FTL Today faithful reader Neal stopped by Bagelstein's Restaurant - Original NY Deli and was impressed by the service and quality of food.  I personally stopped in for breakfast a while back and was also impressed with the place.  I hadn't done a review yet, but Neal was kind enough to send FTL Today his.  Neal also passes on a special for FTL Today readers!  Print out this article and show it to them at Bagelstein's and get a free bagel!  Very cool deal.

Thanks again Neal!  Here is Neal's review:



After being a local resident for 13 years I accidentally stumbled on this local gem of a restaurant during a recent visit to Imperial Point Hospital, which is located just a few doors down. Don’t even think “it is too far to drive”. It is located next door to the Italian Restaurant called Buca Di Beppo.

Bagelstein’s is, with out a doubt, the best New York Style Deli in Ft. Lauderdale. It is located on the west side of Federal Highway a block from Imperial Point Hospital which is a few miles north of Commercial. True, it is a bit of a drive for me since I live near Las Olas but worth it.

Their prices are comparable to Pomperdale’s but their servings are just as generous and to me, more importantly, they have lots of free parking, 4,000 square feet with lots of booths and tables. They also have servers (unlike Pomperdale’s) and, when I was there, it was quiet enough to read my New York Times. It is spacious, spotlessly clean, has friendly servers, quick service and the food is the best Jewish Style Deli I have had since I left New York.

I was greeted by a waiter as soon as I walked in, handed a menu and asked what I wanted to drink, the usual routine. I was there at 4pm in August, a slow time for them, so I asked who did the cooking. He yelled out, “Hey, Eddie, a customer wants to see you” Out came a 40ish guy with a thick Brooklyn accent (I am originally from the Bronx) who greeted me with a warm smile accented by his bright blue eyes. Once introduced, we exchanged the usual fellow former New Yorker greetings and I asked him what was best on the menu. After a lengthy explanation he introduced me to the owner, a lovely lady named Melinda and in short order I felt like I was part of the family.

By the time we finished talking it was about 5pm and I knew I better order something for my wife to bring home with me. I ordered chicken salad, cole slaw, tuna salad. egg salad, pasta salad, chopped liver, Hebrew National salami and sliced turkey. Enough food to last a week. I also asked if I could eat a Hebrew National hot dog while I wailed for my order. They have 5 different types of hot dogs so, unable to make a decision, I stuck with the plain Hebrew National.

The only reason I didn’t order a bagel or bialy is because my wife and I are on a carb restricted diet. Eddie told me Bagelsteins caters breakfasts to two local hospitals, several medical buildings and several synagogues which collectively make it a challenge to keep their freshly baked bagels in stock.

When I returned home my wife made a salad plate with a scoopful of everything I ordered. I was beyond fantastic and brought back memories of a place I haven’t been in 40 years.

As I write this I am faxing in my pickup order. They also deliver larger orders to most of Ft. Lauderdale.

I told Eddie about the Ft. Lauderdale today blog and he said that if any readers print out this article and bring it in he will give you a free bagel of your choice.

-Neal

Bagelstein's Restaurant is located at:
5975 N Federal Highway, Suite 103
Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Open for at 6 AM Mon-Sat, 7 AM Sun
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner served until 3 PM Sun-Mon, 6 PM Tues-Wed, 9 PM Thurs-Sat