The Largest Deli Sandwiches In Alabama Require Two Hands At The Beli
By Lisa Battles|Published April 10, 2024
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Lisa Battles
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Lisa has traveled the U.S. for over a decade, seeking out and sharing the stories of its most interesting places, people, and experiences. A journalism graduate of Auburn University, she has been a content strategist, editor, and writer for more than 25 years. Lisa has worked in community news, PR, and marketing with a focus on tourism, hospitality, and economic development. Besides following her curiosity around every corner, she's a devoted dog mom of two and advocate for animal welfare.
Have you ever noticed how a day of swimming can make you just ravenous? If you happen to be doing that on Alabama’s Gulf Coast, I have a solution for you. Limber up your fingers and be prepared to use both hands to lift a sandwich at The Beli, a celebrated deli in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Billing itself as “the Original Beach Deli,” The Beli (a mashup of beach + deli) has developed a loyal following since it opened in 2021 on West Beach Boulevard.
Owner Anna Beth Ryan told Alabama News Center she came across the minty building being constructed while staying nearby with her family at their beach house. They had been quarantining there together during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ryan, a Gadsden native, was previously living and working in New York following her culinary training there.
She struck up a conversation with the owners one day when she asked what was planned for the space. They intended it to be a restaurant, and she suggested a sandwich shop – something she believed filled a bit of a gap in the local food scene.
One thing led to another, and The Beli was born. If there was a gap for scrumptious sandwiches before, this little open-air beach shop has filled it – perhaps even overstuffed it, and no one is complaining. In fact, The Beli was voted "Best Deli in Baldwin County" in the Gulf Coast Media's Best of Baldwin Awards in early 2024.
One of the top sellers is The Big Momma, which is two thick slices of toasted sourdough hugging a sweet and savory center of turkey, provolone, feta, jalepeno, raspberry jam, and hot sauce.
There are seven other specialty sandwiches, too, including the sunburned tomato with chive mayo, spinach, roasted tomatoes and feta, turkey, jalepeno, and onion – barely contained by toasted sourdough.
Breakfast at The Beli is available the first two hours of the day, when you can choose among four different breakfast sandwiches. The OG has bacon, egg, and cheddar cheese on a white or everything bagel. I was not kidding about needing both hands!
If the massive sandwiches aren't enough for you (or you just want a little snack instead), there are chips, pickles, muffins and cookies to round out your meal.
You can peruse the entire menu on The Beli website and see its latest updates by following The Beli on Facebook.
Next time you stay in Gulf Shores, be sure this spot is on your list. We know it’s hard not to eat fresh seafood every meal, but you won’t regret switching things up with these sandwiches. Please let us know if you go.
And if you’ve already been to this deli in Gulf Shores, Alabama, share your favorite sandwich!
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