The folks who brought us Barnaby's Cafe have done it again! Brown Bag Deli is a funky little sandwich shop on Westheimer at Shepherd Dr., on the edge of Montrose and near the Westheimer antique shop district. Newer locations have also recently opened in Rice Village and Northwest Houston. The concept is simple. Pick up a clipboard and brown paper bag with the menu printed on it at the front door or counter and a pencil. Create your own sandwich by marking the menu on the bag with your choice of bread, meat, cheese, veggies, and condiments. Check off any side orders or beverages, turn in your bag to the cashier, pay for your order, and in a few minutes, your bag is returned filled with your order. Sure, it's a simple concept, but what makes Brown Bag Deli a wonderful place for lunch (or to get food to go for a nice picnic in Hermann Park) is the amazing quality the food, super cheap prices, and the fun and friendly staff.
To start, there's the bread. This isn't your ordinary plain white Wonder Bread. Sandwiches are served on freshly made buns that are unbelievably good. White, whole wheat, and jalapeño cheese choices are available. Sandwiches are made with your choice from a selection of meats, including Boar's Head ham, turkey, salami, and roast beef, as well as tuna salad with pecans (I'm pretty sure it's the same tuna salad recipe they use at Barnaby's), chicken salad (not the same as the recipe at Barnaby's but still very good), pimento cheese, and egg salad (a friend swears this stuff is heavenly). Top it off with your choices from a selection of cheeses, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, several types of mustard, mayonnaise, or horseradish sauce and you have a delicious, filling sandwich for $3.50. Side orders include Zapp's chips, Baked Lays, fruit, and a wonderful red skin potato salad. For dessert, a selection of cakes, homemade cookies, and wonderful pecan tarts are available, as well as Amy's Ice Cream. Sound like the perfect place? The deli closes at 6:00 PM, so this is a place to hit for lunch, not dinner. And the parking (as with all other locations in the Barnaby's family or restaurants) can be a pain when they are busy. Nevertheless, these are minor inconveniences. I challenge you to find a better, fresher, healthier, and cheaper alternative for lunch where you can stuff yourself for well under $10.
- Average price for sandwich, side, and drink: $5.95-$6.50
- Rice Village: 2540 Amherst, (713) 520-6100
- Northwest: 13169 NW Frwy. (US 290), (713) 690.8600
- Payment methods: Cash, check, or credit cards.
- METRO: 82 Westheimer, 26/27 Outer/Inner Loop Crosstown (Shepherd), 18 Kirby, 73 Bellfort Crosstown (Rice Village).