Nate's Delicatessen
316 Rideau Street
Written by Bytown Museum
on
03/Dec/2009
Fantastic smoked-meat sandwiches are the foundation of this community institution. Nate's Delicatessen opened in 1960. It all began when Dave Smith and his sister, who were in the frozen food business at the time, were driving along Rideau Street and saw an old house where Nate's is located today. The two looked at each other and said, “Deli!” A bank manager loaned them the $3,000 they needed to open the first Nate's, with four tables for two.
Dave Smith would go on to open restaurants in Ottawa and California, and cater events for the rich and famous. The pictures of celebrities on the walls at Nate's attest to this – all featuring Dave's winning smile.
We'll be sorry to lose Nate's. When this website went live, a developer was scheduled to tear down the restaurant and surrounding buildings.
Have you ever enjoyed a greasy breakfast or a smoked meat sandwich at Nate's? Share your favourite memory with us.
