The Weekly Entrée 9-20
Becky’s Newtown Deli
Rating: 
In addition to a different name, it only served sandwiches. Becky Betz began working there in 1979 and soon became the manager. When the previous owner decided to sell it in 1990, it was a smooth transition to rename it Becky’s.
Everyone knew her and she knew everyone who walked through the door. Since taking over, Betz has added soups, breakfast sandwiches, wraps and Paninis to the menu.
She’s also increased the number of sandwiches offered, creating many that appeal to today’s clientele. To spice up her sandwiches, she’s created hot horseradish mustard and a chipotle mayo. She uses fresh, seasonal vegetables from local growers.
When you walk in the door, you sense the old-fashioned, local feel. There is an immediate friendly “hello.”
As we were talking to Betz, a regular named Joe walked in and immediately engaged Betz in a discussion of the previous evening’s Phillies game.
He’s a familiar face who comes in daily for a cup of coffee. As there are only three small tables in the back of the deli, it was natural that my spouse and I quickly got in a discussion with Joe.
Turns out he and I were at the same business person’s special and reminisced about what the Phillies did and didn’t do during the game.
Joe is a very spry 95-year-old, and had been a local police officer until retiring in 1980. He loves playing golf and coming to Becky’s where he sees local faces and is treated like a family member.
He told us about Becky’s father’s Philadelphia Warriors warm-up jacket hanging in a frame. Her father played for Temple and then, from 1950 to 1951, for the Warriors, the former Philadelphia basketball team. The team was sold and moved to San Fransico in 1962 before the 76ers arrived in the city a year later. The jacket’s presence adds to the friendly, warmth, as it shares a part of the community’s past.
Simply being a “local place” is not enough, unless the food is good. And Betz is dedicated to serving fresh food that is aimed at satisfying the most finicky appetite.
My spouse selected one of the special salads, a house salad loaded with iceberg and romaine lettuce, carrots, tomato, black olives, roasted red peppers, onion and cold grilled chicken breast tossed in a hot Buffalo dressing.
Perhaps it was the homey feel that caused me to lean on an old-time favorite of mine, the Italian hoagie. As far as I’m concerned, hoagies can only be made in the Delaware Valley. In fact, they should be outlawed anywhere else. I’ve tried a number of them, called subs, around the country and have been disappointed.
Becky’s hoagie was not a disappointment. It met my criteria of plenty of meat, lettuce, tomato, onion and peppers on a firm roll with a lot of flavor. It was very filling.
Becky’s is now serving its menu during dinner hours until 7 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays. Until the end of the year, on these days, from 3 to 7 p.m. buy a sandwich, wrap or hoagie and get one of the same or lesser value for half-price.
The friendly atmosphere is the focal point in this place with its classic deli food. Overall the deli rates an AHHHH (4) out of 5 AHs. E-mail Jim Clark at weeklyentree@verizon.net.
Location: 30 S. State Street, Newtown Ambience: Fine Dining Cuisine: Delicatessen
Hours: Monday to Wednesday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Thursday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Closed Sunday
Prices: Soups, salads: $2.60 to $6.50; Sandwiches: $4.60 to $7.05 Phone Number: 215-968-3362 Web site: www.beckysdeli.com
