Some St. Paul families have been ordering from the same counter for more than 40 years, and they show no sign of stopping. The business behind that counter opened its doors in 1949, back when Harry Truman was in the White House.
It is small, busy, a little old-school, and proud of every bit of it. Food-focused day-trippers from across Minnesota make the drive for kosher classics, fresh bread, and a bakery case full of treats.
The place has collected more than 3,000 public ratings and holds a 4.7-star average, which is a lot of love for one modest room. Keep reading to learn what makes this deli tick, what to order first, when to go, and why so many people bring their kids and grandkids back for more.
A Corner Deli on Cleveland Avenue
The mystery ends here. Cecil’s sits at 651 Cleveland Ave S, St Paul, MN 55116, in the Highland Park area of the city.
It is a long-standing deli with kosher items, often described as pint-sized and old-school. The menu leans on Jewish deli classics, sandwiches, soups, and more.
The building holds more than one business under one roof. There is a restaurant, a deli counter, and a bakery, plus a small grocery area stocked with the staples a deli crowd expects.
That mix matters for planning. A trip here can be a sit-down meal, a quick sandwich to go, or a shopping run for bread and desserts.
On-site parking is available, which is a nice perk in a busy city neighborhood. Coke products are on the drink list for anyone curious about the soda situation.
Highland Park locals treat the spot as their regular hangout. For everyone else, it is a destination worth plugging into the GPS before lunch plans fall apart.
Seventy-Plus Years of Family Business
Back in 1949, Cecil’s started serving the neighborhood. That makes it a business with roughly 77 years of history behind it.
Few restaurants in Minnesota can claim that kind of staying power. Trends come and go, but this deli has kept its focus on the classics.
The owner, Cecil, has been known to greet guests in person. That personal touch helps explain why the place still feels like a family operation and not a chain.
Its heritage is a big part of the appeal. Many describe it as the kind of mid-century independent family restaurant that simply cannot be built from scratch today.
Decades of operation also bring a certain ease. Nothing here tries too hard, and the staff seems comfortable with routines that have worked for generations.
The walls are lined with awards and recognition gathered over the years. Take a minute to browse them while waiting for a table, because they tell part of the story.
History rarely comes with a side of potato salad, but here it does.
The Reuben That Built a Following
Out of all the menu items, one sandwich gets talked about the most. The Reuben comes up in hundreds of conversations about Cecil’s, far more than anything else.
The classic version stacks corned beef on bread baked fresh every day. Plenty of people call it the best Reuben they have ever had, including travelers who flew in from out of state for work.
A Russian Reuben is also on the menu. Longtime regulars recommend it, though some still prefer the original.
Vegetarians are not left out of the fun. A veggie Reuben makes an appearance, which is handy for mixed groups.
Size is considered average, and every sandwich comes with a choice of side. Most people leave full anyway.
First-timers who feel overwhelmed by the menu tend to land here, and few seem to regret it. Call it a Reuben with a reputation, and a well-earned one.
Pastrami, Corned Beef, and the Sasha
Pastrami fans have their own favorite here, and its name is the Sasha. This pastrami sandwich earns some of the strongest praise on the menu.
One loyal fan returned a year later, ordered the same sandwiches, and got the same result. That kind of consistency is exactly what keeps people coming back.
The Shayna is another pastrami option worth knowing. Fresh pastrami is the common thread.
Corned beef shows up in plenty of builds too. The East Coaster pairs corned beef with coleslaw and homemade Thousand Island dressing on caraway rye.
Big appetites have options. The counter crew has been known to build a sandwich with a full pound of corned beef on request.
Not every sandwich lands perfectly for everyone. Some feel the meat portion could be more generous for the price, so it is fair to set expectations.
Still, the pastrami-and-rye crowd keeps returning. That says plenty.
Soups and Latkes from the Old Country
Matzo ball soup is a deli staple, and Cecil’s keeps it on the menu. It is one of the most mentioned dishes after the big sandwiches.
Many people order it alongside a sandwich for a classic combo. It has its fans, though opinions vary from bowl to bowl.
Latkes are another favorite. They arrive nice and crispy, which is exactly what latke lovers hope for.
Potato knishes round out the traditional lineup. They are a good pick for anyone wanting to explore beyond sandwiches.
These dishes connect the deli to its Jewish roots. For families who grew up with them at home, they offer a familiar taste of tradition.
For newcomers, they are an easy introduction to deli culture without much risk. One bowl or one plate can open up a whole new part of the menu.
Soup and latkes on the same table make for a meal that feels like a weekend at grandma’s.
Sides Worth Arguing Over
Every sandwich comes with a side, and choosing one can spark friendly debate at the table. The options are stronger than many expect.
Creamy coleslaw is a standout and gets frequent praise. A sweet and sour slaw is also available for those who like a different style.
Potato salad and pasta salad both get solid marks. Fresh fruit is an option for a lighter plate.
Fries cost an extra dollar. Opinions on them are split, with some families loving them and others calling them just okay.
The smart move is to bring a friend and order different sides. That way everyone gets a taste test without committing to one.
Sides may play a supporting role, but here they hold their own. A good slaw can save a sandwich, and this deli knows it.
Bakery Case Temptations
Save room, because the bakery side of Cecil’s deserves attention. Homemade desserts and fresh bread pull in plenty of shoppers on their own.
Hamantashen are a signature item. The chocolate version gets special mention from people who have shopped here for decades.
Strudel is another recommended treat. Bars are popular too, including lemon bars, gooey bars, and rice crispy bars.
Many people grab a few treats to take home for later. It is an easy way to stretch the visit into the evening.
Apple cobbler is on offer for anyone dining in. It arrives hot with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and walnuts.
The bread is baked fresh every day. Picking up a loaf is a simple way to bring the deli experience home.
A bakery stop here turns a lunch into a full day-trip reward.
Deli Counter and Grocery Shelves
Not every trip needs a table. The deli counter and small grocery area make Cecil’s a handy stop for stocking up.
Sliced meats, homemade bread, and desserts are all available to take home. Shelves carry the staples one would expect at a deli.
Counter staff tend to greet customers right away. First-timers often get handed a menu and guided through an order with patience.
Takeout is a popular route. Families often bring home several sandwiches so everyone can pick a favorite.
Many who sit down for a meal leave promising to shop the deli next time. The case tends to tempt even full stomachs.
For food-focused day-trippers, this part of the business adds real value. It means the trip can feed the household for a few days after.
Bring a cooler bag, just in case.
Beyond the Classics on the Menu
Deli classics get the spotlight, but the menu goes wider than many guess. Plenty of regulars have a non-traditional favorite.
The BLT earns high praise. A BBQ beef sandwich wins fans too, often paired with pasta salad or coleslaw.
The chili dog has its own loyal following. Burgers are available for those craving something different.
A grilled tuna sandwich is another option, good for takeout lunches. The overall sandwich selection is large and varied.
Breakfast is served as well, which makes early arrivals worth it. Doors open at 9 AM daily.
A small kids menu is available for younger diners. That makes mixed-age groups easy to please.
Picky eaters, rejoice, because this menu has room for everyone.
A Room Straight Out of 1970
Some places get renovated every few years. Cecil’s has kept its throwback style, and that is part of the charm.
The dining area sits in a tight space at the back of the deli. Simple tables are set close together.
Many compare it to a diner from 1970. Others mention the diner from Seinfeld, just a little less fancy.
The mood is fun and lively. It feels like an old family-style deli in the best sense.
The route to the restrooms is a bit quirky. Consider it a small adventure built into the meal.
Awards on the walls give guests something to read. They also show how long the community has valued this place.
Fancy it is not, and that is exactly why people love it.
Who Feels at Home Here
Generations is not just a word in the headline. Families truly pass this deli down like an heirloom.
Some customers have been coming for more than 40 years. Parents bring adult children, and grown kids now bring their own sons.
Food-focused day-trippers find plenty to love. The combination of restaurant, bakery, and deli rewards anyone willing to make the drive.
Travelers in town for work also stop in. Many leave calling it a highlight of the trip.
Fans of Jewish and Eastern European cooking feel right at home. So do people who simply want something different for lunch.
Kids are welcome, thanks to the small kids menu. Groups of all ages fit in.
Those who prefer quiet fine dining may find the space snug. Everyone else tends to settle right in.
Hours, Costs, and Smart Timing
Planning is easy because the schedule never changes. Cecil’s is open every day from 9 AM to 8 PM.
That steady routine covers breakfast, lunch, and an early dinner. No need to memorize different weekend hours.
Expect to pay around 16 dollars for a sandwich with a side. Fries carry an extra one-dollar charge.
Many consider the prices fair for the quality. Others wish portions were a bit bigger at that cost.
Seating can be prompt, though the room is small. Arriving outside the main lunch rush may help.
On-site parking makes arrival simple. Takeout is a reliable backup on busy days.
Phone ahead details and menus are on the official website at cecilsdeli.com.
Why the Line Keeps Coming Back
Reliable quality is the phrase that sums up Cecil’s best. After more than seven decades, the deli still delivers what people come for.
The Reuben leads the way, with pastrami and corned beef close behind. Soups, latkes, and bakery treats add depth.
No deli is perfect for everyone. Portion size and fries draw mixed opinions, and the room can feel tight.
Yet the overall verdict is strongly positive. A 4.7-star average across thousands of opinions speaks loudly.
For Minnesota food lovers, this is a trip with a clear payoff. Lunch, dessert, and groceries all fit in one stop.
Bring the family, order something classic, and grab a few hamantashen for the road. Chances are, it will become a family tradition too.
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