A few months back, Elijah's opened up in the spot that used to house Players Sports Bar. If you think the name sounds familiar, you'd be right. This is the Elijah's that used to be located in La Jolla Village. I've been complaining about the lack of a decent diner/deli in the Kearny Mesa/Clairemont area.
The space really doesn't look like a deli…but what's a deli really supposed to look like? It is wide open and the tables are well spaced. There's a bar area as well.
The staff is here has been really friendly and efficient on our visits. Very likeable folks.
On my first visit I brought the Missus along….I don't think I mentioned it before, but the Missus loves Chopped Liver….perhaps why She loves me? So, I wanted Her to try the chopped liver.
She told me this was bit drier and much more "liver-y" than other versions….in other words, She loved it. On subsequent visits, I've bought a pound or so of the chopped liver when I visit.
I had the Beef Tongue Sandwich ($10.95).
Simply served on rye, this looked quite good. You'll notice what my friend, who worked in a couple of deli's on the East Coast calls the "deli stack"……the meats are piled high in the middle and when cut makes it look quite hefty. There is a decent amount of beefy, but not too salty, tongue. It had been heated on the flattop and was fairly tender. With some deli mustard it was a nice sandwich. I got fries with my sandwich; I believe an extra $2.25. It was a pretty large portion, salty, with a mild spice…very crisp thin cut.
It was a nice meal, nothing fancy, but we really enjoyed the folks working here. A few weeks later I dropped by for lunch……it's quite close to work and is a nice standby.
The time I got the Hot Pastrami ($9.95).
Nicely shaved pastrami….not great quality, a bit too fatty, greasy, and chewy, but griddled nicely so it seemed a bit bacon like. The rye bread was nice and of course the deli mustard helped to cut the grease. I think the portion size was a bit on the small side.
Not a big fan of the coleslaw which was bland.
Last week, I just needed to get out of the office between meetings and Elijah's was close by.
This time I had "Turkey off the Bird" ($10.25).
Yes, this was real deal turkey; but just breast, and was very dry and bland. The mayo provided on the side (I like this add what you want/need) provided some help as did the lettuce. But the tomatoes weren't ripe enough and lacked flavor.
Looking in total; perhaps Elijah's doesn't quite fulfill all of my desires when it comes to a deli/diner. Still, it's not bad and fills a niche for me. And the folks here have always been quite nice and friendly.
Elijah’s Restaurant & Delicatessen
7061 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92111