They are still slicing by hand



This is my combo pastrami/corned beef Reuben this year



Last year



More Jake's photos here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/louisachu/ ... 11/detail/

chicagostyledog wrote:Business as usual according to MSPD, without MK slicing the beef.

Louisa Chu wrote:They are still slicing by hand

Excellent news. It appears the new guy slices more thinly than Mr Kassof. That photo of MSPD's had me a little worried—it almost looks like machine sliced corned beef.

Rene G wrote:Excellent news. It appears the new guy slices more thinly than Mr Kassof.

This is not a bad thing in my book. I'm looking forward to my next Jake's visit.

stevez wrote:

Rene G wrote:Excellent news. It appears the new guy slices more thinly than Mr Kassof.

This is not a bad thing in my book. I'm looking forward to my next Jake's visit.

Ya roll the dice. A couple of days ago, they were fresh out of pastrami and thick slicing corned boeuf. They're not pruning much, if at all, so thick slicing gets pretty fatty (if tasty).



I really quite enjoyed their MBS. A first rate broth'n'ball for sure.

I had lunch at Jake's this afternoon and I'm pleased to report that my corned beef sandwich was absolutely top notch. In fact, it was hands down the best sandwich I've had there, since I discovered the place in 1980.

chicagostyledog wrote:I had lunch at Jake's this afternoon and I'm pleased to report that my corned beef sandwich was absolutely top notch. In fact, it was hands down the best sandwich I've had there, since I discovered the place in 1980.

Alive and well.

Stopped in at Jake's on Saturday afternoon while up in Milwaukee. It was packed around 2p but we got a table within 10 minutes as most customers were doing take out. They were slicing by hand and my Reuben was one of the best sandwiches I've ever had and like CSD, the best I ever had from Jake's, which is all about the corned beef. I don't know if it's been mentioned on this thread but they are now open until 9p on Friday and Saturday. Still closed on Sunday's though.


One serious sandwich

Jake's Delicatessen
1634 West North Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53205
(414) 562-1272
Website

I also stopped in at Jake's and sampled three outstanding sandwiches.



Let me cut to the chase here: This was the best corned beef I've ever had. This thick hand-cut mouth-watering, jaw-droppingly tender meat was just extraordinary. There's a lean version available, but there is simply no good reason to pass on any chance to get this perfect meat.



The pastrami was awesome and every bit as tender as the corned beef. I would have liked more seasoning on it, but that's not a major complaint.



I also got to try the medium salami and was very impressed. It paled in comparison to the corned beef and pastrami because, well, it's salami. But on the salami sandwich scale, this one knows few peers.

Because all the meats were so good, it wasn't a big deal, but I would like to see an upgrade in the bread department.

stevez's post on the classic corned beef from McBob's (down the street from Jake's, wow does that hash look GREAT) reminds me I forgot to share where we stopped at for breakfast/early lunch on the way to the Wisconsin Northwoods. Lookout! here comes more 'Sconnie love. I don't know if theres a stretch of a few blocks in America for better corned beef than North avenue in Milwaukee. New York City included.

Headline

Jake's takes it to Pat's and Geno's!


Pro's at work

Jake's has their own version of a Philly cheesesteak. Chopped up sauteed pieces of corned beef with peppers, onions and cheese served on a hoagie roll. Along with their ridiculously good Reuben this was a breakfast of Champion's, Milwaukee style. The JakeSteak was great, never would of thought to get it with their other sandwich options but even Rocky might want to switch sides after trying one of these massive sandwiches.


The Jake Steak

Jake's Delicatessen
1634 West North Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53205
(414) 562-1272

Over in the McBob's thread chicagostyledog wrote:

budrichard wrote:Jake's uses Vienna Corned Beef.
Note: Vienna makes two types of corned beef, one that is corned and cooked for just re-heating and one that is just corned, so places such as Jake's hold it on the steam table until tender.
A Corned Beef sandwich without the proper rye bread whether light as opposed to dark and not light in calories is not a Traditional Corned Beef sandwich.
When in downtown Milwaukee it's Jake's for me!
Note: Jake's is supposed to open another place farther North.-Dick

Jake's used to serve Vienna Beef corned beef, but switched to another brand.

Jake's now uses Kelly Eisenberg corned beef. I think their pastrami is still from Vienna Beef.

A second Jake's was supposed to open in Glendale. Speaking with one of the owners a month and a half ago it sounded like the opening was imminent. I just saw an article from the 30 November 2011 Journal-Sentinel saying Jake's expansion is on hold.

I got to sample Jake's Philly Corned Beef and a Pastrami Dog. Both were interesting in their own ways but I doubt I'll be ordering either again. At Jake's it's corned beef on rye, simple as that.

Rene G wrote:I got to sample Jake's Philly Corned Beef and a Pastrami Dog. Both were interesting in their own ways but I doubt I'll be ordering either again. At Jake's it's corned beef on rye, simple as that.

I was surprised, perhaps more perplexed is the right word, to hear that the Philly CB was the best-selling item on the menu. Also, based on Beef's pic above, it looks as though there's possibly another Sandwich Artist at work.

Da Beef wrote:

Philly CB


I kinda wanted to take a shower after the pastrami-dog (can practically see my own reflection in it):

tatterdemalion wrote:I kinda wanted to take a shower after the pastrami-dog (can practically see my own reflection in it):

Whoa, whoa, whoa...stop stealin' my material. You know I told you I thought that Jake's should install a shower on the premises to hose down afterwards.

PIGMON(tm)

Since Jakes was being talked about, Jakes is looking to expand to a second location. The first choice was in Glendale, WI, by Dr. Dawgs, but a Jimmy Johns franchise threatened to sue for having a second "sandwich" location in the strip mall. I am boycotting that Jimmy Johns. The second location now is rumored to be going into Whitefish Bay on Silver Spring drive just off of I-43 as you drive north of Milwaukee. Before you get to Benjis in Fox Point (two more exits up, but closer to the highway).

Another place to try for corned beef is House of Corned Beef on 6200 W Silver Spring. I would suggest not going after dark
http://houseofcornedbeef.com/

exvaxman wrote:Another place to try for corned beef is House of Corned Beef on 6200 W Silver Spring. I would suggest not going after dark
http://houseofcornedbeef.com/

The web site says they deliver, though. And..."House of Corned beef also offers a variety of tasty dishes including cheeseburgers, subs, fried chicken, wings, hot dogs, gyros, Italian beef, Philly cheese steak, catfish, shrimp, tacos, nachos, ribs and frozen lemonade." Also pizza.

Sounds intriguing.

I can only attest to the corned beef and catfish at the House of Corned Beef. Both are very good.
It is in a not so nice area - there was a murder next door at the Popeye's chicken and more than a few drug busts in the blocks close by. i do not let my wife go there, when she wants something I go. The housing project is being re-done and the streets are being upgraded so I am hoping for the best. The owner is a very nice person, and I never have had any issues with the counter people or the other customers. Actually - within sight of the place was the first Cousin's Sub location.

Milwaukee has graduated to a very dangerous City with robberies and assaults daily and homicides on an almost daily basis. My perception is that the areas I frequent in Chicago are less dangerous and perception is reality. I now have a Wisconsin Concealed Carry License but still am avoiding the City of Milwaukee. I simply don't want a confrontation.-Dick

Milwaukee has graduated to a very dangerous City with robberies and assaults daily

Let me just say that I will go anywhere in the area - however, my wife and son are not allowed that option.
Since I have lived in the area, IMHO, the area has degraded. However, I still live in Milwaukee county (outside of the city) in an area that has everything from projects to million dollar mansions that the Bucks players live in (as well as some amazing inventors). People are people. My kid's little league team had a couple of buck's players kids on it as well as some kids that I picked up from the projects since their parents did not have cars. Northridge shopping center was "supposed" to have gone under due to a liar that claimed his wife was killed by a minority when he did it himself. I will disagree because there were a lot of gangs roaming the mall that I had no issue with but I thought it was not safe for my wife.

I will say however that my wife picked up a walking tour guide for the area - in big bold letters in the front it mentioned that while the things that they described were tourist attractions, to look and decide for yourself if you would get out in the area.

It is sad because is is a great town - close to everything, great food, great entertainment, if Norquist had not destroyed the easy access I would be doing a lot more shopping downtown.

There is a new Carvery stand at the BMO Harris Bradley Center that serves Jakes pastrami and corned beef/
I was there last night and had a Pastrami sandwich. The sandwiches are made to order and sliced when ordered. It was a fantastic sandwich and a great warm up to the Admirals game.

Please boycott Jimmy Johns in the MKE area.
He stopped Jakes from moving into the NS area right by DR. dawgs by threatening to sue. Different
Clientele, etc. River Hills looked at closing down the road by them citing JJ's as a reason after a death due to the speeding deliveries in a 25 MPH zone.

My community (Glendale) then sued River Hills over access to the local HS (Nicolet) over the road that
jimmy johns corporate refused to have a response to. (Mods, if needed links will be provided).

The local online newspaper "JSOnline" in the business section always mentions the situation
Delving into this further, a couple of downtown sandwich carts owned by a friend I met through cub scouts had "not nice" stories about the franchise owner.

However, if in the northern part, hit "house of corned beef" http://houseofcornedbeef.com/
Or for a great pastrami, http://www.spartangyros.com/

And if you hit Spartan, go to the Hmong mall directly across from them.

exvaxman wrote:Please boycott Jimmy Johns in the MKE area.

Gladly, and everywhere else, too. Although I'm not sure it counts as boycotting if I would never consider eating there anyway because the food is completely flavorless.

LAZ wrote:

exvaxman wrote:Please boycott Jimmy Johns in the MKE area.

Gladly, and everywhere else, too. Although I'm not sure it counts as boycotting if I would never consider eating there anyway because the food is completely flavorless.

It's not satisfying either. I'm always left still hungry. But what I'm really here for is to relate a couple of stories about a friend in Huntley and their friend in Crystal lake who tried to place a delivery order to Jimmy John's in Huntley and Crystal Lake, respectively and both were told that they are outside of their delivery areas! That's amazing, considering the fact that their delivery service is their main selling point.

Back on Topic,
we stopped at Jake's today for takeout Pastrami sandwiches. Hand sliced of course, with brown mustard and light rye with caraway seeds and a nice pickle.
As good as ever. One sandwich will satisfy a healthy appetite.
Prices keep rising, Pastrami about $8.99 per sandwich.
How long can,will Jake's stay at it's present location?-Dick

On a recent weekend visit to Milwaukee, I came across a branch of Jake's Deli in the Grand Avenue Mall downtown. I was too full to order anything, but I did observe the teenaged guy behind the counter hand slicing corned beef for the sandwiches. Have any of you Milwaukee denizens been to that branch?

Annie and I grabbed a sandwich to split the other day there..Since we had not gone to original to really compare we thought it was very good. Yes it was hand sliced and filled our corn beef need that day!

Danny

Slightly off topic (sorry) but is there anything left at the Grand?
I know that Daly's pen shop is thinking of moving if they haven't already. He was telling me about the hassles of pulling the wonderful woodwork and how the management there was still trying to charge huge rent for an empty mall. Also mentioned that the renewal contract they asked him to sign was over two inches in depth.
I used to park there to eat lunch, do my meetings, get something at Office Depot to cover parking and leave. My father when he was alive loved a Greek salad from the food court.

Currently doing "house of corned beef" on silver spring for corned beef, Spartan Gyro on 76th and mill for pastrami.

Sunday Sunday Sunday, Jakes is open on Sunday(only the Mall branch). Memorial day weekend went for a bike ride along Milwaukee lakefront. Made a stop mid ride and walked through Public Market. Lots of good looking stuff, but only had an iced coffee. Following bike trek had to find a lunch spot on Sunday about 2pm. Checked the Samsung to see if Jakes was open. Ah as I thought, closed on Sundays, but what is this I see, a second location on the website open on Sundays, whoopee. Not much of a selection, Pastrami was sold out, No rubens (no griddle i think) no soup as the small counter is moving to the food court on June 1st, but the CB is the same hand cut fatty deliciousness. I love the old world charm of North Ave. location and this mall kinda sucks, but if its a Sunday or you are downtown and cant get to the original, the sammich was great. Do not hesitate. As a long time Kopps guy, I made my first trip to Leons for custard. It ranks right up there and they always have butter pecan. Better old world vibe than Kopps also. Biking or snacks? I'll do both.


Babaluch

GRAND AVENUE MALL
Jake's
275 W. Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53205
Telephone: (414) 882-7090 Fax Order: (414) 882-7091

Hours
Mon-Fri: 10 to 7
Sat: 10 to 6
Sun: 11 to 5

"I love the old world charm of North Ave. location"

Can't say I agree with you. There is usually uniformed Law Enforcement inside the North Av location and that doesn't make it charming to me.
As to custard, A few years ago I had the opportunity to try butter pecan at both Leons and Kopp's within and hour of each other. There was no question in my mind that Kopps was better tasting and the pecan pieces were much larger.
Yesterday I had Grasshopper Fudge at Kopp's. simply devine.
The gleaming stainless at Kopp's is what you will see in any traditional Dairy in Wisconsin, even in the barns where the milking goes on.-Dick

"old world charm" was somewhat sarcastic, but I still prefer the old wooden furniture to eating under the florescent lights in the hallway next the The Dress Barn. Never had an issue with the customers or neighbors at North Ave. or Old Fashioned donuts or Baylor's watermelon. Maybe I'm strange but I liked the old Tony's Eatin house on Grand and Neva to the short lived one on Armitage. But to each his own. Better analogy for this thread might have been the old and new cheeze castles.

Dealing with the Grand and it disappearing.
I went there to try the corned beef and the teenager slicing it did a good job. Great sandwich.

However, daly's pen shop on Burleigh, Bunzel's, artist and design, and the pasty shop on Burleigh have made the Grand a non destination. House of Corned Beef on Silver spring and 60th, Spartan Gyro on 76th and mill for pastrami and corned beef, etc. I just have no need to go to the grand anymore.

Seriously, visit Daly's pen shop at the grand for a visit to what used to be a fantastic awesome "old school" store. Sadly, closing and while it does not have the "old school" awesomeness, the Internet store for Daly's on 76th and Burleigh is a great place. He rebuilds classic pens and it is just awesome to see the stock. A true aficionado who rebuilds classic pens.

Took me long enough, but finally got to Jakes yesterday.





Man, that corned beef is probably the best i have had, thick slices, some a little fatty, all good. Popping flavors, first time my mouth was watering while i was eating a sandwich. Shared a reuben which was quickly devoured. Wasnt sure about the mustard as the default, but that and some of the 1000 island made it work.



Doubt ill go into milwaukee again without attempting a visit to Jakes.

Last thing, at no time did i feel i needed to be armed. Id bring my wife and daughter in for a visit without a second thought.

I've never felt unsafe at Jake's either. Its great that they have stuck with the neighborhood when it probably would have been easier and more profitable to move somewhere like Shorewood or Milwaukee's East side.

As for the Grand Avenue, its time to pull the plug. Make a 1st floor food court with an entrance at 3rd and Wisconsin and convert the rest to hotel or apartments or seek out an office user. The City has sunk so much money into that place only to see idea after idea fail. The only thing that isn't failing is the food court. They had to give millions in incentives to lure unexciting retailers like Linens and Things, TJ Maxx and Office Max. Boston Store is going to close, its just a matter of when.