scottie’s Deli
The black and white subway tiles and classic monochrome logo suggest that Scottie’s Deli has been around for decades, in the style of Katz Deli or Russ and Daughters. However, this ode to the deli sandwich is actually the latest modern lunch spot in Uptown. Scottie’s Deli pays homage to the history of traditional Jewish, Italian, and German delicatessens in its food as well as its design.
Owner Eric Fossett recalls growing up in his family’s California sandwich shops, Big John’s Submarine Sandwiches, which were inspired by his grandfather’s trip to the east coast back in the 1980s.
“What I remember vividly is spending summer days at my grandmother’s house as a child while my parents worked and we would stop by ‘The Shop’ daily and I would help portion out the specialty “Big John” and get a beef dip sandwich,” said Fossett. “So, I suppose the love for the sandwich was born there.”
In his adult years, Fossett has traveled to many cities with flavorful food and satisfying sandwiches. Despite traveling all across the country, Fossett continued to find himself most drawn to classic east coast and west coast delis.
“I would say that while the sandwich has a special place in my heart, it is the love of good food that is really what I’m passionate about,” said Fossett. “The sandwich is a part of my history, but my upbringing, family, and travels have generated a love of high quality foods that transcends the sandwich, yet is reflected in our sandwiches.”
Scottie’s Deli takes pride in taking the time to smoke and cure their own meats. One of their most popular sandwiches is as simple and classic as it gets, a pastrami on rye with whole grain mustard. Their pastrami is brined, seasoned with an herb and spice rub, then smoked before making its way between two slices of freshly baked rye. The commitment to in-house smoking continues with the Miss Piggy, which includes pork loin, ham, and bacon that has been cured and smoked with cherry wood.
The Big John, named after his grandfather’s namesake restaurant, is a classic Italian sub with salami, cotto, hot capicola, mortadella, provolone, and fixings topped with a basil vinaigrette. This is a challenge of a sandwich to eat in one sitting, perhaps more fitting for a long road trip or a shared picnic. But if you decide to tackle it at the table, you can wash it down with one of the many craft beers available.
If giant sandwiches filled with meat aren’t your thing, Scottie’s also has some delectable veggie options that rely upon black beans, hummus, and crisp fresh veggies for flavor. When it’s hard to decide, an easy fallback is the grilled cheese, kind of like your mom used to make, but with far superior cheese and homemade white bread. They also now offer a gluten-free bread option that is, no surprise here, also made in-house!
Scottie’s is a welcome addition in Oklahoma City’s emerging food scene and in the rejuvenation of the Uptown 23rd district. Much like his grandfather before him, Fossett is providing his community with a high-quality sandwich shop founded on passion, craftsmanship, and quality. Stop by and see it for yourself. You won’t be sorry!
Scottie’s Deli, 427 NW 23rd Street, Oklahoma City
