For most of my life, I have loved Sherman’s Deli in Palm Springs. Now my children love it too.
Sherman’s Deli In Palm Springs – 30 Years Later, Still Exactly The Same
The menu prices may have gone up, but everything else about Sherman’s Deli in Palm Springs is exactly as I remember it from when I was a kid.
When I was growing up, my parents used to take a trip to Palm Springs each autumn and would always bring my brother and me back an order of potato pancakes (latkes). We always looked forward to sweets from the farmer’s market and potato pancakes from Sherman’s.
When my brother and I got a bit older, our parents started taking us along and we enjoyed many a fine meal at Sherman’s Deli. I have always loved pastrami sandwiches and did not even have to review the (large) menu: I knew what I wanted.
We spent the Fourth of July in Indian Wells, but on the way stopped at Sherman’s in Palm Springs (Sherman’s also has a restaurant in Palm Dessert, but I wanted to go to the “original” one).
It had been a number of years and I wondered if the restaurant had changed. Nope. It was exactly how I remembered it.
Of course, I knew what I wanted: latkes and a hot pastrami sandwich, but what about my kids?
Augustine wanted pancakes.
Okay.
Claire Marie wanted pancakes too.
Uh-oh.
We don’t eat pancakes at home, so I was willing to give them this “treat” but in the back of mind thought that we really should order something else since the pancakes on one plate would probably be enough for both of them.
Our waitress, by the way, easily could have been there when I was a kid. Great service here.
The food arrived. Of course, my sandwich and potatoes were excellent.
Augustine loved his pancakes.
But Claire Marie told me, “I don’t like pancakes.” Thanks Andy.
She then asked to “share” my food and proceeded to eat most of the potato pancake and a big piece of my sandwich.
Well, at least we know what to order for her next time…
CONCLUSION
Sherman’s Deli in Palm Springs is the classic NYC-deli that has (thankfully) not changed at all in the decades I have patronized it. Now my kids love it too!
Palm Springs in July is a bit toasty.
Ok, the place looks awesome but after spending 2 weeks eating in Europe I am a bit obsessed with food prices here in the US. So you said “The menu prices may have gone up, ” and I was curious and went to their website to check. Holy s..t!!!! $19.45 plus the expected 20% minimum tip for that pastrami sandwich? Food prices have gone insane in the US and I avoid eating out as much as I can now.
This is the same price as all of the well-known Jewish delis in Los Angeles (Canters, Langers, Brent’s) and I think is the market price for the cultural experience rather than the value of the food.
We would go to a hole in the wall if we could get a good pastrami sandwich for half the price.
I too visited the menu. I’ve enjoyed potato pancakes all my life, I then found zucchini pancakes, all the same flavors and texture with 7 grams of carbs, made in minutes with one bowl, a grater, and a non-stick pan. 1 zucchini, salt, 1 egg and a couple spoonfuls of flour. Kids love them with yogurt and applesauce.
Also Sherman’s has smoked whitefish! Extra points for yum
Think that’s my friend shorty in the one picture ….she’s a waitress there
Pastrami and potato salad are my go to items when visiting PS and Sherman’s.
Good choice Matthew and family. I love Sherman’s. Hint- since you go there for a major “cheat” meal— next time get the pastrami sandwich that’s ON LATKES! That’s right— two huge latkes with the pastrami in between— no bread— latkes in place of the bread. It’s enough for 4 servings! Did you see the fruit salad?? It’s like a volcano of fruit on a plate!! The best dessert is the German Chocolate Cake!
Wow! I love the rye bread (no bread at home) but this sounds superb. I will try it.
Know it well,used to live down the street on the south end.For us veggie leaning types,yep the latkes are the bomb,and they make a mean potato knish.Dont know what happened to kasha varnishkes,healthy dish that disappeared off most deli menus.
Matthew, have you ever tried a ‘Montreal Smoked Meat’ sandwich up here in Canada? If so, how does it compare? If not, you need to.
I have not, but I will next visit!
Have been there for breakfast on several trips to Palm Spring.
Great variety, great service, great food.
Have brought others there on return trips.
I just paid $19.99 for a half of corned beef sandwich and matzo ball soup earlier this month at Mort’s in Tarzana. And let me tell you, it was worth every penny! A lovely gentleman slicing my corned beef to go told me he has worked there 40+ years, and looks forward to going to work everyday. It’s not about what you spend; it’s about the experience and memories you take away. And a special shout out the Bea’s bakery next door for their incredible rye bread dusted with corn meal. Mort’s and Bea’s is a must for me when I go to SoCal. Thank you for your review of Sherman’s. I will be sure to visit on my next trip to the desert.
Love Sherman’s! I’m going next week. And you are correct, it hasn’t changed at all in decades.
No pancakes for the kids? No bread at home?! Don’t think I’d like growing up at your house! 🙂
She refused to eat it! What a waste.
My husband and I visit PSP every year and we usually stay at the Hilton across the street. Sherman’s has always been an absolute must for us every morning and I was thrilled to see your report.
I have been going to Sherman’s for many years that is not the original location