Mama's Deli

In the past months I've tried to diversify. I'm attempting to try as many Iowa City establishments as possible before I leave this town next fall. This spring, I spend a lot of time on campus between classes, and it's given me many opportunities to sample the local cuisine offered downtown and enjoy everything the area has to offer. However, I haven't taken the city up on its offers, because I continually find myself making a beeline to 125 East Washington Street, what used to be the Record Collector, to enjoy a home-style lunch at Mama's Deli.

Sandwiched between the Den and a Subway sandwich shop, Mama's Deli sports a look that reminds me of my time spent in Paris. The cornflower blue facade and bright yellow awning of Mama's are eye-catching, to say the least, but Mama's ability to interest and amuse its guests doesn't stop there.

When you walk into the restaurant, the sunny yellow walls, many live plants, and fresh flowers on the old, wooden kitchen tables make you feel like you're walking right into your mama's tea room. The atmosphere is warm, homey, and inviting, even in the dead of winter--which is why it has become a haven for college students, professors, and downtown professionals alike. Anyone who frequented Record Collector back in the day would be pleasantly surprised to see how breezy and bright the space is now. The walls are decorated with old mirrors, family photos, and bric-a-brac, and black letters on the back wall of the open kitchen give you a bold command: "Eat what yo mama fix."

I suggest you listen to that advice. You won't be disappointed. Mama's menu is comprised of soups, salads, sandwiches and a variety of hot plates, with a range of flavors from Italian, to Cajun, to Tex Mex. The sandwiches are a highlight of the menu. Don't be taken aback by the prices--$6 to $8--these sandwiches are big enough to share and are served with a hearty helping of side : choose from leafy greens, pasta salad, cous cous, coleslaw, or chips. Or, get a generous half sandwich and a cup of soup for $5.50. The soups change from day to day, with offerings such as home made chili con carne, creamy tomato soup, lobster bisque, and butternut squash gazpacho. There's a core menu of hot plates including hot quesadillas, voodoo chicken, and jambalaya, but there are daily specials of southern fried chicken, lemon chicken, and other tantalizing home-cooked favorites. Everything on the menu is made fresh daily, served in generous portions, and let's not forget, it's all absolutely delicious.

Mama's also serves as a convenience store, offering chips, candy, mints, cheap fountain sodas, locally-roasted coffees, a variety of hot teas, and some tobacco products, so Mama is good on the go when you don't have time to stop and sit and enjoy the atmosphere.

The dining room is sometimes noisy, and there are only a few tables, but I've never had trouble getting a seat even at the height of the lunch hour. The servers are always friendly and cheerful, and their service-with-a-smile always brightens my day--even if it's only when they take my order at the counter and bring me my plate.

In short, I'd recommend Mama's to anyone who wanted a filling lunch, a change of scenery, and a smile around the lunch hour. And don't forget to bring in a picture of your mother to add to the "Wall of Mama,"--doing so will get you half off your meal.

Final Assessment

The Good: The food, the portions, the price, the service, the decor.

The Bad: Crowded and noisy at times.


Price: $
Food Quality: ****
Beverage Quality: ***
Overall Value: ****