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Attman’s Delicatessen rewards the wait with hefty sandwiches

Baltimore’s longstanding deli earns strong marks for tender meats, substantial sandwiches and consistency, though lines and a few uneven sides draw criticism.

By Yara Tahan4.63,234 public ratings
Attman's Delicatessen in Baltimore
Mitchell Lindley

More photos

Food and interior photo 1 at Attman's Delicatessen in Baltimore
Food and interior photo 2 at Attman's Delicatessen in Baltimore
Food and interior photo 3 at Attman's Delicatessen in Baltimore
Food and interior photo 4 at Attman's Delicatessen in Baltimore
Food and interior photo 5 at Attman's Delicatessen in Baltimore

Photos published by diners on Google, not AI generated.

What stands out

  • Tender, flavorful sandwich meats
  • Large, substantial sandwiches
  • Latkes served with applesauce
  • Historic photos in the dining room
  • Harbor East outdoor waterfront seating

Worth knowing

  • Lines can slow service
  • Occasional order confusion
  • Matzo ball soup drew criticism

Suggested meals

Dishes that come up most in public reviews

  • Lean corned beef on rye with mustard
  • #4 President’s Special
  • Latkes with applesauce
  • Coddie

Worth a visit?

What public feedback says

Attman’s Delicatessen carries a 4.6 Google rating from 3234 reviews, and the supplied public feedback presents a clear reason for that enthusiasm: diners come primarily for generously filled sandwiches built around tender, flavorful meats. Several comments describe the food as worth waiting for, even when a line forms and service slows.

This is a mid-range stop whose appeal rests more on deli tradition and portion size than on a quick, frictionless meal. Reviewers repeatedly frame Attman’s as a Baltimore mainstay, and returning customers emphasize quality and consistency. The broad takeaway is favorable, with most criticism aimed at waiting, occasional order confusion and one notably disappointing bowl of soup rather than the signature sandwiches.

The sandwiches lead the menu

The strongest praise goes to the meat. One diner seeking a corned beef sandwich ordered lean corned beef on rye with mustard, while another singled out the #4 President’s Special for its meat and melted cheese. A separate order involving two meats was described as unusually large, tender, juicy and flavorful, even though the diner was unsure whether it matched the requested item.

Those accounts suggest Attman’s works best when the order stays focused on a classic deli sandwich. Corned beef on rye is the clearest choice represented in the reviews, while the President’s Special offers a richer combination with cheese. Hot dogs also have loyal supporters, although the available comments provide less detail about them.

The sides receive a more mixed response. Latkes with applesauce were called delicious, and a coddie earned a positive, if brief, mention. Matzo ball soup was the exception: one diner strongly advised skipping it. That is only one review, but it is the sharpest food complaint in the sample.

Expect a line, not a rushed counter

Waiting is the most consistent practical concern. Multiple reviewers mention lines, including customers who still considered the food worth the delay. One explanation offered is that orders take time to prepare carefully. That patience appears to pay off in sandwich quality, but anyone on a tight schedule may find the experience frustrating.

Accuracy may also deserve attention. One review reports uncertainty about receiving the requested sandwich, even though the substitute or mistaken order tasted excellent. Confirming the order at the counter would be sensible, especially during crowded periods.

Atmosphere and overall verdict

The dining room receives praise for its collection of historic photographs, giving sit-down customers something more distinctive than a purely functional deli counter. Another review highlights outdoor seating and waterfront views at the Harbor East location, along with its suitability for coffee, takeaway orders or meeting friends. That location-specific praise should not be assumed to describe every Attman’s setting.

Synthesized from the supplied ratings and reviews, Attman’s looks like a reliable choice for a substantial Baltimore deli sandwich, particularly corned beef or the President’s Special. The best experience belongs to diners willing to wait and prepared to prioritize sandwiches over soup. The combination of longstanding appeal, consistently praised meat and repeat-customer loyalty outweighs the service delays and occasional unevenness.

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Research-based review: our MD editor synthesized 3234 public reviews and the current 4.6-star rating, not an anonymous visit.