The Essen Room Deli in Pikesville is seriously “where size does matter”
There’s a reason why The Essen Room’s tagline is “where size does matter”… because these sandwiches are the kind that make you pause mid-bite like, wait… how am I supposed to finish this? The Essen Room is a New York–style deli serving the Baltimore region, and the portions are genuinely next-level (aka: go hungry).
What I ordered (and why it’s worth it)…
I got a whole corned beef Reuben for $24.95, and it comes with your choice of one side—I went with the potato pancake. And then there’s the part that makes deli lovers very happy: the all-you-can-eat pickle bar. Like… go ahead and live your best crunchy life. Real talk: I ate half for lunch and half for dinner and I was still full-full.
What to order if it’s your first time
They have a pretty big menu, so if you’re overwhelmed, here are the easiest “start here” picks:
- 1) Any Reuben (whole or half): They list multiple Reuben options (corned beef, pastrami, turkey, etc.), and you can choose your bread (seeded rye, seedless rye, wrap, whole wheat, challah roll, kaiser roll).
- 2) Pick your side strategically: Every sandwich comes with a side like potato salad, macaroni salad, cole slaw, potato pancakes, chips, or fruit salad, and you can upgrade to fries/sweet potato fries/onion rings for an upcharge.
- 3) If you’re in a “classic deli” mood…Their menu goes way beyond sandwiches – think soups, knishes, smoked fish platters, breakfast, burgers, hot dogs, salads, and traditional favorites.
Do NOT skip the baked goods
They also have a lot of baked goods, and here’s a fun detail: while they make many items in-house, they also bring some baked goods in from New York (like the rugelach). I tried three rugelach flavors and the chocolate was my favorite by far so if you’re only getting one, make it that one.
The Essen Room Challenge (for the brave)
Yes, they have an eating challenge…and it’s intense. The Essen Room Challenge: finish one G.B.M.F., potato salad, coleslaw, and one of each pickle in 55 minutes or less. If one person finishes it solo, the meal is free and your name goes on their “wall of shame.” If you can’t finish, you can take it home (or recruit friends)… but there’s a $50 charge.
Baltimore magazine also describes the G.B.M.F. as a massive platter stacked with deli meats (including corned beef, brisket, turkey, roast beef, and pastrami) – the kind of thing that’s usually meant for multiple people.
📍 25 Hooks Lane, Pikesville, MD 21208
⏰ T-Th 10:30-6:30PM, F 10:30-7:30PM, Sa 9-7:30PM, Su 9-6:30PM
If you’re craving a legit deli moment, run, don’t walk. Have you guys been to this deli yet? Let me know by commenting below, Nomsters!
For more on yum Maryland eats, click here.