Cheap lunch: Melon Seed Deli and Frozen Yogurt in Tacoma

I’ve given up hope keeping up with all the frozen yogurt openings, but I do know that Black Bear has spawned two more stores in Tacoma and Puyallup in recent weeks. And I’m pretty sure Menchie’s opened a froyo shop in my basement when I wasn’t looking.

While I won’t be writing again about the deluge of froyo, what is worth noting is the new Melon Seed Deli and Frozen Yogurt shop on Center Street, near Union, that opened April 6. I like them not for froyo, but for their sandwiches. I want to call them cheap, but that’s a pejorative term in restaurant circles. Instead, I’ll call them ridiculously affordable.

Try the Reuben or meatball sliders for $3.95. The sliders came in pairs, although $1 will get you an extra slider, or $2 for two more.  A side salad or a frozen yogurt can be added for a few bucks, too. These aren’t small two-bite sliders. One is a light lunch, two make a meal.

Owner Mario Charles is the cook in the kitchen - and he knows what's he doing. The mini French rolls tasted fresh, the sandwiches were composed with deli-thin onions and tomatoes, sauces and dressings had real flavor, sandwiches were accompanied by mini salads of fresh mixed greens dressed simply with olive oil. A counter worker told us the meatballs were house made - they tasted like it, too. The Reuben didn't hold much meat, but I wouldn't expect it to at such a low price. The sauerkraut came from nearby Russian deli and grocery story, Friendly Foods.

YOUR TURN: I can’t recall finding a $4 lunch that was as good as the Melon Seed’s. Where else can News Tribune readers find a $4 lunch? Email me your tip. I’ll send the reader with the best tip a cookbook.

The Melon Seed Deli and Frozen YogurtWhere: 3807 S. Center St., Tacoma, 253-279-0029, facebook

This story was originally published May 14, 2013 at 9:00 PM with the headline "Cheap lunch: Melon Seed Deli and Frozen Yogurt in Tacoma ."