Okay Nomsters, you already know I can’t turn down a good sandwich feature, and Mikey & Mel’s Deli had been sitting on my list for way too long. My boyfriend Deke’s a huge sandwich guy, so I finally talked us both into a trip out to Maple Lawn to see what the hype was about, and let me tell you, this New York-style Jewish deli in Fulton doesn’t do a single thing halfway.
We’re talking corned beef and pastrami stacked sky-high on challah, a matzoh ball soup that’s shockingly generous, freshly cut fries, and yes, an actual pickle bar (which ended up being the highlight, more on that in a sec). If you love a deli sandwich that eats like two full meals and you’re anywhere near Howard County, this spot’s worth the drive. Here’s everything we got and what I’d order again.
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What Makes Mikey & Mel’s a Standout Jewish Deli
Mikey & Mel’s is a New York-style Jewish deli that landed in Maple Lawn back in 2020, and the backstory’s honestly the sweetest part. It was opened by brothers Aaron and Harley Magden, who named it after their dad Mikey and grandpa Mel, the two men who first put them on to deli culture. That family energy shows up in the food. The corned beef, brisket, and turkey are all made from scratch, and they boil and bake their bagels in house daily, which is not something every deli around here bothers to do.
The whole thing they’re known for is overstuffed. These are not dainty sandwiches, they’re the kind you take home half of. And yes, that flagship sandwich called The Harley? It’s named after one of the co-owners, which I thought was such a cute touch.
What to Order at Mikey & Mel’s Deli
Deke and I split a proper spread so we could taste a bit of everything, and here’s what I’d get again. Real talk, come hungry, because the portions here are no joke!
The Harley
This was my pick and man, it was A LOT. I got mine on challah rolls stacked with corned beef, pastrami, muenster cheese, cole slaw, and mustard, and it came as two rolls plus two sides. I went with the housemade chips (so yum) and paid a little extra to add a potato pancake, which was incredibly tasty.
It’s a big, savory, messy-in-the-best-way sandwich, and even though the price looks steep at first, you’re basically walking out with two meals, so it evened out for me. If a stacked sandwich is your love language the way it is mine, it’s the same reason I can’t quit the London Broil at Bon Fresco over in Columbia.
Matzoh Ball Soup
I ordered a small and it came out shockingly big, lol, so keep that in mind before you over-order. I really loved this soup, comforting and exactly what you want when it’s cold out. My one honest note is that I like my soup piping hot, and this one could’ve come out a touch warmer for me. Even so, I highly recommend it, especially in the winter months. It’s a classic done right.
The Tuna Melt
Deke ordered the tuna melt and absolutely devoured every last bite, no notes from him. He said it was scrumptious, and he got a side of freshly cut fries that we both picked at. If tuna melt’s your comfort order, he’d tell you this one delivers.
The Pickle Bar
Now let’s talk about the actual highlight of Mikey & Mel’s, their pickle bar. Yes, you read that right, they have a whole PICKLE BAR with so many varieties to pick from. It’s a fun little touch that made the whole visit feel special, and for me it’s a 10/10, hands down. Do not skip it!
Is Mikey & Mel’s a Kosher Deli?
Short answer, no, and it’s a fair thing to wonder at a Jewish deli. Mikey & Mel’s is New York-style, not a certified kosher kitchen. You’ll see that right on the menu: The Harley layers muenster cheese over the corned beef and pastrami, and mixing meat with dairy isn’t something a kosher deli would do. So think of it as deli-style comfort food done in the classic tradition, just without the kosher certification.
The Real Test: A Sandwich Date with Deke
This one had been on my list for ages, and it made for such a fun little outing. Deke’s a big sandwich lover, so taking him to a spot that takes its sandwiches this seriously was basically a guaranteed good time. We left completely stuffed, took a solid chunk of food home, and I was already scheming about my next visit before we’d even paid. There’s a whole menu here I still want to work through, which is exactly what you want to feel walking out of a deli.
If deli-style lunch spots are your thing, Bi Bi Cafeteria in Columbia is a casual counter worth knowing about, a woman-owned spot doing cheesesteaks, wraps, and budget-friendly weekday lunch just a few miles away.
The Vibe and Experience
The vibe’s casual and easygoing, the kind of counter-service deli where you order at a kiosk, grab a seat, and settle in. There’s outdoor seating too if the weather’s nice. It works for a weekend brunch, a low-key sandwich date, or grabbing a mountain of food to take home, and it’s family-friendly across the board. Maple Lawn’s a genuinely lovely little pocket to make a morning of, and Deke and I have grabbed coffee at Sidamo Coffee & Tea right nearby, so you can easily make a whole outing of it.
Good to Know
- Location: 📍 8191 Maple Lawn Blvd, Fulton, MD (in the Maple Lawn development)
- Hours: Sunday to Thursday 7am to 4pm, Friday and Saturday 7am to 5pm
- More locations: they’ve since expanded, with spots now in downtown DC (L Street NW) and Pikesville, MD
- Ordering: order ahead on their website (it runs on Toast), or through DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub; there’s also a self-order kiosk in store
- Parking: easy, Maple Lawn has street parking plus lots
- Heads up: a 3% credit card surcharge and a small plate-sharing fee apply, so factor those in
- Portions: huge, the sandwiches easily split into two meals, so plan to share or take some home
- Beyond sandwiches: they also do all-day breakfast, house-made bagels, smoked fish, latkes, and knishes if you’re not in a sandwich mood
- Dietary: vegetarian options and gluten-free bagels are available (not a certified gluten-free kitchen), and it’s a Jewish deli-style spot, not certified kosher
Would I Go Back to Mikey & Mel’s?
YES. I was already planning my next visit before we left, which tells you everything. It’s a great pick for anyone who loves a proper overstuffed deli sandwich and doesn’t mind the fees adding up a bit at the register. Go hungry, order The Harley, and whatever you do, hit that pickle bar. For me it’s a solid Maple Lawn go-to and an easy rec for Howard County sandwich people.
Have any of you been to Mikey & Mel’s Deli yet, Nomsters? I’d love to know what you order, so drop it in the comments below. And if you’ve got a sandwich lover in your life like I do, do them a favor and send this their way.