The Best Deli in Every State

Located in the Five Points neighborhood in Birmingham, Alabama’s best deli has a menu that includes Italian subs, salads, pizza, lasagna, and spaghetti, with the standout item being the Richman sub. Meat lovers, this one’s for you. It’s made with ham, corned beef, peppered beef, salami, pastrami, Swiss cheese, provolone cheese, mustard, and the beloved Ranelli’s olive salad. Speaking of lasagna, here’s an interesting food fact: Contrary to popular opinion, it wasn’t invented in Italy.

Yep, you can absolutely get a taste of authentic Italian food up in Alaska. At MVP Sports Deli in Anchorage, subs are the name of the game. Try the MVP Signature, a pastrami cheesesteak sub. More in the mood for pizza? Go for the G.O.A.T., which is topped with mozzarella and homemade Italian sausage. While you’re waiting for your pie, find out the origin of pizza.

Soup & Sausage Bistro specializes in Eastern European fare, including traditional dishes from Ukraine and Poland, and they definitely deliver—the Phoenix deli has a perfect five-star rating on Yelp, with hundreds of reviews. While many delis are known for their sandwiches, this one earns a spot on the best deli list with its famous pierogies, borscht, and cabbage rolls. Oh, and the potato, onion, and sauerkraut buns—they’re a must! Bonus: Sauerkraut is one food that’s good for your gut.

Locals in Little Rock will tell you that Morgan’s Kitchen and Deli is hands-down the best place for home-cooked Southern food, where the portions are big and it won’t break the bank. The cheeseburger is a longtime favorite (you can get either a 12 ounce or a 24 ounce), and the sides are everything a Southerner can ask for, including okra, macaroni salad, potato salad, and onion rings.

Sherman’s Deli & Bakery, the best deli in California, is a family-owned Jewish deli that’s been a local Palm Springs favorite since 1963. The portions are huge, so be ready to take half your meal home if you can’t finish it at one of the tables on their sunny patio. Menu standouts include the hot pastrami or corned beef with tongue, triple-decker club sandwich, and the veggie sandwich (it is California, after all). Speaking of vegetables, discover whether eggplant is a fruit or a veggie.

Walking into The Bagel Deli & Restaurant, you know straight away that they take their bagels seriously—half the space is dedicated to them. Besides bagels, this family-run Jewish deli, which has been a Denver haunt since the 1950s, also serves up delicious matzo ball soup (gluten-free matzo balls are also available), knish, and stuffed French toast.

A giant roast beef sandwich sign proclaiming “King of Roast Beef” lets you know straight away what the specialty is at Vinny’s Deli in Wallingford. Vinny’s has been voted the best deli in Connecticut by Connecticut magazine not once, not twice, but nine times.

If you’re looking for a big sandwich for a low price, head over to this local favorite in Newark. Pick up a sausage, egg, and cheese sandwich for breakfast, or choose from their array of meats like pastrami, corned beef, or turkey for a stuffed sandwich. If you’re an American cheese lover, you can also munch on a gooey grilled cheese.

Cuban sandwiches, empanadas, plates of black beans, rice, and plantains—Black Bean Deli has it all. If you were out late in Orlando the night before, the Cuban Frita Burger (made with chorizo, beef, pork, crispy potatoes, frita sauce, onion, and an optional fried egg) will bring you back to life. Vegetarian options are available too.

At The General Muir, the light, airy, and modern ambiance is almost as good as the food. There are three locations, two in Atlanta and one in Sandy Springs, where the Reubens, pommes frites, and matzo ball soup are all customer favorites. Pro tip: You’ll definitely want to save room for the cheesecake and black-and-white cookies.

If you’re looking for a place to grab a delicious pulled pork sandwich that you can eat right on the beach, you can’t beat 808 Deli, located on Maui. The editors of Maui Time have declared it as having the best local sandwich every year since 2008. For a less-expected deli order, try the Shiitake Beef Melt or the Toasted Wasabi. Locals also love the gourmet hot dogs, with topping options that include mango salsa and avocado, kimchi, and bacon, lettuce, and tomato (a BLT dog!). While you enjoy your meal, debate whether a hot dog is a sandwich or not.

Deli George has almost perfect customer ratings on both Yelp and Tripadvisor, where reviewers deem it the best deli in Boise. Customers rave about its sandwiches—especially the Reuben. Other menu standouts include Turkey Over Italy (made with turkey, provolone, pepperoncini, perso aioli, red wine vinegar, and lettuce on focaccia bread) or the Boise Cheese Steak (made with filet mignon, provolone, grilled onions, mayo, and lettuce). Pair either one with bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers and a beer!

Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen in Chi-town is a breakfast-lover’s dream. Breakfast Reubens, corned beef hash and eggs, challah French toast…it’s almost impossible to decide what to order. That said, you can’t go wrong at lunch or dinner either. It’s cafeteria-style, so customers grab a tray and get their own hot food. Check the website in advance for a full rundown of the daily specials.

Shapiro’s Delicatessen has been an Indianapolis staple for more than 100 years—something that doesn’t happen unless the food is really, really good. Locals flock there for everything from New York–style bagels and cheesecake to warm pastrami sandwiches. Warning: It will be packed at lunchtime, but the end result is worth the wait. There are also vegan and vegetarian options available.

As the only kosher deli in all of Iowa, Maccabee’s Kosher Deli in Des Moines prides itself on going above-and-beyond for both hospitality and food. The deli’s namesake sandwich is made with roast beef and corned beef on rye bread, and you’ll definitely want a side of potato knish too. After you order, peruse the deli’s market for gems you won’t find anywhere else.

Bolling’s Meatery & Eatery absolutely has outstanding meats and cheeses, but they also have boiled shrimp, homemade chicken and noodles, and hand-cut fries. It’s a local Iola hot spot for both grabbing a meal and getting meats and cheeses by the pound to take home.

Not only does Sweet Peaches have mouthwatering club sandwiches and BLTs, but the Louisville deli also has an extensive bakery—you’ll definitely want to grab some baked goods to go.

The fact that NOLA’s Stein’s Market and Deli has more than 50 varieties of cheese is reason alone to visit. They also serve breakfast all day, including bacon, egg, and cheese on bagels shipped in from New York. Stopping by for lunch? Go for the steamed corn beef or pastrami on rye with sauerkraut.

Maine’s weather ranges from mild to downright freezing, and Big Top Deli in Brunswick is the perfect place to warm up with a hot sandwich, whether you’re in the mood for a Philly cheesesteak or a cheddar melt. The breakfast sandwiches—which are served all day—are also a customer favorite. Not sure what to get? Try the Tom Thumb, made with egg, avocado, tomato, cheddar, and mayo.

Polka Deli is a local Silver Spring favorite for Polish groceries and freshly prepared foods. Not only are there four different types of pierogies, but this best deli in all of Maryland also serves up schnitzel, crepes, and potato dumplings. What more could you ask for?

A deli where you can order a gin cocktail with your pastrami sandwich? Now we’re talking. Our Fathers was named the best deli in Boston by Boston magazine, and customer reviews prove that it lives up to the hype. In addition to all the deli classics you’d expect to find on the menu, they also offer grilled cheese on challah bread, grilled shawarma chicken, and schnitzel with basil aioli on challah bread.

The specialty at Original Gonella’s is Italian subs, and they do them well—better than anywhere else in the state, in fact. The big question: How many layers of meat should you get? (The deli offers up to a whopping 18 layers.) However many you choose, be sure to save room for cannoli at this Detroit deli.

There’s no better place in the state for sausage lovers than Kramarczuk’s Sausage Company, as the Minneapolis deli offers almost 40 different varieties. Come for the sausage, but stay for the market, which sells fresh meats as well as specialty items imported from Europe. Go on a treasure hunt for gems including German cookies and Polish biscuits.

Deemed the “best deli in Mississippi” by Mississippi magazine, The Deli Diner in Collins is loved for their sandwiches, burgers, and Mexican food. The standout sandwich on the menu: the Grilled Shrimp Po’ boy, made with spicy grilled shrimp, lettuce, onion, and mayo. If you’re in the mood for a burger, go for the Gorillin’, a pimento bacon cheeseburger on a cheddar jalapeño bun.

M&M Bakery and Deli in Kansas City was opened by a Holocaust survivor and her husband, then sold in the 1980s to a former employee, who has maintained the heart and soul of the eatery. The Reubens and smoked turkey sandwiches are just as beloved as the apple fritters, bear claws, and donuts, but the hands-down all-time customer favorite is the Hook ‘Em Up Sandwich, made with pepper beef, turkey, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, mustard, Miracle Whip, hot cheese, and American cheese on an onion bun.

It sure is hard to choose between Tagliare’s New Edition (made with roast beef, Swiss cheese, grilled portobello mushrooms, spinach, and horseradish red pepper aioli) or Double Brother (turkey, fresh walnut pesto, smoked mozzarella, and piquillo peppers). Either way, you’ll find sandwich Nirvana, which, coincidentally, is also on the menu (made with roast beef, turkey, tomato, onion, greens, and pancetta-gorgonzola cream cheese). Pair your sandwich with antipasti like marinated olives or stuffed peppers at this Missoula favorite.

Be warned: Big Dally’s Deli in Hastings isn’t for the indecisive. There are more than 75 sandwiches on the menu. The good news? You really can’t go wrong. If you need help scaling it down, go for a classic like the All American (made with ham, turkey, and roast beef) or the Smoked Turkey Breast—both have rave reviews. Oh, and don’t forget to save room for an ice cream sandwich.

There’s certainly no shortage of places to eat in Las Vegas, but Roma Restaurant & Deli is loved for both its quality meats and cheeses by the pound and its very extensive menu. Antipasti, salads, pasta, pizza—Roma has it all. When it comes to sandwiches, try the Sicilian, stacked with four different types of meat, including Sicilian salami.

At Biederman’s Deli in Plymouth, the beer selection is just as extensive as the sandwich selection. If you want to try something a bit more creative than a classic turkey sandwich or Reuben, try the Pub Pile-Up, made with smoked turkey, roast beef, jalapeño Havarti, red onions, bacon, and barbecue sauce on an onion roll. You can also create your own sandwich for $9.

Expect a bit of a crowd when you walk into Deli King of Clark, but it will be worth the wait. This kosher deli has been around for more than three decades, and besides challah, noodle pudding, potato pancakes, and knishes, the Clark hot spot is known for its sandwiches (as any good deli should be). In addition to the deli sandwich mainstays, they also serve sloppy joe’s.

Tully’s Italian Deli is a one-stop shop in Albuquerque for all your Italian food needs. Imported Italian pasta, Italian flours, and Tully’s homemade marinara sauce are just a few of the gems you’ll find lining the shelves. As for the deli itself, prepare to drool as you eye the selections. Go for the Panaccio, made with a whole pound of stuffed bread with ham, pepperoni, and mozzarella cheese. (Yes, it’s huge.)

There’s stiff competition for the best deli in all of New York City, but top honors go to 2nd Avenue Deli, which is the only deli on this list to have a Michelin star. This kosher deli has been a New York City landmark for more than half a century, with celebs including Jerry Seinfeld and Jon Stewart known for having frequented it. While they’re famous for their deli sandwiches, be sure to save room for a potato knish and some noodle kugel.

North Carolina may be known for its barbecue, but sometimes a craving for a stacked pastrami sandwich hits, and when that happens, there’s no better place than Mookie’s New York Deli in Cary. In addition to the classic deli sandwiches, locals also love Mookie’s black-and-white cookies and knishes. There’s also a full bar with draft beers and craft cocktails.

As you can tell by its name, Grand Junction Grilled Subs is all about the perfect sub sandwich. There are eight locations throughout the state (and Minnesota), so if you’re in North Dakota there’s a good chance there’s a location near you. The meat, veggies, and cheese are all grilled hibachi-style before being tucked between French bread. Pair your sub with a side of hot fries.

Katzinger’s Delicatessen first opened its doors in Columbus in the ’80s and is still going strong. One bite of their Reuben (a local favorite) and you’ll see why—it’s made with homemade Russian dressing, for one. After you finish eating, stay and shop their wide range of meats, cheeses, and wines. There are two locations, one in German Town and one in Dublin.

Amish Cheese House in Chouteau boasts 40 different cheeses to choose from, making it a cheese-lover’s paradise. They have an impressive selection of meat too, including honey turkey and garlic bologna. The deli’s cafe is known for homemade soups, so be sure to get a hot bowl of potato cheese or creamy chicken noodle.

When Kenny & Zuke’s Delicatessen first opened in Portland, the mission was to create the perfect pastrami sandwich. That was 13 years ago, and it’s still what the deli is known for. Well, that and the bagels, which are served all day (for as long as they last) and include the option to top yours off with avocado and pico de gallo.

Hymie’s Merion Delicatessen has racked up many accolades, including being named the best deli by Eater Philadelphia. Many seek it out for the hot pastrami sandwich, but you’ll want to find time to stop by for breakfast too. The morning menu is extensive and includes bagels (of course), pancakes, waffles, breakfast sandwiches, and massive omelets.

Ma & Pa’s Country Store is known just as much for its friendly staff as for its meats and cheeses. And considering how delicious the offerings are at this Hope Valley deli, that’s extremely high praise. The grinders are massive, with each bite consisting of thinly sliced meat and cheese, plus lots of veggies.

Myrtle Beach certainly isn’t short on attractions, but people still flock to Kaminsky’s New York Deli—which really is owned by true New Yorkers. Go for the New York Special (hot corned beef, melted Swiss cheese, creamy coleslaw, and Russian dressing on rye bread) or the Brooklyn Pct #75 (hot roast beef and melted horseradish cheddar on a sub with a house-made dipping sauce).

You might come to M.B. Haskett in Sioux Falls for the crepes (they have both savory and sweet), but you’ll stay for the sandwiches. Try the Brie on Baguette (pro tip: add salami). If you go for breakfast and are in the mood for something sweet, you can’t go wrong with the bread pudding French toast.

The vast majority of the meat sold at Nashville’s Mitchell Delicatessen is cured or smoked in-house, and the sausages and roast beef are handcrafted. Locals (and tourists) rave about the bacon, so if you stop in for a meal, try the BLT or the Mitchell Club.

Between the Latin crepes, breakfast sandwiches, and chilaquiles verdes, you’ll have a tough time deciding what to eat at Latin Deli, which many locals refer to as a hidden gem. Go for the Scramble with Ham or the Reboltillo (made with scrambled eggs, verde salsa, avocado, and Latin mayo on a ciabatta roll). This Dallas deli has plenty of healthy options to choose from too, including many vegetarian entrees.

Feldman’s Deli has a ski chalet vibe, which is fitting for the Eastern European–inspired menu. Customers love the pierogies, blintzes, stuffed cabbage, and matzo ball soup. On a cold Salt Lake City day, this food will warm you down to your core.

The sandwiches, mac-and-cheese, and pies are all loved in equal measure at Vermont Country Deli in Brattleboro, so be sure to come with an appetite. Meats, cheeses, and items sold in the market are largely from local vendors, and there’s also a coffee shop, so you can grab a latte to go with your slice of apple pie.

If it’s homemade Italian food you’re after—or you want the highest-quality ingredients to make your own dishes—Basilico’s Deli in Fredericksburg is the place for you. Sandwiches piled high with thinly sliced meat and cheese, cheese-oozing calzones, pizza, lasagna…you’ll find it all here. And save room for the chocolate chip cheesecake!

Customers seek out Tat’s Deli in Seattle for their Philly cheesesteaks, hoagies, and hot sandwiches—all of which come in both 8-inch and 12-inch options. The Philly cheesesteaks are especially popular, and there are seven different types of cheese to choose from as a topping, including classic Cheese Whiz.

The Hermosilla family has been in the market business since the 1920s, meaning Hermosilla’s Deli Market in Fairmont is a family business to the core. Among other things, you’ll find delicious Amish cold cuts and Italian sandwiches with more than 20 meats to choose from.

Tenuta’s Deli & Liquors in Kenosha has been in business for more than 70 years and is still going strong. One taste of their meatball subs or hot Italian sandwiches and you’ll see why. And yes, this being Wisconsin, there is plenty—plenty—of cheese. As the name suggests, there’s a wide range of liquors to choose from too.

If you want to create a jaw-dropping charcuterie board, Grant Street Grocery & Market in Casper is a must-stop. To say that the selection of meats, cheeses, crackers, and spreadables is impressive is an understatement. There’s also a coffee lab and a wide selection of wine to accompany your meal.