Exploring Deli News, a New York-Style Jewish Deli in frisco with Classic Flavors and Rich History
By Ashli Urano
Deli News, located at 3685 Preston Rd., has given Frisco residents a taste of the Big Apple since October 2018. This authentic Jewish deli sources specialty meats directly from Brooklyn, along with genuine New York bagels and cheeses that include provolone and Swiss. The menu features homemade classics, offering knishes, potato latkes, and cheese blintzes, to name a few.
My tennis partner, Ashley, has reviewed restaurants with me for the past few years. When I mentioned plans to visit Deli News with a Jewish pickleball teammate from the Bronx, her reaction was hilarious. She assured me this was not necessary and that having lunch with her was going to feel like dining with a real-deal New Yorker.
Despite writing about food for many years, I realized there was still much to learn about the culture and significance of delis across the country. We made plans to meet for lunch after our tennis match. The night before our visit, I studied the menu and researched the history of each dish we intended to order.
Upon entering, Ashley searched for the perfect spot to sit while I waited in line for counter service. The deli’s diner-inspired design immediately transported us to the heart of Manhattan. The black and white checkered floors lead to yellow vinyl booths lining the wall. Throughout the space, wooden tables are paired with black metal-framed chairs.
As you walk towards the counter, your eyes are easily drawn up to a majestic curved nighttime panoramic scene of the New York City skyline featuring the iconic Brooklyn Bridge and glittering skyscrapers. The black ceiling with exposed industrial-style ductwork enhances the city-inspired theme. Large windows flood the space with natural light, while a combination of recessed spotlights and pendant lights help to create a warm atmosphere.
At the heart of the deli, a sleek counter with glass display cases showcases an array of fresh foods, while digital menu boards can be seen above. Additionally, flat-screen TVs are strategically positioned around the dining area, giving a modern twist to the nostalgic atmosphere.
We agreed to start with drinks, soup, and an appetizer before ordering our entrees at the counter. Once we were seated in the last available booth, we were served the New York Egg Cream. Despite its name, this classic beverage contains neither eggs nor cream. Made with milk, seltzer water, and chocolate syrup, it offers a creamy texture and light chocolate flavor.
Louis Auster, a Jewish immigrant and candy store owner, invented the egg cream around 1890. Years later, it gained popularity as an affordable luxury during the Great Depression.
Next to arrive was Dr. Brown’s black cherry soda, poured over ice. The taste can be described as bold with a smooth sweetness, followed by a subtle black cherry aftertaste that was not overpowering. Dr. Brown’s sodas have been a fixture in New York City’s delis since 1869. Commonly referred to as “Jewish champagne,” the sodas have become a cherished part of history.
The Triple Scoop Platter was borderline shocking when it was placed on the table - being much larger than we expected. This appetizer could easily serve as an entire meal for two or three people. Alongside the tuna, egg, and chicken salad scoops were equally generous portions of potato salad and coleslaw. We were given bagel chips for dipping, which was perfect.
Fresh vegetables were placed around the salads, including tomato slices, cucumbers, and rings of red onion. Black olives and a pickle spear added salty flavors to balance the creamy salads. Since we both love red onions, I diced them at the table to share.
We agreed that each salad tasted like a high-quality deli dish should – classic and fresh, without being over the top. We sampled each salad individually and also mixed them to create different flavor combinations. The variety of tastes and textures, from creamy to crunchy, made it a great start to our meal. These types of salads are often served at Kiddush luncheons and Jewish celebrations.
After enjoying our gigantic appetizer, we moved on to the Matzo Ball Soup. Its presentation was quite simple, with steam gently rising from the surface. One round matzo ball was floating in a clear, golden broth. The matzo ball was light and fluffy, with a subtle taste of chicken stock and a hint of black pepper. Diced carrots were scattered throughout, adding color and texture to the soup.
Ashley said the soup made her feel as if her body was saying “thank you.” She found it soothing, reminding her of chicken noodle soup. Having had muscle cramps that day on the tennis court, she needed nourishing food to recover. Matzo ball soup is often referred to as “Jewish penicillin,” or “penicillin for the soul,” for its comforting qualities, and it also plays a special role during Passover.
While we finished eating our soup, we discussed the menu. Deli News offers a variety of options beyond classic sandwiches. Grilled chicken breast sandwiches, such as the Bacon Cheddar Chicken and the Chicken Breast BLT, are popular choices. Burger lovers can go big with the Colossal Onion Burger, which stacks two half-pound patties with crispy onion rings and bacon. Hot dog fans can enjoy the New York Franks, served with sauerkraut and a potato knish.
On the lighter side, the Greek Salad includes a mix of feta, olives, cucumbers, and tomatoes. The Chef Salad adds roast beef, turkey, and salami to a bed of fresh lettuce. For a quick snack, Deli News also offers Nova Lox, Chopped Liver, and Latkes.
We had initially considered sharing the Bagel and Lox but decided to order the Club Sandwich and Pastrami Reuben instead. The kitchen accommodated us by serving the Reuben first, allowing us time to enjoy it before the second sandwich arrived.
The Pastrami Reuben, one of, if not their most popular sandwiches on the menu, was served on toasted New York rye bread, piled high with thinly sliced meat. With its peppery crust and marbled texture, the pastrami offered a blend of spices and smokiness. A layer of sauerkraut cut through the meat’s richness, while melted Swiss cheese tied the ingredients together. On the side, a small cup of Russian dressing added a creamy, slightly spicy kick. The sandwich came with extra crispy, generously seasoned fries and a dill pickle spear. Known as New York’s “signature sandwich,” pastrami on rye was created by Lithuanian immigrant Sussman Volk in 1888.
Accompanied by onion rings, the Club Sandwich arrived as a triple-decker on toasted white bread. Layers of freshly roasted turkey provided a tender foundation, complemented by bacon strips that added a smoky crunch. Crisp lettuce and juicy tomato slices were topped with Swiss cheese and a light spread of mayonnaise.
Ashley and I share an unexpected enthusiasm for onion rings. We often dip, eat, and discuss them all at the same time. The onion rings at Deli News passed every test we could think of. A good sign is when you bite into a ring, and the entire onion does not slide out at once. Minimal greasiness is one of the most important parts, as well as having a nice layer of breading without being excessive.
After boxing up the leftovers, it was time for dessert. Three Raspberry Rugelachs graced our table with a golden-brown exterior. Each bite revealed layers of flaky, buttery dough that crumbled in the best way. The raspberry filling was mixed with raisins and chocolate chips, providing a burst of richness. A light drizzle of white frosting topped each rugelach, adding a touch of sweetness without overpowering other flavors. Rugelach, meaning “little twists” in Yiddish, is a popular treat on the Sabbath and during Jewish holidays.
We also ordered the large Black and White Cookie. It featured a soft, cake-like base evenly split between vanilla and chocolate fondant icings. Its tender yet slightly chewy texture complemented the subtle vanilla flavor, accented by a hint of lemon. The fondant icings added a layer of sweetness that balanced nicely with the mild flavor of the cookie. The black and white cookie - also known as the “half-moon” cookie - gained popularity in the 1920s. The cookie’s iconic design, with its perfect division between black and white icing, has come to symbolize racial harmony.
Our visit to Deli News proved to be both educational and delicious, turning our initial curiosity into a memorable experience. For those craving a taste of New York without leaving Frisco, Deli News serves exceptional food with a slice of history.
In addition to a vast array of bakery items, Deli News serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner all day. It offers a bulk deli menu, an extensive catering menu, a gluten-free menu, a kosher menu, and a holiday menu that includes menus for Passover, Rosh Hashanah, and Hanukkah. And like any authentic New York diner, Deli News is open for dine-in or for patrons to simply swing by and grab some fresh sliced deli meats and cheeses.
For restaurant hours and more information visit delinewsfrisco.com.
Ashli Urano is a freelance writer obsessed with competitive tennis, true crime, and her Golden-doodle named Sadie Kirenia.
