By: Megan Clark Campus Life Editor
Urban Deli specializes in tortas, fresh squeezed juices, and natural milkshakes, which are akin to smoothies.
Tortas are a type of flatbread sandwich, which are piled high with a variety of fresh ingredients.
The tortas cost between $5 and $7 and include a choice of meat, tomato, avocado, refried beans, onion, mayo, and the option of added jalapenos or chipotle sauce. Their juices and milkshakes run between $4 and $6 and are made fresh to-order.
David Valencuela, one of the owners of Urban Deli, originally hailed from Los Angeles, California. He wanted to open a Mexican deli in Monmouth to get away from the hustle and bustle of LA.
In response to asking why he chose to make tortas, he responded, “I’ve never seen this kind of food in this place.”
I bought a chicken torta, for $5. The torta came with all of the previously listed ingredients, squeezed between two slices of rather fluffy flatbread, and breaded chicken breast.
It was tasty, if a bit rich, due to the fatty ingredients of avocado, beans, and mayonnaise. On another day, I purchased a tuna melt for $6, which was also hearty, filling and full of flavor.
If you are craving the ingredients present in Hispanic food, or want an alternative to Subway, this is definitely a good option. It certainly filled me up; I could have saved half of the sandwiches for another meal.
The restaurant itself is located close to campus, behind the picnic table by Koyotes.
Its decor is an interesting mashup of industrial and urban, featuring aluminum siding and parking meters. Right now, the restaurant is run by Valencuela’s family, though there are plans to eventually hire on local chefs and workers.
The service is quick and, while you’re waiting, you can watch the food being made.
