Traditional Tastes Arrive in the Ancient City: Ancient City Plain & Fancy Deli Opens Its Doors
ST. AUGUSTINE, FL – The cobblestone streets and coastal breeze of St. Augustine have welcomed a new, unexpected neighbor that is already turning heads and filling stomachs. Tucked away just north of the historic district, the Ancient City Plain & Fancy Deli has officially opened, bringing the heartwarming, scratch-made traditions of Amish and Mennonite cooking to Northeast Florida.
Situated at 123 San Marco Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084, this new establishment offers a stark, delightful contrast to the typical coastal fare. Stepping through the doors, visitors are greeted not just by the enticing aroma of fresh-baked bread and simmering soups, but by a simpler, slower approach to food. The focus here is strictly on quality ingredients, time-honored techniques, and unpretentious comfort food that feels like a hug in every bite.
A Commitment to the “Slow Way”
The Ancient City Plain & Fancy Deli is not just about sandwiches; it’s a dedication to craft. The deli counter features premium meats and cheeses, many sourced from Plain communities renowned for their smoking and curing methods. The attached bakery works tirelessly around the clock, utilizing stone-hearth ovens to produce breads, pies, and pastries that contain no preservatives—just flour, water, yeast, and patience.
“Our philosophy is simple,” says one of the founding members of the operational team. “We don’t believe in shortcuts. When you take the time to do things right, from kneading the dough by hand to slow-smoking the meats for hours, you can taste the difference. We wanted to bring that dedication to authenticity to a city that truly appreciates history and heritage.”
Pantry Provisions and Bulk Goods
Beyond the fresh deli and bakery, the market section is a treasure trove for home cooks. Wooden shelves are stocked with bulk spices, specialty baking ingredients, and a wide assortment of “jarred goods.” Visitors can stock up on homemade jams, jellies, apple butter, and traditional relishes like Chow-Chow, all put up in clear glass jars that reveal the vibrant colors of farm-fresh produce.
Pretzel Melt
The Favorite Items: What Regulars Are Already Ordering
While the menu rotates based on seasonal availability, several items have already established themselves as mandatory orders for those “in the know.”
- The Pretzel Melt: A massive, hand-twisted soft pretzel is sliced open and piled high with hickory-smoked ham and baby Swiss cheese, then toasted until melty and brushed with sweet hot mustard.
- Lebanon Bologna Sub: A generous portion of authentic, tangy, and smoky Lebanon-style bologna is served on a fresh-baked sourdough roll with sharp cheddar and crisp vegetables.
- Shoofly Pie: A definitive classic. This wet-bottom molasses pie is gooey, rich, and covered in a delicate crumb topping—perfect with a hot cup of coffee.
- Cinnamon Rolls: These are not your average rolls. They are exceptionally large, fluffy, and covered in a thick layer of homemade cream cheese frosting that melts into every swirl.
- Amish Potato Salad: A creamy, mustard-based potato salad that perfectly balances sweet and savory, a staple at any Plain community gathering.
Real Quotes from Early Visitors
The buzz surrounding the deli’s opening has been amplified by glowing testimonials from locals and tourists alike, praising the quality and nostalgic nature of the food.
“I haven’t had bread this fresh since I visited Lancaster County! The pretzel sandwich is a absolute game-changer, and the staff are incredibly kind. It feels like stepping into another time.”
— Sarah Jenkins, St. Augustine local
“The portions are huge, and the flavors are exactly what you expect from real, slow-cooked home style. We split a sub and still needed a box for the cinnamon roll, which was worth the drive alone.”
— Dennis R., visiting from Jacksonville
“This is comfort food at its finest. They have a baby Swiss that is unmatched in this area, and their bakery counter is dangerous. I’m already planning my next trip for a whole Shoofly pie.”
— Michael T., Pinecraft resident
Ancient City Plain & Fancy Deli is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. They are closed on Sundays to honor tradition.