Garrett's Downtown Deli

What a surprise!. I travel the country for my law practice. Last week I found myself in Knoxville,TN.
Wherever I go I buy lunch for the office I am visiting. I had arranged a delivered lunch for the entire crew - long story short, they bungled the order.
One of the girls suggested we try Garrett's Downtown Deli (very close by).
I was reluctant because they had received a bad review on Urbanspoon and I was unfamiliar with them. Went there in person and spoke with manager, Dawn. Could she be more charming and accommodating?!
They took care of our last minute order (33 people including several 'add-on' last minute call-ins)...result: OUTSTANDING JOB!
Every item was beautifully prepared and frankly, the quality of the sandwiches blew me away.
We ordered both breakfast and lunch there for the next three days (actually had breakfast catered/ delivered on the third day).
They do a 'Chefs Plate' which I guess changes every week - several of us tried the 'Sonora Enchilada Platter'...WOW!
I love Latin cuisine...this was a good as anything I've had ANYWHERE.
Overall, the service and quality of the food were absolutely knockout. (The Ruben got major raves)
It was by sheer luck I came upon this place - it will be my number one destination every time I visit Knoxville - the place is a treasure.

The Reuben. I haven't had a sandwich like this since I visited New York!! You can tell the corned beef is the real deal--not the typical lunch meat style that many delis try to get away with.

Was very pleased with the wide variety on the menu and very pleased with the customer service. I ordered the spicy crab BLT with fries and frie sauce. Loves that they make there own sauces and are very creative with the menu as well. Didn't like hearing the owner get onto the staff in front of everyone while we were trying to enjoy our meal but over a great place to eat

I googled "tuna sandwich near me" because I had a random craving today. I had never heard of this place, but it popped up. Ok, the sandwich was great - sure. However, the real story here is about the customer service. Being a Director in the hospitality world, I am hard to impress where service is concerned, as I am groomed with high expectations. I was attempting to order online and hit a small snag, no biggie, I called the Deli. David, I assume the owner, answered and was so helpful and kind. He took my order over the phone, easy enough, but when I arrived in-person to pick it up - he called me by name, recalled my order to me, and greeted me as if he had known me all my life. That wasn't what really impressed me though - as I waited for my (awesome) tuna sandwich, I watched and listened as David greeted every. single. person. who entered BY NAME. When a delivery driver named "Harry" walked in, David announced, "Harry, meet Kahla!" I decided to sit and enough the atmosphere today while I ate - instead of bringing the food back to my boring office, alone. I ate and others came in, chatting with David as if they too had been longtime friends. Sitting in this Deli today, I really felt like I was transported into an old school New York Deli where "everyone knows your name". I didn't even know the Deli was in that building, but I can confirm it is the BEST eatery in that building. What a hidden gem. I will continue to order from the Deli Downtown, and likely become a regular myself - because who doesn't like being treated like a friend instead of an "order up!" Great job to David and his team. Thank you. I needed this kindness today.

Great Food and Great Conversation! Thanks David! Loved the Breakfast Totchoes!

I come to Knoxville often for my law firm. Just found this place on a recent trip actually by accident. Simply amazing! Best corned beef Reuben sandwich I've had in years. The soup was tomato basil - outstanding! The service was fast and extremely helpful. We ordered 16 lunches for the whole crew for the following day - everyone was knocked out by the quality - and it is not expensive! Absolutely love this place.