More Mamaleh’s, please: The Jewish deli just opened a brand-new location at Somerville’s Boynton Yards, with features and frills that stand out from its siblings in Boston, Brookline and Cambridge. I talked to co-owner Rachel Munzer about the new spot. Here are seven things to know before you go:
It’s in a quirky location. Boynton Yards is an in-development, mixed-use lab, office building and retail space tucked between East Cambridge and Union Square. The space has a pickleball court (get your half-sours, then hit the courts!) and a small park, ideal for dining on a blanket al fresco while kids frolic. They can also gaze at countless construction vehicles.
There are sofas inside. The indoor situation is smaller than in Brookline or Cambridge but larger than its High Street stall: Park your brood on a cozy sofa, or curl up with a laptop and a bagel.
There’s a kids’ menu. Many people don’t realize that Mamaleh’s has a full kids’ menu (Munzer plans to make it more prominent soon, with its own online home): Order hot dogs ($3.50), a kids’ version of matzo ball soup ($5.50, just broth and a ball); grilled cheese, turkey challah sandwiches ($5 and up) and half-sour pickles.
Sandwiches are fully (and weirdly!) customizable. Munzer says that customers in the know get incredibly creative with their orders. One hungry diner recently designed a challah roll with Tofutti cream cheese, hot peppers, radishes, pickled carrots, pickles, chopped liver, pastrami and tongue. Another person asked for a sandwich with raspberry jam and chopped liver. So don’t be shy!
There’s a brewery next door. Portico Brewing is mere steps away, should you want to pair your bagels with beer.
It’s kosher-style, but not kosher. There’s no pork and no shellfish, but Mamaleh’s is not a kosher-certified kitchen.
They’re only open weekdays. Visit from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.
