Every day, deli owner Tom Hayden eagerly welcomes regulars and newcomers into his appealing Fishtown restaurant and bar, Deli@Dwell.
The neighborhood deli is reminiscent of the famous TV bar “Cheers,” “where everybody knows your name.”
Hayden, the owner and operator of the Deli@Dwell, is proud that his full-service restaurant and bar has become a homey place for construction workers, neighborhood residents, sports fans, and those celebrating an array of special occasions.
Guests gather for lunch, happy hour, and more to enjoy delicious food, including hoagies, specialty sandwiches, and appetizers as well as beer, shots, martinis, and other libations.
To complement the unique flavors on the menu, graffiti art that was created by local artists who grew up in the area is featured throughout the deli, adding another touch of personality to the inviting space.
Maxwell Johnson, Deli@Dwell’s first customer and an ardent regular, has many favorites, including the chicken cutlet sandwich, the chicken Caesar wrap, the cheesy bread, and the cheesesteak eggrolls. In fact, he has had almost everything on the menu.
He calls the deli “the heartbeat of the neighborhood. It’s a fun, warm, and energetic place where we can walk to. Everything about it is carefully curated, and the staff takes great pride in what they do.”
Johnson, the project manager for a home remodeling company, moved into the Dwell Luxury Apartment Complex the day that the deli was having a soft opening. He made sure to show up on its first official day, and continues to enjoy the food, atmosphere, and people.
“Some 200 people live at the Dwell apartments, and I wouldn’t have so many friends if it weren’t for the deli,” he said.
“We know we’re not the only ones excited to sip a wine slushie, dig into a wrap, and catch up with neighbors,” said Tom Hayden, who opened Deli@Dwell five years ago this May.
Located in the Dwell apartment complex, with an inviting urban motif, Hayden said he was initially planning to open a local market, but after obtaining a full liquor license, the project pivoted to a hoagie bar and later to a full-service restaurant and bar.
“We’ve quickly become a beloved centerpiece of the apartment community and the neighborhood,” Hayden said. “We know we’re not the only ones excited to sip a wine slushie, dig into a wrap, and catch up with neighbors. I appreciate that Fishtown has the nicest and friendliest group of people I have ever worked with.”
Using his 20 years of hospitality experience, the aim was to offer a homemade breakfast, sandwiches, fresh salads, wings, vegan and vegetarian options, smoothies, specialty cocktails, eight craft beers, and a little bit of everything in between.
“I appreciate taking a raw product and turning it into something that people really enjoy. I love being creative in that way,” he says. His other favorite pastimes are playing guitar with friends and spending time with his family, including his nine-year-old son.
“We get most of our customers from word of mouth,” Hayden notes. “People hear that we have good value, nice-sized portions, and call us attractively affordable. We quickly became the favorite new go-to spot for a snack, a drink, or a full-blown meal.”
The lunch specials (which start at $14) include a wide variety of sandwiches, plus a side dish, and a fountain drink served Monday to Friday from 11 am to 2 pm.
The menu has evolved over the years to include new signature sandwiches, such as the latest popular offering made with chicken cutlets, General Tso’s sauce, broccoli rabe, fresh garlic, and red chilis.
Another favorite is the deli’s take on a cheesesteak crossed with a Ruben, made with chopped pastrami, spicy Thousand Island dressing, pickles, fried red onions, and American cheese.
In addition, the extensive menu includes happy-hour appetizers from Sunday to Friday, a variety of pizzas, pasta dishes, as well as boneless and bone-in wings with a choice of six sauces — classic buffalo, teriyaki, kickin’ sauce, buffalo garlic parm, honey BBQ, and garlic parm.
For those on a budget, or who prefer a lighter snack or lunch, the deli has snack wraps, a $6 rib sandwich, and two $6 pretzel melt sandwiches (one with pork roll and the other with pepperoni).
They’ve incorporated happy-hour pricing with more appetizers and discount drinks.
Among the popular drinks is the Espresso Martini made with real espresso, vanilla vodka, and Kahlua. Drink deals include $6 stateside specials (a shot and a beer) on Saturday.
The deli will celebrate its fifth anniversary in May with an outdoor BBQ as well as a bunch of $5 food and drink specials. “We plan to welcome the whole neighborhood,” said Hayden.
During the summer months, guests can enjoy all of their food and drink items on the outdoor patio. Diners can celebrate special occasions such as birthdays, after wedding parties, graduation parties, and more on the patio and inside the restaurant.
Using his extensive catering experience means that Hayden’s customers receive hot, fresh food on time, and that everyone takes great pride in the food and the service.
“I try to be an example of friendliness to our regulars and newcomers. It goes way beyond a greeting. I want to find out where they are from and what brings them to the deli. We aim to knock it out of the park for our guests every time,” he said.
Assistant General Manager Chris Greenwood said that he enjoys greeting each guest and making them a priority. He personally loves the homemade roast pork and roast turkey, and hears widespread appreciation for the specialty sandwiches.
“I often hear from regulars who no longer live at the Dwell,” he said. “They come back to enjoy their favorite sandwiches whenever they are near the area.”
