"Is it a deli? Is it a restaurant? The answer is yes to both! The Shop had been on my radar for some time, and even though Ardsley is about twenty minutes away, visiting feels like stepping into another world—perhaps something resembling The Shire? It’s also located near Dobbs Ferry, which adds to the delightful confusion. A quick look at the map reveals that it even borders an area called Woodlands.
During our daytime visit, I found myself a bit perplexed. The place definitely gives off strong deli vibes, yet the left side is adorned with beautifully furnished tables, chairs, and booths. The deli area is also quite inviting—clean and well-organized, but yes, it’s unmistakably a deli. The daytime menu reads like a typical deli/diner, so I asked to see the evening menu. Nighttime offerings? Definitely not deli-like! (I can’t wait to come back for dinner.)
Now, about the food—excellent! You can tell there’s either a skilled chef in the kitchen or some very experienced cooks. My husband and I shared a Reuben, while I enjoyed a clam chowder. Our son ordered chocolate chip pancakes, and our daughter opted for a smoothie! Everything was delicious. Personally, I’m not a pancake fan due to health reasons and memories of Bisquick from home economics class. However, I couldn’t resist stealing a few bites of my kid’s pancakes.
The clam chowder was rich with a delightful bacon flavor—absolutely delicious and silky. I recently used "silky" to describe a fantastic shrimp and corn chowder I had at Go Fish. The difference between cafeteria chowder and a chef-prepared version often comes down to the use of flour. A well-made chowder should never feel like hot, clammy, floury milk.
Ardsley is a vibrant place these days. Many of you might already be in the know, so I apologize for being a bit late to the scene. Some notable spots include Umami Sushi (which features a real sushi bar and omakase) and Neung Thai Kitchen (where you can bring your own drinks). And soon, we hope to see the beloved Liebman’s deli opening too!
Please share your favorite spots below. (P.S. I’ve only been here once, so take everyone’s opinion with a grain of salt—give it a try yourself!) — at The Shop. (From Westchester Foodies on Facebook, a thriving community of 17k cooks and food enthusiasts, and still growing!)"
