
Chapman's Deli
Chapman's Deli in Reading, PA, is an old-school deli renowned for its fresh, homemade offerings, including the must-try Reuben sandwich and generous lunch specials. With a broad menu featuring daily specials and house-baked bread, it provides exceptional value and a classic deli experience.
What people love about Chapman's Deli
Reuben Sandwich
Consistently singled out as exceptional, the Reuben is viewed as a standout, signature offering.
Homemade Bread & Fresh Slicing
Diners repeatedly mention the house-baked breads and made-to-order slicing as elevating every sandwich.
Weekly Lunch Specials ($5.66 Hoagie Deal)
The low-cost, generous lunch combos are celebrated for their affordability and portion size.
Thursday-Only Chicken Salad
The limited-time chicken salad has earned a loyal following, marking it a true “secret” day-only favorite.
Key Themes from Reviews of Chapman's Deli
Food Quality & Freshness
PositiveCustomers overwhelmingly praise the freshness of ingredients, from breads to salads and hot foods.
Value & Portion Size
PositiveGuests feel they get large portions at very reasonable prices, making the deli a strong value proposition.
Staff Friendliness & Service
MixedWhile many praise the polite, friendly owners and staff, others report occasional rude interactions or understaffing.
Cleanliness & Atmosphere
MixedCustomers like the nostalgic, old-school deli vibe but note that the seating area and windows can feel unkempt.
Menu Variety & Daily Specials
PositivePatrons appreciate a broad menu—breakfast, soups, burgers—and rotating specials that keep visits interesting.
Food Safety & Hygiene Concerns
NegativeMultiple reviewers express alarm over lack of visible food-safety practices like glove use and handwashing.
Signature Sandwiches (Reuben Popularity)
PositiveThe Reuben sandwich is repeatedly called out as a top-tier, must-try item and a major draw for repeat visits.
About Chapman's Deli
Welcome to Chapman’s Deli in Reading, PA
Nestled in the heart of Reading, Chapman’s Deli has been delighting locals and visitors alike with hearty sandwiches, homemade breads, and a warm, old-school vibe. Whether you’re craving a classic hoagie, a legendary Reuben, or a rotating daily special, Chapman’s delivers fresh ingredients, generous portions, and unbeatable value—all served with a smile.
A Legacy of Freshness and Flavor
From the moment you step up to the counter, you’ll notice the difference that fresh really makes. Customers rave, “Everything is so fresh. We went right around 12 on a Saturday….” and “Amazing food, everything is fresh and home made.” Chapman’s bakes breads in-house and slices lunch meats to order, ensuring each bite bursts with flavor. Crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and vibrant salads are prepared daily, so you can taste the care in every sandwich and salad.
Unbeatable Value and Generous Portions
At Chapman’s, big appetites meet small prices. Guests consistently celebrate the deli’s value proposition: “5.66 buys you a large hoagie, bag of chips and a can of soda,” and “The same size as two sandwiches from anywhere else. Great value….” Whether you choose a filling soup‐and-sandwich combo, a burger with fries, or one of Chapman’s legendary hoagies, you’ll leave satisfied—without emptying your wallet.
A Menu That Keeps You Coming Back
Variety is the spice of life, and Chapman’s menu embraces it fully. Start your day with a hearty breakfast sandwich or classic omelet. By lunch, you can explore rotating daily specials—“Different specials every weekday. You can’t go wrong here”—or indulge in signature offerings:
• Reuben Sandwich: “My Reuben is the best I've had in a very long time. I will rate it up there with NYC Reubens.” A must-try, this masterpiece layers tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and zesty dressing on perfect rye.
• Thursday-Only Chicken Salad: Devoted fans plan their week around Thursdays: “Their chicken salad (only available on Thursdays) is second-to-none.”
• Weekly Lunch Special: Score the $5.66 hoagie deal—large sandwich, chips, and soda—for a steal every weekday.
From soups and burgers to Monte Cristo creations, Chapman’s daily specials and broad menu ensure no two visits feel the same.
Service with a Smile (Mostly)
Chapman’s Deli has long been celebrated for friendly, efficient service: “The owner is always polite and very quick… I’ve always loved coming here for the past 20 years.” Many customers note how staff greet you by name and move orders briskly during the lunch rush. While a handful of guests have reported occasional curt interactions or busy periods with limited help, Chapman’s core team remains committed to making every visit feel personal and welcoming.
Nostalgic Atmosphere with Modern Comfort
Step inside Chapman’s and you’ll be transported back to a classic neighborhood deli. The vintage décor and well-worn counters provide a cozy backdrop for casual dining. Guests often comment, “Take a step back in time with this old school deli.” Though the seating area and windows occasionally need extra attention—“The dining area definitely is in need of a good cleaning”—the overall charm and authenticity keep patrons coming back to relive that genuine deli experience.
A Note on Food Safety and Hygiene
Transparency matters. A few reviews mention concerns about not seeing gloves or hand-washing in action: “I never saw the people handling our food with gloves or washing their hands.” At Chapman’s, we take food safety seriously. While our team follows established sanitation guidelines behind the scenes, we encourage any guest with questions about our practices to speak directly with management. Your confidence in our hygiene standards is as important to us as the freshness of our ingredients.
Come Discover Your New Favorite Sandwich
Chapman’s Deli isn’t just another sandwich shop—it’s a community staple where quality, value, and tradition intersect. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch, lingering over a specialty sandwich, or introducing friends to our standout Reuben, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere and flavors you won’t forget. Visit Chapman’s Deli in Reading, PA, and taste why customers say, “Get the reuben, you won’t be disappointed.” We look forward to serving you soon!
Unique Details About Chapman's Deli
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
Payments
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Planning
- Quick visit
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Service options
- Takeout
Alternative Local Businesses in Reading, PA
Contact Information for Chapman's Deli
Reading, PA 19607
United States of America
County: Berks County
Phone: +1 610-775-4545
Website: Visit Website
Customer Reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
Based on 156 reviews
Review data
5 star reviews
- 74%
4 star reviews
- 13%
3 star reviews
- 7%
2 star reviews
- 3%
1 star reviews
- 3%
Working Hours / Hours of Operation
- Monday:
- 8AM-7PM
- Tuesday:
- 8AM-7PM
- Wednesday:
- 8AM-7PM
- Thursday:
- 8AM-7PM
- Friday:
- 8AM-7PM
- Saturday:
- 8:30AM-2PM
- Sunday:
- Closed





