Water Street Deli Makes a Strong Case for the Turkey Club

What the reviews suggest

Water Street Deli carries a 5 Google rating from 173 reviews, an unusually strong public signal for a small sandwich shop. Across the available feedback, diners repeatedly emphasize freshness, balanced flavors and personal service. The operation appears compact and focused, with takeaway playing a larger role than sit-down dining.

The turkey club is the clearest consensus order. Multiple reviewers describe it as far better than expected, including one diner who generally does not care for cold sandwiches. Comments repeatedly connect its appeal to fresh ingredients, generous portions and close attention to flavor. Even reviewers who arrived without a specific recommendation came away impressed by the sandwiches.

That consistency matters more than novelty here. Water Street Deli appears to succeed by making familiar lunch food feel carefully assembled rather than routine.

A small menu with broader ambitions

Sandwiches dominate the praise, but the public feedback hints at a deli willing to reach beyond standard lunch-counter fare. One reviewer visited in search of fresh tuna for sushi or a poke bowl and praised both its quality and the owner's guidance on balancing flavors. The same review highlighted a four-cheese pizza made with a focaccia crust as a special.

Those items do not recur enough in the supplied reviews to count as dependable everyday recommendations. They do, however, suggest that specials and market offerings may vary. Diners interested in something beyond a sandwich may want to check current availability rather than assume a particular item will be offered.

Several reviews also praise the owner's welcome, recommendations and evident attention to ingredients. That hands-on service seems central to the experience, especially in a shop with a concise selection.

Best way to approach a visit

This is primarily a takeaway stop. Reviews explicitly note that there is no indoor seating. Outdoor bistro tables provide one option in suitable weather, while a nearby park offers another place to eat. That setup works well for a quick lunch before other plans, but it is less suitable for diners seeking a conventional sit-down meal.

The menu is described as limited, though reviewers frame that as a tradeoff for quality rather than a serious weakness. Water Street Deli should suit diners who prefer a short list executed with care. One review also mentions unique sodas and flavored waters, adding some interest to a simple sandwich run.

The verdict

Based on the rating and recurring review themes, Water Street Deli stands out as a strong budget-friendly lunch option in Decorah. The turkey club is the safest first order because it receives repeated, specific praise. Freshness, filling portions and friendly owner involvement form the broader pattern.

The practical limitations are straightforward: no indoor seating, a relatively small selection and possible variation in specials. For takeaway sandwiches, however, the public response is remarkably consistent. Water Street Deli looks best suited to a quick, well-made lunch eaten outside, at the park or on the go.