Uncle Giuseppe’s

I hate to spoil the party but we just came from Uncle G’s and it was a miserable experience. We both ordered hot pastrami on rye (The New York). This is a rare indulgence for us and we were looking forward to it. Hardly «piled on,» these were a few thin slices of very fatty, greasy meat. By the time we picked through it looking for what was edible, we basically had a mustard sandwich with a pastrami garnish. The rye was standard grocery store stuff. Accompanied by a pathetic thin, limp slice of pickle, devoid of the characteristic snap it should have.
One of the guys leaned across the counter in our direction and asked how everything was. «Really fatty, gotta tell ya.» He shrugged and moved on. Well, at least they got the NY attitude right.
We had been there before and had great sandwiches that reminded us of our former homes (NJ, NY). I don’t know what has happened here in the meantime but it is not good. Maybe all the other items are fabulous, but if you go, take a pass on the pastrami. As for us, we’ll take our 25 bucks over to Fred Meyers and buy a couple of pounds of Boars Head and make our own.

Today is the first time I tried Uncle Guiseppes and I was not disappointed! The prices are GREAT as well as the service. The place was also clean! They have excellent taste in their meats… Boars Head. I had a Hot Pastrami on their homemade Garlic Bread and it was tasty-​awesome! Lots of meat and melted Mozzerella… Come see these guys and have a sandwich, you won’t be disappointed !!

Absolutely brilliant place. The sandwiches are excellent, the atmosphere is legitimate, and it’s the only place to treat yourself on National Sandwich Day, November 3^rd every year.

If there is one thing that the Boise area seems to be really getting good at, it’s these sort of small little lunch counters, like Saladman, like Fat Guy in Meridian and now, like this. Here we have a guy who’s either a NY or NJ (I’m guessing NY) transplant banging away behind the glass counter, amidst the millions of handwritten specials, working over that slicer and dealing with a credit card machine that seems to have as much of an East Coast attitude as would be befitting the place. Even without «borrowing» the Uncle Giuseppe namesake of a number of New York and Jersey markets, this place is as close to an East Coast Italian deli as I’ve seen outside of NY/​NJ and like a real, actual damn deli, you can actually buy sliced meats and cheeses there, which is something places with the word «deli» in their name seem to frequently miss… this one, without the «deli» delivers on the promise they don’t. *Ahem*
Soapbox aside, you can go get your East Coast fix here, I guess, if you miss the accent and mannerisms. It definitely took me back the whole time I was there and I could have stayed longer, if I didn’t have things to do, but more to the point, get you some of that goodness. The crab/​seafood salad I had was spectacular and better than the sandwich, which was itself no slouch, but had some minor issues. Store-​made bread is good in my book, as I like those little character touch, like random scorch marks… so it’s a point in the favor generally… unless you sell me a loaf of something that resembles more a cinder block when cold. Warm I imagine it would be pretty good, but cold… it’s just too much. Taste was fine, but nothing too special. If I were them, I’d have a bakery do these up to specs and not waste time in the actual shop with it. I wound up eating about ¹⁄₃ of it because filling up my stomach with bread that’s just ok is not something I’m willing to do these days.
Lots of awesome choices on the menu, so dig in, dig deep and dig often. I know I’ll be back.

18 check-​ins. Probably twice that since I’m thinking of sandwiches when I come here, not checking in on Unilocal.Time for a review.
I’m not from the east coast so I guess I won’t know what an authentic New York Italian deli is all about. But this place pretty much nails it for what I had imagined.
Jimmy and Steve are Long Island transplants where they said they ran a huge deli the size of the Co-​Op downtown. That’s my kind of deli. What are they doing in Boise? Who cares, just be glad they’re here. They know what they’re doing.
If you think a real sandwich should include huge portions of high quality meats and cheeses (Boar’s Head or imported Italian) piled on crusty bread with lettuce, tomato, oil and balsamic vinegar, then this is your place. They have a couple of «west coast» sandwiches with mayo and mustard for fussy kids and those that are happy eating at Subway. Trust me, choose one of the 20+ Italian inspired sandwiches on the menu like the Bonanza (the #3) that has about one of every meat and cheese they have. Take some deli cuts home with you as they tout the lowest prices in town for the high quality Boar’s Head product. They also offer a variety of cold salads, east coast bottled drinks, confections, take home meals like eggplant parm and lasagne, sausage and peppers, scrapple, Italian canned goods, soups and cannolis. Try your sandwich on their garlic bread.
This is the real deal, people. Talk to these guys and you’ll know right away they ain’t from around here. No, it’s not fine dining in a high class location, and they’re not going to throw rose petals at your feet when you walk in. But they will make you an epic sandwich that will make you come back for more. When I walk in, they just start making my «numma tree on gahlic bread» as they know what I want. Fuggid aboud id, ya mugs! Love this place.

We went to Uncle Giuseppe’s right before a movie and loved it. We had the lobster bisque, which was great. We also got the homemade lasagna. Giuseppe had put his house sausage in it which really made it. We enjoyed the food, the atmosphere and Giuseppe himself. Great experience.

This is the real deal when it comes to New York/​Philly style Italian or deli food. After moving to Boise I have been very depressed about the meager food situation in the town, especially coming from a foodie town like Portland, with so many good options. I was a bit nervous at first, that the place was just another impersonation of real authentic cuisine, like so many other restaurants in Boise area try to pass themselves off as. This guy, Jimmy Beltucci (I think his name) really is serious about his food and I can see his passion for the food he makes and how he runs the deli. I have great respect and admiration that he can bring some real East Coast style food to such a far away, cuisine-​starved area such as the Treasure Valley in Idaho. Growing up in an East Coast Jewish family, I can say walking into the New York deli, itself, gave me a nice feeling of joy and tasting some real East Coast food again (like my relatives cooked me) was exhilarating.
As far as my food, it nearly brought tears to my eyes. Of course, I only have went one time and will be returning for more, but at least my first visit I was extremely impressed. The meatballs were juicy, sweet, spicy and the sauce with rich, smooth and flavorful. Most spaghetti/​tomato sauces I have had in Boise taste very old, like they are from a can and bland as can be. Even Luciano’s, the so called Boise favorite, doesn’t impress me. But, Uncle Giuseppe’s wins my heart and I am very picky about my Italian/​East Coast style foods.
I’m only sad he doesn’t do pizzas, calzones, etc, as I bet they would be real good. He also seems very accommodating and says he can make me lasagna without the pork sausage (one of my restrictions). So, I will be interested to try the home made lasagna on my next visit. It appears he can appease both carnivores and vegetarians (I am not a vegetarian, but do not eat pork).
His pastrami and deli foods are also amazing. The tortellini salad is the best I have yet to have. Forget, the Boise Co-op’s overpriced and underflavored deli food. Head over to Uncle Giuseppe’s, his deli food is cheaper and 100 times more flavorful.
The prices are very reasonable and you don’t have to spend a fortune to get full. The next time I am going to be eager to try the Pastrami and Rye.
I will be returning again soon.

Awesome subs! Owner really cares about his business. It’s a little pricey but worth it for the flavor. Any sub I’ve had with balsamic venigar on it has been great. Pretty authentic Italian flavors. Recommend it to anyone. Been there 3 times and I’m not afraid to try something new.

Just had a Philly Cheesesteak and it was awesome!!! This place is a little slice of NY right here in Idaho.

Heyyy fu-​gedda-​bouddit! This place is the real deal! Top quality ingredients including terrific domestic and imported cold meats and el-​dente fresh sandwich baguettes. Homemade soups including pasta fagioli. If you grew up in any town with an Italian-​American contingent, and you walk in uncle Giuseppe’s, you’ll know the smell… The fragrance of soprassatta, cherry peppers, and mortadella.
Anche amici bene; CINQUE STELLAE!

Really super sandwiches at a good price. #realnewyork do yourself a favor and get them footlong! Soups sound outstanding too.

Very friendly staff. Great sandwiches some meats that are great to pick up for dinner and lots of great deli meats and cheeses.

Came pick up my tailored dress next door therefore decided to give a try in this place. The façade has a lot of hand drawn paint on it reminds me a old crapy thrift store. If it wasn’t my colleague I would never step in myself. Anyway, the food is decent. I got a couple samplers of different kind of pasta. The owner wasn’t helpful to explain the food they have. That’s why I gave three stars is because of the service was not polite.

This place is a legit old school Italian sandwich shop. Their sandwiches are big and good! And the workers def know how to entertain their guests!
Hinter: Their sliced deli meat and cheese are sold by the pound and cheaper then the grocery stores! AND they only have Boars head!

What a gem!!! Walk straight into little Italy when you enter this sandwich shop. Thy have fresh meats and cheeses (sliced to order) that they will happily stack into chewy Italian bread with your toppings of choice. Prefer a sandwich of their invention? They have 24. Or make your own. They also offer soup, chips, cold salads and desserts.
On our first trip we had a meatball (#18) and a make my own of ham, provolone, red onions and spicy mustard as well as a cup of soup. The bread is the perfect companion to the juicy and tender meatballs. They are not drowned in sauce so you can actually taste the meat. My ham Sammy was generous, evenly layered and had a lavish portion of spicy mustard. The soup was tomato basil and was reminiscent of a marinara. In a good way. It was chunky tomatoes and fresh leaves of basil. Perfectly seasoned. It was not cream based but had a very nice texture.
Uncle G’s also has fresh Italian sausages they make for you to take home and grill and they also have some deliciously fatty looking imported salami that will be coming home with me next time. They offer catering (lasagna!) and large party subs as well.
Overall, skip Cobbys and don’t even think about subway. This is THE sandwich shop to go to. And you just want to buy meat? Fughedaboutit!!! Don’t waste time at the grocery. Pick it right up here, for cheaper and support a local business.

You WILL NOT find a more legit Italian sandwich in the state of Idaho. We had the #16, Giuseppe’s Italian… to die for. Perfect amount of vinegar in the dressing, awesome pile of Italian meats. Great stuff!

This is truly the best New York style deli in the Treasure Valley. One of my pet peeves living in the area is a lack of a quality, real traditional tasting Pastrami sandwich. I’ve been to all the «best sandwich» places in this area and none compare, or even come close to Uncle Giuseppe’s. I had the foot long Good Fellas pastrami sandwich and it was fantastic! With a side of their New England Clam Chowder, which was also some of the best chowder I’ve had in years, I was in culinary heaven. My wife had the Lasagna with Lobster Bisque soup as a side. She was thoroughly satisfied with the quality, taste and texture of both. I’m looking forward to and planning my next deli adventure to Uncle Giuseppe’s. If you are reading this… STOP and head immediately to Uncle Giuseppe’s! I’ll be in line just ahead of you. Enjoy.
Update 1−30−16 I’m sorry to say I’ve knocked one star off Uncle Guiseppe’s. We stopped by for a much anticipated sandwich a couple of weeks ago. Gone were the generous portions of meat and fixings in the grinder/​hoagies/​sandwiches. The flavor was still excellent, but the portions have been reduced to my dismay.

Great little New York style Deli with really nice guy serving up some of the best pastrami I’ve had in Boise! This is the kind of place where you just walk in and ask «what’s good»? And the guys says the New Yorker. And just starts making your sandwich! This was my first visit but definitely not my last!

Boars Head meats, fatty sandwiches, ppickles… like a New York Deli. Guys who work there (at least when I’ve been in) were legit from NY. Very friendly, great food!
Sandwiches are kind of spendy, but let’s face it, you don’t go to a place like this for a $ 5 footlong. This is the real deal. Fine sandwiches cost a bit more for quality.

Oh Uncle Guiseppe! How I wish you were MY uncle.
Firstly, because then perhaps I could enjoy your deli deliciousness every day.
Secondly, because I enjoy saying «Uncle Guiseppe» with an feigned Italian accent while gesturing emphatically. (what?)
Came here and ordered their #18 Gambino, which was a meatball with marinara sub. It was solid, though not stupendous. Where they have hooked me for life is with their #21 The New York. My dining companion ordered this delectable sammy (and offered me a bite), which features New York pastrami (shipped straight from the Carnige Hall deli in NY, the gentleman behind the counter informed me). The pastrami is out of this world – like, if I could have gotten away with swiping it from my dining companion, I would have… except, my dining companion was my mother and I’m pretty sure she’d have smacked my wrist and shouted something like, «Ophelia Michaels! Where are your manners!» (dang mom!) The sandwich also comes with a nice spicy mustard – which is not overly spicy but rather just right and makes the sandwich all the better.
The service was delightful and the place was cute and clean. They’ve also started doing single servings of lasagna for take-​out. And, they cater to boot.
Oh…and homemade cannoli’s, my people. Homemade. Cannoli’s.
Get to it!