MasterCard, Visa, Discover, American Express, Diner’s Club, Carte Blanche
Reservations not needed
Lunch under $5? Oh, sure, you can get fast food for under a five spot, but how many places offer truly tasty lunch fare with nothing costing more than a Lincoln bill?
A visit to Nance’s Deli in Westwood is like a trip down memory lane. It’s a comfy place where regulars are in and out all day, and newcomers are always welcome. And those retro prices are just groovy!
Bill Nance has been in the food business for 35 years, first working grocery store produce departments and, since 1985, as owner of his own business. The O.P.C. in the deli’s name comes from the original Overland Packing Company that Bill bought all those years ago. He retained the O.P.C. as an identifier but now the deli is more commonly just called Nance’s. Most of his employees are family members and those who aren’t related by blood become family by osmosis. The staff is friendly, and they mesh well to cover all the bases.
When I have a craving for fresh chicken or ham salad sandwiches, the first place I think of is Nance’s. Served up plump on my choice of bread (I favor the egg bread and croissants) with a bag of chips and a tart dill pickle spear for $4.09, it’s a lure I can’t resist. Sometimes I opt for the crabmeat salad sandwich for $4.49.
My sandwich-loving pal enjoys designing his own sandwiches from the list of 11 deli meats (including braunschweiger, turkey breast and hard salami), 10 cheeses, eight condiments, and 12 breads (including sourdough, bagel and marble). It’s a real deal at $4.25, and an even better deal if he orders the Sandwich Special of the Day for $3.99.
Mini-subs are only $4.09 and Subs, Reubens, Turkey Clubs and Gyros are also available at $4.49 each. You’ll also find Tuna Salad Sandwiches at $4.09 and BLTs at $3.99.
A small salad bar offers a homey assortment of greens, dressings and toppings, plus potato, macaroni, pasta and bean salads, and cole slaw. Self-serve trips to the salad bar are $3.99, but combine it with soup ($4.99) for a wholesome and filling lunch.
As we move toward cold weather, thoughts turn to hot comfort foods. Homemade soups are always available ($2.79 bowl, $1.79 cup) and chili is served in season ($2.89 bowl, $1.89 cup).
Hot Luncheon Specials ($4.79) vary daily and may include such favorites as meatloaf, lasagna, open-face hot beef and turkey, pot roast, beef tips and noodles, and smoked brisket, each served with appropriate sides. One recent Hot Luncheon Special featured chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes, cream gravy and green beans.
Beverages include coffee, tea and canned soft drinks for an unbelievably low 69 cents each, and a variety of self-serve fountain drinks. Homemade desserts round out the menu with yummies such as carrot cake, assorted other cakes, lemon bars, pies, brownies and cookies.
Nance’s Deli is open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is closed on weekends. Early breakfast service begins at 6:30 a.m.
Tips: Homemade cinnamon rolls; catering; party trays; box lunches for office meetings, picnics and tailgating; party, bridal and pastry shop; local delivery; generous parking.
Rating: Quick Lunch, Take-Out Lunch
Jane Berkowitz is a Kansas City food writer. She can be contacted at .
