State-By-State Guide To Established Delis In The U.S.

Finding a true deli on the road can feel like chasing a rumor, but the great ones announce themselves with the smell of rye and a line out the door. This guide highlights established, talked-about spots worth planning a detour around.

Expect signature orders, loyal regulars, and the comfort of knowing you chose wisely. Keep it handy and you will always know what to order first.

1. Alabama — Chappy’s Deli (Montgomery)

Chappy’s Deli brings New York spirit to Montgomery with friendly hospitality and a menu that keeps regulars loyal. Start with a pastrami and Swiss on rye, stacked high, with a crisp pickle spear and spicy brown mustard.

You will taste smoky edges, just enough fat, and bread that stands up without overpowering the meat.

Grab a cup of chicken noodle or matzo ball soup if you want the full deli comfort effect. Portions are generous, so pace yourself and consider splitting if you plan on dessert.

It feels like a neighborhood hangout where refills come easy and conversations linger. If you need a safe first visit order, pastrami-and-Swiss is your move.

2. Alaska — Mo’s Deli (Anchorage)

Mo’s Deli is a cold-weather lifesaver, especially when you want something classic and comforting. Go for matzo ball soup first, with a brothy aroma that warms your hands and an airy dumpling that actually tastes like chicken.

Then follow with hand-sliced pastrami, peppery and tender, piled onto rye with mustard.

The vibe is old-school in the best way, with a counter where regulars trade quick hellos. You get that Jewish-deli lineage expressed through careful slicing, solid bread, and clean flavors.

If you are flying out of ANC, this is the stop you sneak in beforehand. Keep the order simple and let the meat do the talking.

3. Arizona — Chompie’s (Phoenix)

Chompie’s gives you the bagel-and-deli mashup Phoenix loves, with an endless counter of smoked fish and cold cuts. Start with a lox bagel on everything, generously schmeared, capers and red onion for bite.

Or pivot to pastrami if you crave something hot and peppery, with a side of coleslaw for crunch.

Expect crowds on weekends, but turnover is fast and the vibe stays upbeat. The menu runs deep, so decide your lane before you reach the counter.

Classic breakfast, deli lunch, or both, you will not walk away hungry. Grab a dozen bagels on your way out and become everyone’s favorite person back home.

4. Arkansas — Mikey’s Smoked Meats and Deli (Mountain View)

Mikey’s leans smokehouse first and deli second, which means your sandwich arrives juicy and deeply seasoned. Think brisket with a rosy smoke ring, sliced thick, dripping onto toasted bread.

Ribs are in the rotation, so you can build a meat-forward plate that skips dainty entirely.

Order a brisket sandwich with pickles and onions, maybe a house sauce on the side for dipping. Soups appear when the weather turns, but the star is that smoked meat.

It is a place where napkins disappear fast and smiles come easy. If you want deli structure with barbecue soul, this is your stop in Mountain View.

5. California — Langer’s Delicatessen (Los Angeles)

Langer’s is pastrami territory, hands down. The #19-style experience means thick-cut pastrami on double-baked rye, coleslaw, and dressing balanced just right.

You get crusty edges, succulent slices, and bread that crackles slightly when you press down.

Expect a line and accept it as part of the ritual. The payoff is a sandwich that defines Los Angeles deli greatness, decades running.

Add a Dr. Brown’s and a half-sour pickle to complete the vibe. If you only have one deli meal in LA, make it this pastrami on rye and take a second to appreciate that perfect loaf.

6. Colorado — The Bagel Deli (Denver)

The Bagel Deli is the comfort zone you wish was down the block. Reuben is the classic order, hot and melty with just enough sauerkraut tang to wake things up.

Matzo ball soup and brisket plates round out a menu that feels like your favorite aunt cooked it.

The staff keeps things moving without losing warmth, and the portions are generous. Grab a black-and-white cookie for dessert if you want nostalgia along with lunch.

It is the kind of spot where regulars recommend your order while you wait. Come hungry and leave plotting your next visit.

7. Connecticut — Rein’s Deli (Vernon)

Rein’s delivers the greatest hits of a New York style deli right off the highway. Pile corned beef high, add mustard, and keep the rye fresh and balanced.

Potato pancakes come crisp with applesauce or sour cream, and matzo ball soup does exactly what you want.

It is a rest stop you will plan around once you know it, the perfect break on a long drive. Sandwiches spill over the edge, so grab extra napkins.

The menu breadth lets everyone find a favorite fast. If you want classic deli without crossing a bridge, Rein’s is your Connecticut answer.

8. Delaware — Maiale Deli (Wilmington)

Maiale is where sausage lovers win lunch. The spicy Italian sandwich brings heat that actually shows up, with fennel notes and a crisp crusty roll.

You can taste craftsmanship in each bite, and the counter feels more butcher shop than diner.

Ask for house pickles or a side that cuts richness, then lean into the bold flavors. The vibe is quick-serve but personal, and the case tempts you to take something home.

If you crave a sandwich with real snap and seasoning, start here. Wilmington’s Maiale makes bold taste the default setting.

9. Florida — Toasted Bagelry & Deli (Miami)

Toasted Bagelry leans bagel-first with deli energy, perfect for a Miami morning that becomes brunch. An everything bagel sandwich with lox, tomato, and scallion cream cheese hits salty, tangy, and fresh.

Add a coffee and you are set for the day.

Expect crisp edges on toasted bagels and plenty of schmear options. The room hums with locals grabbing breakfast that doubles as lunch.

If you want a hot option, pastrami or turkey stacks well on a sesame bagel. Keep it simple, keep it fresh, and let the bagel carry the experience.

10. Georgia — Reuben’s Deli (Atlanta)

Reuben’s Deli wears its signature on the sign, so do not overthink it. Order the Reuben hot, with melty Swiss and sauerkraut that brings brightness.

The marble rye holds together while juices run, and every bite reads balanced.

It is quick, it is reliable, and it is exactly what downtown needs at lunch rush. Add chips or a pickle and you are good.

The staff keeps a steady pace that gets you fed without stress. If you love a classic done right, this Reuben is your move in Atlanta.

11. Hawaii — CJ’s Deli (Honolulu)

CJ’s brings New York deli flavors to Honolulu without losing the island casual vibe. Start with Reuben sliders, which give you all the melty, tangy goodness in bite sizes.

You can share or make it a meal, especially with a side of fries.

The menu nods to classic deli staples alongside local tastes, making it easy to please a group. It is a handy stop after the beach when you want something hearty.

Expect friendly service and a breezy atmosphere. If you crave deli comfort in paradise, this does the trick without feeling heavy.

12. Idaho — Cobby’s Sandwich Shop (Boise)

Cobby’s is a Boise staple where simple ingredients add up to a satisfying lunch. Roast beef with provolone and horseradish mayo hits the savory notes, while turkey avocado keeps things fresh.

Soups rotate, so peek at the kettles before ordering.

The bread is sturdy without being heavy, and the portions land in that just-right zone. You will see regulars, which is always a good sign.

Add chips and a cookie and call it a day. If you want a dependable, well-built sandwich in Boise, you will feel right at home.

13. Illinois — J.P. Graziano Grocery Co. (Chicago)

J.P. Graziano is old-school Italian grocery magic with a sandwich window that rules lunchtime.

The Italian sub comes on crusty bread, layered with cured meats, provolone, and punchy giardiniera. Oil and vinegar drip down your wrists, and you will not care.

Expect lines and fast service that rewards decisive orders. The shop stocks pantry treasures, so grab a jar of giardiniera to bring home.

It is more stand-and-eat or curbside than sit-down, but that is part of the charm. If you want Chicago flavor with history in every bite, this is it.

14. Indiana — Shapiro’s Delicatessen (Indianapolis)

Shapiro’s is a Hoosier institution where the cafeteria line leads to happiness. Reuben or hot corned beef is the right place to start, sliced generous and layered just so.

The rye holds, the dressing behaves, and the sauerkraut brings the right snap.

Save room for cheesecake or rugelach because dessert is not an afterthought. The room buzzes with families, suits, and longtime regulars.

Friendly staff keeps everything moving without rushing you out. Shapiro’s proves classic deli can feel both grand and familiar at once.

15. Iowa — Graziano Brothers (Des Moines)

Graziano Brothers doubles as lunch and pantry shopping, a Des Moines tradition since forever. Order a sausage or Italian combo sandwich with a splash of oil and vinegar and a hit of peppers.

The bread is sturdy and the meats taste like somebody actually cares.

After lunch, scout the market for pasta, tomatoes, and cured goodies to take home. The place hums with regulars who know exactly what to ask for.

Keep your order simple and let the ingredients speak. When Italian deli energy calls in Iowa, this is where you answer.

16. Kansas — Porubsky’s Market (Topeka)

Porubsky’s is a time capsule with flavors that stick with you. The house pickles are mandatory, sharp and garlicky with a satisfying crunch.

Sandwiches are straightforward, built on good bread with quality meats and a whisper of heat from mustard.

You come for the tradition as much as lunch, and locals treat it like a rite of passage. Grab some pickles to go because you will want more later.

Keep your order classic and let that old-school charm do its thing. It is Topeka comfort in a brown paper bag.

17. Kentucky — Engine House Deli and Pizza Pub (Winchester)

Engine House Deli serves nostalgia with lunch, thanks to its former firehouse home. Chicken salad is the safe, satisfying bet, creamy without being heavy, tucked into a soft roll.

You can pair it with a small salad or kettle chips and feel complete.

The room’s brick walls and artifacts lend character that makes ordinary lunch memorable. Service is friendly and quick, perfect for a midday break.

If someone in your group wants a slice, the pizza side covers it. Winchester keeps this spot busy for a reason: reliable, tasty, and charming.

18. Louisiana — Fertitta’s Delicatessen (Shreveport)

Fertitta’s is a Shreveport classic anchored by the Muffy, a local twist on the muffuletta. Expect sesame-crusted bread with layers of meats, provolone, and a tangy olive salad that drips with brine.

Each bite balances salty richness with sharp, herby punch.

The shop feels frozen in the best way, full of history and family energy. Order at the counter, grab a drink, and settle into a simple table.

It is the kind of sandwich you remember by name later. If you want a signature Louisiana deli experience away from New Orleans, this is it.

19. Maine — Amato’s (Portland)

Amato’s is the name locals know for a Maine Italian done right. Soft roll, deli meats, provolone, crisp veggies, and a drizzle of oil and vinegar keep it simple and satisfying.

The sandwich is tidy but generous, a perfect drive-along companion.

You can add banana peppers for bite or keep it classic. Service is quick, and the menu covers all the essential subs without fuss.

Grab a whoopie pie if you want a regional dessert finish. For a first-timer in Portland, the classic Italian is your baseline order.

20. Maryland — Attman’s Delicatessen (Baltimore)

Attman’s sits on Corned Beef Row, which tells you everything about the headline order. Go hot corned beef, mustard, rye, nothing else necessary.

The meat is tender and steamy, sliced in ribbons that stack beautifully.

The counter is a show, with cutters hustling and regulars calling out favorites. Pick up a pickle and maybe a knish if you want a side.

It is not fancy, it is just right. If you only have time for one Baltimore deli moment, make it this sandwich.

21. Massachusetts — Zaftigs Delicatessen (Brookline)

Zaftigs mixes big deli breakfasts with bigger sandwiches, and both lanes deliver. Pastrami is peppery, sliced thick, and happiest on rye with mustard.

Roast beef lovers will find juicy slices that pair well with horseradish cream.

Latkes come crisp and golden, great on their own or alongside your sandwich. The room is lively on weekends, so plan ahead or embrace the wait.

Service is sharp, and the menu is deep enough to explore. If you want a modern deli with classic roots, Zaftigs nails the balance.

22. Michigan — Zingerman’s Delicatessen (Ann Arbor)

Zingerman’s is legendary for a reason. The breads are baked to perform under stacked meats, and the spreads bring bright counterpoints.

Pick a pastrami or corned beef heavy sandwich and expect perfect bite structure.

Lines can stretch, but staff keeps it friendly and efficient. Grab pickles and maybe a brownie for later because everything tempts.

The seating sprawls outdoors when weather cooperates, making the wait part of the vibe. If you are deli curious in Ann Arbor, start here and set the bar high.

23. Minnesota — Cecil’s Delicatessen (Saint Paul)

Cecil’s feels like a Saint Paul institution because it is. Reuben plus matzo ball soup is the timeless combo that never misses.

The sandwich hits melty, tangy, and savory, while the soup comforts from the first spoon.

The dining room has that lived-in warmth you hope for, and service is patient. Portions satisfy without wrecking your afternoon.

Grab a cookie from the case on your way out for a sweet finish. If you want a dependable classic, this is your north star in Saint Paul.

24. Mississippi — Delta Meat Market (Cleveland)

Delta Meat Market skews market-deli with a serious butcher backbone. Instead of a standard sandwich, consider a charcuterie-style board that shows off cured meats and cheeses.

You get variety, texture, and a slower, more social lunch.

The counter rotates offerings and seasonal sides, so ask what is special. Bread and pickles keep the bites lively.

It is a great stop for groups who want to graze rather than commit to one stack. When you crave craft and meat-first flavor, Cleveland’s market delivers.

25. Missouri — Gioia’s Deli (St. Louis)

Gioia’s is hot salami territory, the St. Louis signature you will crave later. The sausage is sliced thick, a little spicy, and wonderfully juicy on fresh bread.

Add Provel or provolone and a dash of pepperoncini for brightness.

Service is quick and lines move fast, so know your order when you step up. The sandwich eats messy in the best way, so embrace it.

Grab extra napkins and a soda and you are set. If you want to understand local deli obsession, start here.

26. Montana — Tagliare Delicatessen (Missoula)

Tagliare leans modern-craft with bread that steals the show. You will notice the crust first, then the airy crumb that supports serious fillings.

Sandwich names wink at music lovers, but the flavors do the real talking.

Order something layered with prosciutto, arugula, and sharp cheese if you want balance and bite. The staff will steer you if you describe your mood.

It feels personal without being fussy. If bread matters most to you, this Missoula deli will make you very happy.

27. Nebraska — Ansel’s Pastrami and Bagels (Omaha)

Ansel’s is focused: pastrami and bagels, no apologies. Order like you wandered into a big-city deli, because the technique backs it up.

Pastrami lands peppery and plush, while bagels bring chew and shine.

A pastrami egg bagel sandwich makes a killer breakfast that eats like lunch. Or keep it classic with rye, mustard, and a pickle.

The room is casual and fast, with attention paid where it matters. If you want Omaha’s brisket-and-bagel moment, this is where you start.

28. Nevada — Manhattan Deli (Reno)

Manhattan Deli delivers classic Jewish-deli comfort in Reno. Matzo ball soup arrives steaming, with a broth that tastes like patience.

Follow with pastrami on rye, sliced thick and stacked confidently, mustard on the side or directly on top.

The setting might be casino-adjacent, but the food keeps its soul. Portions are generous, perfect after a long night or before the next adventure.

Service is efficient and friendly. If you crave that East Coast deli fix out West, you will find it here.

29. New Hampshire — Biederman’s Deli (Plymouth)

Biederman’s is a long-loved Plymouth standby with a signature Balboa that earns its reputation. Expect layered meats, cheese, and a fresh roll, plus house touches that bring it together.

The sandwich is big without feeling unwieldy.

The energy is college-town lively, and service stays upbeat. Try the Balboa first, then explore the board on future visits.

It is the type of deli where you find your sandwich and stick to it. If you want reliable and friendly, this is your spot.

30. New Jersey — White House Subs (Atlantic City)

White House Subs builds the kind of long, hero-style sandwiches that define the Jersey shore. The Italian is classic: shaved meats, provolone, lettuce, tomato, onion, oil, and vinegar in perfect proportion.

Hot subs are just as stacked and come out piping.

Lines can snake but move, and the payoff is worth it. Grab a half if you are solo, a whole to share, and extra napkins regardless.

The place oozes history and hustle. If you want the sub standard-bearer in Atlantic City, start here.

31. New Mexico — Relish (Albuquerque)

Relish is a choose-your-own-adventure deli with range. One visit might mean a Cubano with pressed crunch and tangy pickles, another a roast beef with creamy horseradish.

Tuna salad and veggie options are handled with the same care.

The counter crew steers you well if you share what you are craving. Everything eats fresh, balanced, and thoughtfully built.

It is the kind of place that invites experimentation visit after visit. When variety is the priority in Albuquerque, Relish is your move.

32. New York — Katz’s Delicatessen (New York City)

Katz’s is the deli pilgrimage. Order pastrami on rye, watch it carved by hand, and taste pepper, smoke, and tenderness in every bite.

Mustard only keeps things honest and lets the meat lead.

Yes, it is crowded, and yes, the ticket matters, so hold onto it. The ritual is part of the charm, from carving samples to the first massive bite.

Add a half-sour pickle and a cream soda if you want the full experience. Worth it, every time.

33. North Carolina — Neal’s Deli (Carrboro)

Neal’s feels exactly right for Carrboro, grounded and thoughtful. The pastrami biscuit is the icon: buttery, flaky layers hugging smoky, peppered meat.

It is breakfast meeting deli and becoming best friends.

Order one and a coffee and you are set for a morning stroll. Lunch options carry the same care, with house touches that make flavors pop.

The space is small but welcoming, and staff treats you like a neighbor. If you want local character with deli chops, this is it.

34. North Dakota — Country House Deli (Bismarck)

Country House Deli runs on big flavors and bigger portions, the local lunch standby. Choose a house signature and expect fresh bread, layered meats, and crisp veggies.

Soups change and tend to hit the comfort notes right when you need them.

The vibe is neighborly, the service quick, and the sandwiches satisfying. You will carry leftovers if you overorder, so plan accordingly.

Add a cookie if you have room. For dependable deli in Bismarck, this is the easy choice.

35. Ohio — Larder Delicatessen and Bakery (Cleveland)

Larder brings technique and tradition together, with fermentation and baking at the core. If fried chicken or house bread shows up on the board, you want it.

The flavors are bold but clean, showcasing craft without feeling fussy.

Expect inventive specials alongside standards done thoughtfully. The space feels like a neighborhood lab in the best way.

Talk to the staff if you want guidance; they love steering curious eaters. When you crave modern deli done with heart, Larder delivers in Cleveland.

36. Oklahoma — Mediterranean Imports and Deli (Oklahoma City)

Mediterranean Imports and Deli is a lunch-and-shop situation that rewards curiosity. Grab a sandwich layered with cured meats and cheeses, then wander the aisles for olives and pantry finds.

The flavors skew bright, salty, and satisfying.

It is an easy stop for a quick meal that becomes a mini grocery haul. The staff is helpful if you want to explore something new.

Expect simple seating and a steady stream of regulars. If deli plus market sounds perfect, OKC has your answer here.

37. Oregon — Kenny & Zuke’s Delicatessen (Portland)

Kenny & Zuke’s treats Jewish deli classics with respect and craft. Reuben or pastrami will show you why locals keep coming back.

The meat is smoked right, the sauerkraut lively, and the rye holds its structure.

Pair your sandwich with a craft soda or house pickle for crunch. The room is buzzy without being chaotic, and the staff knows their menu.

Specials rotate, so keep an eye on the board. If you want Portland deli with soul, this is the stop.

38. Pennsylvania — Famous 4th Street Delicatessen (Philadelphia)

Famous 4th Street lives up to its name with portions that redefine stacked. Hot corned beef is the order that tells the truth about the place.

It arrives towering, steamy, and perfectly seasoned, with rye that keeps pace.

Service is swift and old-school, the room buzzing with stories. Save space for a black-and-white cookie because dessert is part of the ritual.

You will leave full and happy, maybe carrying leftovers. If you want a Philly deli classic, this is the benchmark.

39. Rhode Island — Hudson Street Deli (Providence)

Hudson Street Deli is grinder heaven, where size and flavor both show up. Expect tightly packed sandwiches with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and generous meats.

Oil and vinegar soak just enough into the roll to make each bite sing.

The shop is small, so takeout is common, but the energy is warm and friendly. Specials keep things interesting, but classics shine daily.

Bring an appetite and a plan to share. If you love a huge New England grinder, this is your place.

40. South Carolina — Groucho’s Deli (Columbia)

Groucho’s is a long-running Columbia favorite with a menu full of dependable classics. The Reuben is the quick way to understand the appeal: melty Swiss, tangy kraut, and balanced dressing.

It lands hearty but not heavy.

Signature sauces add personality, and the vibe stays upbeat through rushes. You can keep it simple or try a hot specialty sub.

Either way, service is quick and friendly. For a reliable deli fix in Columbia, this is a go-to.

41. South Dakota — Dakota Butcher (Watertown)

Dakota Butcher is where deli meets smokehouse in practical South Dakota fashion. Sandwiches showcase excellent meats, from smoked turkey to robust roast beef.

Grab a sausage or jerky from the case for later, because it is all tempting.

The lunch counter is straightforward and fast, built for busy days. Flavors are clean and meaty, with a focus on quality over frills.

Add a simple side and keep moving. If you want butcher-fresh deli, this Watertown staple delivers.

42. Tennessee — Mitchell Delicatessen (Nashville)

Mitchell Delicatessen punches above ordinary with house touches and bright flavors. Turkey avocado bacon is a favorite, layered on fresh bread with just enough crunch.

Specials lean seasonal, and the ingredients taste cared for.

Expect a line that moves and a room full of locals. Portions are generous without going cartoonish.

Add a side salad or chips and you have a complete lunch. If you want Nashville deli energy with craft, this is the address.

43. Texas — Kenny & Ziggy’s Delicatessen (Houston)

Kenny & Ziggy’s serves skyscraper sandwiches that make you negotiate your strategy. Go big with pastrami, corned beef, or a triple-decker that needs two hands and commitment.

The meat is juicy, the bread sturdy, and the pickle spear crisp.

The menu reads like a novel, but you will not go wrong with a classic piled high. Service is quick and playful, even during heavy crowds.

Expect leftovers and embrace it. If you want the big deli moment in Houston, this is your stage.

44. Utah — Feldman’s Deli (Salt Lake City)

Feldman’s delivers bagels and big sandwiches to a grateful Salt Lake City crowd. Reuben, pastrami, or turkey all land with care and heft.

Bagels bring chew and shine, perfect with lox or egg for breakfast-lunch crossover.

The space feels welcoming, like the deli you always wished for nearby. Portions satisfy hikers and skiers rolling through town.

Grab a soup if the weather turns. If you want classic deli comfort in Utah, you will find it here.

45. Vermont — Noonie’s Deli (Middlebury)

Noonie’s brings Vermont character to its signatures, especially the Vermonter. Expect sharp cheddar, crisp apples, and maybe a brush of maple mustard to tie it together.

The bread is fresh, the fillings balanced, and the vibe cozy.

It is the kind of lunch that feels both hearty and bright. The menu offers plenty, but starting here gives you the local handshake.

Service is friendly and quick, perfect between errands or classes. If you like cheddar-forward sandwiches, Noonie’s will make you smile.

46. Virginia — Padow’s Ham & Deli (Innsbrook)

Padow’s is ham country, and the sandwiches prove it. Order a ham-forward build on a soft roll with mustard and maybe Swiss, and enjoy the sweet-salty balance.

Sides like potato salad or slaw complete the tray.

The counter is friendly and efficient, with plenty of take-home options. It feels like a neighborhood habit you are happy to adopt.

Add a ham biscuit if you are snacking later. For a Virginia deli with a clear specialty, this is the move.

47. Washington — George’s Sausage and Delicatessen (Seattle)

George’s brings Polish and Eastern European flavors to a tight Seattle deli. Grab a sausage sandwich or cold cut on rye and add pickles from the case.

The bites are clean, savory, and satisfying without excess.

The market shelves stock imports that beg exploration. Friendly service makes it easy to try something new each visit.

It is a quick lunch that feels transportive. If you want a European-leaning deli moment in Seattle, this is it.

48. West Virginia — Flying Fish Seafood Deli & Market (Morgantown)

Flying Fish flips the script with a seafood-first deli in Morgantown. Think crab roll, shrimp po-boy, or a tuna melt done with care.

Citrus, fresh herbs, and good bread keep flavors bright and clean.

The market side lets you grab fillets for dinner after lunch. It is the perfect reset when turkey and roast beef feel repetitive.

Service is helpful if you want guidance on what is freshest. For a deli twist that swims, this is your spot.

49. Wisconsin — Jake’s Delicatessen (Milwaukee)

Jake’s is a Milwaukee classic where corned beef makes the rules. Order it hot on rye, or go straight to a Reuben if you want the full melty treatment.

The meat is tender, flavorful, and stacked like they mean it.

The room feels historic without being stuck in time. Service is brisk and friendly, and the pickles snap just right.

Add a matzo ball soup on cold days for extra comfort. If deli nostalgia makes you happy, Jake’s delivers every time.