Bethesda Deli Will Open Outdoor Bar Concept

Downtown Bethesda's only Jewish style deli is opening its own outdoor patio and bar. Heckman's Delicatessen, which opened in May 2014 on Cordell Avenue, will soon start promoting The Sideline, a 28-seat outdoor eating and drinking space in an alley connected to the restaurant. Owner Eric Heckman said the outdoor area has often been used by deli customers. But now it will have its own name, branding, a new roof, space heaters and two flat screen TVs. "It was always part of the plan. It was just a matter of finding the right thing to use," Heckman said. "We made the decision to go ahead and make the investment and so far, even though the weather has not totally cooperated, we've done very well out there." The Sideline will still feature the full menu from the kitchen inside at 4914 Cordell Avenue but with a happy hour menu and more bar-friendly small dishes. "The concept is we're looking to turn it into something a little bit different than what goes on inside," Heckman said. "I don't want to call it a sports bar. It will probably never be a sports bar, but we put up the two televisions so it does have more of a sports bar feel to it." Heckman has enlisted help from friend Rick "Doc" Walker, the sports commentator and former member of the Washington Redskins, to promote The Sideline on local sports radio. The new set-up will include new tables, decorative lighting and signage. Heckman said the area might serve as home to trivia nights in the future. Heckman's is also continuing its effort to take on the well-known Tastee Diner (7731 Woodmont Avenue) when it comes to late-night eating in Woodmont Triangle. The deli has stayed open until 4 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights and had a steady stream of customers, many coming from bars such as Caddies on Cordell. "It's starting to pick up," Heckman said. "It's largely a matter of people knowing we're here." The Sideline will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.