We’ve always been deli guys

Growing up in Cleveland, Aaron and Harley spent countless lunches with Mikey and Mel at neighborhood delis, where classics like juicy pastrami, corned beef, fresh pickles, and insanely large desserts were served up alongside equal parts brash humor and warm hospitality. Those memories sparked their dream: recreate the authentic Midwestern deli experience they cherished.

The Vision

In 2020, the brothers opened their first location in Fulton, MD, determined to shine a spotlight on the Jewish deli tradition that was fading from American cityscapes. Their goal: bring bold flavors, hearty portions, and in-house–made meats back to life. 

Building on that success, Aaron and Harley decided to open the downtown D.C. location at 1828 L Street NW, transforming a former Corner Bakery into an old-school style deli with space for 100 seats. Their mission was clear: offer bold, made-from-scratch dishes in a city that lacked real NY–style delis.

What Makes Us Unique

• Prepared corned beef, brisket, & turkey -in-house
• Insanely large portions of homemade soups like grandmother made including Matzo Ball and Mish-Mosh
• Breakfast served all day—homemade bagels, egg sandwiches, legendary omelets, pancakes, waffles
• Over-the-top stacked deli sandwiches in half- and three-quarter-pound sizes
• Homemade bakery favorites like the black & white cookie, rugelach, and foot tall cakes
• A self-serve ALL YOU CAN EAT PICKLE BAR with 10+ varieties

Join Our Table

Whether you’re breaking for lunch downtown or seeking serious flavor in Fulton, every sandwich, salad, or bagel at Mikey & Mel’s is a piece of our family’s story and a nod to deli culture at its best. Come in and taste why Aaron and Harley are keeping their father and grandfather’s beloved tradition alive—one plate at a time.

Planning a party, feeding the office, or just really into sandwiches? We’ve got you covered — and then some. Our catering menu is overstuffed with fresh, crave-worthy options: piled-high sandwiches, housemade “Saltys” chips, and sweets baked fresh every single day. Whether you’re feeding 5 or 50, we bring the flavor, the fun, and the pickles.