New York's biggest sandwich, delicious matzo ball soup, and slow-cured pastrami that melts
in your mouth?
Missing out on these American delicatessens just wouldn't be kosher.
Katz's Delicatessen - New York City
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 their 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 they always carefully hand-slice the meats for each customer who successfully navigates
their 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 also 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 and
classic tradition.
"I'll have what she's having."
Slyman's Restaurant - Cleveland
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, they're "The Home of the Biggest and Best Corned Beef."
Family-owned since its opening in 1964 and passed on through the generations, Slyman's
is famous in Cleveland for their enormous-stacked corned beef sandwiches on rye bread.
Slyman sandwiches are a huge hit for Clevelanders — just ask any of the 34,000 fans on their
official Facebook page.
One Tripadvisor reviewer even claimed that theirs was the best sandwich they'd ever had
— referring to the corned beef sandwich with Swiss cheese on rye.
Because their colossal following is as massive as their sandwiches, it's safe to say that
Slyman's is one of the best delis in the United States.
Gioia's Deli - St. Louis
Opened in 1918 by Italian immigrants who have called St. Louis home for four generations,
Gioia's Deli distinguishes themselves from others with their unique and savory hot salami
sandwich.
The thick-cut Italian salami has been made in-house using the same process for over 100
years.
Many of its fans love to pair it with their mouth-watering Garlic Cheese Bread to craft
a truly sensational meal.
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 and
Wine Magazine, and also landed on a Food Network list of best sandwiches in the nation.
As co-owner Alex Donley shared with local NBC affiliate KSDK, they currently keep the
longtime secret recipe for their 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 United States.
Zaftigs Delicatessen - Brookline, Massachusetts
Many delicatessens are also known for their homemade soups like matzo ball, which is what
Zaftigs Delicatessen in Brookline, Massachusetts, specializes in.
The Zaftigs Brookline location opened in 1997, and they have made it a priority to keep their
family recipes going strong by upholding decades-long traditions like any good deli should.
Just take a glance at their 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
plenty of chicken and vegetables.
"This guy makes the best soup in the city, Jerry!
The best!"
Gonella's - Detroit
Proudly operating for more than 75 years and providing one-of-a-kind Italian subs to Detroit's
hard workers, Gonella's is a valued staple in the Motor City.
Per their website, they're an original eatery, famous for freshly made, layered submarine
sandwiches that use only top quality ingredients.
They also offer a full-service deli counter complete with an assortment of olives, cheeses,
meats that include steaks, sirloin, and veal.
Their 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.
Their modest brick establishment includes wine and olive bars, as well as a generous
selection of grocery items.
One Google reviewer said that they always visit Gonella's for one of their Italian subs
whenever they're in Detroit.
And why wouldn't they?
Gonella's is always a good time.
Sarge's Delicatessen & Diner - New York City
If you're in search of one of the best pastrami sandwiches in New York City, you'll find it
on 3rd Avenue at Sarge's Delicatessen and Diner.
According to their official website, they've 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 their menu.
It's described as being stacked high with:
"Corned Beef, Pastrami, Roast Beef, Fresh Turkey, Salami, Sliced Tomato, Lettuce, Coleslaw
& Russian Dressing."
If you hadn't already expected it, all of their meats are cured in-house, making each
sandwich, no matter how massive, specially hand-crafted.
Their classic style and cozy restaurant setting, complete with burgundy diner booths and walls
of celebrity-visitor photos, helps to make Sarge's a good 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.
Harold's New York Deli - Edison, New Jersey
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, like this triple-decker, are hand-crafted with perfectly
tender, juicy meats.
The pastrami is made on the premises and served up with a side of coleslaw that makes for
a more than generous portion.
Their 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 they pile 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.
of cake — almost everything on the menu is gigantic.
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?
Langer's Delicatessen - Los Angeles
Opened in 1947 and currently located in the Westlake neighborhood of Los Angeles, Langer's
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 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,
saying —
"It’s a symphony orchestra, different instruments brought together to play one perfect chord.
It costs eight-fifty and is, in short, a work of art."
As Tasting Table notes, Langer's cuts each slice of peppered brisket meat with tremendous
care to ensure quality texture and preserve the robust outer crust.
On Yelp, they have nearly 4,000 reviews with an overall 4.5 rating out of 5.
One reviewer credits Langer's with having —
"The best pastrami in Southern California, with the proper crunch of the crust."
Langer's old-world, no-frills atmosphere is a true gem to SoCal.
Famous 4th Street Delicatessen - Philadelphia
For the Radin siblings, much of their lives were spent working in Jewish-style delis around
New York City and its surrounding boroughs.
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 their own delicatessen that opened in 1923 on 4th Street that became a staple
in the city of Philadelphia — the Famous 4th Street Delicatessen.
Like many other traditional delis, they cure their meats in-house, as well as bake all
of their tasty desserts to stock their own bakery.
"Get a pastry box."
"Move it!"
As WHYY radio notes, the deli gets especially busy when the U.S. election season rolls around,
meaning politicians, staff, poll workers, and the media stop in for a bite to eat and
a chance to interact with the public.
Even President Barack Obama stopped by in 2010.
And, yes, that's Adam Sandler enjoying a bite!
Condé Nast Traveler recommends ordering a big sandwich or a savory treat from the "smoked
fish department."
Famous 4th Street Deli is one of those places so steeped in tradition that you just can't
miss it if you ever tour the City of Brotherly Love.
Manny's Cafeteria & Delicatessen - Chicago
As many establishments have proven already, the secret to a successful delicatessen is
not to change a thing.
That's 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
their original location, but that's about it.
The business has belonged to the same family for four generations.
Apart from their famous pastrami and corned beef classics, they also specialize in fish
that includes varieties of salmon and trout, and homemade bakery items that are courtesy
of cherished family recipes.
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.
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 has said, they've kept customers happy throughout the years by providing
the same delicious eats that have always been found at traditional Jewish-delis and households
alike.
"Oh, oh, and take the challah out of the oven, please.
In 10 minutes, listen for the timer."
"You got it."
Molinari Delicatessen - San Francisco
Molinari does the Italian-style delicatessen right, and they've been going strong in San
Francisco since 1896.
The sandwiches on the menu here 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 palette at Molinari, whether
through their own custom-made sandwich or a gourmet, crafted one listed on the menu.
Tat's Delicatessen - Seattle
Seattle, Washington isn't just about Starbucks and local craft breweries.
In the Emerald City, you'll find a classic East Coast-style deli at Tat's Delicatessen.
They've only been in business since 2004, but have quickly proven themselves 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.
They offer up a tremendous menu of breakfast dishes, Philly Steak sandwiches, and hoagies.
If you have a hankering for an authentic East Coast-style deli lunch but you're stuck in
Seattle, look no further than Tat's Delicatessen.
A Taste of Italy - Wilmington, North Carolina
North Carolina is another place that you would never automatically think about when it comes
to old-world delicatessens.
The state is better known for their fried chicken fast food chain Bojangles and vinegar-based
barbecue.
However, the city of Wilmington is home to a well-loved authentic Italian delicatessen
called A Taste of Italy.
The deli 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.
A Taste of Italy also features a market stocked with wines that you can buy to-go as a way
to top off your Italian treats at home.
Kenny & Ziggy's New York Delicatessen - Houston
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.
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 their hundreds of menu items.
Like, how do you even eat that?
Shapiro's Delicatessen - Indianapolis
Last but not least, a list of the best delis in the U.S. would not be complete without
Shapiro's Delicatessen in Indianapolis.
Their restaurant has been operating in the family since 1905 and has solidified their
position as one of Indianapolis's favorite kosher deli eateries.
Pastrami sandwiches piled high?
Check.
Slow-cooked brisket?
Check.
Fresh rye bread, homemade matzo ball soup, desserts, bagels?
Of course!
"Sorry, I, uh, I had a bite of my bagel and I forgot to pray."
The deli stays true to tradition with classic-style cafeteria dining, open-area seating, and recipes
that haven't changed in over 100 years.
The poppy seed cake is also a must.
One thing's for certain: Whatever you choose will be authentic and excellent at the kosher-style
delicatessen called Shapiro's.