About Town: Lunch on the Cliffs

Fort Lee has an abundance of choices when it comes to grabbing a bagel, a sandwich or some quick takeout, but we admit we pine for the days when you walked into a deli and were overwhelmed by the aroma of cured meats mingling with the scent of yeast from the freshly baked bread. A place where the owner’s mother, grandmother or Aunt Millie was in the back kitchen preparing the daily specials of lasagna, ziti or pasta fagioli wearing their housecoat that held an open pack of Marlboro in the roomy pocket.

Ah, the days when every little corner deli was its own Italian feast. Although we can’t replicate those bygone deli days, there is a deli that holds the spirit of what a deli should be. Deli on the Cliffs just over the border in Englewood Cliffs. And, it turns out, this happens to be one of Fort Lee’s best kept secrets because on just about any given weekday the place is filled with off-duty cops, firemen and local employees lined up at the counter or seated at one of the tables enjoying some of the best sandwiches our area has to offer.  

A deli has been housed in this same white building for as long as most longtime Fort Lee residents can remember, and although ownership of Deli on the Cliffs has changed throughout the years, the quality of food, and service, has never been sacrificed.

You can call your order in and have it waiting for you when you arrive, wait to order and take it out or sit at one of the tables in their smallmbut cozy dining area.

Deli on the Cliffs offers all the sandwiches you’d expect a deli to offer, but if you’re really looking to try something great, try one of their paninis. Not only are these sandwiches large enough to feed two people, or take half home for dinner, they’re out-of-this-world delicious.

The chicken cutlet is a favorite panini with melted cheddar cheese and bacon, or as some like to call it—a heart attack to go. It’s simply to die for. It can instantaneously turn a bad day around.

Every day Deli on the Cliffs posts their daily specials menu that consists of no less than fifteen culinary delights. If they offer the Cuban, get it because before you can say "Ricky Ricardo," it's sold out. 

Deli on the Cliffs also offers a variety of specialty salad options, from chicken Caesar to Greek, and a daily Atkins Diet special. Hot dish specials are also offered daily such as pasta or chicken cutlet parmigiana.

They also make terrific burgers and fries cheaper and--need we even say it--much tastier and healthier than McDonalds.

Behind the counter is Maria, who, for all of you who remember Bernie’s Deli on the corner of Main and Anderson, is the Anna Barbarulo of the joint. Funny, fast and absolutely the most charming person when she’s picking on you, Maria’s one of the reasons people keep coming back. Also, once she knows what you like to eat, you’ll never have to tell her again. As soon as you walk through the door she’ll start preparing it.

That’s the problem with Deli on the Cliffs. You find yourself ordering the same thing again and again because it’s so good. Said one Fort Lee Borough employee on their lunch break who asked that we not print their name, “Every time I come here I come in with the intention of ordering one of the specials. But then as soon as it’s my turn to order, I get my usual--Maria’s Chicken Salad on rye toast because it’s so delicious.”

In addition to their extensive lunch menu, Deli on the Cliffs has a great breakfast menu as well. Egg sandwiches range from $2 to $3.50 depending on what you want on it. They do omelets, bagels, muffins and pastries as well.

If you give them your fax number, Deli on the Cliffs will send you their “Daily Specials” menu every day. They offer free delivery and corporate charges. 

Deli on the Cliffs can also handle all of your catering needs, whether it's for a party at your house or a corporate event. Firehouse No. 3 on upper Main Street uses them to cater their annual children’s Christmas party at the firehouse. They prepare platters of food that both the kids and the adults love. When Deli on the Cliffs is catering, there are very few leftovers.

There is one caveat. During the lunch rush, Deli on the Cliffs is packed. So be prepared for a little wait, and be patient. It’s definitely worth it.

Deli on the Cliffs is located at 476 Sylvan Ave (one block north of Mama Mexico). 201-894-5515.