Former El Tonayense space to become a JEWISH DELI

I know we're all still mourning the loss of our dear friend/salsa bar El Tonayense, who was rudely evicted from their 24th n' Shotwell location after their relationship with their landlord went sour.  But, our loss also appears to be our gain because Wise Sons Jewish Delicatessen is moving in.

For those of you who haven't spent a considerable amount of time on the east coast, Jewish deli's are home to bagels that actually taste like bagels, piles of lox, and, of course, cute Jewish boys and girls.  Wise Sons is no different: their menu is packed full of vegan and non-vegan matzo ball soup, latkes, pickles, and crazy sandos, among other staples.  And just look at their chocolate babka:

Cinnamon babka not available, with respect to Jerry Seinfeld.

Unfortunately we're going to have to wait until “early 2012” for them to finally open their doors/stuff our faces/tell us we don't visit often enough in exaggeratedly nasally voices, but that cake is worth the wait.

[h/t Inside Scoop | Second photo by Tablehopper]

Comments (5)

Wow. I started to get really excited about this, and then it occurred to me that the odds of them opening up an actual Jewish Deli in all its old-skool glory are pretty low. I am worried it is just going to be a fauxsimilie sort of “Theme Restaurant”. But I really, really, REALLY hope I’m wrong. Because having a proper jewish deli nearby would be k-rad and superfly.

Does this make the 24th Street strip more diverse, or less diverse? Discuss.

I would kill for a jewish deli - - seriously…can a girl get some decent hallah and amazing deli meats….?

The grand irony is that the guys who run “Wise Sons Jewish Delicatessen” are Episcopalians.

No, no, seriously, if they can do a good NY-style bagel people will beat down their door. Can’t get a good freaking bagel anywhere in this state.

You mentioned three things to expect at Jewish delis, but were silent on the third. Wise Brothers: WILL THERE BE CUTE JEWISH BOYS & GIRLS THERE?