Champs Gourmet Deli

Champs Gourmet Deli is one of my favorite places for food in the Financial District. In an area that is overrun with giant and overwhelming food court-style delis, Champs stands out as an easy place to get basic food (despite that "gourmet" in their name). They don't have a sushi bar or a juice bar or a stir-fry bar or a large selection of hot/cold bar items. However, they do have pretty much all the stand-by food items I might want, and they prepare them with care. They have a grill where everything is cooked to order, a small salad bar, a cold sandwich counter, and a decent selection of baked goods. They also have daily soups and oatmeal.

I frequently get egg sandwiches ($1.85 for mine) there in the morning, which are prepared exactly to my specifications (one fried egg, cooked through, with cheese on a toasted biali - yum!). They have excellent muffins ($1.40), which are obviously baked fresh daily (the chocolate chip, cranberry, and lemon-coconut are my favorites). They also make great sandwiches (starting at about $3.50) for lunch - both hot and cold. All the ingredients are fresh and everything is made to order.

Finally, I am very impressed with the staff at Champs. Despite the busy location and small space, they are incredibly efficient. Even at the busiest times of day, you can always count on quick service with very little waiting.

On the down side, while Champs does have tables, it's not a great place to eat in. Usually, when I pick up breakfast or lunch at Champs, I end up taking it back to my office to eat.

Champs Gourmet Deli is at 71 Broadway, but the entrance is actually in the back of the building on the corner of Trinity Place and Rector Street. There is a second location on Exchange Place between Broad and New Streets.