DGS Delicatessen
2985 District Ave.
Fairfax, VA 22031
703-280-1111
http://www.dgsdelicatessen.com/

Deli | $$

Red Apron Butchery in Mosaic gets real competition for upscale deli sandwiches from DC’s highly regarded DGS Delicatessen. In the finest tradition of a New York Jewish deli DGS comes to Virginia to offer fantastic sandwiches and desserts. Chef Brian Robinson has everything running smoothly in the kitchen and makes sure the dishes are on par with their reputation. As with all beloved classic dishes like barbecue, sausage gravy, or fried chicken, it’s never going to be a good as grandma made. Jewish deli food is no different. It may not be as good as what you grew up with but I guarantee it’s as good as your going to find in Northern Virginia.

The cotton flour sack napkins are a nice touch.

My sandwich was the Half Street made with DGS Pastrami, Corned Beef, Sauerkraut, Swiss Cheese and Mustard on Double Baked Rye bread. The corned beef and pastrami are cured, brined, and smoked in house. They do their own pickling and make sides and desserts in house. The Half Street allowed me to try the corned beef and pastrami. They both melt in your mouth. The mustard was smooth and mild. The sauerkraut was good and not too sour. The rye was earthy with just a slight caraway flavor.

For dessert we had killer Cinnamon Donut Holes filled with a Honey and Apple puree and given a slight powdered sugar dusting. They are served warm and are the perfect combination with no one element overpowering.

There is an abundant and growing list of restaurant choices in the Mosaic section of Fairfax with more opening all the time. Don’t overlook DGS for dinner thinking it’s just deli food. Dinner plates include Grilled Salmon, Grilled Ribeye, and Chicken Schnitzel.