Billy's Deli & Cafe-Torrance location
Written: Jan 19 '06 (Updated Jan 20 '06)
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Pros: Wide variety of menu options; very good food, casual atmosphere
Cons: Drab strip mall location
The Bottom Line: If you are looking for a deli with a nice casual family atmosphere, no frills, this is your spot. Food, service are very good.
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| Suzer's Full Review: Billy's Deli & Cafe - Torrance |
I was asked to a group dinner at a deli about 20 miles from my house. I wasn't familiar with the deli, but how bad can deli food be? I knew they would have an extensive menu. I was worried about the cost and finding it, and other than that I had no worries. The group was meeting at Billy's Deli and Cafe in their Torrance California location. They also have a location in Glendale, California, about 20+ miles east of me.
I jumped on the 405 Freeway and headed south. I found this restaurant without much hassle and was thrilled that they have ample free parking. I was a little worried when I saw the strip mall it was in as it looked really drab, but had no worries when I entered the restaurant. It is definitely appropriate for families and there are plenty of tables, it is well lit and very clean.
We were shown to their banquet room as we were going to be a group of 10-20 people. They immediately asked if we wanted beverages (beer and wine included) or appetizers. Other than water, we wanted to wait until more of the group arrived, but did appreciate their asking.
My experience:
With so many choices on the menu I didn't know what to select. They offer appetizers such as quesadillas, buffalo strips, super nachos, chopped liver, onion rings, fried zucchini for around $6.00, but we all decided to order soup and/or salad and our entree. I can't remember what everyone ordered, but I had to have matzo ball soup. That is my way of telling if a deli is good or not. Additionally I ordered a tuna melt on sourdough. With that I had the choice of fries, slaw, potato salad, or fruit. I went for the fries (and had the soup as an extra). Others ordered everything from salads-they have about 13 different salads from a Chef salad, to an egg salad bowl to grilled chicken salad, to chicken taco salad, to a fresh fruit salad to burgers to full meals.
Other offerings:
There are 13 burgers also (no vegetarian burgers though that I noticed). They have burritos, long time faves such as New York steak sandwich, deli dips, vegetarian or chicken wraps, hot sandwiches, club, triple grilled cheese if you want cholesterol like mine (250 and counting), the usual deli entrees such as hot corned beef, beef brisket, turkey, meatloaf, hot pastrami. Additional they have what they call their skillets, fresh vegetable skillet, Gringo skillet, Cajun chicken skillet.
Breakfasts:
Eggs, omelettes, hot cakes, eggs Benedict, country breakfast, chorizo and egg, potato pancakes, cheese blintzes, lox and cream cheese, chicken fried steak, French toast.
For the kidlets:
For breakfast they offer French toast and scrambled eggs with milk or fruit juice-
For lunch or dinner they have grilled cheese, chicken nuggets, Vienna beef hot dog, hamburger or spaghetti & meat sauce, all for just $4.95.
Beaucoup beverage choices:
Coffee, Hot or herbal tea, iced tea, hot chocolate, Snapple, soft drinks, lemonade, *black and white soda (I didn't know what that was so see below)cream, phosphate, Dr. Brown's soda, shakes or malts, root beer float, milk, buttermilk, juices.
Can't pass up on the dessert?:
You can select from the usual ice cream, fruit cup, eclair, Napoleons, tapioca pudding, apple crisp strudel, pie, brownie, brownie sundae, strawberry shortcake, cinnamon roll, hot fudge sundae.
My experience:
Is this a fancy place for a hot date, or even a lukewarm one? Heck no, it is just a nice casual restaurant with very good food. It is served hot or cold, as ordered, on a timely basic and very tasty. Everyone was happy with their food, and the caring service. You know how it is with a large group; people can get picky, and we all did, but they went out of their way to make us happy. I love their extensive menu, their reasonable-for-a-deli prices, the way they cater to families, kids, vegetarians, those on a diet (4 diet plates). Our water glasses were kept filled, our used plates picked up expeditiously. The check came upon request, but we didn't feel rushed out at all.
Special extras:
* Breakfast served all day for breakfast nuts like me
* Kids' menu
* They offer delivery
* They accept credit cards
* Parking is free and plenty of it
Summing up:
So if you live in Torrance, or close by the South Bay area, or will be in that area, want a casual, family oriented deli, give Billy's Deli and Cafe a try. You won't be disappointed. I am looking forward to trying out their breakfast sometime when I am in that area, and/or returning for dinner or lunch and checking out that delicious sounding black and white soda!
*Black and White Soda
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons Chocolate Syrup
1/4 cup Milk
3 scoops Vanilla Ice Cream
1 teaspoon Vanilla
7 ounces Club Soda, chilled
Whipped Cream
Maraschino Cherry
Directions:
Combine chocolate syrup, milk, 1 scoop ice cream, and vanilla in a tall glass. Stir vigorously with spoon to blend. Fill glass two-thirds full with club soda; stir. Add remaining ice cream; fill glass with club soda. Garnish with whipped cream and cherry.
www.floras-hideout.com/drrecipes/recipes. php?page=drrecipes&data=a-e/Black_and_White_Soda
Location:
5160 W. 190th Street
Torrance, CA 90503
Phone:
(310) 371-0168
(310) 371-0168 Fax
Recommended:
Yes
Kid Friendliness: Yes
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Notes, Tips or Menu Recommendations The matzo ball soup and tuna melt are excellent!
Best Suited For: Kids and Families
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Epinions.com ID:
Suzer
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 - Top 100 |
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Member: Suzi
Location: Southern Calif.
Reviews written: 588
Trusted by: 840 members
About Me:
Compromise-Art of slicing the cake so each person thinks they have the biggest piece.
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