Some sandwiches are lunch, and some sandwiches are a reason to drive across town. In Clinton Township, Michigan, a small family-run deli has built a loyal following one stacked corned beef sandwich at a time.
The meat is piled high, the onion rolls are soft, and the welcome at the counter is famously warm. People come from the west side of Detroit just to get a taste, and plenty of them end up eating in the parking lot because they cannot wait until they get home.
The menu keeps things focused, the hours are short, and the line can get long, so a little planning goes a long way. This guide covers what makes the sandwiches special, which sides deserve a spot on the tray, how the family runs the room, and the practical details that help a first trip go smoothly.
A Deli on Gratiot Avenue
RJ’s Corned Beef Deli sits at 33727 Gratiot Ave, Clinton Township, MI 48035, in the heart of Macomb County, Michigan. It is a small restaurant with a big focus, and that focus is corned beef.
Gratiot Avenue is one of the main roads running through this part of metro Detroit. The deli fits right into that busy stretch, with shopping nearby and plenty of traffic passing by every day.
Some customers find it by accident. One couple spotted it after a trip to the TJ Maxx across the street, and a husband on a long hunt for a truly great corned beef sandwich ended that search right here.
Others make the trip on purpose. Folks drive in from across town and from the west side of Detroit, and many say the drive is worth it.
The deli carries a 4.8-star average across more than 600 opinions on Google, which is a strong number for any spot. For a small counter-service shop, that kind of steady praise says a lot.
The address is easy to plug into a map, and there is ample parking out front. That makes a quick lunch stop simple, even on a busy Saturday.
So the location is set, the parking is easy, and the corned beef is waiting. Now comes the family behind the counter.
The Family Behind the Counter
Every good deli has a story, and this one starts with a name. RJ is the owner, and the business is very much a family affair.
The owner and his brother are often found working the room. The owner also tends to introduce himself to people as they walk in, which sets a friendly tone right away.
That personal touch shows up again and again. Regulars describe the owner as top tier, personable, and clearly proud of the food.
Black-owned and family-operated, the deli has earned a reputation as a place where locals eat. Some even call it a Southeast Detroit institution, which is a big title for a small shop.
There is a fun detail in one owner reply, signed with the hashtag Herring. It is a playful nod that hints at the family name behind the business.
The family approach also affects how the food is handled. Staff walk newcomers through the menu, offer suggestions, and take time to chat until the rush picks up.
In a world of chain sandwiches, a counter where the owner knows your face counts for a lot. The next stop is the star of the show itself.
Corned Beef That Skips the Salt Overload
Plenty of corned beef sandwiches end up dry or far too salty. Here, the meat is known for being the opposite.
The corned beef comes out juicy rather than dry and overworked. It is tender, not tough, and it carries little to no visible fat.
That lean quality is a big deal for many customers. Finding lean corned beef at a fair price is rare these days, and this deli manages it.
People watching their salt intake have good news too. The corned beef has a mild, balanced flavor and is not heavily salted, which makes it easier to enjoy for those with health concerns.
With corned beef mentioned in more than 200 Google comments, it is clearly the main reason people show up. Many place it in their personal top three sandwiches, and some call it the best they have had in years.
The menu even taps into Detroit deli memory. Fans of the old Lozen’s style say the corned beef here brings back that taste they thought was gone for good.
A plain sandwich is a great test of the meat, and it passes with ease. Still, the bread deserves its own spotlight.
Soft Onion Rolls Worth the Trip
Bread can make or break a sandwich. At RJ’s, the onion roll is one of the quiet heroes.
Many customers order their corned beef sandwiches on onion rolls, and the soft texture keeps showing up as a highlight. One couple who drove across town said the onion roll was their favorite part after the meat.
The roll holds a big pile of corned beef without stealing the show. That matters when the portion is as generous as it is here.
First-timers often go straight for a few corned beef sandwiches on onion rolls with a side or two. It is a simple order that shows off what the deli does best.
The smaller 4-ounce sandwich also comes on the onion roll. That gives lighter eaters a way to try the classic combo without committing to a giant stack.
Onion rolls are a deli tradition in Detroit, and this shop treats them with respect. They are a big part of why the place is mentioned in the same breath as older local favorites.
Once the bread question is settled, the next question is size. That one gets interesting fast.
Small, Large, and Extra Large
A word of warning about the small sandwich: it is not small. People who order it are often surprised by how big it turns out to be.
The sizes start with a 4-ounce corned beef sandwich. It is a handy pick for anyone who wants a lighter lunch or just wants a first taste.
From there, the portions climb. The XL corned beef sandwich is a hefty option for big appetites, and it arrives juicy and full of flavor.
Generous portions are a common theme in nearly every conversation about this deli. Customers describe sandwiches packed high and worth every penny.
Corned beef sliders are also on the menu. They make a nice choice for sharing or for anyone who likes a few smaller bites instead of one big sandwich.
That range of sizes helps the deli serve almost anyone. A quick solo lunch and a family takeout order can both work at the same counter.
Size is one thing, but the classic deli toppings take the experience somewhere else. That brings the sauerkraut into the story.
Sweet and Smoky Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut is not usually the talk of the town. At this deli, it gets a surprising amount of attention.
The house-made sauerkraut has a sweet and smoky profile. It is different from the plain sour style many people expect.
That twist wins people over. Even customers who are unsure at first, and order it on the side just in case, end up becoming fans.
Sauerkraut comes up in more than 70 Google comments, which shows how much it matters to regulars. It is a big part of the deli’s personality.
Some customers love it so much they wish for an even bigger helping on their sandwich. That is a nice problem for a topping to have.
A smart tip for newcomers is to ask for it on the side the first time. That way, the sauerkraut can be added as much or as little as desired.
Of course, sauerkraut has a famous partner on any deli menu. The Reuben is up next.
A Nod to the Lozen’s Reuben
For many Detroit-area diners, the name Lozen’s brings back strong memories. RJ’s keeps that memory alive with a Lozen’s Reuben on the menu.
The Reuben gets mentioned dozens of times on Google, and the Lozen’s version has its own small fan club. It pairs the deli’s corned beef with that unique sauerkraut for a combination people call different but very good.
Longtime fans of the old style say it tastes just the way they remember. Some had given up hope of ever finding that sandwich again.
It is a fun piece of local food history wrapped up in one order. A classic sandwich gets a second life in a new home on Gratiot.
The Reuben also shows how the deli handles generous portions. Customers praise the big serving along with the kind service that comes with it.
For anyone who loves deli tradition, this is the sandwich to try. It connects the present-day shop to a bigger Detroit story.
Corned beef may lead the way, but it is not the only meat behind the glass.
Pastrami and Other Surprises
Corned beef gets the headlines, yet the pastrami has its own loyal crowd. Some regulars make it their go-to order.
The deli meats are known for being very tender. Both the pastrami and the corned beef earn strong praise from those who try them side by side.
The menu goes beyond the classic deli meats too. Italian sandwiches, a roasted chicken salad sub, and chicken salad all show up on customer trays.
That variety helps when a group cannot agree on one thing. Someone can grab corned beef while another person picks a sub.
There is also a Watts sandwich, which one young customer ordered with all corned beef. He could not even wait to get home before digging in.
The quality of the ingredients is a common point of praise. People describe them as top notch across the board.
All of these sandwiches need something on the side. Luckily, the deli has that covered with a few standout extras.
Soups and Sides That Steal Attention
Soup at a sandwich shop can be an afterthought. Here, the corned beef barley soup is a quiet star.
Customers rave about it, and some got hooked after RJ handed them a sample. It pairs well with a sandwich for a fuller meal, and there is also a corned beef soup on offer.
Potato salad is another favorite. It is fresh and creamy, and fans have called it epic.
Pasta salad gets steady praise as well. Many people order both salads to try them side by side.
Not every side lands for everyone, though. The coleslaw gets mixed opinions, and the pickle is on the small side, so the sandwiches and salads remain the safest bets.
One wish that pops up is for plain horseradish without mayo. It is worth asking at the counter, since the menu details are not always listed online.
Good food is only part of the reason people return. The way they are treated matters just as much.
Samples, Smiles, and a Birthday Song
Friendly staff earn more than 150 mentions on Google. That might be the most impressive number tied to this deli.
The welcome often feels like greeting an old friend. Staff walk first-timers through the menu, offer recommendations, and hand out samples.
One pair showed up early before the corned beef was ready. When they came back a couple of hours later, the team recognized them right away and treated them to plenty of samples.
There was even a moment when the staff sang a quick Happy Birthday to a customer. Small gestures like that make the place feel like a neighborhood hangout.
Service is described as friendly, knowledgeable, attentive, and efficient. The owner’s energy seems to set the tone for everyone.
The shop is also known for being very clean and well-kept. That helps people feel comfortable while their order is being made.
It all adds up to a room where people want to linger. Still, a busy room means a few things to know before heading over.
Wait Times and the Call-Ahead Trick
Popular food comes with a catch. At busy times, the wait for a sandwich can stretch to 30 minutes or more.
That is not a sign of trouble. It simply reflects how many orders come pouring in once lunch gets going.
The easiest fix is to call ahead. The deli allows phone orders, which can cut the wait at the counter.
On quieter visits, service can be pretty quick. Some people say their wait was short and comfortable.
Arriving right at opening has one small risk. On at least one morning, the corned beef was not quite ready yet, so a little later in the day may be safer.
Takeout is popular, but patience is tested in the best way. Some customers end up eating the whole meal in their car in the parking lot.
Timing matters, and so do the hours. Those are short enough to plan around carefully.
Hours, Costs, and Getting There
Here is the schedule to save. RJ’s Corned Beef Deli is open Wednesday through Saturday, from 11 am to 6 pm.
The deli is closed Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. Showing up early in the week will only lead to a locked door.
As for cost, opinions vary. Many say the portions and quality make it a great value, and some found it cheaper than their usual spot.
Others feel the sandwiches sit at a premium price, especially since drinks and chips are not included. One past order came to around 22 dollars per sandwich, so it helps to budget for a hearty lunch.
Size matters here too. The smaller 4-ounce sandwich can be a more budget-friendly choice.
Getting there is simple thanks to the spot on Gratiot Avenue. Ample parking makes stopping in easy, even when the room is busy.
The deli also has a website at rjscornedbeef.com for checking updates. That leaves just one question: who will love it most.
Who Will Love This Corner of Clinton Township
Some places try to please everyone. This deli simply does one thing very well and lets the corned beef do the talking.
Classic deli fans will feel right at home. People chasing the old Lozen’s style may find what they have been missing.
It also suits those who want lean, juicy meat that is not too salty. Smaller appetites can grab the 4-ounce option or sliders.
Families and groups can mix sandwiches, salads, and soup. The clean room and warm staff make it easy for first-timers.
Supporting a local family business is another plus. Many customers mention that it feels good to spend money where the owners clearly care.
A little planning helps. Check the Wednesday to Saturday hours, think about calling ahead, and expect a hearty portion.
A soft onion roll, a tall pile of corned beef, and a friendly hello from the family make a strong case for the drive. In Clinton Township, that simple combo has turned a small deli into a local favorite worth knowing.
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