The question many have been trying to answer for ages: where can you get the best deli sandwich for lunch near school? So I took matters into my own hands. I asked around and landed on three popular delis nearby. Park Slope Deli Farm, Green Olives Deli & Grill, and Park Slope Deli & Grill. I will be using the same order as the control for this experiment. It will be a turkey sandwich on a roll with lettuce, tomato, pickles, mayo, and Swiss cheese.

My first stop was Park Slope Deli Farm, located on 7th Street (294 7th Ave). As soon as I stepped foot in the establishment, I was stunned by the variety of different food options they had to offer. Not on

ly did they have the standard cold cuts, sandwiches, and bagels. They had smoothies, juices, and even a hot bar that is made fresh daily, including chicken wings, beef stew, rice and beans, salad, and more! But, back to what we were there for, a classic turkey sandwich. I went over to the counter and ordered the turkey sandwich on a roll with lettuce, tomato, pickles, Swiss cheese, and mayonnaise. The service was excellent, the staff was very kind, and I got 

my sandwiches in under 2 minutes. Upon trying the sandwich, though, I was a little disappointed. The sandwich was a bit dry, not having enough mayo, and the turkey was pretty bland. The price was $8.50, which is moderately priced. Overall I would give the sandwich and experience a 6.5/10. The sandwich was lacking flavor and needed more sauce to bring the rating up. 

The breakdown

• Service- 10/10 (Kind staff and short wait time)
• Price- 6/10 ($8.50 is a decent price point)
• Taste- 4/10 (Sandwich lacked flavor)
• Quality-8/10 (The ingredients tasted fresh) 

The next deli I visited was Green Olives Deli and Grill at 309 7th Ave. This deli is widely regarded as the best deli near school by a large majority of students. Some of the pros include its close proximity to the train station, quality food at an affordable price, and a strong presence on their social media pages. Also, many students have good relationships with owner Majeed Albahri who is a very kind and outgoing person. 

Upon entering the deli, I noticed a large line waiting to order, which is a good sign but does mean wait times will be longer. My order was taken, and I received my sandwich in about 10 minutes due to the crowdedness of the store. My total was $6.50 for the sandwich alone.  When I ate the sandwich, I immediately tasted the difference in flavor compared to the last one. A lot more mayo was present, and the turkey had a nice moisture, making it much more enjoyable. Though I was a little disappointed that they forgot my pickles. It was a step up from the last deli, and I had a good experience at Green Olives. Overall I would rate the sandwich a 8.0/10. 

The breakdown

• Service- 5.5/10 (I requested pickles on my sandwich but they were forgotten)
• Price- 9/10 (A very fair price for a quality sandwich)
• Taste-8/10 (An exceptional tasting sandwich)
• Quality- 8/10 (Ingredients seemed fresh )

My last stop on my journey to find the best turkey sandwich close to school was

Park Slope Deli & Grill, located directly across the street from the building (234 7th Ave). This just began serving food in the past year, looking to capitalize on its great location being just a crosswalk away.

If you’re in the mood for a simple, classic turkey sandwich, then Park Slope Deli & Grill has got you covered—though it’s not without its hits and misses. I ordered the turkey sandwich on a roll with lettuce, tomato, mayo, pickles, and Swiss cheese for $7. 

First off, service was friendly and quick, so no complaints there. For the price, $7 is pretty reasonable, especially for a sandwich in this area, so I’d say it’s solid in terms of value.

Now, the taste was decent. Nothing to write home about, but it wasn’t bad either. The flavors were fine, but nothing stood out. The turkey was fine, the mayo did its thing, and the pickles added a nice crunch. However, the Swiss cheese was a bit underwhelming. The real downside was the quality. The sandwich didn’t feel super fresh—especially the roll, which could’ve been a little softer. It felt like it had been sitting around for a little too long.

Overall, I’d give it a 6/10. It’s not a bad choice for a quick lunch, but don’t expect a home run.

The breakdown

• Service-8/10 (Friendly and quick, no complaints, solid experience.)
• Price-7/10 (Reasonable for the area, but not a steal.)
• Taste-6/10 (Decent flavors, nothing too exciting, pretty basic.)
• Quality-6/10 (Roll wasn’t fresh)

Conclusion 

After trying out three local delis, it’s clear that each spot has its strengths and weaknesses. Park Slope Deli Farm offered the most variety, but the sandwich fell flat in flavor. Green Olives Deli & Grill impressed with its taste and value, despite a small hiccup with the order. Park Slope Deli & Grill, though convenient, didn’t quite hit the mark in terms of freshness and excitement. Overall, if you’re after a satisfying and affordable turkey sandwich, Green Olives is the top contender, but there’s room for improvement across the board.