It's TRUE: I Love New York Deli IS COMING TO CAPITOL HILL.

SCREAM.

Manager Anthony Axtell just confirmed on the phone: "That is actually not a rumor. We have a space set up and ready to go--it’s just a matter of making it happen." Axtell says the space is right off Broadway, on either Pike or Pine, he's not sure. The Oddfellows building, maybe? In any case, this is ONE BLOCK FROM STRANGER HEADQUARTERS.

ALSO!!! THEY MAY BE OPEN 24 HOURS!!! This is under "serious consideration"!!!

The original location of I Love New York Deli is a stand in the Pike Place Market right by the teeny-hot-doughnuts purveyor; the U District location is where the beloved Continental Store European Delicatessen used to be. Jon Jacobs, the New York-bred owner, is a sweetheart, and the sandwiches are truly great. All the bread is baked daily to his specifications; the kaiser rolls are a minor miracle just by virtue of being fresh, good, and in Seattle. Everybody especially loves I Love New York Deli's Reubens.

The oldies hit "Lightning Striking Again" was playing in the background at the U District shop just now.

Capitol Hill hasn't had decent, real-deal deli sandwiches since the days of Matzoh Mama's on 15th.

As Axtell said, "It is pretty fucking cool."