Back in our Soulard living days (when Ninth Street Deli was actually on Ninth Street), The Nine was our go-to hangover meal 100% of the time, but it’s a truly great sandwich any day, any time. You can order it with shredded beef or chicken (we prefer the chicken), and its gooey pepper jack cheese lends a hint of spice, while oregano adds a verdant, herbal flair. Caramelized onions provide notes of sweet richness, and the mildly tangy green garlic aioli ensures nary a dry bite, plus there’s lettuce and tomato for extra freshness. It’s all enveloped by hearty seeded French bread with a crispy exterior and perfectly chewy interior. Be sure to order a side of chips to add some crunch to every bite.
Ninth Street Deli opened on Ninth Street in Soulard in 2007, then moved to the old Howard’s location a few blocks away in 2018. Owner John Been Jr. credits his longtime cooks Brian Bonds and Gerardo Ambrosio, who have both been with the business for over a decade, as having a large part in the restaurant’s success.
This article appears in January/February 2025.