Hymie’s in Bala Cynwyd has everything you want in an old-school Jewish deli. If you grew up Jewish, it brings back the nostalgic smells and flavors of your grandmother’s kitchen, and if you didn’t, you’ll feel like you did by the time lunch is over. Like a beloved grandmother from any culture, Hymie’s will feed you way too much and then insist you take more with you from the gauntlet of oversized desserts on the way to the cash register. The menu is large, but there are a few traditional Jewish deli must-haves (hint: it’s not the acai bowl). If you’re solo, go for the $13.95 U-Pick-2, and get a cup of the matzoh ball or its heartier sister, cabbage with beef, along with a half sandwich. Big groups share the nova lox or whitefish platters along with too-big-for-one corned beef, pastrami, or brisket sandwiches. A server who’s been working here since the ‘90s will make sure you’re ordering things the right way (“You want it on rye? With coleslaw and russian dressing? Of course you do.”). Make judicious use of the pickle bar, order too much, and bring lunch home for the next couple of days.
Less