Where the century old bricks of Lee Street meet the modern pavement of Wilson Avenue is where you’ll find The Lee Street Deli, Columbia Missouri’s metaphor of old meets new. Established in 1927 by Charles Gilbert, the 82 year old basement corner-store is still catering to the East Campus area and the University of Missouri heritage in general. Lee Street Deli is the place to go for juicyburgers, your favorite soft drink, and to hang out with friends after the game.
Henry Rathert, the Deli’s owner in 1944, had this to say:
“It’s very nice when a present University student walks in with one of his grandparents, who also shopped at the store years ago. It adds a certain continuity to life that I think is special & very unique.” Back then, the Juicyburger was 85¢. Today, the owners are still using the same recipe but at a more modern price. (Get 2 Juicyburgers for $3 on Tuesdays!)
The Lee Street Deli offers sandwiches, cigarettes, outdoor dining, hats, mugs, shirts, sodas, chips, and more. Come on down to the basement of the white and red house on the corner of Wilson and Lee, where the century old bricks meet the pavement…
L.S.D. - It’s worth the trip.
