149st Deli: 24/7 Bronx Staple Serving Chopped Cheese, Philly Cheesesteaks & More
Store Overview
149st Deli, located at 543 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10455 (☎ 718-742-5732), is a 24-hour neighborhood deli that doubles as a grocery stop and hot food counter. It sits on a busy Bronx corner where Southern Boulevard traffic meets pedestrian-heavy blocks, making it a reliable round-the-clock pit stop.
The storefront is clean and well-lit with classic deli glass cases showing off pastries, cold drinks, and hot food trays. Inside, it has the familiar Bronx bodega vibe: a grill running all night, a salad bar, fridges stocked with essentials, and shelves carrying not just snacks but also household items, detergents, and personal care goods.
The deli serves a mix of local residents, commuters, late-night workers, and students, plus anyone grabbing a meal on the go. It’s highly visible on Uber Eats, Seamless, and DoorDash, and its delivery service has earned strong ratings (4.7/5 on Uber Eats).
Menu & Services
149st Deli is known for a wide range of deli classics, hot meals, and made-to-order items. Popular menu highlights include:
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Chopped Cheese Sandwich – Bronx classic, ~$8.99.
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Cheeseburger Your Way – customizable, ~$7.99.
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Philly Cheesesteak – highly praised by locals.
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Bacon, Egg & Cheese Bagel – a breakfast staple, ~$6.99+.
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Fresh Fruit Salads & Smoothies – lighter options for health-minded customers.
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Salad Bar – fresh and customizable, available 24/7.
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Sriracha Chicken Sandwich – one of the more popular grill specials.
Services:
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Open 24/7, every day of the year.
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Full grocery selection: pantry items, drinks, toiletries, laundry detergent, and essentials.
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Beer and soft drink selection available late.
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Pastries and coffee bar for morning rush.
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Delivery via Uber Eats, Seamless, DoorDash, and Postmates.
Review Summary
Positives
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Google reviews (4.2/5, 315+ reviews) highlight friendly staff and great service.
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Customers rave about the salad bar, chopped cheese, and hot grill options.
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Delivery satisfaction is high (4.7/5 Uber Eats with 6,000+ reviews).
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Many appreciate the clean shop and wide selection of essentials.
Negatives
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Occasional complaints of wait times during peak hours.
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Some reviews note that prices can add up if customizing larger meals.
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Like most 24-hour delis, quality can fluctuate slightly between day and overnight shifts.
Human Commentary
149st Deli stands out for balancing grocery store practicality with strong deli service. Unlike smaller corner bodegas, it feels like a community hub—offering everything from bagels and coffee in the morning to cheesesteaks and chopped cheese at night. The mix of essentials + hot food + delivery reliability makes it indispensable in the Bronx, where many residents rely on 24/7 delis as true lifelines.
Location & Accessibility
Transportation
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Served by the 2 and 5 trains at 149 St – 3rd Ave, a short walk away.
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Buses on Southern Boulevard bring heavy daily foot traffic.
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Near community schools, residential blocks, and retail shops.
Nearby Landmarks
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St. Mary’s Park – Families, joggers, and local sports groups often pass by, creating steady daytime demand.
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Bronx Documentary Center – Draws cultural visitors, who may grab a sandwich or coffee before/after exhibitions.
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Yankee Stadium (a few stops away) – Game-day crowds can funnel through the area and look for pre- or post-game meals.
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The Hub (149th Street shopping district) – Heavy retail foot traffic nearby, especially daytime and weekends.
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BronxWorks & Community Centers – Local organizations nearby bring steady streams of workers, volunteers, and students.
These landmarks ensure 149st Deli gets early-morning commuters, midday shoppers, and late-night partiers or shift workers, aligning perfectly with its 24/7 business model.
Genius Marketing Analysis
GI (Genius Insight):
149st Deli’s strength is being a true neighborhood anchor—not just a food spot, but a 24/7 convenience hub. Its emotional value lies in being the place Bronx locals can count on any time of day.
MDA (Marketing Action):
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Position the deli as “The Bronx’s All-Night Kitchen” in social and delivery app branding.
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Lean into signature Bronx identity (chopped cheese, Philly cheesesteak) for authenticity.
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Use delivery app promos targeting game nights, late-night orders, and lunch rushes.
10 Genius Ideas
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Bronx Game Night Specials: Discounted combos for Yankee fans and basketball nights.
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Commuter Breakfast Packs: Bagel + coffee + fruit cup for a bundled morning price.
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Late-Night Combo Deals (12–5 AM): Aimed at shift workers and nightlife customers.
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Local Loyalty Card: Buy 10 sandwiches, get 1 free; perfect for repeat neighborhood customers.
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Family-Size Catering Trays: Sandwich and salad platters for community events, marketed to local schools and churches.
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Bronx Identity Campaign: TikTok/Instagram reels showcasing chopped cheese being made at 3 AM—branding it as a Bronx must-try.
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Partnership with Bronx Documentary Center: Discount for ticket holders to encourage cultural crossover.
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Back-to-School Specials: Affordable lunchbox kits for nearby schools, marketed to parents.
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Weekend Smoothie Bar: Highlight fresh fruit smoothies as a healthier option on delivery apps.
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Review-for-Reward Program: $1 off next order for customers leaving Google or Uber Eats reviews.
Conclusion
149st Deli is more than just a corner store—it’s a Bronx institution that captures the energy of the borough: resourceful, vibrant, and always awake. With its clean shop, friendly staff, and diverse offerings, it’s a place where locals know they’ll find what they need, whether it’s groceries, breakfast, or a midnight chopped cheese.
By leaning into its 24/7 trust factor and deepening community ties, 149st Deli can solidify itself as not just another bodega, but as a Bronx landmark in its own right.
Q & A
Q: What are the hours?
A: Open 24/7, every day.
Q: Price range?
A: About $10–20 per person.
Q: Delivery options?
A: Available on Uber Eats, Seamless, DoorDash, and Postmates.
Q: Signature dishes?
A: The chopped cheese, Philly cheesesteak, and salad bar are customer favorites.
Q: Is it family-friendly?
A: Yes—offers both grocery essentials and hot meals for all ages.
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