Cecil's

Cecil's

651 Cleveland Ave S, St Paul, MN 55116, United States

+1 651-698-0334

Restaurant, Bakery, Deli
(2872)
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About This Place

Nestled in the vibrant Highland neighborhood of St. Paul, Cecil’s stands as a true culinary gem—a Jewish-style deli, bakery, and restaurant that perfectly balances tradition with heartwarming, made-from-scratch goodness. From the moment you step into Cecil’s, you’re greeted by the enticing aroma of freshly baked bread mingling with the savory warmth of classic deli favorites, setting the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.

The menu at Cecil’s reads like a love letter to Jewish deli culture, boasting an impressive variety of sandwiches, soups, and baked goods that cater to both comfort food enthusiasts and flavor adventurers. Must-tries include the famed Russian Reuben Sandwich, a symphony of tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and their signature mustard, all stacked between perfectly toasted rye. Equally compelling is the Sasha sandwich—a delightful concoction of pastrami, a fried egg, and Swiss cheese on a caraway rye bun, doused in a zesty sauce that leaves a lasting impression. Customers also rave about the Traditional Reuben served with a side of Thousand Island dressing, as well as the richly satisfying Corned Beef and Roast Beef Sandwiches.

Cecil’s doesn’t stop at sandwiches. Their menu extends to homemade Jewish specialties, including crispy golden Latkes, tender Blintzes, and comforting bowls of Chicken Soup with Matzo Ball that deliver warmth with every spoonful. For a sweet finish, indulge in an Apricot Hamantaschen or a fudgy Brownie, each crafted with care and authenticity. The locally beloved Cecil’s Salad, loaded with fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped deli meats, and their special house dressing, offers a refreshing counterpart to the hearty sandwiches.

The atmosphere at Cecil’s is welcoming and relaxed, reminiscent of a cherished neighborhood spot where everyone feels like family. Reviews highlight the friendly service and the pride they take in baking their own bread and preparing dishes from scratch daily. It’s this dedication to quality and tradition that elevates Cecil’s beyond just a meal—it’s a celebration of comfort, culture, and genuine hospitality.

Visitors consistently return, with one impressed guest describing their Reuben box lunch as “really good and generously sized,” while another praised the sandwiches as “out of this world,” highlighting the freshness of the pastrami and the satisfying layers of flavor. For travelers and locals alike, Cecil’s is more than just a deli—it’s a beacon of authenticity and a must-visit sanctuary for anyone craving soulful, handcrafted Jewish deli fare in the Twin Cities.

Whether you’re stopping by for a quick lunch, a sweet treat, or a leisurely meal steeped in tradition, Cecil’s delivers with generous portions, bold flavors, and that rare combination of homestyle charm and culinary expertise that keeps the heart of St. Paul’s Highland neighborhood beating strong.

Contact Cecil’s: 651 Cleveland Ave S, St Paul, MN 55116 | +1 651-698-0334

Service options
Kerbside pickup Delivery On-site services Takeaway Dine-in
Highlights
Serves local specialty
Popular for
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Assistive hearing loop Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Coffee Comfort food Quick bite Small plates
Dining options
Breakfast Brunch Lunch Dinner Catering Dessert Seating Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Historic
Crowd
Groups Locals Tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
Good for kids High chairs Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    09:00 AM - 08:00 PM
  • Tuesday
    09:00 AM - 08:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    09:00 AM - 08:00 PM
  • Thursday
    09:00 AM - 08:00 PM
  • Friday
    09:00 AM - 08:00 PM
  • Saturday
    09:00 AM - 08:00 PM
  • Sunday
    09:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Matthew Stovall
    1 month ago

    My yearly sojourn to the Cities often comes with surprises but one of the most unexpected twists was having my favorite meal of the whole trip at Cecil’s. Cecil’s is a Jewish style deli located in the Highland neighborhood of St. Paul and DAMN, they make some incredible sandwiches. My favorite was the Sasha—a pastrami, fried egg, Swiss cheese combo served on a caraway rye bun with a zesty sauce. Absolutely delicious!! I also tried the Reuben; yummy but falls short of the perfection that is the Sasha.

  • Rick Rosenthal
    1 month ago

    The menu is huge and several items are named after the owner’s family members The service is friendly and quick. The food is high quality and fresh. The bake their own bread and rolls and make several other dishes from scratch. Highly recommend supporting this local institution when you’re in the Twin Cities area. As their website states, “Cecils is the last of the true established delis in Minnesota, and we look forward to serving our customers the best, for generations to come.”

  • John Walker
    2 month ago

    I recently had a Cecil's Reuben box lunch. It was really good and generously sized. There were potato chips too that I missed from getting into my picture.

  • Steve Bye
    2 month ago

    First bites of these sandwiches were out of this world! Kind of a weird route to get to the bathrooms but that's OK. service was very good! For a mainstay in Saint Paul it was a true pleasure to eat here. We'll be back to try the deli. The Sasha and Shayna sandwiches were very good, fresh pastrami.

  • Roberto Osoria (Protocol Droid)
    2 month ago

    Just visiting for work from PHX. This is the best Reuben I’ve ever had. I wish I took a pic but it was average size and came with choice of side. I got one of their Apple Cobbler. Came out hot with vanilla ice cream, whip and walnuts. All the food filled me up and I’m 240lbs. Staff is kind and they have a great selection! EZ 5 stars

  • Nancy Felcyn
    2 month ago

    Unfortunately our food was not good. I ordered Latkes, and they were burnt and tasted like old used oil. The pastrami with Cole slaw wasn't good either. I tried a bite and needed a knife to get the meat out of the sandwich. It was super tough. Malt was really good. I'll just stick with the Stella, and my hubby will stick with the tua.

  • Suthisa Krupinski
    3 month ago

    This is our first time. Call us old fashioned but we LOVE this place. We ordered Grilled Tuna sandwich, and Veggies Reuben for our takeout lunch. I also picked up lemon bars, Guey bars and rice crispy bars for snack later. Delicious!

  • Adam Morgan
    4 month ago

    I walk by here all the time but haven't ever stopped in until yesterday. My friend suggested it, so I got the Reuben, per my friend's recommendation, and it was fantastic. I'm not typically a sauerkraut fan but I liked it on this which was a pleasant surprise. Staff were friendly and prompt, and I'll definitely be back again. An easy 5 stars from me!

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