Krell's East Coast Style Delicatessen in Oklahoma City: Corned Beef and Pastrami on Rye

Krell's is a full-service delicatessen in Oklahoma City that specializes in cured and smoked meats prepared in the New York deli tradition, with a focus on hand-sliced corned beef, pastrami, and house-made sides. It operates as a counter-service deli with a small dining area, situated in a market that also stocks imported groceries and specialty items.

What the place actually is

Krell's functions as both a neighborhood deli counter and a destination for deli meat enthusiasts. The operation centers on beef brisket cured in-house, sliced to order on a commercial slicer, and served on rye bread from a local bakery. Unlike quick-service sandwich chains, Krell's builds sandwiches to individual specification: customers specify thickness of the slice, density of the pile, and whether they want mustard, pickle, or both. The space is modest, with a handful of tables and counter seating that encourages eating on-site rather than creating a lingering cafe experience.

Menu, pricing, and the house specialties

The corned beef sandwich runs $14.95 for a full portion (approximately 0.5 pounds of meat), with a half portion at $9.95. Pastrami follows the same price structure. Turkey, roast beef, and ham are available at slightly lower cost. Sides include potato salad, coleslaw, and dill pickles; a full plate with sandwich and two sides runs about $18 to $20. The smoked turkey breast, brined and smoked on-site, is leaner than the beef options but carries the same price as pastrami. All sandwiches come on a choice of rye, whole wheat, or marble rye; a few specialty breads rotate in. Prices should be confirmed by phone, as food costs shift seasonally.

The pastrami differentiates itself through visible smoke ring and a peppery crust; it is noticeably more expensive to produce than corned beef, yet Krell's does not charge a premium for it. The corned beef is tender but not falling apart, with a salt profile that suggests a cure of at least seven days. Neither meat is pre-sliced; order-to-slice timing averages three to four minutes.

How it compares to other Oklahoma City delicatessens

Oklahoma City has limited deli competition in the New York tradition. Cattlemen's Steakhouse in Stockyard City focuses on beef cuts rather than cured meats and does not operate as a deli counter. The Loaded Bowl in Midtown offers sandwiches but sources from commercial producers rather than curing in-house. Krell's stands alone in Oklahoma City for made-to-order, house-cured deli meats served fresh-sliced. If you want authentic New York-style pastrami or corned beef, Krell's is the only option in the metro area; if you want a quick sandwich regardless of provenance, the Loaded Bowl or local chains serve that purpose faster and at lower cost.

Who it suits and who it does not

Krell's suits people who grew up with or appreciate New York deli culture, visitors from the Northeast seeking familiarity, and customers who value hand-cut meat over standardized portions. It also works for people who want to buy cured meat by the pound to take home. It does not suit anyone in a hurry; the slicing-to-order model adds five to ten minutes per sandwich. It is not a casual lunch spot for under $12. The dining area is small and can feel cramped during peak lunch hours (11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on weekdays). Dietary restrictions are limited; the menu is meat-forward with minimal vegetarian or vegan options.

What the first visit involves

Walk to the counter and review the menu board above the slicer. Ask questions about meat quality and thickness; the staff expects it. Order your sandwich, specify rye type, and wait for the slicing. Expect to watch your sandwich come together. If you sit at a table, bus your own plate; there is no table service. Many customers buy meat by the pound to take home alongside their sandwich.

Hours, parking, and logistics

Krell's operates Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; it is closed Mondays. Street parking is available but limited; confirm the specific address and parking situation when you call. The deli shares a building with other tenants, so the entrance may not be immediately obvious from the street. Call ahead if you need a specific quantity of meat; large orders may require advance notice.

Krell's justifies its place in Oklahoma City's food landscape by delivering an experience that cannot be replicated by chains or casual restaurants. It fills a specific need for people who understand and seek the deli tradition.