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Welcome to The General Deli & Cafe

Located at 609 E Jefferson Blvd in South Bend, IN, The General Deli & Cafe is a beloved local hangout known for its warm, inviting atmosphere and exceptional menu. Guests rave about the flavorful sandwiches, particularly the pastrami, rumored to be smoked in-house, and the delightful Reuben. The coffee, praised for its smoothness and quality, pairs perfectly with house-made pastries and sweets. With vibrant murals adorning the exterior and a friendly, knowledgeable staff, this eatery captivates both individuals and small groups alike. A perfect spot to unwind, it's just moments from Notre Dame University and features a relaxing vibe that encourages lingering over each delicious bite.

LOCATIONS

Welcome to The General Deli & Cafe, a delightful culinary escape nestled at 609 E Jefferson Blvd, South Bend, IN 46617. This charming spot has emerged as a beloved gem for locals and visitors alike, boasting an atmosphere that combines a vibrant energy with a touch of artistic flair. As you step inside, the captivating murals and thoughtful decor envelop you, instantly inviting you to unwind and savor every moment.

Renowned for its exceptional offerings, The General Deli & Cafe shines particularly with its sandwiches and coffee. Customers rave about the Reuben Sandwich and the mouthwatering bagels, noting the hearty portions and innovative flavors that take these classic dishes to new heights. Gregory Gregg even describes their pastrami as "by far the best," hinting at the rumored in-house smoking process. Such dedication to quality is palpable in every bite.

For coffee aficionados, the cafe offers a smooth, satisfying experience. Crafted from small batch roasts, the coffee selection—including a standout espresso—is meticulously brewed to avoid overly floral notes while embracing a rich, dark flavor. Not to mention, the chatter of friendly servers adds warmth and character to your visit, making it easy to strike up a conversation about your drink selection.

Each review reflects a common theme: the great atmosphere and welcoming staff. Veronica Morales captures the essence beautifully with her praise for the "wicked vibes" and friendly interactions. Customers like Paul Richardson describe it as an unrivaled treasure within the city, a notable alternative to chain establishments. It’s a place where you can sip a comforting chai latte or indulge in a delightful cinnamon roll freshly baked that morning, all while basking in the creativity that surrounds you.

Conveniently located just a stone's throw away from Notre Dame University and Howard Park, The General Deli & Cafe serves as not only a great dining option but also a perfect spot to relax before or after exploring the area. Whether you're stopping in for breakfast, brunch, or a casual coffee break, you’ll find that this local cafe truly has something for everyone.

So why not pay a visit? Experience the artistic ambiance, relish those orgasmic sandwiches, and immerse yourself in the delightful flavors that make The General Deli & Cafe a standout choice in South Bend!

START YOUR REVIEW OF The General Deli & Cafe
Veronica Morales
Veronica Morales

Awesome calming place with wicked vibes and artwork and people. Great food and coffee, servers are friendly and chatty but in the best way. They made me love chai lattes and they have amazing murals outside that are worth looking at. Reuben Sandwich and bagels are good

Robert Heider
Robert Heider

Great spot with a nice, clean atmosphere. Coffee is smooth, as in a recent small batch roast. The cinnamon roll seemed as if it were baked this morning. Just a few minutes from Notre Dame University and downtown. Excellent alternative to national chains and good seating for singles or small groups.

Gregory Gregg
Gregory Gregg

Orgasmic Sandwiches!! This place has it all, awesome vibe, great staff, comfortable seating, artwork, but the best part are the sandwiches and coffee obviously! Their pastrami is by far the best. Rumor has it that they smoke it themselves! Highly recommend!

Rose
Rose

Location is great- Transpo stops are right nearby and Howard Park is right there. Staff are always super knowledgeable, friendly, and kind. Food is always out quickly even if it's busy and the drinks are good too. They also offer pastries and sweets that look great too, but I've never tried them yet.

Sergi Castells
Sergi Castells

The espresso is very good. I find it hard to find an espresso here that isn't floral and these guys make a nice and strong (and not floral) espresso. It was a darker roast when I went. They also have a traditional macchiato, which is getting easier to find nowadays but still a nice surprise. The atmosphere is also nice, and the people were friendly.

Paul Richardson (TheHomeWizard)
Paul Richardson (TheHomeWizard)

wow, this place rocks. it isnt new york, but for SB, Indiana youll find a hard time finding competition to this gem of a gourmet breakfast/ brunch/ coffe/tea/bar restaurant! stop inand ck them out!! Try it out, Prove me wrong. or more likely right!

Outdoor Care and Custom Creations
Outdoor Care and Custom Creations

This is a five star establishment! From the service to the coffee to the sandwiches. Love the whole vibe from the second we came in. The Clearwater and the Mona are the best 2 sanwhiches in the Bend end of story!

Joe Rasbaugh
Joe Rasbaugh

Great spot to grab a coffee or cocktail (or both). Good atmosphere and the staff are friendly and helpful. It's nice that it's directly across from the park.