Pork Egg Roll soup showed up on the menu at a little downtown deli one day, right beside Calico Beans with Apple Chicken Sausage. That’s the kind of lineup that makes you stop scrolling.
Now add a corned beef sandwich to the conversation, plus fresh cakes and homemade ranch. This small Tennessee lunch counter sits at the bottom of an office building, and it runs on weekdays only.
I like how it keeps things simple and friendly, with no fuss and no fancy rules. You order at the register, grab a seat, and the food comes out to your table.
I can’t imagine a better excuse to sneak out of the office a little early on a Tuesday. So what makes a quiet weekday deli worth planning a whole lunch around?
The Corned Beef Sandwich Deserves Your Full Attention
Corned beef is the classic test of any deli worth its salt. At Bogie’s Deli – Downtown, this sandwich holds its own on a menu packed with tough competition.
That matters, because the lineup here is long. Grilled sandwiches, wraps, salads, and soups all fight for your attention at the register.
So why pick corned beef first? It’s the sandwich that tells you whether a deli respects tradition, and this Memphis spot clearly does.
The kitchen leans on fresh bread and a sandwich press. Grilled sandwiches are a big part of the identity here, so warm, toasty bread is part of the deal.
I believe a great corned beef sandwich is all about balance. The meat should be the star, while the bread keeps everything together without stealing the spotlight.
Ordering is easy and relaxed. You place your order at the counter, find a table, and wait for lunch to arrive.
Want to make it a full meal? Add a side salad or a cup of the daily soup, and suddenly that sandwich turns into a proper midday event.
Here’s a smart move for first-timers. Order the corned beef as your main and try one cold salad on the side, so you get a taste of two kitchen strengths at once.
Sharing is also a strong strategy. Split a corned beef sandwich and a second sandwich with a friend, and you both leave knowing more about the menu.
No, it won’t come with a marching band. It just quietly does its job and makes the rest of your workday a little brighter.
Honestly, that’s the best kind of sandwich. It shows up, it delivers, and it gives you a reason to come back next week. And next week, you might order it again.
Nobody would blame you for that.
Soup Day Can Get Delightfully Weird Here
Pork Egg Roll soup is not something most delis would dream up. Bogie’s Deli – Downtown served it anyway, and the creativity doesn’t stop there.
Calico Beans with Apple Chicken Sausage has also appeared on the menu. Southwest chicken soup is another favorite that pops up from time to time.
The daily soup changes, which keeps things exciting. One visit might bring comfort food, while the next brings something you’ve never tried before.
Chicken and dumplings deserve their own shoutout. This hearty bowl tastes homemade and leans peppery, which gives it a little kick on a cool afternoon.
Vegetarians get love too. Veggie lentil soup and a potato and vegetable soup have both been part of the rotation.
How do you know what’s on today? The deli’s Facebook page is the best place to check before you head over.
That small step can save you from heartbreak. Few things sting like learning your favorite soup was yesterday’s special.
I like how this approach keeps regular lunches from feeling like reruns. A rotating soup board gives the whole week a little personality.
Soup also travels well from the counter to your desk. If you can’t stay, a warm cup makes a solid companion for an afternoon of emails.
Pair your bowl with a sandwich for the full experience. The corned beef and a peppery cup of dumplings sound like a winning team.
Picky eaters can relax too. With such a wide rotation, there’s a good chance something familiar will show up soon.
So follow along online and stay curious. You may end up loving a soup you never knew existed, and that’s half the fun.
Half A Sandwich Plus Soup Is The Smartest Order In The Building
Choosing just one item can feel impossible on a menu this big. The combo at Bogie’s Deli – Downtown fixes that problem in the friendliest way.
You get half a sandwich, a cup of soup, and a drink. It’s a simple setup, but it feels like a little sampler of everything the kitchen does well.
Indecisive eaters, this one’s for you. Half portions mean you can try the corned beef today and something new tomorrow without overcommitting.
Don’t let the word half fool you into thinking small. The cup of soup and half sandwich make a filling lunch for most appetites.
Which half should you pick? A grilled option like ham and cheese pairs nicely with a creamy soup, while corned beef stands up well to something peppery.
The smoked turkey melt is another choice, featuring smoked turkey, bacon, melted cheddar, deli mustard, lettuce, and tomato. Served on soft, warm bread, it brings a bit of spice to the table.
I believe combos like this are the secret weapon of a good deli lunch. They give you variety, comfort, and a full stomach in one easy order.
This is also a wallet-friendly path. The combo keeps lunch reasonable without making you feel like you skipped anything important.
Office workers will appreciate the speed. You order at the counter, settle at a table, and your tray shows up ready to go.
It also makes a great way to introduce a friend to the place. Each of you can grab a combo and trade bites like a tiny tasting menu.
Just be warned about one thing. Once you try the combo, ordering a single item might start to feel a little boring.
That’s not a bad problem to have. It just means you’ll keep finding new pairings every visit.
The Cold Salad Case Might Steal Your Heart Next
Chicken salad fans, pay attention. The chicken salad here is a big reason people search for this spot in the first place.
You can get it as a sandwich or as a plate. Either way, it’s one of the most talked-about orders at Bogie’s Deli – Downtown.
Then there’s the broccoli salad. It’s popular enough that grabbing an extra container to take home is a pretty smart idea.
Pasta salad is also available, alongside other sides such as potato salad and broccoli bacon salad. Tuna salad is also worth a look. It makes a solid side or a light main if you want something cool instead of grilled.
Not a big salad person? The deli also offers heartier choices, including its chicken salad plate and salad sampler.
I like how these sides can turn a sandwich into a real meal. A scoop of something cold next to a warm grilled sandwich is a lovely contrast.
Homemade ranch is another hidden perk of the menu. If you’re a ranch person, you’ll want to ask about it with your salad.
Here’s a practical tip for busy weeks. Pick up a few salads to go, and your lunches for the next day or two are mostly handled.
Portion sizes come in different options, so think about how hungry you are. A larger cup makes sense if you plan to share or save some for later.
Salads also travel well back to the office. They don’t need reheating, which makes them perfect for desk lunches.
Start with chicken salad if you’re new. Then work your way through the case one visit at a time.
A Muffuletta This Far North Of New Orleans? Yes, Really
Spicy, rich, and stacked with personality, the muffuletta is a New Orleans legend. Finding a good one in Memphis feels like a happy little road trip without the gas bill.
Bogie’s Deli – Downtown serves one with that signature blend of spice and richness. For a Tennessee deli, that’s a bold move, and it pays off.
The muffuletta is only one part of a big sandwich lineup. Grilled and pressed sandwiches show up all over the menu.
Ham and cheese is a classic grilled pick. It’s simple, warm, and exactly what you want when comfort is the goal.
Craving a little heat? A buffalo sandwich offers some zing, while the Cajun turkey with Gouda brings a Southern twist.
The caprese panini features mozzarella, thick-sliced tomatoes, fresh basil, black pepper, and olive oil on Italian flatbread.
Wraps are on the board too, including a chicken Caesar wrap. The Greek veggie sandwich offers another option, featuring provolone, feta, vegetables, and Bogie’s special dressing.
Veggie eaters have options as well. Between the soups, salads, and sandwiches, there’s more than one meatless path to a happy lunch.
I believe a deli shows its true skill by doing many things well. This menu stretches from corned beef to muffuletta without losing its footing.
Here’s a simple game plan. Order a corned beef on one visit and a muffuletta on the next, then decide which camp you belong to.
You might not pick a winner. Some lunch debates are meant to stay open forever.
Early Birds Get Breakfast Before The Lunch Crowd Arrives
Doors open at 8 AM on weekdays. That gives early risers a chance to grab breakfast before the workday kicks into gear.
Bogie’s Deli – Downtown offers both a breakfast and a lunch menu. That makes it handy for anyone working in the surrounding offices.
Morning here has its own rhythm. Breakfast orders come first, and some lunch items wait until the kitchen switches gears.
That’s a useful thing to know before you order online. If you’re craving a lunch sandwich, plan your pickup for later in the morning or midday.
Why stop in early at all? A good breakfast close to work can save you from a sad granola bar at your desk.
The baked goods are a big draw in the morning too. Fresh treats on the counter can make even a Monday feel a bit more cheerful.
I can’t imagine a better way to start a busy downtown day. A warm breakfast and a quick chat at the counter go a long way.
Early visits also give you a peek at the day’s soup plans. Checking the Facebook page first is still the safest move, though.
Short on time? Ordering ahead helps you skip a wait and get back to your day faster.
Just remember the deli closes in the afternoon. If breakfast becomes your habit, you’re already ahead of the clock.
Treat it as your secret morning routine. Coffee, a breakfast bite, and a plan to come back for corned beef at lunch.
That’s what you call a productive day. Two meals, one deli, and zero regrets.
Save Room, Because The Dessert Case Plays Dirty
Cake is a dangerous word at lunchtime. At this deli, it’s also an invitation you probably shouldn’t turn down.
The cakes and desserts at Bogie’s Deli – Downtown are a big part of its charm. Fresh baked goods sit right there, tempting you while you order your sandwich.
Lemon squares and key lime squares have a loyal following. Some fans pick their lunch spot based on whether those squares are available.
That’s a hint worth remembering. If you have your heart set on a particular treat, go earlier in the day while the selection is fuller.
Why do desserts matter so much at a sandwich shop? Because a sweet finish turns an ordinary lunch into something you’ll actually look forward to.
I like how a slice of cake makes a quick work break feel like a small celebration. It’s a tiny reward for surviving another round of meetings.
Desserts travel well, too. Grab an extra square for a coworker, and you might become the office favorite by three o’clock.
Birthdays and small wins also deserve sweets. A boxed treat from the deli is an easy, thoughtful gesture.
If you can’t decide, pick something citrusy after a rich sandwich. The bright flavor of lemon or key lime balances heavier meals nicely.
Going with friends? Order a few different desserts and split them, so everyone gets a taste.
Pace yourself during the sandwich course. You’ll be glad you left a little room when the cake shows up.
Finding It Is Easy If You Know Which Building To Check
Office towers usually hide vending machines, not great sandwiches. This one hides a deli right at the bottom floor.
Bogie’s Deli – Downtown sits at 80 Monroe Ave, Memphis, TN 38103. That puts it right in the heart of downtown Memphis, Tennessee.
The location makes it a natural lunch stop for nearby office workers. You can slip downstairs or walk over from a neighboring building in minutes.
Visitors staying at downtown hotels can reach it easily too. It’s a convenient option if you’re exploring the city and need a quick bite.
Inside, the setup is clean and simple. It’s a small, cute space where you order at the register and staff bring the food to your table.
That style keeps things moving without feeling rushed. You can sit, talk, and enjoy your meal instead of hovering at a pickup counter.
I believe that small touch makes a real difference. Having your food delivered to the table feels a little more personal than shouting out order numbers.
Friendly service is a big part of the vibe here. The counter team keeps things warm and welcoming, even during busy stretches.
Planning to meet a friend? This spot works nicely for catching up over a casual meal without needing a reservation.
Downtown Memphis just got a little tastier. And now you know exactly where to look.
Mind The Clock, Because Weekends Are Off The Table
Saturday cravings will have to wait. This deli keeps a strict weekday schedule, and planning ahead is the key to a happy lunch.
Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday run from 8 AM to 3 PM. Thursday wraps up at 2:30 PM, and Friday closes even earlier at 2 PM.
That Friday close catches people off guard. If you want corned beef to kick off the weekend, make it an early lunch.
Saturday and Sunday are closed. Think of the weekend as time to dream about next week’s soup lineup.
Bogie’s Deli – Downtown isn’t the only Bogie’s in town. There’s also a location out east, so Memphis fans have more than one option.
Still, the downtown spot has its own personality. Its office-building setting and weekday hours make it a true workday companion.
Here’s my favorite tip for timing. Check the Facebook page in the morning, then plan your visit around the soup that catches your eye.
Ordering online can also save time. Just keep the breakfast and lunch timing in mind so your order lines up with what the kitchen is making.
I can’t imagine a tastier reason to block off a calendar slot. Write it in as a meeting with a corned beef sandwich if you need to.
Tennessee has plenty of famous food stops, but small weekday delis deserve love too. This one proves that great lunches don’t need fancy settings.
So set a reminder and round up a coworker. Your next favorite sandwich is waiting downstairs on Monroe Avenue.
Just don’t show up on Saturday. The sandwich will still be there on Monday, ready to steal the show again.
Share this story
