Best Pastrami Sandwich Spot in Every State
Few things in life satisfy people like a thick, smoky, perfectly stacked sandwich packed with flavor. Across the country, delis, markets, and mom-and-pop shops are serving up legendary bites that many swear by. If you’re craving something salty, savory, and piled high, these are the spots worth seeking out.
Alabama: The Broken Knife, Birmingham
Credit: Facebook
People talk about The Broken Knife like it’s a local secret, but word spreads fast when the pastrami is this good. Thick slices of house-smoked meat are stacked high on marble rye and paired with crunchy house-made pickles.
Alaska: Mo’s Deli, Anchorage
Credit: Facebook
You wouldn’t expect top-tier New York-style pastrami this far north, but Anchorage locals swear by Mo’s Deli. They source premium ingredients, from house-cured meats to sockeye lox, while honoring the owner’s Jewish grandfather. It’s the go-to for a killer sandwich or some matzo ball soup.
Arizona: The Miracle Mile Delicatessen, Phoenix
Credit: Facebook
Longtime Phoenicians will tell you this place has been fueling generations with hefty, satisfying pastrami sandwiches. Miracle Mile layers its house favorites with care by slicing the meat thick and loading it onto pillowy rye. It’s the kind of deli where people bring their kids because their grandparents used to bring them here, too.
Arkansas: Pea Farm Bistro, Cabot
Credit: yelp
This quirky spot started as a food truck and grew into a beloved bistro known for thoughtful, hearty sandwiches. The jerky is made from carefully sourced meats, and fresh-baked bread is sourced from local farms and producers. Regulars rave about the warm service, generous portions, and how it feels like home.
California: Brent’s Deli, Northridge
Credit: Facebook
Southern California deli lovers know Brent’s is the spot for thick, peppery pastrami stacked impossibly high between slices of fresh rye. Their reputation spans decades and draws everyone from homesick New Yorkers to Hollywood types.
Colorado: The Bagel Deli, Denver
Credit: Facebook
The Bagel Deli doesn’t mess around with its old-school pastrami—Guy Fieri even rolled through in his Camaro to check it out. Sandwiches come piled on pumpernickel or any bread you please, and regulars swear the peppered beef is a can’t-miss.
Connecticut: Rein’s Deli, Vernon
Credit: Facebook
Drivers along I-84 plan their pit stops for Rein’s, where New York-style deli dreams come true in Connecticut. Pastrami sandwiches arrive warm, juicy, and stacked tall with all the traditional fixings. The road trip reward is worth taking.
Delaware: Bachetti Bros, Wilmington
Credit: Reddit
Many trust Bachetti Bros for premium meats and catering, but the pastrami sandwich deserves attention all on its own. Thick slices of hand-selected beef are layered on fresh bread and finished with all the right touches. This neighborhood staple doubles as both a market and a sub haven.
Florida: Top Hat Deli, Fort Lauderdale
Credit: Facebook
Top Hat Deli sits a few blocks off the water but keeps its focus firmly on the plate. Their pastrami is made in-house—brined, smoked, and sliced to order. It’s served on rye that holds its structure without being dense, and the balance between fat and spice stays consistent across the board. The space is modern, the menu streamlined, and the service fast without feeling rushed.
Georgia: Reuben’s Deli, Atlanta
Credit: Reddit
When lunchtime hits in Atlanta, Reuben’s Deli stays packed for fresh ingredients, thick-cut jerky, and sandwiches made to order. They nail that NY vibe with generous portions and fast service, even during the rush.
Hawaii: Giovanni Pastrami, Waikiki
Credit: Facebook
Giovanni Pastrami walks the line between sports bar and deli. The menu covers a wide stretch—pizza, hoagies, beer on tap—but the pastrami still has its place. It’s served warm with just enough spice to register without overpowering the bread. The setting is loud and casual, with flat-screens lining the walls and tables moving fast during game nights.
Idaho: Cobby’s, Boise
Credit: Instagram
Cobby’s knows how to mound a wrap, and their pastrami version comes loaded with meat, cheese, and a pile of fresh veggies. It’s served on daily baked bread with their signature pepperoncinis. The soup, salad, and ample servings also make this place a go-to for locals.
Illinois: Eleven City Diner, Chicago
Credit: Instagram
If you’ve got room after Manny’s, make time for this spot. Eleven City Diner leans heavily on tradition and offers turkey or classic cuts alongside big portions. It’s a little slice of Jewish deli heaven, right near the waterfront.
Indiana: Shapiro’s Delicatessen, Indianapolis
Credit: Instagram
This Indy institution has been family-owned since 1905. It smokes its pastrami in-house and slices it thick for every order. History, tradition, and a whole lot of meat—that’s the recipe Shapiro’s has perfected for over a century.
Iowa: Hansen’s Manhattan Deli, Des Moines
Credit: Facebook
Des Moines denizens don’t mess around when it comes to Hansen’s. The pastrami is piled high and served with precision, be it in a daily special or a regular favorite. Loyal customers rave about the taste, the service, and the melt-in-your-mouth scrams.
Kansas: Bay Boy Specialty Sandwiches, Kansas City
Credit: Facebook
Crunchy Dutch Crunch bread sets this Kansas City snack bar apart, but the pastrami inside holds its own. The sandwich perfectly balances texture and flavor, with creative combos and top-notch ingredients. Locals love the no-frills vibe and dependable quality.
Kentucky: Good Belly Sandwiches, Louisville
Credit: Facebook
House-made pastrami and corned beef are the stars at this Louisville deli. There are also rotating craft beers, boxed lunches, and meats sold by the pound. Fans appreciate the thoughtful details and friendly service that keep them coming back.
Louisiana: Stein’s Market and Deli, New Orleans
Credit: Facebook
Stein’s breaks from the city’s po’boy traditions to serve up thick, flavorful pastrami with serious delicatessen attitude. This spot mixes Jewish deli classics with Italian favorites to give locals a break from gumbo without sacrificing flavor.
Maine: Heidi’s Brooklyn Deli, South Portland
Credit: Facebook
At Heidi’s, you can find freshly baked bread in eight varieties and a menu that channels Brooklyn’s best food shops. The pastrami is stacked high with bold flavors. South Portland folks swear by the bagels, too, but it’s that wrap with a pickle spear that keeps them loyal.
Maryland: Attman’s Delicatessen, Baltimore
Credit: Facebook
The legendary Attman’s has been slinging heaped meat hoagies for over a century. It’s where natives and tourists agree: lunch is worth standing in line for.
Massachusetts: Sam La Grassa’s, Boston
Credit: Instagram
Bostonians know Sam La Grassa’s for its famous Pastrami Diablo. Between the hot cherry peppers and BBQ sauce, this sandwich brings heat and heartiness in equal measure. Also, it’s family-run since day one.
Michigan: Zingerman’s, Ann Arbor
Credit: Facebook
Zingerman’s built a deli empire on sandwiches like Jenny’s Fix, which combines pastrami with Russian dressing and Swiss on rye. The lines are long, the flavors are big, and the bread is always double-baked perfection. Ann Arbor locals and visiting foodies alike treat this spot as a must-hit destination.
Minnesota: Kramarczuk’s Sausage, Minneapolis
Credit: Facebook
At Kramarczuk’s Sausage, Eastern European tradition is combined with deli staples, so their pastrami sub comes with a side of history. While popular for sausages, they mound meat high and serve it with precision. Many love the old-world vibe, hearty portions, and house-baked breads.
Mississippi: The Pig & Pint, Jackson
Credit: Facebook
Barbecue might be the main attraction here, but don’t overlook the pastrami. The Pig & Pint smokes its meats with accuracy, piling thick, juicy slices onto fresh bread for a sandwich worth writing home about. Wash it down with a local craft beer and call it a very good day.
Missouri: Carl’s Delicatessen Restaurant, Saint Louis
Credit: Reddit
At Carl’s, it’s old school, with thick, savory pastrami on rye served in portions best shared with a friend. The no-frills vibe matches the focus: quality meat, good bread, and classic flavors. Denizens love its consistency, and newcomers quickly learn this is where sandwich cravings go to end happily.
Montana: Tagliare Delicatessen, Missoula
Credit: Facebook
This deli names its sandwiches after rock legends and serves them on bread that could headline its tour. The pastrami is bold and layered with house-cured flavor, wrapped in a laid-back, Montana-cool vibe.
Nebraska: Crescent Moon Ale House, Omaha
Credit: Instagram
Omaha takes pride in its Reuben history, but Crescent Moon keeps things fresh with its annual Reubenfest. Pastrami sandwiches in this place come packed with tradition, tangy kraut, and local stories. Grab one alongside a pint and celebrate a Midwestern culinary icon.
Nevada: Siegel’s Bagelmania, Las Vegas
Credit: Facebook
Siegel’s Bagelmania does steady work turning out East Coast staples without the fanfare. The pastrami—served hot on rye—is sliced thick and leans more savory than sweet, with just enough bite to hold its own against the mustard. You’ll find brisk morning traffic here, thanks to a menu that moves fast without feeling rushed. Plus, there’s a rotating selection of bagels, solid matzo ball soup, and familiar counter setup.
New Hampshire: Bentley’s Roast Beef, Nashua
Credit: Facebook
Bentley’s sandwiches go sky-high with freshly sliced roast beef, but the pastrami keeps customers equally loyal. Served on a soft onion roll, these hefty creations come in multiple sizes and are all packed with flavor.
New Jersey: Hobby’s Deli, Newark
Credit: Instagram
The jerky sandwiches at Hobby’s have names like Weequahic Triple-Decker and a positive deli attitude. Pastrami is king here, whether piled with corned beef or turkey or topping a burger. Natives trust this institution for hearty bites and no-nonsense flavors that always hit the spot.
New Mexico: Tully’s, Albuquerque
Credit: Facebook
Tully’s offers a little taste of Italy in Albuquerque, but their pastrami sandwich is a fan favorite alongside the Italian subs. Family-owned and packed with tradition, this neighborhood deli serves up sincere, flavorful food. Tully’s bakery cookies are also a must-try, but it’s the sandwiches that steal the show.
New York: David’s Brisket House, Brooklyn
Credit: Facebook
From the name, David’s mixes brisket, corned beef, and pastrami with Brooklyn style and halal options. Longtime fans praise the towering sandwiches, tender meats, and timeless flavors. This rare blend of Jewish deli tradition and lawful cooking brings together hungry crowds from across the boroughs.
North Carolina: Neal’s Deli, Carrboro
Credit: Facebook
Neal’s reputation is built on fresh, local ingredients and bold sandwich flavors. Their pastrami stands out on fluffy biscuits or rye, paired with house-made pickles. The deli stays creative without losing sight of tradition.
North Dakota: Smiling Moose Rocky Mountain Deli, Fargo
Credit: Facebook
Fargo’s Smiling Moose serves hearty snacks with a Rocky Mountain twist, and the pastrami is no exception. It’s hot, melty, and loaded with tang. Pastrami is a menu staple alongside wraps, soups, and salads.
Ohio: Larder Delicatessen and Bakery, Cleveland
Credit: Facebook
In a former firehouse, Larder crafts its meat sandwiches with Certified Angus Beef, sauerkraut, and mustard on rye. Co-owner Jeremy Umansky brings serious food cred to the table by creating relish as bold as Cleveland itself.
Oklahoma: Krell’s East Coast Style Delicatessen Sandwiches, Oklahoma City
Credit: Facebook
Jonathan Krell brings Philly deli magic to Oklahoma with thick-sliced pastrami and house-made specialties. Authentic East Coast flavors shine in every sandwich. You’ll appreciate the quality ingredients and proper shop’s craftsmanship.
Oregon: Pasture Sandwiches, Portland
Credit: Facebook
Pasture smokes and cures its meats in-house before crafting sandwiches that are equal parts creative and satisfying. Pastrami gets paired with hazelnut chile oil for a tasty twist on tradition. Portland locals love the whole-animal butchery ethos, local sourcing, and inventive combinations.
Pennsylvania: Hershel’s East Side Deli, Philadelphia
Credit: Facebook
Inside Reading Terminal Market, this beloved spot earns praise for piled-high meats and classic deli flavor. The house favorite comes stacked with tender, smoky slices and a tangy swipe of mustard. Locals and tourists alike agree it’s the best place in Philly to get your fix without crossing the bridge.
Rhode Island: Maven’s Delicatessen, Providence Line
Credit: Facebook
This bright, bustling food shop serves house-cured meats with skill and plenty of heart. The flavor-packed item pairs perfectly with fresh rye and a crisp pickle on the side. Rhode Islanders appreciate the nostalgic flavors, welcoming vibe, and creative twists that keep things fresh.
South Carolina: Lee’s Farmer’s Market, Murrells Inlet
Credit: Facebook
Tourists hunting for beach snacks often stumble upon this local gem known for its hearty Reubens and produce selection. Thinly sliced meat, melty cheese, and tangy kraut all come together on fresh-baked bread. Shoppers leave with full bellies and bags of other Southern specialties packed to go.
South Dakota: Custer Deli, Custer
Credit: Facebook
This newer addition to the Custer food scene combines small-town charm with big-city drive-in restaurant tang. Freshly baked bread and locally sourced ingredients keep things simple but flavorful. It’s a perfect stop for something satisfying and easy.
Tennessee: Noshville, Nashville
Credit: Facebook
This cheerful deli is where large portions rule. You can choose your bread, size, and sides to suit your appetite; they’ve got options ranging from manageable to monumental. Regulars love the no-frills attitude, quick service, and bites that hit all the right notes.
Texas: Kenny & Ziggy’s Deli, Houston
Credit: Facebook
This Houston favorite feels like it belongs on a Manhattan street corner. Sandwiches come with a pickle and a wink, plus enough meat to feed half your office.
Utah: Feldman’s Deli, Salt Lake City
Credit: Facebook
Live music, warm service, and thick-cut slices keep Salt Lake locals loyal to this cozy spot. Fridays and Saturdays get lively with bands, but the food always takes center stage. You’ll find bold palates worthy of any East Coast deli.
Vermont: Martone’s Market & Café, Essex Junction
Credit: Facebook
Natives love this neighborhood café for lavish portions, fresh-baked bread, and a menu full of food shop favorites. Alongside soups and salads, they create hearty, flavorful options that leave customers full and happy. Gluten-free choices and vegetarian selections help ensure no one leaves hungry or disappointed.
Virginia: Perly’s, Richmond
Credit: Instagram
Richmond’s Perly’s offers mammoth-sized parts and a menu full of classics. Expect to find beef brisket, sausage, and pickled cabbage sharing space with plenty of well-sprinkled layers. It’s the kind of meal politicians sneak out for between Capitol meetings and speeches.
Washington: Loeb’s NY Deli, D.C.
Credit: Facebook
In a city known for power lunches, Loeb’s sticks to tradition with towering creations named after New York streets, including Park Avenue and Wall Street. The classics are done right, with a side of slaw and extra napkins for good measure.
West Virginia: Farmer’s Daughter Market & Butcher, Capon Bridge
Credit: Facebook
This small-town favorite makes everything in-house, from the pasture-raised meats to the seasonal condiments. The menu focuses on bold flavors, high-quality ingredients, and old-school techniques. Many love grabbing lunch here and stocking up on specialty goods, knowing they’re supporting a farm-to-table operation with serious attention to detail.
Wisconsin: Jake’s Delicatessen, Milwaukee
Credit: Facebook
Since the 1950s, this Milwaukee staple has been slicing dense cuts of hand-spiced meat and stacking them high. The classic preparation methods, beloved by generations, haven’t changed much for good reason. Regulars say the tastes hold up against the best from bigger cities, and the pickles are always crisp.
Wyoming: Creekside Market and Deli, Jackson
Credit: Facebook
Creekside is a one-stop shop for locals and visitors heading into the Tetons. Fresh bread, quality ingredients, and generous portions keep customers fueled for fishing or hiking. It’s a favorite among tourists looking for quick bites and locals who know where to find good eats.