I walked into Nixon’s Deli on Merchant Drive hungry, impatient, and not in the mood for nonsense. I ordered the Reuben exactly how it comes, no substitutions, because that’s the deal you make when you walk into a deli with history on its walls. Pickles and pepperoncini on the side, smokehouse potato salad, and a 20-ounce fountain drink — the kind of lunch that knows exactly what it is and doesn’t apologize for it. The place was damn near full, but the line moved with purpose. No wasted motion. No fake smiles. Just people who know how to feed you and get you on your way. That’s competence, not attitude.
The Reuben hit where it was supposed to. Corned beef doing its job, sauerkraut sharp enough to wake you up, cheese melted into submission. The bread? A little softer than I personally like. I prefer a Reuben with a bit more bite, a little resistance. But here’s the thing, this is their house, their rules. And even soft, that sandwich was still honest and damn good.
I’d read the reviews beforehand, the ones clutching pearls about the ladies behind the counter being “rude” or “mean.” That wasn’t my experience at all. Straightforward? Absolutely. No coddling, no emotional labor, no performance. But they were helpful, efficient, and yes…sweet in that no-bullshit, East Tennessee way. I believe they match energy there. You come in respectful, you get respect. You come in sideways, you get it right back. And honestly? Hell yeah. The world could use more of that kind of balance.
Nixon’s isn’t trying to be cool. It’s not chasing trends. It’s just feeding people good food, quickly, and without pretending to be something it’s not. And that, in a time full of hollow smiles and overpriced mediocrity, feels almost radical.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Potato Salad, Reuben
James Brothers
Reminds me of that local deli in a big city, you know good food and great staff and great assortment of baked goods. Just please try this place, it truly is awesomeness 👌
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Frankie Beech
Very neat deli. Staff was super friendly and the club sandwich was perfect.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Todd Lich
Love the steamed sammiches! Best steamed sammiches in East Tennessee!
Food: 4
Service: 4
Derrick
Great sandwich! Good and fresh.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Robin Dawson
Very good food, always clean, friendly people.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dan Loudin
Sunday, November 16… We arrived at restaurant at 12 noon sign on door said they opened at 12 noon. I stood up front door for at least a minute waiting then looked through the window. The back door was open. Health department violation…I walked around back. and ask the lady setting smoking with her head down what time they open the other lady was on her cell phone… The lady sitting down grunted 12 o’clock I said it’s 1205… No response…. No movement ..so I walked back around to the front another lady that was not at the back door was opening the door… Food was good… But the attitude and rudeness was beyond comprehension… Two ladies at back door acted like they did not care
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Sandwich, Potato Salad
Rebecca Sylvester
The sub was really good but I didn't realize that it was made on white bread and not wheat til I got home but still a good sub 👍 just make sure that if want your sub cold that you tell them or they will automatically steam it 👌
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Tanya Mccarter
Delicious food
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Joe Trott
Italian Sub was steamed too long came out very soggy. Service was excellent.
No acknowledgment of entering the building the workers literally all looked up from their conversation saw us and then proceeded to continue to talk. I said hello got a be right there.. after about another 2 minutes a man walked over to take our order. It was very uncomfortable. I’m not sure if they weren’t wanting to work or what the issue was but we will not be returning. Very rude staff.
Maressa
Hands down one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had. The deli has a simple, mom-and-pop look, but it gets busy around lunchtime and I can see why. My only regret was ordering the half size, because the sandwich was incredibly fresh and generously prepared! If you’re a sandwich lover, this is the place to go.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
cindy arbro
All good but you all changed ham.If I wanted a ham slice on a sandwich I would get from a grocery store.I come here for thin shaved ham.Go back to deli ham not ham slice.
I walked into Nixon’s Deli on Merchant Drive hungry, impatient, and not in the mood for nonsense. I ordered the Reuben exactly how it comes, no substitutions, because that’s the deal you make when you walk into a deli with history on its walls. Pickles and pepperoncini on the side, smokehouse potato salad, and a 20-ounce fountain drink — the kind of lunch that knows exactly what it is and doesn’t apologize for it. The place was damn near full, but the line moved with purpose. No wasted motion. No fake smiles. Just people who know how to feed you and get you on your way. That’s competence, not attitude.
The Reuben hit where it was supposed to. Corned beef doing its job, sauerkraut sharp enough to wake you up, cheese melted into submission. The bread? A little softer than I personally like. I prefer a Reuben with a bit more bite, a little resistance. But here’s the thing, this is their house, their rules. And even soft, that sandwich was still honest and damn good.
I’d read the reviews beforehand, the ones clutching pearls about the ladies behind the counter being “rude” or “mean.” That wasn’t my experience at all. Straightforward? Absolutely. No coddling, no emotional labor, no performance. But they were helpful, efficient, and yes…sweet in that no-bullshit, East Tennessee way. I believe they match energy there. You come in respectful, you get respect. You come in sideways, you get it right back. And honestly? Hell yeah. The world could use more of that kind of balance.
Nixon’s isn’t trying to be cool. It’s not chasing trends. It’s just feeding people good food, quickly, and without pretending to be something it’s not. And that, in a time full of hollow smiles and overpriced mediocrity, feels almost radical.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Potato Salad, Reuben
Reminds me of that local deli in a big city, you know good food and great staff and great assortment of baked goods. Just please try this place, it truly is awesomeness 👌
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Very neat deli. Staff was super friendly and the club sandwich was perfect.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Love the steamed sammiches! Best steamed sammiches in East Tennessee!
Food: 4
Service: 4
Great sandwich! Good and fresh.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Very good food, always clean, friendly people.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sunday, November 16… We arrived at restaurant at 12 noon sign on door said they opened at 12 noon. I stood up front door for at least a minute waiting then looked through the window. The back door was open. Health department violation…I walked around back. and ask the lady setting smoking with her head down what time they open the other lady was on her cell phone… The lady sitting down grunted 12 o’clock I said it’s 1205… No response…. No movement ..so I walked back around to the front another lady that was not at the back door was opening the door… Food was good… But the attitude and rudeness was beyond comprehension… Two ladies at back door acted like they did not care
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Sandwich, Potato Salad
The sub was really good but I didn't realize that it was made on white bread and not wheat til I got home but still a good sub 👍 just make sure that if want your sub cold that you tell them or they will automatically steam it 👌
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Delicious food
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Italian Sub was steamed too long came out very soggy. Service was excellent.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
We tried their steak in a sack for the first time and it was absolutely amazing
Staff was super nice and very friendly
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sandwich, Potato Salad, Pastrami, Hoagie, Roast Beef, Italian, Turkey, Toppings
No acknowledgment of entering the building the workers literally all looked up from their conversation saw us and then proceeded to continue to talk. I said hello got a be right there.. after about another 2 minutes a man walked over to take our order. It was very uncomfortable. I’m not sure if they weren’t wanting to work or what the issue was but we will not be returning. Very rude staff.
Hands down one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had. The deli has a simple, mom-and-pop look, but it gets busy around lunchtime and I can see why. My only regret was ordering the half size, because the sandwich was incredibly fresh and generously prepared! If you’re a sandwich lover, this is the place to go.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
All good but you all changed ham.If I wanted a ham slice on a sandwich I would get from a grocery store.I come here for thin shaved ham.Go back to deli ham not ham slice.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 5
Top notch
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
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