Roasters & Toasters Deli

I’m Jewish with a father straight from Brooklyn. My dad has taught me a lot of useful things — one of which is how to judge a deli.
Roasters struggled when it first opened. The food wasn’t as good as I was hoping it would be, but as time has passed, the food, (and restaurant in general) have surpassed my expectations.
Here is why this is a solid NY Deli, and the best NY Deli (in Dallas), by far:
1. Unlimited colesalw and pickles. Not only are they unlimited, they are both authentic and delicious. To those of you calling the pickles lightish, and darkish, and giving this place average reviews… The pickles are half sour, and whole sour, and they are about as good as any kosher pickle I have ever had. The cole slaw is also delicious — a nice touch of sweetness, and is not overly maionassey.
2. Their appetizing counter is authentic. In laymen’s terms, an appetizing counter sells food that «should be served with bagels.» In terms of kosher dining, appetizing food falls under the category of «dairy» — smoked fishes and cream cheese. This is the only appetizing counter in Dallas that sells Sturgeon!
3. Their deli makes amazing sandwiches… the size, complexity, and execution of their ruebens, and deli sandwiches in general is superb. ‘Nough said.
Overall this is the authentic NY deli in Dallas — the menu and platters are both overwhelming. The sandwiches can be made into two meals, and the menu can serve you something different every day of the week.
If you tried this place when it first opened, go back and give it another shot. You will be pleased!
–pk

Typical New York deli. Huge sandwiches. I had the turkey club. It definitely wasn’t the best I’d ever had, but it wasn’t bad. Homemade pickles. Very expensive, but the portions are enormous. I’ll go back again, but I won’t go often.

By coincidence I’ve been on sort of a New York Style Deli kick lately. Not that I’m Jewish, or obsessed with New York, the dining cards just happened to fall this way.
My friend and I showed up on Saturday for an early lunch. The seating of the restaurant is a bit odd, as the tables are smallish and it made me feel like I was in the middle of everything. The half booth/​half table along the wall of the restaurant is the best way to go.
There were 2 jars of pickles on the table, 1 a bright green with a light fresh flavor. I know there is a tip to avoid these, but I actually liked them! The other was much more sour and more traditional pickle-​ish. They also brought out a bowl of cole slaw. This isn’t something I have experienced before, but as far as cole slaw goes, it was typical.
I ordered a bacon cheeseburger (very kosher, I know) and it was served with fresh lettuce, red onion rings and tomato. I’m a no tomato girl but I made use of the lettuce and onion. I sorta wish I had sliced pickles but I just took bites out of the ones on the table instead. There were 4 pieces of perfectly cooked bacon on the patty and the cheddar cheese was melted nicely. The meat was average and bun was an onion kaiser– I believe. It was pretty good, but the patty was larger than the roll. The skinny fries were «normal» fries, crispy but with a good texture inside. I also asked for a side of ranch which maybe the THICKEST ranch that I’ve ever had. Consistency was odd, but tasted like ranch.
My friend ordered a coke (which we found out costs 2.45!!) and a quesadilla. I didn’t try the quesadilla while at the restaurant, but it was quite good reheated in the oven later that night. (And in friend’s opinion, tasted better reheated) There were chopped pieces of broccoli, squash and onion along with the chicken and cheese. Different than any quesadilla I’ve had, but it led to some interest. Served wtih pico, sour cream, and obvious store bought salsa, but hey, what do you expect.
All in all it was an OK meal, but not anything I’d recommend you rush out to get. Both of our entrees were 9.95, so I think it’s a bit on the pricey side.
Also, I noticed that several tables around us were frustrated by service, there are many people involved with bringing you items. Our food and water were brought out by 2 different people that were not our waitress.

HUGE portions. Great service. Only drawback is high prices. Unlimited pickles and coleslaw.

I work in the blue striped office building directly in front of this shopping center so I walk back there to many of the restaurants practically every day. I’ve been in here several times and everyone is always very friendly (maybe overly so sometimes), but I’ve not been very impressed with any of the food. My corned beef reuben was dry so I asked for more dressing, the chicken salad was pretty flavorless, the philly cheesesteak was a little tough. I keep going back for the soups, though. I think the lentil soup is one of the best I’ve ever had (only served on Thursdays). They also have a really awesome corn chowder (only served on Tuesdays — I think). So, if you’re a soup fan, my vote is yes. The sandwiches leave a lot to be desired.

So I was hoping to find a way to pay a lot of money for things that suck, and thankfully my prayers were answered!
I have an issue with plastic plates (see my Another Broken Egg review) unless a) I’m at a bbq; b) I’m paying $ 4 for something; or c) there’s a safety issue (like i’m too drunk to not drop the plate). If I’m paying $ 12 for a sandwich, give me a break. Yeah…$ 12.
So I order roast beef on a kaiser roll with Russian dressing and cole slaw and steak fries for my sides. I get a little plate with an egg bread, a platter of roast beef and a plastic cup of thousand island. Listen, if I wanted to MAKE a sandwich, I would have used what is in my fridge. The steak fries (4 of them) were good. And I have to point out, as I did to my server, that Russian dressing and Thousand Island are NOT the same thing. She didn’t believe me.
And here’s the other thing: All of the servers look like convicts. Not like some have tattoos and look a bit shady, but like hardened criminals. Neck tattoos, and not in the good way. These are prison tats, and if this place is one of those «work to release» programs, fine, but I don’t think it is. It seems more like one of those «after work let’s go score some meth» programs.
Anyway, again with my New York Food Snobbery: If you’re from NY, you’ll see how this ISN’T a NY deli. If you’re not, and just like NY Deli style food, you’ll probably enjoy it.
The food is fine but it’s extremely overpriced ($ 37 with tip for 2 at lunch), mismanaged and they have plastic plates. PLASTIC PLATES, PEOPLE!

Surprised no one has reviewed this yet — I only knew about it from a Unilocal talk thread. Went yesterday, as it’s really close to my office and I was in a deli mood. First thoughts — It’s pretty spacious, with a surprisingly diverse menu. They have the usual jewish deli offerings, plus burgers and non-​deli type sandwiches.
You can eat in, service is pretty attentive — or order at the counter. Looks like they serve breakfast but only until 9, so better be an early riser! I’d definitely come back and check out the bagels and take out options, although I’m not a big salami/​provalone kind of person… more of a Jason’s Deli kind of girl.
I had the meatloaf sandwich, it was ok but not amazing (Corner Market’s Mom’s Meatloaf sandwich is tough to beat!) and my dude had the «W» (as in the president) roast beef/​french dip kind of thing (minus the «dip») that he raved over.
Portions were pretty huge as is the case with deli food. Potato salad was AMAZING — creamy and whipped not all chunky and mayo-​ey. I will go back, but as of now would say Cindy’s is better for food but Roaster’s seems to be run by nice people*.
* maybe I’m weird but… I have a hunch they hire their employees from some sort of reformed citizens program. I think it’s really great if that’s the case… maybe I’m way off but it was definitely noticeable that none of the folks working looked like your average waiter, ie, college kids — not to mention in this economy every place has at least one former banker making ends meet… and at least on the day I went that wasnt really what I saw in the staff.
Either way I’m giving a solid 3 stars, maybe 3.5 — but can’t go 4 stars as I wasnt just giddy and wanting to come back every day for a week like I usually am when I try a new place. Again, some of you NYers may have a different take on it being this is your kind of thing and I didnt really order what someone who is a true jewish deli fan would have :) — Check it out!