John Dunham: N Central Austin

Before writing this blog I had to do some online research because of my extreme bias. As a Brentwood resident for nearly 8 years now, the Little Deli has since been a favorite. The previous owner, Lucretia Doyer, was a spit fire woman who lifted your spirits and made you shake in your boots at the same time. Patrons would marvel at her ability to remember your name from the very first visit, and could pick up conversation from your last visit without skipping a beat. The Doyle Family once owned Perfecto Cleaners across the way in the Crestview Shopping Center, and was last run by Lucretia's sister Sabrina till late 2005. Lucretia sold the Little Deli in 2006, to devote more time to their new restaurant; It's Italian, in the North Austin neighborhood of Wells Branch.

Thankfully Tony, the new owner, did not mess with a good thing. He made improvements to the operation, like the acceptance of credit cards, and even left much of the old pictures and humorous signs hanging. He does an outstanding job of remembering his clients, provides excellent service and the sandwiches are still out this world!

If you Google reviews of the Little Deli, which sits on the border of Crestview and Brentwood neighborhoods, you will see a long list of praise. People have called this quaint sandwich shop ‘the bomb', and proclaimed the ‘hype' is indeed true around Austin. Everyone seems to have their favorite orders, and will describe them at length. Others savor the daily specials, like crispy beef tacos which was a recurring theme during my research. The only criticism that this reporter could find was the somewhat limited hours of operation, M-F from 11am - 4pm.

Like any hidden favorite there is a usually a line at peak lunch hours from 12 noon till 1pm, but I simply avoid this by calling in my order. It's always ready by the time I arrive, and on a beautiful Spring afternoon you can sit under the towering Oak Trees or arbor just outside. There are plenty of picnic tables available or you can eat inside to gab with Tony and regular visitors. The shop will even cater the next office lunch. Seriously, stand these sandwiches up against the usual Jason's Deli and there is no comparison.

I miss Lucretia and her sassy attitude, but have no complaints about the change in ownership. If you haven't experienced this Austin treasure, take a detour from your normal lunch spots to try this place out. You don't have to take my word.... There are plenty of reviews out there.

Woodrow Ave Just North of Justin Ln in the Crestview Shopping Center

http://littledeli.com/

(512)467-7402

John Dunham is a Residential Consultant w/ Stout Company Realtors who specializes and lives in Brentwood l 512.340.0088 l john@johndunham.com

Out side the city limits at time of development over 50 years ago, today The Brentwood neighborhood is considered by many to be part of Austin's urban core. Bordered by Justin Lane to the North, 45^th St to the South, North Lamar Boulevard to the East and Burnet Road to the West. What was originally an old cotton field and dairy land, is home to tree lined streets and a vibrant community.

Many returning GIs bought homes after the war to start families. These ‘bungalow' style homes were 2 and 3 bedrooms, usually sharing 1 bathroom, averaging 1100 - 1200 square feet in size. Owners were required to pay to have paved streets or sidewalks in the front of their homes. If someone couldn't afford to pay, that spot was left unpaved.

By the mid 1950s a handful of churches had been established, and many have now celebrated their 50 year anniversary. Woodrow Ave was known as "Church Row". Brentwood Elementary was built in 1950 and resides adjacent to the 9acre Brentwood Park. During summer months residence have access to the city run pool, and families enjoy the playground, baseball diamond, tennis / basketball courts and open fields on a daily basis year round. The area was also home to the first drive in theater in Austin, located at Justin and Lamar.

What truly takes you back in time is the Crestview Shopping Center, which technically lands in Crestview proper, and now the home of the Wall of Welcome Project completed in 2008 by neighborhood artist Jean Graham. The Violet Crown Festival, held in Brentwood Park, has slowly become a tradition in the two neighborhoods where one can meet new friends, learn neighborhood history and hear some great music while the kids play.

Having built strong relationships over the years, many original residents never left the neighborhood. After the airport was relocated in the late 90's, home values have made significant jumps in value. Today, jaws drop when you hear original owners remember paying a staggering $7,500!

No longer outside the city limits, many buyers who can not afford Tarrytown or Clarksville have found Brentwood an excellent substitute. Owners and builders are now expanding the original bungalow homes to accommodate the extra ‘stuff', and in some cases starting all over with new construction. A unique integration of modern design and historic restoration are taking place. In some cases two structures have been built where just one small home once lived.

Whether historical or modern, the friendly atmosphere and sense of community still remain. Residents enjoy the daily conveniences of the Crestview Shopping Center or continuing development of The Triangle. You can take the kids to Phil's Burgers and walk next store to Amy's Ice Cream for desert with an onsite playground. Thunderbirds Coffee occupies the old Motor Shop and where many find their morning coffee fix. At night you can eat at near by Billy's Burgers, Galaxy Café, Blue Star Cafeteria or Elsie's Mexican Restaurant. And if you still have energy, swing into Ginny's Little Longhorn Saloon for a cold LoneStar Beer!