The Absolute Best Delis In The US

Delicatessens were brought to the United States by Jewish European immigrants in the later half of the 19th century, who were mostly from Germany where the word "delikatessen" was used which, according to Macmillan Dictionary, means "a delicacy, fine food." As Ted Merwin explains in "Pastrami on Rye: An Overstuffed History of the Jewish Deli" (via The World), Jewish American delicatessens were first popularized in New York in the 1920s and specialized in providing high-quality cooked meats and other prepared foods to everyone in the community. They served as a place where the Jewish immigrants and their families could feel at home and have a sense of safety. Delis thus became well-rooted in family tradition and menus have rarely been changed to this day. They've become synonymous with the New York lifestyle and have been representative of the rich, Jewish cultural traditions that have integrated into part of almost every New Yorker's life.

What makes a good deli? They're not like the ones you'll encounter at your local grocery store. An authentic deli is all about manned counters of fresh cold cuts (especially pastrami and corned beef), cheeses, and made-to-order sandwiches, with rye bread being the cornerstone. Over the years, the menus have expanded to include all sorts of ready-made products, such as soups, salads, olives, and beyond. They're still widely found all across the United States and some stand out more than others for their long history, valued traditions, and never-changing menus full of delectable eats. Here are just some of the absolute best.

Opened in 1888 on New York's Lower East Side, and after a few name changes, Katz's Delicatessen has become as iconic to the culture of New York City as much as the Statue of Liberty or Broadway. Family owned and operated, Katz's is a deli like none other in the country. Diners from near and far trek out to the deli for the famous slow-cured pastrami and corned beef, which is served on rye bread. Unlike a typical 36 hour curing method, Katz's cures its meats for 30 days to preserve every essence of pure flavor.

The mammoth pastrami sandwiches are the most famous staple at this oldest deli in town, and it always carefully hand-slices the meats for each customer who successfully navigates its chaotic, yet truly-New York-style, deli. As per the instructions of New York Magazine, customers must grab a paper ticket to secure their spot in line and have cash ready if they're paying at the register. If you're lucky enough to snag a table seat in this tight-knit yet well-organized dining area, the waiter will accept a credit card. Whichever way you pay, you won't be displeased with this iconic Jewish deli, symbolic of everything it means to be a New Yorker — fast, no-frills, and proud of every timeless tradition.

katzsdelicatessen.com

(212) 254-2246

205 East Houston St, New York City, NY 10002

Located on the corner of St. Clair Avenue, Slyman's Restaurant has been highly successful in serving the Cleveland community all of the best, premium-quality delicatessen foods. According to Slyman's website, it's "the Home of the Biggest and Best Corned Beef." Family-owned since its beginning in 1964 and passed on through the generations, Slyman's is famous in Cleveland for those enormous-stacked corned beef sandwiches on rye bread, especially when St. Patrick's Day rolls around. As per the owner's comments to Cleveland Magazine, the restaurant dishes out up to 3,000 sandwiches to the feasting celebrators. While corned beef is consumed all over the U.S. on St. Patrick's Day, it isn't exactly an Irish tradition and fits more into the Jewish culture. Either way, Slyman's is the choice meal of the day for Clevelanders.

But the deli is a hit all year round — just ask any of their 34,000 fans on its official Facebook page. Over on Tripadvisor, it's rated No. 1 of over 1,000 restaurants in Cleveland and hold a 4.5 rating out of 5. One Tripadvisor reviewer even totes it as being the "Best Sandwich I've EVER had," clarifying it was the corned beef sandwich with Swiss cheese on rye, although the pastrami Reuben was excellent too. Because of its colossal following (as massive as its sandwiches), it's safe to say that Slyman's is one of the best delis in the U.S.

slymans.com

(216) 621-3760

3106 St Clair Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44114

Opened in 1918 by Italian immigrants who have called St. Louis home for four generations, Gioia's Deli distinguishes itself from others with its unique and savory hot salami sandwich. The thick-cut Italian salami is made in-house using the same process for over 100 years. Many of its fans love to pair it with the mouthwatering Garlic Cheese Bread to craft a truly sensational meal. We think it's pretty great too, placing the famous hot salami sandwich on our list of The 15 Absolute Best Italian Subs In The US.

Gioia's was a recipient of the 2017 America's Classics Award by the James Beard Foundation, a non-profit organization that focuses on supporting a premium food culture in the U.S based on overall high standards, quality ingredients, and leadership. In 2021 Gioia's hot salami sandwich was awarded the "Best Sandwich in Missouri" by Food & Wine, as well as having landed on a Food Network list of best sandwiches in the nation. As co-owner Alex Donley shared with local NBC affiliate KSDK, the deli currently keeps the longtime secret recipe for its salami in a locked safe on display in the restaurant, however, Gioia's is definitely not a secret in St. Louis or the rest of the U.S., and is one of the best delis you can visit.

gioiasdeli.com

(314) 776-9410

1934 Macklind Ave, St Louis, MO 63110

Delis are not just a place to grab a stellar corned beef on rye sandwich, a cup of coffee, and a chat with the locals, and they wouldn't want to be limited as such. Many delicatessens are also known for homemade soups like matzo ball, which is what Zaftigs Delicatessen in Brookline, Massachusetts, specializes in. It also makes an incredible turkey chili that's flavored with Massachusetts-favorite Sam Adams beer, a recipe that's been in the family for several generations. According to Boston Magazine, the chili has just enough of a spicy kick and features a gooey topping of melted cheddar cheese and scallions.

The deli's Brookline location opened in 1997 and it has made it a priority to keep its family recipes going strong, upholding decades-long traditions like any good deli. Just take a glance at its current all-day menu on the Zaftigs website that lists farm fresh eggs in their breakfast dishes, classic latkes (potato pancakes), and a selection of smoked fish such as salmon. One Yelp reviewer reports that the matzo balls are "fluffy" and the soup itself includes "chunks of chicken and vegetables." The latkes are served with applesauce and sour cream, "as they should be." Zaftigs Delicatessen has done everything right in a shorter existence than most other top delis, but it's quickly proven that it deserves a spot all the same.

zaftigs.com

(617) 975-0075

335 Harvard St, ​Brookline, MA 02446

Proudly operating for more than 75 years and providing one-of-a-kind Italian subs to Detroit's society of hard workers, Gonella's is a valued staple in the Motor City. Per its website, it's an original eatery, famous for freshly made, layered submarine sandwiches that use "only the finest ingredients" as well as offering a full-service deli counter complete with an assortment of meats that include steaks, sirloin, and veal.

The deli's layered subs come in a variety of sizes, from six all the way up to 18 layers, piled high with ham, salami, capicola, and many other choice cold cuts, cheeses, and vegetables to satisfy any type of hunger. Its modest brick establishment includes wine and olive bars, as well as a generous selection of grocery items. When owner Peter Hanni spoke with Daily Detroit, he said that Gonella's can normally "sell between 800 and 1,000 subs" per day. It's easy to see when you look at its 4.8 out of 5-star rating on Google, amassing nearly 2,000 reviews. Reviewer Jacob Davis says that Gonella's is "top notch" and has to visit for one of the Italian subs whenever they're in Detroit. And why not? Gonella's is always a must.

gonellas.com

(313) 841-3500

295 Oakwood Blvd, Detroit, MI 48217

If you're in search of one of the best pastrami sandwiches in New York, you'll find it on 3rd Avenue at Sarge's Delicatessen and Diner. According to its official website, it's been in business since 1964, serving up quality homemade foods such as hot sandwiches, cold cut platters, and "The Monster" — New York's "BIGGEST" sandwich, according to its menu. It's described as being stacked high with "Corned Beef, Pastrami, Roast Beef, Fresh Turkey, Salami, Sliced Tomato, Lettuce, Coleslaw & Russian Dressing" in between thick-sliced rye bread.

If you hadn't already expected, all of the deli's meats are cured in-house, making each sandwich, no matter how grandiose, specially hand-crafted. And as Grub Street reported in 2020, the deli added a plant-based vegan corned beef to its menu, supplied by Mrs. Goldfarb's Unreal Deli based out of California. Its classic style and cozy restaurant setting complete with burgundy diner booths and walls of celebrity-visitor photos helps to make Sarge's a place to sit and stay awhile. If you stop by to take on the challenge of a Monster sandwich or to share a platter of cold cuts with friends, Sarge's is an experience of undeniable tradition.

sargesdeli.com

(212) 679-0442

548 3rd Ave., New York City, NY 10016

This deli in Edison, New Jersey, is the epitome of a classic Jersey diner atmosphere with a compact yet warm setting and plenty of homemade eats. The sandwiches at Harold's Deli are hand-crafted with heavenly and perfectly tender, juicy meats (the pastrami is made on the premises) and served up with a hefty side of coleslaw that makes for a more than generous portion. Its desserts, such as cheesecakes and pies, are all homemade. As Only In Your State notes, Harold's claims to have the World's Largest Pickle bar where patrons can self-serve a massive variety of pickles, buffet-style.

The bigger the better when it comes to the pastrami and corned beef sandwiches served at Harold's, where the deli piles on the meats, making one sandwich big enough to feed multiple people. The pastrami is slow cooked for over two days in order to preserve the full amount of flavors. But it's not just the sandwiches — pancakes, matzo ball soup, knishes, ribs, and slices of cake — almost everything on the menu is gigantic, according to Saveur. It's become a place where locals enjoy celebrating holidays, birthdays, and other special occasions, marking the events with a memorable meal. What better way to celebrate traditions than at a traditional deli like Harold's?

haroldsfamousdeli.com

(732) 661-9100

1173 King Georges Post Rd, Edison, NJ 08837

Opened in 1947 and currently located in the Westlake neighborhood of Los Angeles, this Jewish deli has been well beloved and affectionately regarded as the best hot pastrami sandwich in Los Angeles. The generations of patrons who have enjoyed Langer's Deli would argue that the sandwich is the best in the world, suggests David Shaw for the James Beard Foundation. In a piece for The New Yorker, the late Nora Ephron praised the already-acclaimed sandwich for its "exquisite combination of textures and tastes" and with highest commendation said it is "a work of art."

If you read the Langer's menu, you'll find its famous #19 sandwich has "Pastrami, Swiss Cheese and Coleslaw Russian Style Dressing," a deli classic. Langer's cuts each slice of peppered brisket meat with tremendous care to ensure quality texture and preserve the robust outer crust. Other specialties include traditional Jewish fare such as cheese blintzes (thin, rolled pancakes similar to crepes) and Kasha Varnishkes. On Yelp, the deli has nearly 4,000 reviews with an overall 4.5 rating out of 5. One reviewer credits Langer's as "The best pastrami in Southern California" because of its thick-cut and tender meat, fresh rye bread "with the proper crunch of the crust," and an old-world, no-frills atmosphere. Langer's is a true gem to SoCal.

langersdeli.com

(213) 483-8050

704 South Alvarado, Los Angeles, CA 90057

For the Radin siblings, much of their lives were spent working in Jewish-style delis around Philadelphia and its surrounding communities. According to the deli's website, after the family expanded through marriages, the family business grew to further include coffee shops and lunchrooms. But it was the family's delicatessen that opened in 1923 on 4th Street that became a staple in the city of Philadelphia — Famous 4th Street Delicatessen. Like many other traditional delis, the deli cures its meats in-house, as well as bake all of its tasty desserts to stock its own bakery.

Apart from the crowd of daily customers who range from local regulars to curious travelers enjoying their vacation, Famous has served, well, the famous, including nationwide news anchors and politicians, such as President Barack Obama in 2010. As WHYY notes, the deli gets especially busy when the U.S. election season rolls around and politicians, staff, poll workers, and the media stop in for a bite to eat and a chance to interact with the public. Condé Nast Traveler recommends ordering any one of their "overstuffed delicatessen sandwiches" and something yummy from the "smoked fish department," but you must not forget about the extensive glass case array of knishes, lox, bagels, and cold cuts to take home. Famous 4th Street Deli is one of those places steeped in nostalgia and tradition that you just can't miss if you ever tour the City of Brotherly Love.

famous4thstreetdelicatessen.com

(215) 922-3274

700 S 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147

As proven already, the secret to a successful delicatessen is not to change a thing, which is exactly how Manny's Cafeteria and Delicatessen has operated since 1942. Over the years, the Chicago eatery has added a traditional meat counter and moved from its original location, but that's it. The business has been in the same family for four generations and apart from its famous pastrami and corned beef classics, the deli also specializes in fish that includes varieties of salmon and trout, and homemade bakery items that are courtesy of longtime-cherished family recipes, per Chicago Tribune.

Walking into Manny's, you'll feel like you've stepped back in time when your feet hit the black and white tiled floor and you search for an open table within the massive cafeteria-style dining area, complete with old-school, dark wooden chairs. Due to the fluctuating population of Jewish communities in the Chicago area over the decades, Manny's has grown to become one of the most well-loved delis in the city. As owner Dan Raskin told DNAinfo, the deli has kept customers happy throughout the years by providing the same scrumptious eats that have always been found at traditional Jewish-delis and households alike.

mannysdeli.com

(312) 939-2855

1141 S Jefferson St, Chicago, IL 60607

Molinari does Italian-style delicatessen right and it's been going strong in San Francisco since 1896. For starters, as Secret San Francisco noted December 2021, it was ranked as the second-highest-rated restaurant in the city and it has achieved success because of its homemade products and imported goodies from Italy. The sandwiches on the menu feature a wide variety of quality prosciutto, salami, mortadella, and other delectable meats, each topped with fresh vegetables, cheeses, and dressings. Customers are guaranteed to find something to please their palate, whether through a custom-made sandwich or a gourmet, crafted one listed on the menu.

Local reviewers on Yelp remind tourists to be sure to grab a paper ticket in order to be served, just like any old school-run deli. One recommends numerous products including the Molinari's Combo for a classic Italian sandwich as well as the imported pastas, tomatoes, and wines to create your own Italian feast at home. Whatever your stomach is in the mood for, now or later, Molinari Delicatessen has it all.

themolinarideli.com

(415) 421-2337

373 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133

Delicatessens are more common in the Eastern and Midwestern portions of the U.S., so it might be surprising to hear of one that's located all the way in Seattle, Washington. It's true! Seattle is not just about Starbucks and local craft breweries. In the Emerald City, you'll find a classic East Coast-style deli at Tat's Delicatessen. It's only been in business since 2004 but has quickly proven it is worthy of providing quality foods just like any other old-school establishment. As the Tat's Deli website shares, it is all thanks to two Philadelphia and New Jersey natives: owners Brian Tatman and Jason Simodejka. The deli offers up a tremendous menu of breakfast dishes, Philly Steak sandwiches, hoagies (the Philly way of referring to a submarine sandwich), and soups such as its famous Tat's Stout Chili.

Tat's has accumulated over 1,100 reviews on Yelp and one reviewer writes that the enormous pastrami sandwich is "Philly-style" and "amazing" because it includes an "absolutely brilliant and addictive" combination of Russian dressing and coleslaw. If you have a hankering for an authentic East Coast-style deli lunch while in the Emerald City, look no further than Tat's Delicatessen.

tatsdeli.com

(206) 264-8287

159 Yesler Way, Seattle, WA 98104

North Carolina is another place that you would never automatically think about in correlation to an old-world delicatessen. The state is better known for fried chicken fast food chain Bojangles and vinegar-based barbecue, such as pulled pork. Amongst all that, the city of Wilmington is home to a well-loved authentic Italian delicatessen called A Taste of Italy. This deli was started in 1994 by a duo of brothers with an Italian American heritage from the Bronx, bringing with them the high standards of quality, fresh ingredients and ideals that food was a way to bring people together. According to the deli's official website, it is the No. 1 deli in Port City (aka Wilmington).

A Taste of Italy offers made-to-order Italian classics such as grilled sandwiches, breakfast meals, sautés, and as many cold cuts as your heart desires — salami, mortadella, capicola, pastrami, Parma prosciutto, and so many more. Cheese and specialty deli salads can also be purchased by the pound, as per its menu. It also features a market stocked with wines that you can buy to-go as a way to top off your at-home Italian treats, notes Wilmington and Beaches. If you're not into the rib-sticking barbecue and fried chicken food culture of North Carolina, A Taste of Italy will provide a culinary escape to a world of traditional delicatessen fare.

atasteofitalydeli.com

(910) 392-7529

1101 S College Rd, Wilmington, NC 28403

Ziggy Gruber is a third generation deli owner who's owned a few eateries across the country, but his New York-style delicatessen located in Houston, Texas, currently does an outstanding job at bringing Jewish deli traditions to the Lone Star state, where otherwise a hearty chili and barbecue are most beloved. While the family deli business began in 1927 in New York, it found its way to Houston in 1999, becoming the best in the state, and according to its official website, is "one of the top delis in the nation." Whether you're in the mood for fresh matzo ball soup, a multi-stacked pastrami sandwich on rye, or "K&Z handcrafted, all beef, natural casing franks,” Kenny & Ziggy's will fill you up with any of its hundreds of menu items.

Even when you visit the restaurant, notes My Jewish Learning, the ambience of a classic, old-world-style deli and the Yiddish lingo that's tossed back and forth between staff will make you feel like you're in any authentic New York joint back east. Per Jewish Herald-Voice, in January 2022, Kenny & Ziggy's began a move to a new and bigger location in Houston where it will add indoor and outdoor dining spaces, a classic soda fountain for milkshakes, a coffee bar, and even a cocktail bar, but it ensures not a thing will change in regards to its iconic delicatessen offerings, because it doesn't need to — just ask any of its 13,000 Facebook fans.

kennyandziggys.com

(713) 871-8883

1743 Post Oak Blvd, Houston, TX 77056

Shapiro's Delicatessen is a restaurant that's been operating in the family since 1905 and has solidified its place as one of Indianapolis' favorite kosher deli eateries. Pastrami sandwiches piled high? Check. Slow-cooked brisket? Check. Fresh rye bread? Of course! Homemade matzo ball soup, desserts, bagels — Shapiro's is a one-stop shop for quality handcrafted and locally sourced ingredients.

The deli stays true to tradition with classic-style cafeteria dining, open-area seating, and recipes that haven't changed in well over 100 years, such as its delectable Reuben sandwich or meatloaf. According to CBS4Indy, the city has been growing as "one of the hottest food cities in America" as of 2019 and they raved about Shapiro's impact on such a designation. The news station suggests that the "can't miss dessert" is the poppy seed cake. But whatever you choose for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert, it will be authentic and excellent at this kosher-style delicatessen called Shapiro's.

shapiros.com

(317)-631-4041

808 S Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46225

The name Roasters 'N Toasters is more than just a wink-and-nod to the steamy climate where this superstar Miami deli shines. It's also a description of the delicious creations flung and slung behind the counter, quintessential delicatessen creations crafted with care and attention to every last indulgent detail. Frequent visitors can even join The Mensch Club to earn points for perks with every purchase. It's as tasty an enticement as the food on the menu.

This authentically Jewish deli has been a part of the landscape since 1984, when the first location opened in Miami. Lovers of bagels with Nova Scotia lox and succulent corned beef sandwiches suddenly had a dining destination that could handle their hunger without blinking an eye. Reviewers aren't shy about praising the great service and oversized portions and are thrilled to make the discovery, even after years of traveling to Miami without realizing it exists. It's safe to say once deli fans know Roasters 'N Toasters is on the roster, they won't be forgetting about it anytime soon.

rntdeli.com

(305) 251-4848

9465 S Dixie Hwy, Miami, FL 33156

The New York City spirit that helped Las Vegas rise from the desert plains lives on in Siegel's Bagelmania, Sin City's golden entry in the high-stakes game of deli dining. This boisterous bagel shop came about in 1989 and has given crowds delicious things to crow about for more than 30 years, in the form of a multi-award-winning traditional Jewish bakery and deli with modern pizzazz. Siegel's offers visitors to the Strip a chance to step away from the buffets and high-end dining to enjoy classic deli selections with a more heartfelt homemade spirit.

Signature bagels made from scratch steal the spotlight, though there are plenty of other items made fresh on the daily as well, with familiar Jewish dishes like blintzes and challah French toast adding charm to the menu. The sandwich selections feature all the favorites, from pastrami and brisket to egg salad and chopped liver, as well as a whimsical collection of modern sandwiches with fun names like The Las Vegan and The Yenta. In addition to the food, customers adore the impromptu musical entertainment in the waiting area, which may or may not be a permanent feature, and applaud the NYC deli spirit that permeates the premises.

siegelsbagelmania.com

(702) 369-3322

252 Convention Center Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Winter visitors and transplants from the North and Midwest can get a taste of classic deli flavor in the Valley of the Sun thanks to Guido's Chicago Meats & Deli in Scottsdale. Fresh breads mingle with a slew of soups and salads on the menu, with hot and cold subs taking up the lion's share of the listing. Customers leave glowing reviews on the deli's Yelp site, gushing about the great service, cozy atmosphere, and fantastic food. Some call out the line out the door as an indicator of the popularity of this place, and popularity in the deli world always points to high quality goods and services.

Goodness from Guido's is nothing new to the city. After opening in 1983, the deli build a reputation around the entire Metropolitan Phoenix area for providing fresh Italian deli delights, including pizza and pastas as well as fresh meats and butcher style elements customers could take home and turn into their own incredible dishes. The spot has won the Best in Phoenix award, voted in by an adoring public that knows what a treasure it is to find a fantastic Italian deli in the heart of the Sonoran desert. Whether you drop in for something to nosh on or set up a catering run for a special occasion, Guido's has your deli needs covered.

guidosofchicago.com

(480) 951-0636

10893 N Scottsdale Rd, Ste 121, Scottsdale, AZ 85254

Don't let the name mislead you; Minneapolis' own Kramarczuk's Sausage Co. is more than just a meat grinder of an enterprise. Yes, the prepared meats and sausage blends are the calling cards of this big city favorite. But with a bakery, full service restaurant, and market on the premises, Krazmarczuk's makes sure every customer's needs are met, whether they're ready to eat when they walk in or shopping for ingredients to make something at home. The menu offers a litany of Eastern Europe's finest creations like goulash and grinders in addition to the fresh-baked breads and pastries from the bakery. And of course, the sausages are a must for meat lovers in search of an authentic deli bite.

You might be wondering how exceptional a deli might be. Krazmarczuk's took home a James Beard America's Classic award in 2013, lending more than a little prestige to the enterprise. Combined with customer raves declaring that the brats and Polish sausages here are some of the best in the world and praise lavished on the Reubens and pierogis among other fan favorites, there's plenty of evidence to support this spot as one of America's best delis, and one to add to your culinary atlas if you find yourself in the Minneapolis area (locals are bound to know about it already).

kramarczuks.com

(612) 379-3018

215 E Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55415

Sandwich fans in the D.C. area know Stachowski's Market is the secret passageway to phenomenal fare prepared in the finest deli traditions. Just glancing at the gleaming cases on the website with their magnificent wares on display is enough to start your taste buds jumping for joy. Stachowski's may have begun as a charcuterie company in 2008, but after opening as a deli and meat shop in 2011, it became a staple for Georgetown deli aficionados in search of well-crafted slices that become unforgettable meals.

Bratwurst and braunschweiger rub elbows with veggie and club sandwiches at Stachowski's, a menu that shows off a talent for pleasing a variety of patrons. Catering services let you infuse your events with the fine flavors as well. And if the many customers leaving reviews that put the pastrami sandwich on the winner's list is any indication, this small-but-mighty market more than earns its place on the list of the best delis in the U.S.

stachowskimarket.com

(202) 506-3125

1425 28th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20007

With so many incredible delis scattered all around the United States, the challenge of identifying the very best was real. Thankfully, fans of deli dining aren't shy about sharing their experiences good and bad on Yelp, Trip Advisor, Reddit, and just about any other social media outlet where opinions rule and food is always a hot topic. Zeroing in on the best and brightest for this roundup was accomplished by rooting out the highest-rated delis on these sites and perusing the comments left by eaters eager to spread the word.

Obviously, the concept of "best deli" is highly subjective, and everyone reading this is bound to have their own opinion on what qualities are most desirable in a delicatessen. The court of public opinion doesn't speak for everyone, but the pattern of people singing the praises of delis around the country that go above and beyond the call of duty made it possible to choose a variety of delis throughout the U.S. that could readily qualify for blue-ribbon status.