You know those spots you drive past a hundred times and keep meaning to stop at? G&G Deli was that place for me. It’s a little counter deli on Waterloo Road in Jessup, right in the middle of the Route 1 corridor, and I’d been clocking it for literally years before I finally pulled in.
People kept telling me it was good, so I went in with my hopes up and grabbed two things to put it to the test. Short version? It’s a solid, no-frills neighborhood deli, and the wings are the move. It’s not a spot I’d cross the county for, but if you live or work anywhere near Jessup, G&G Deli’s a genuinely handy place to know, especially if you’re the type who’s up and hungry before the sun is.
View this reel on Instagram
What Makes G&G Deli Special?
The thing about G&G is it’s not trying to be fancy, and that’s exactly why it works. It’s an old-school counter deli that opens at 5am on weekdays, which tells you a lot about who it’s for. This is the Route 1 stretch near the Maryland Food Center, so there’s a steady flow of early-shift workers and locals grabbing breakfast and lunch to go.
The menu’s huge for such a small spot: cheesesteaks, wings, hot and cold subs, breakfast platters, omelets, even a crab cake sandwich. And you’re not paying a premium for any of it. It’s the kind of dependable, budget-friendly neighborhood deli every town should have, and the folks near Jessup are lucky it’s theirs.
What to Order at G&G Deli
I kept my first order simple and let the classics do the talking. Here’s what I got, and what I’d tell you to get.
The Cheesesteak ($9.99)
The cheesesteak’s a respectable take on the classic, griddled to order and loaded up for ten bucks. Was it the best I’ve had around here? Not quite, but it’s a solid, filling order that gets the job done. I just wouldn’t call it the reason to come, especially once you’ve had the wings.
The 5-Wing Box ($12.99)
Now the wings, THESE were the yum pick for me. The box gets you five big wings plus fries for $12.99, and the portion’s solid for the price. I thought they were better than the cheesesteak, no contest, and the value felt right for how much food lands in front of you. So if you’re torn between the sub and the wings, go wings every time! With the fries it’s a full, satisfying meal that won’t dent your wallet.
Beyond the Classics
I only scratched the surface, but G&G’s menu runs deep if you want to branch out. They do a full lineup of hot and cold subs, from a loaded club to roast beef, pastrami, and corned beef, plus a crab cake sandwich, which feels very on-brand for Maryland. I haven’t worked my way through all of it yet, so I can’t personally vouch for each one, but there’s clearly more here than a one-and-done lunch. Next time I’m in the area I want to try that crab cake and report back.
The Deli That Reminded Me of My Great Aunt’s Shop…
Real talk, part of why I liked G&G has nothing to do with the food. Walking in hit me with this wave of nostalgia, it reminded me so much of my great aunt’s little shop. There’s something about a no-frills neighborhood deli, the counter, the quick hellos, that just feels like home to me. I’ve got a real soft spot for places like this, the ones that aren’t chasing a trend and have just been quietly feeding their neighborhood for years. That counts for a lot in my book.
Does G&G Deli Serve Breakfast?
YES! It might be the best reason to come. G&G opens at 5am Monday through Friday (6am on Saturday), and breakfast is a big part of what they do. You’re looking at egg sandwiches on everything from bacon and sausage to scrapple and steak, plus egg platters with home fries and toast, omelets, pancakes, and a loaded G&G Breakfast Special.
I didn’t make it in for breakfast this trip, but those early hours are calling my name for next time. If you want a bigger sit-down bagel spread nearby, Bagels ‘n Grinds in Hanover does a great NY-style version.
The Vibe and Experience
Don’t come expecting ambiance, G&G’s a grab-and-go counter spot, not a sit-down restaurant. There’s a small area to eat in if you want, but most people order at the counter and take it to go. Service was quick and friendly, exactly what you want when you’re on a lunch break or fueling up before a shift. It’s unpretentious in the best way. If you love a no-frills nearby spot like this, another one I always recommend in the area is El Sopón, the Mexican food truck over in Elkridge.
Good to Know
- 📍 7901 Waterloo Rd, Jessup, MD. It sits on the Route 1 corridor, about 15 minutes from BWI and southwest of Baltimore.
- Hours: Monday to Friday 5am to 2:30pm, Saturday 6am to 2:30pm, closed Sunday. This is a breakfast-and-lunch spot, so don’t come looking for dinner.
- Prices: budget-friendly across the board. My cheesesteak ran $9.99 and the 5-wing box with fries was $12.99.
- Service style: order at the counter, mostly takeout with a small spot to eat in.
- Parking: there’s a free lot on site.
- Good for: a quick weekday breakfast or lunch, eating on the go, and anyone working the Route 1 and Maryland Food Center area.
Is G&G Deli Worth A Visit?
It depends on where you are. If you live or work near Jessup, G&G’s absolutely worth knowing, a dependable, affordable spot for a quick breakfast or lunch, and the wings are a legit order. Would I drive across the county just for it? Probably not, and I’d rather be straight with you than oversell it. But as a reliable neighborhood go-to, it earns its spot. If you’re exploring the wider area, I also rounded up my favorite places to eat in Columbia right down the road.
So that’s G&G, Nomsters, a humble little Jessup deli that knows exactly what it is. Have you been? And while we’re at it, I’m always hunting for the DMV’s best under-the-radar delis, so drop your favorites in the comments and put me on! Save this one for the next time you’re cruising down Route 1 and need a quick bite.