Staff Photo by Angela Lewis
A Hawaiian panini with a side of fruit, loaded potato soup in a bread bowl and Waldorf salad are on the menu at Sweet Peppers Deli.

Mitchell Bell and his son, Frank Bell, have opened what may be the best deli-type restaurant in the Jack’s Alley district downtown. Any new restaurant will draw a good number of curious folks in its first few weeks of opening. Based on my recent visit, the Bells can expect plenty of repeat business.

THE MENU

Sweet Peppers, the first in the Mississippi-based business to open in Chattanooga, offers a full range of paninis, wraps and specialty sandwiches, which one might expect. Also on the menu are huge stuffed potatoes — about 3 pounds each — main-dish salads, soups and chili and unbelievable desserts.

The order (for two): Chips and Rotel, Reuben panini, Caesar salad, turtle cheesecake, carrot cake.

Unlike many delis, Sweet Peppers has a nice selection of appetizers. The chips and Rotel, served with mild jalapeno peppers on the side, are the least expensive ($4.49) but plentiful. There was no way we could finish the entire dish. Not wanting to waste anything, we took the leftovers home.

Reubens are a yardstick for me, and this one goes the extra mile. It’s served on dark pumpernickel bread, which put me off at first. I mean, a Reuben is supposed to have rye. But the pumpernickel really works, particularly after it’s grilled in a panini press. The spectacular sandwich has an even balance of flavors, with tender, thinly sliced corned beef paired with tangy sauerkraut and melted Swiss cheese. This is a remarkable sandwich, truly. Just messy and “wet” enough to be near perfect. A bit more sauerkraut would have put it over the top.

The Caesar is a beautiful blend of Romaine with strips of sun-dried tomatoes, chunks of tender chicken and homemade croutons, along with freshly grated Parmesan and a tangy Caesar dressing. This is a big, healthful salad, one of 10 main-dish salads.

Another favorite may be the albacore tuna with greens, cucumbers and tomatoes. Or the Waldorf. Decisions, decisions.

Though it’s going to be the last thing on your fork, desserts are the first thing that meet your eye when you walk in. They are massive: carrot cake, chocolate caramel fudge pecan pie, Mile-High Cheesecake and several others.

The turtle cheesecake and carrot cake were very satisfying, both tasting as if they were made from scratch. They were so rich, I found it impossible to eat more than a bite.

Smaller appetites might well stick with a cookie, though these are no small bites either. There are eight flavor choices. I love cookies, and the Heath Bar cookie was great. Take a dozen home for good measure.

THE SERVICE

The front counter, where you’ll place your order and pay, is straight inside the door. You’ll take a number and find a seat, then your meal will be brought to your table.

It took little time for ours to arrive, and our order was correct. That means everything when you’re in a hurry to get to your next stop on time.

Sweet Peppers is within easy walking distance to many venues, including the Tennessee Aquarium, Creative Discovery Museum and the Bijou Theater, where we were headed.

THE SPACE

The colors in the deli are red, green and purple, based on shades of sweet peppers. I loved the contrast in hues, along with the handsome old brick wall erected when the building was constructed in the early 1900s.

The Bells, along with designers from Artech Interiors, have done an outstanding job converting the old structure. It has a modern design, including Wi-Fi inside and out.

We sat outside in the sidewalk dining venue. Inside, there’s plenty of seating at tables and booths that can comfortably seat six or more.

THE VERDICT

Developers are still finding places to squeeze in new businesses downtown, and Sweet Peppers is a good fit. I don’t think it will have any problem garnering a large following, not just tourists but the thousands of local folks who work downtown.

IF YOU GO

Where: Sweet Peppers Deli, 407 Broad St.

Hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday.

Phone: 755-4800.

Web site: www.sweetpeppersdeli.com.

Entree price range: $3.99-$7.29.

Payment: Cash and all major credit cards.

Alcohol: Beer only.