112 Dyckman AvenueThere are a few perks that come with my job. Going to South Haven in the summer time is one of them. Who doesn’t want to call South Beach “the office” for a few hours.
I still try to find as many new places to eat as I can whenever I travel. I’m running out of options in South Haven…especially when it comes to quick sandwich type places.
For years now I have passed a little shop on the way to North Beach that I always thought was more of a souvenir type place. The name really doesn’t lead you to deli even those I’ve missed that word on the big blue awning several times now.
North Side Memories is near the corner of Dyckman and North Shore Drive between the Dyckman Street Beach and Stanley Johnson Park. There’s a little row of three buildings squeezed in to the block with pull in parking spots right out front.
The small shop is a combo party store, deli, and convenience store. The front of the space has some grocery staples. It’s a great spot for all the vacation rentals in the area. It’s within walking distance of several condos, airbNb’s, and bed & breakfasts. There’s not a lot but there are pantry staples in case you forgot something and don’t want to run to the big box stores on the other side of town.
The back area is the deli. There is counter with lunch meat and prepared sides behind glass. The menu hangs above and offers up a number of sandwich options. You can also build your own with a paper slip on top of the counter to fill out.
There were three people working when I stopped in and all were working on sandwiches. It looked they had a big call in order as they were quickly putting together to-go boxes. One of the guys saw me looking at the menu and turned his attention to me.
I ordered The Pavilion which is one of the submarine sandwich choices. The sandwich comes cut in half on a large sub bun with roast beef, ham, turkey, Swiss cheese, 1000 Island dressing, lettuce, onion, and tomato. The first thing I noticed was how much meat was on the sandwich. I was expecting a slice of each but this is a pretty hefty sandwich and not one that relies on veggies for it’s girth. I don’t always like condiments on my sandwiches so I was happy to see just a thin layer of the 1000 Island. There’s enough there to get the taste but not so much it drips down the front of my dress shirt.
The sandwich comes with a side choice and a pickle. I picked the macaroni salad. I’m super picky on macaroni salads. The lighter they are on the dressing the better. This one is on the creamier side. It’s wasn’t bad. Just not my thing. I still ate all of it though.
I already had a Pepsi in the car so all I had to pay for was the sandwich. Before tip, this meal came in just under $10.
I’ve really been seeking out places that aren’t normal restaurants. I love deli’s like this stuffed in to the back of a party store or a gas station or just some other place you wouldn’t expect. There’s really not a lot of dining options near North Beach and North Side Memories fills that gap in with delicious, light meals that will have you back in the lake quickly without feeling bloated.