Craving a Real Sandwich? Here’s the Top Deli in Every State
Delis across America still do it right by serving stacked sandwiches, house-cured meats, imported cheeses, and regional favorites that keep customers coming back. The old-school institutions and hidden neighborhood gems on this list were chosen based on customer reviews, strong community ties, consistent quality, and local reputations as the deciding factors.
Mr. P’s Deli (Alabama)
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The muffuletta comes in two weight options and features in-house olive salad. Mr. P’s Butcher Shop & Deli also sells premium meats from its deli case. It’s located in Birmingham and has been a go-to destination for hand-sliced sandwiches and seasoned butcher selections since its opening decades ago.
Eastern European Store & Deli (Alaska)
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As Anchorage’s top choice for authentic Eastern European cuisine, this deli sources meats and cheeses from Poland, Germany, and Russia. The lunch counter serves piroshki, borscht, and sandwiches. They also carry over 15 varieties of sausage and several smoked fish options. It’s popular with the city’s expat communities.
DeFalco’s Italian Deli & Grocery (Arizona)
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Since 1972, DeFalco’s in Scottsdale has specialized in Italian imports and freshly made meals. The Centurian Calzone is packed with sopressata, roasted red peppers, and house-made sauce. They stock cured meats, cheeses, and olive oils. Shoppers and diners alike return regularly for its family-run charm and consistently top-tier ingredients.
Richard’s Country Meat Market (Arkansas)
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This meat market in Fayetteville is praised for its variety and value. Sandwich lovers stop by for brisket, ham, or turducken, especially around the holidays. The deli section features a variety of cheeses, bottled sauces, and over a dozen meat options. Locals call it a reliable one-stop shop for ready-to-eat meals.
Molinari Delicatessen (California)
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Molinari, founded in 1896, is one of San Francisco’s oldest running businesses. Legend has it that Joe DiMaggio requested their sandwiches for his funeral reception. Hanging cured salamis and imported cheese cases keep it authentic. Each sandwich is crafted fresh with meats sliced to order. It remains packed during weekday lunch hours.
The Bagel Deli & Restaurant (Colorado)
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This Denver favorite has been family-owned and operated since 1967. The half-bagel shop and half-deli are featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” Menu items include dozens of sandwiches with traditional Jewish deli options. House-smoked meats and cream cheese spreads are fan favorites.
Rein’s New York Style Deli (Connecticut)
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Connecticut’s top deli is known for oversized sandwiches and iconic Jewish food. Rein’s serves everything from fresh bialys to thick corned beef and pastrami. Their gluten-free options and sour garlic pickles earn frequent praise.
Frank & Louie’s Italian Specialties (Delaware)
Frank & Louie’s Italian Specialties (Delaware)
The Tiny Dancer sandwich—a combo of ciabatta, mozzarella, basil, tomato, and olive oil—is a best-seller at Frank & Louie’s Italian Specialties. The shop is located in Rehoboth Beach and is packed year-round. The staff hand-prepare each order.
V & S Italian Deli (Florida)
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For over 20 years, this Boca Raton shop has made fresh subs with Boar’s Head meats and homemade dishes. Eggplant Parmesan and capicola sandwiches are customer favorites. Cold salads and house-made cannoli also get high marks. They offer prepared dinners and desserts for takeout that make weeknight meals easy.
48th Street Market (Georgia)
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This Dunwoody institution combines family-run charm with Italian market staples. It opened over 25 years ago and serves grilled paninis, deli cold cuts, and homemade cookies. Favorites include the Sam’s Hero sandwich stuffed with grilled capicola. Pastas, mozzarella, and Italian cookies are made fresh, and imported goods line the shop shelves.
Butcher & Bird (Hawaii)
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Located in Honolulu’s SALT district, Butcher & Bird has a full-service butcher and a creative deli menu. Cured meats, such as mortadella and ham, are made in-house. Meat cuts for home cooking are also available.
Das Alphenhaus Delikatessen (Idaho)
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A German deli in Boise, Das Alphenhaus, offers liverwurst, schnitzel sandwiches, and imported beers. You’ll also find braunschweiger, sauerkraut, and authentic desserts. Diners can eat in or grab food to go. There is an extensive selection of German pantry goods, and stein-sized beer pours are offered alongside meals.
Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen (Illinois)
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Manny’s, operating in Chicago since 1942, delivers thick pastrami sandwiches, latkes, and blintzes in a cafeteria-style setting. The Chicago Tribune calls it the city’s premier deli experience. Portions are oversized, and meats are sliced fresh daily. Their homemade mustard has earned a cult following over the years.
Shapiro’s Delicatessen (Indiana)
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Serving Indiana for over 100 years, Shapiro’s specializes in hand-sliced pastrami, mile-high Reubens, and cheesecakes. Its original Meridian Street location still operates today, alongside two newer outposts. Sandwiches are prepared to order, and desserts include house-made pies and cookies. It’s long been a local favorite for airport travelers and residents.
B&B Grocery Meat & Deli (Iowa)
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Des Moines locals call this unassuming storefront a hidden gem. The B&B has been open for nearly a century as a family-run establishment that offers over 40 sandwich options. The Dad’s Killer, in particular, includes four meats and three cheeses.
Bolling’s Meatery & Eatery (Kansas)
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Customers appreciate both the market and the restaurant inside Bolling’s. Located in Iola, it serves fresh-cut deli meats and hot meals, such as meatball subs and ham sandwiches. Cold cuts are available by the pound. The Italian sandwich features capicola, pepperoni, and salami, stacked generously on fresh bread with sharp provolone.
Frank’s Meats & Produce (Kentucky)
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Pimento loaf, Tillamook cheddar, and fried bologna sandwiches draw customers from around Louisville. Frank’s also sells smoked ribs and regional dishes. The deli counter has cuts like braunschweiger and head cheese. Sandwiches are made fresh, and regulars return for a variety of meats they say are tough to find elsewhere.
Morse’s Sauerkraut (Maine)
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When it was founded over 100 years ago, Morse’s only had kraut. Today, it sells German deli meats, cheeses, and prepared dishes, like Reubens and pierogi. It’s a hit with locals in Waldoboro who seek authentic European eats. Their kraut is still made the same way it was generations ago.
Polka Deli (Maryland)
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Since opening in 2018, this Silver Spring deli has specialized in Polish meats and groceries. Customers pick up sausages, sauerkraut, and pierogi made in-house. Sandwiches include Polish ham with mustard and pickles. The headcheese and smoked fish also receive plenty of praise.
Bricco Salumeria & Pasta Shop (Massachusetts)
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Inside a narrow Boston alleyway, Bricco offers fresh mozzarella made daily, hand-rolled pasta, and imported Italian meats. The North End shop draws locals with sandwiches like mozzarella, basil, tomato, and olive oil. Cured sausages hang above the counter.
Zingerman’s Deli (Michigan)
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Zingerman’s in Ann Arbor has been serving overstuffed sandwiches and Jewish specialties since 1982. Patrons choose “nosher” or “fresser” sizes for items like the Reuben or corned beef. Their in-house bakery, coffee shop, and creamery add to the appeal. It’s a Midwest icon with national recognition.
Kramarczuk Sausage Company (Minnesota)
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Since 1954, Minneapolis’s Kramarczuk has been known for its garlic Krakowska sausage and Ukrainian dishes. Inside, you’ll find a full deli with a variety of meats and cheeses, as well as pierogi. Their restaurant serves bratwurst and pastrami sandwiches. The building is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Lil’ Market Deli & Bagelry (Mississippi)
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Ocean Springs keeps customers coming back with hand-rolled bagels and house-made soup. Lil’ Market specializes in fresh, New York-style bagels. Sandwiches are made to order, and their spot on Taste of Home’s best bagel shops list gives this humble deli national attention beyond Mississippi.
Carollo’s Gourmet Grocery & Deli (Missouri)
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Kansas City’s Carollo’s has sold imported Italian goods for over 30 years. Sandwiches like the Napolitano—layered with capicola, prosciutto, salami, and provolone—are packed to order. Customers browse shelves of olive oil, pasta, and wine while waiting.
Tagliare Delicatessen (Montana)
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In Missoula, Tagliare Delicatessen names sandwiches after rock bands like Megadeth and Journey. The Megadeth is stacked with five cured meats, smoked mozzarella, and slaw. Customers also build antipasto boxes with olives and cheeses.
Citta’ Deli (Nebraska)
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Citta’ Deli in McCook brings New York-style deli food to southwest Nebraska. Owners Bill and Jade Lesko serve hot paninis, chopped salads, meat and cheese trays, and specialty foods like stuffed olives and Italian desserts. Meats and cheeses are sliced to order and sourced locally whenever possible.
Roma Restaurant & Deli (Nevada)
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Las Vegas locals recommend Roma for its Sicilian sandwich, stacked with four meats including imported salami. The family-owned deli also features a full-service restaurant. Dishes like beef braciole are dinner favorites, and they also have a grocery section.
Joe’s Meat Shoppe (New Hampshire)
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For over 30 years, Joe’s Meat Shoppe in North Hampton has sold deli meats, cheese, beer, and wine. Subs are packed with Boar’s Head cold cuts. It’s a busy stop for beachgoers headed to the coast. The store also sells steaks and chops for the grill and holiday roasts.
Deli King of Clark (New Jersey)
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Clark’s go-to kosher deli, Deli King, is all about corned beef, brisket, and challah made in-house. Sandwiches are stacked thick, and comfort food sides, such as kugel and knishes, round out the menu. Online reviews often mention fast service, friendly staff, and generous portions at reasonable prices.
DG’s Deli & Market (New Mexico)
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DG’s in Albuquerque uses premium Boar’s Head meats and fresh ingredients for every sandwich. The Green Chile Philly is a local favorite, with ribeye, mushrooms, cheese, and roasted chile. Their small grocery section has snacks, drinks, and local items.
Pastrami Queen (New York)
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Pastrami Queen, open since 1956, is known for thick-cut, hand-carved pastrami sandwiches. The deli was favored by Anthony Bourdain, and now has two locations in Manhattan. Portions are massive, and meats are slow-cooked.
Mediterranean Deli, Bakery & Catering (North Carolina)
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Shoppers at this Chapel Hill spot love to browse a selection of fresh kosher, halal, and organic foods. Shawarma is rotated on spits, and pita bread is baked on-site. A row of stews and salads fills the glass counter. Lebanese and Greek dishes are offered hot or cold.
3Be Meats (North Dakota)
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3Be Meats in Bismarck operates as both a deli and a butcher shop. Brats in flavors like Cheesy Pickle and Tater Tot Hotdish are locally made. Sandwiches come on fresh buns and feature sliced-to-order meats. House jerky and specialty cuts keep regulars coming back. The shop emphasizes local sourcing and affordability.
Slyman’s Deli (Ohio)
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Slyman’s has served Cleveland since the 1960s and still hand-stacks the city’s tallest corned beef sandwiches. Rye bread is sliced thick, and portions are enormous. Many believe it serves the best corned beef sandwich in the state.
Amish Cheese House (Oklahoma)
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In Chouteau, Amish Cheese House sells more than 50 varieties of cheese, plus Lebanon bologna, peppered ham, and other deli meats. Sandwiches are made with bread baked daily on-site. The attached market offers fudge, jams, and old-fashioned pantry items. Guests often pair lunch with a stop at the bakery next door.
World Foods (Oregon)
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World Foods in Portland is a Mediterranean deli and grocery store. Shoppers can buy imported feta, olives, and hummus by the pound. The deli counter features artisanal cheeses, meats, and savory pastries, such as spanakopita.
Koch’s Take Out Shop & Deli (Pennsylvania)
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Koch’s has been operating in University City for over five decades. Their pastrami and corned beef sandwiches are sliced by hand, which means wait times, but also freshness. Dozens of sandwich options are named for nearby colleges.
Ma & Pa’s Country Store (Rhode Island)
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Hope Valley’s Ma & Pa’s is part deli and part general store. Its sandwiches, called grinders here, are made with fresh-sliced meats and cheeses. It’s family-run, and customers frequently mention the welcoming staff as much as the food.
Pulaski Deli (South Carolina)
Pulaski Deli (South Carolina)
Pulaski Deli in Myrtle Beach brings Polish cooking to the Carolinas. They prepare stuffed cabbage, pierogi, and kielbasa daily. In the deli case, you’ll find Krakowska sausage, head cheese, and farmer’s cheese.
Look’s Marketplace (South Dakota)
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After opening in Sioux Falls in 1883, Look’s has grown from a butcher shop into a full-scale deli, bakery, brewery, and restaurant. Meats are cured in-house and sliced to order. Try the Walk Around Po’boy, made with andouille sausage and roasted peppers. Their selection includes charcuterie, bread, cheese, and pantry staples.
Mitchell Delicatessen (Tennessee)
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Nashville locals swear by the hand-crafted sandwiches at Mitchell Delicatessen. The ingredients here are locally sourced, and the meats are roasted in-house. The turkey avocado sandwich and smoked bacon breakfast burrito are fan favorites. Outdoor seating makes it ideal for sunny lunches.
Carshon’s Delicatessen (Texas)
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Opened in 1928, Carshon’s is a kosher-style deli in Fort Worth known for traditional recipes. Corned beef Reubens and grilled pastrami are served on rye bread. Customers enjoy Dr. Brown’s soda with their meals.
Caputo’s Market & Deli (Utah)
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Salt Lake City’s Caputo’s carries premium cheeses, charcuterie, and imported olive oils. Their deli counter serves thick sandwiches made with crusty bread and fresh Italian ingredients, and you can also visit their grocery section. Tastings and events highlight small producers.
Gil’s Delicatessen (Vermont)
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Rutland residents recommend Gil’s for their grinders. Meats and cheeses are sliced fresh and piled on soft rolls. The Hot Italian, loaded with spicy meats and peppers, is a consistent top-seller. This cash-only spot stays busy during lunch hours with regulars who’ve been coming for decades.
The Cheese Shop (Virginia)
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Williamsburg’s Cheese Shop is the top spot for gourmet sandwiches and cheese boards. Their house dressing, made with mustard and herbs, is so popular that it’s bottled and sold. Other food items include charcuterie, wine, and Virginia ham. Since the 1970s, it’s been a local favorite for picnics, student lunches, and food gifts.
Hess Bakery & Deli (Washington)
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German-style belegtes brots—open-faced sandwiches—are the star at Hess Bakery in Lakewood. Meats and cheeses are imported or made in-house. Their bakery sells fresh pretzels, streusels, and German breads.
Hermosilla’s Deli Market (West Virginia)
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Hermosilla’s in Fairmont has old-school Philly flavors and small-town warmth. It’s founded by a family with a century of market experience and serves sandwiches like the spicy Italian Bomb. They also have an olive and salad bar. Cold cuts are sliced to order, and shelves are lined with specialty groceries and snacks.
Stalzy’s Deli & Bakery (Wisconsin)
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Madison’s Stalzy’s makes everything from scratch, including rye bread and pickles. They sell meats by the pound and serve Reubens, triple-deckers, and “Bread Meat Bread” sandwiches with corned beef or pastrami. For ten years, it has been a hit with customers seeking hearty sandwiches crafted using traditional techniques.
Grant Street Grocery & Market (Wyoming)
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Casper’s Grant Street Grocery has served its community for over 100 years. Recently revitalized, it offers deli meats and prepared meals. Pantry shelves are stocked with fine teas, imported chocolates, sandwiches, and artisan crackers. Their sandwich counter is renowned for its charcuterie boards, grab-and-go lunches, and freshly sliced meats and cheeses.