Even with out the occasional line out the door and the umbrellaed tables on the sidewalk, it could be arduous to overlook Leven Deli, due to its distinctive brick facade and architectural options.
It’s conveniently inside straightforward strolling distance to the Denver Artwork Museum. In truth, it’s a part of what’s generally known as Denver’s Golden Triangle, which additionally boasts proximity to downtown, the state Capitol and the Civic Middle.
Whether or not or not there’s a line, Leven’s is price investigating as a result of, regardless of its identify, it’s greater than a delicatessen. In truth, its alter-egos are a morning breakfast/espresso spot and wine bar within the late afternoon/early night. Nonetheless, the main target of this assessment is on sandwiches — and cookies.
Leven Deli (Situated at: 123 West twelfth Avenue. Denver, CO.) “Snickerdoodle Cookie, Chocolate Chip Cookie, Smashed Chickpea with Macaroni Pasta Salad and Dill Aspect with Focaccia and Mozzarella with Potato Salad” Monday June 12, 2022. Photograph by Jeff Kearney.
Leven Deli bakes naturally leavened sourdough and rye breads (gluten–free bread is out there for an upcharge). Its pastrami is dry aged in-house for 12 days, which signifies consideration to element. This course of doesn’t lend itself to shortcuts and explains why, in response to an worker, the Basic Pastrami on rye ($17) is without doubt one of the deli’s hottest sandwiches, adopted intently by the Pastrami Rueben ($29) and the Rachel ($18).
Focaccia and mozzarella with potato salad at Leven Deli in Denver.
Many of the sandwiches are grilled, including a toasty style and texture. The Basic encompasses a substantial quantity of the famed aged beef, sturdy mustard (additionally a Leven product), gooey, melted Swiss cheese and thick home made pickle slices. It’s referred to as a basic for a motive: It has no add-ons past the usual components, one thing I appreciated.
Leven Deli (Situated at: 123 West twelfth Avenue. Denver, CO.) “Focaccia and Mozzarella with Potato Salad” Monday June 12, 2022. Photograph by Jeff Kearney.
The Rachel is a spin on a Reuben, however the pastrami is changed by smoked turkey. In any other case, two slices of toasted rye are slathered with Russian dressing embracing sliced turkey, coleslaw and melted Swiss cheese. It’s really Jarlsberg cheese, a gentle type of Swiss.
If pastrami on rye isn’t your factor, there are many different choices, all of which spotlight recent components and home made breads. The roasted tomato pesto with mozzarella ($17) is the most effective of summer time flavors between slices of thick however ethereal rosemary focaccia. Arugula provides peppery taste. This can be a massive sandwich, so it’s both a great one to separate or take half residence for later.
The smashed chickpea on grilled sourdough flatbread ($15) is a jumble of marinated chickpeas, mashed avocado, tahini yogurt, pink cabbage and pickled onions. It appears like a big Mediterranean tostada. There’s a mix of crunch and chewiness in each chew.
Smashed chickpea on grilled sourdough flatbread with macaroni pasta salad and dill facet at Leven Deli in Denver.
Leven Deli (Situated at: 123 West twelfth Avenue. Denver, CO.) “Smashed Chickpea with Macaroni Pasta Salad and Dill Aspect” Monday June 12, 2022. Photograph by Jeff Kearney.
All sandwiches include a alternative of sides starting from fennel and mint coleslaw to pasta salad, from grilled marinated artichokes to chips. For some, there’s a $1.50 upcharge.
The menu consists of freshly baked desserts: Large Brownies ($5) and Massive Ass Cookies ($3.50). These are Leven’s descriptions, not mine, though they’re actually apt. The nearly-saucer-size cookies are a deal with whether or not sharing or not. We sampled the snickerdoodle, which was buttery and coated with cinnamon sugar, and the chewy chocolate chip with the requisite quantity of chips. We skipped the brownie, as a result of we had been just too full to maintain consuming.
Leven Deli (Situated at: 123 West twelfth Avenue. Denver, CO.) “Chocolate Chip Cookie” Monday June 12, 2022. Photograph by Jeff Kearney.
Leven Deli (Situated at: 123 West twelfth Avenue. Denver, CO.) Monday June 12, 2022. “Snickerdoodle Cookie” Photograph by Jeff Kearney.
Workers is pleasant, the ambiance is hip, and the meals is price standing in line for, though admittedly we didn’t have to attend lengthy.
Leven Deli (Situated at: 123 West twelfth Avenue. Denver, CO.) Monday June 13, 2022. Photograph by Jeff Kearney.
Leven Deli Co.
Delicatessen, bakery, wine bar
Location: 123 W. twelfth Ave., Denver
Contact: 303-325-5697
Costs: $7-$20
Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Particulars: Bank cards accepted. Alcohol. Outside eating. Wi-Fi.
Favourite dishes: Basic Reuben, mozzarella focaccia and snickerdoodle cookie
Different: Gluten-free and vegan choices out there.