Herb’s Country Deli in Montville, Connecticut, is one of those places that I have passed by for years and years but for some reason had never been to. That all changed recently when I finally grabbed lunch here.
Herb’s is a classic family restaurant known for its breakfasts and lunches. I chose the California sandwich. This is a turkey sandwich loaded with avocado and cheese and smothered in Russian dressing. I enjoyed it very much and chose the potato salad on the side. The restaurant is open seasonally taking the long winter months of January and February off.
My son, unsurprisingly, decided on the chicken tenders. Often, these are bland but not at Herb’s. The chicken tenders are meaty and not overly breaded. I may have snuck a tender myself. Herb’s is also known for their homemade pies although I did not indulge in one during this trip.
Inside Herb’s Country Deli
The interior of Herb’s deli restaurant hasn’t changed in decades, according to my parents. When you enter, an old-fashioned diner counter is to the right, with most likely the regulars sitting on stools. To the left are cases that house their iconic pies, which you can buy by the slice or as a whole pie. There are various and sundry items in this area, including children’s books, cookies, and Herb’s memorabilia, including mugs and tee shirts. Moving toward the back of the restaurant there is a good-sized dining area for full service.
The Herb’s Country Deli sign is iconic, bathed in yellow with black block letters. Although this was my first visit to Herb’s, I always knew of the sign. Next door to the restaurant is Herb’s Country Store. The merchandise here changes with the season, with flowers for sale in spring and summer and. pumpkins to purchase in the fall. Inside find Herb’s baked goods and candies, local fruits and vegetables, and local dairy products.
A Little History
Herb’s Country Deli is certainly not the new kid on the block. The restaurant was founded by Herb Plotnick in 1968. Prior to that, he operated a food truck of sorts, as he sold his food from his truck’s trunk. Herb’s is currently run by his children. The moniker “deli” derives from the first incarnation of Herb’s. It began as a take-out deli but only a few years later morphed into a restaurant with the option of dining in.
Herb himself still pops into the restaurant at the young age of 91! A veteran, he has been a fixture here for decades.
For a slice of good old home-style country cooking in Southeastern Connecticut, make sure to try Herb’s Country Deli and pop in next door at Herb’s Deli Country Store. Herb’s is located at 1115 Norwich-New London Turnpike in Montville. After Herb’s, try Joy’s Family Restaurant, located just up the street.
