If your deli passes these five basic qualifications then you can feel confident the next time your bubbe tells you to get a little nosh.

1. The bagels.

The bagels should be a light golden color, preferably not too dark. They should be chewy but not hard to eat and there should be a nice amount of seeds on top.

2. Matzah ball soup.

Look out for that yellow color. If it looks fake chances are the deli added chicken bouillon to the broth, and chances are it is very salty. It is better to have to add a little bit of salt than for it to be too salty. The most important thing to look out for is the matzah balls. Some people (like my great grandma) may like them hard as a rock. But for most, soft pillow like matzah balls are the way to go. Next are the veggies and chicken. Something that I appreciate is a nice amount of carrots, celery, and chicken scattered throughout the soup.

3. Cole slaw and pickles.

The pickles should be crisp and kosher, the cole slaw should be cold and crunchy, and the dressing shouldn't be too sour. Nothing is worse than having limp warm cole slaw!

4. A wide variety of cookies.

What more is there to say, the deli should have a wide variety of cookies. Rugelach, black and white cookies, the whole nine yards.

5. The atmosphere.

When you walk in you probably will see at least one person you know. If you happen to not run into anyone the servers are so nice you will instantly become friends with them.

All and all, the main thing that makes a deli great is how you feel when you walk in. A truly good deli should feel like home, and the food should make you feel happy and warm inside.