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The Most Famous Deli in Every State

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The most popular deli in every state

Delicatessens, more commonly known as delis, started in Germany. The concept migrated to the USA along with Jewish immigrants when they left the country in the 1900s. Delis first became popular in New York City and came to be known for the fresh cheeses and varieties of meat.

If you go to a deli, you can easily request your favorite type of cured, smoked, roasted, or spiced meats or ask for a sandwich or burger that features these products as the star of the dish. You will be able to find your favorite fresh sandwiches at delis, such as the Reuben, with excellent quality cheeses and condiments that are sure to hit the spot.

We have curated a list of the most legendary deli in every state that has been featured in publications or on TV, or is immensely popular among the area’s locals. If you want to go on a delicious food journey across America, this comprehensive list can be your guide.

The Most Popular Deli in Every State

1. Alabama – Mr. P’s Deli

If you are in Birmingham, you need to try Mr. P’s Deli’s amazing handmade sandwiches. The establishment has been present there since 1975 and has been serving delectable sandwiches ever since. The muffuletta is a star product on the menu that features a foot-long loaf of bread filled with fresh slices of ham, double provolone cheese, salami, and Mr. P’s Deli’s house olive salad.

2. Alaska – Mo’s Deli

For people in Anchorage, Mo’s Deli is one of the best places to go if you are craving some Jewish deli delicacies. Mo’s deli is famous for serving great products such as brisket, liver, pastrami, chopped liver, and matzo ball soup.

3. Arizona – JJ’s Deli

You can find all the New York deli classics at JJ’s Deli in Scottsdale, including the pastrami Reuben and the classic hot dog. However, their star product on the menu is Santa Fe Grilled Chicken made with sourdough bread.

4. Arkansas – Mikey’s Smoked Meats and Deli

Craving for smokey, sweet, and spicy meat? Check out Mikey’s Smoked Meats in Mountain View and the deli for soft brisket, chicken, and baby back ribs. Their deli items are fresh and have a wonderful smoky taste.

5. California – Langer’s Delicatessen

Langer’s Delicatessen in Los Angeles has been called the home of the best pastrami sandwich in the USA. They serve pastrami with rye bread and other condiments for a filling and heartwarming meal.

6. Colorado – The Bagel Deli

Approved by the legendary Guy Fieri, The Bagel Deli in Denver serves all the traditional Jewish deli delights, including brisket knishes, matzo ball soup, and flavorful pastrami.

7. Connecticut – Rein’s New York Style Deli & Restaurant

Rein’s Deli in Vernon serves fantastic New York Style Jewish deli items, including potato salad, potato pancakes, roast beef, and matzo ball soup. It is a must-visit spot for any tourist in Vernon, Connecticut.

8. Delaware – Maiale Deli

Featured on Food Network, Maiale Deli is known among foodies for its delicious Cuban and spicy Italian sandwiches. The deli also offers flavorful sausages that you can enjoy in a hot dog or with other condiments.

9. Florida – V&S Italian Deli

V&S Italian Deli in Boca Raton features various Italian subs and Italian classics like capicola with cheese and eggplant parmesan. Check out today for the most delightful and genuine Italian taste in all of Florida.

10. Georgia – Marie’s Italian Deli

Based in Cumming, Marie’s Italian Deli offers an authentic Italian experience with great-quality pizza, calzones, salads, and Italian sandwiches.

11. Hawaii – CJ’s Deli

CJ’s Deli serves the most delicious and juicy Reuben and corned beef sandwiches on the islands. It is an original New York-style deli with all the classic offerings of New York City’s delis.

12. Idaho – Das Alphenhaus Delikatessen

For German-style authentic jägerschnitzel, bratwurst, rouladen, and the Reuben sandwich, visit Das Alphenhaus Delikatessen for an unforgettable and delicious adventure. With various wines and beers to pair your favorite sandwiches, this is the best place to try when craving something filling.

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13. Illinois – J.P. Graziano Grocery Co.

For fresh and delicious Italian deli sandwiches, you must try J.P. Graziano Grocery Co. in Chicago. Their giardiniera and muffuletta are their most popular menu items among locals.

14. Indiana – Shapiro’s Delicatessen

Shapiro’s Delicatessen in Indianapolis is one of the state’s most popular and oldest institutions. Featured in various publications for its Reubens and pastrami sandwiches, Shapiro’s Delicatessen is a must-visit place for all.

15. Iowa – Graziano Brothers Deli

Recognized as the best deli in the state by locals and tourists, Graziano Brothers deli features various original Italian sausages, soft, fresh, and crunchy breads, and fantastic Italian seasonings.

16. Kansas – Auntie Em’s Deli & Bakery

With a build-your-own-sandwich option, you can choose some of the best meats and cheeses Auntie Em’s Deli and Bakery has to offer. The deli is known in Kansas for its mouth-watering sandwiches and high-quality products.

17. Kentucky – Stevens & Stevens

Based in Louisville, Stevens & Stevens offers the best pastrami on rye, corned beef, hot salami, Swiss BLT, and hot ham sandwiches. Check out their signature Yellow Submarine sandwich for a delightful spicy surprise.

18. Louisiana – Stein’s Market & Deli

Stein’s Deli in New Orleans provides a variety of Italian and Jewish deli selections, including breakfast treats, meat-filled sandwiches, a delicious selection of local beer, and almost 50 cheeses from all over the world.

19. Maine – Amato’s

Established in the early 20th century, Amato’s is a well-known sandwich shop chain in Portland, Maine. It is also recognized as one of the country’s best delis by the Food Network since its tuna Italian, and classic ham Italian sandwiches are extremely popular among locals and tourists.

20. Maryland – Attman’s Deli

People from around the world come to Attman’s Deli to try its flavorful corned beef sandwich with sharp and tangy pickles. The deli is minimally decorated and focuses greatly on its quality ingredients and fresh produce.

21. Massachusetts – Zaftigs’ Delicatessen

If you are craving a classic NYC pastrami sandwich in Boston, you can sample the same classic flavor at Zaftigs’ Delicatessen. They also offer fresh roast and corned beef sandwiches that feature the original taste of NYC delis.

22. Michigan – Zingerman’s Delicatessen

As soon as you arrive at Zingerman’s Delicatessen, you will know that it’ll be worth the hype just by seeing the number of people lining up outside the establishment. Situated in Ann Arbor, Zingerman’s Deli is well-known among locals for its legendary brisket, corned beef, and pastrami sandwiches.

23. Minnesota – Cecil’s Delicatessen

Established in 1949, Cecil’s Delicatessen is one of Minnesota’s earliest delicatessens serving New York-style Jewish deli items. They serve classic Jewish deli sandwiches such as the Reuben sandwich as well as the matzo ball soup.

24. Mississippi – Frisco Deli

The greatest thing about Frisco Deli is that you can enjoy classic deli meats, cheeses, and local favorites, inspired by regional Southern ingredients all at one establishment. The deli’s top customer favorites are fried chicken, fried catfish, macaroni salad, and spicy Cajun roast beef.

25. Missouri – Gioia’s Deli

Gioia’s Deli in St. Louis has been providing great deli specials to customers for over 100 years. Their most popular dish is the hot salami sandwich, followed by roast beef, veggie, and meatball sandwiches. Locals don’t just consider Gioia’s Deli to be a great eatery but a key part of the area’s history.

26. Montana – Tagliare Delicatessen

Based in Missoula, the Tagliare Delicatessen is known for its delicious award-winning bread, cheeses, and charcuterie boards. The deli’s Reuben consists of premium quality meat and cheese served in delicious fresh bread. They also offer a fantastic range of sandwiches and antipasti that are filling and incredibly tasty.

27. Nebraska – Città Deli

Based in the small town of McCook, Città Deli used to be a small Italian sandwich shop that has grown into an enterprising New-York style deli. It offers all classic Italian deli items such as soups, sandwiches, salads, beer, wine, cheese, imported meats, and so much more.

28. Nevada – Manhattan Deli

Manhattan Deli in Nevada serves some of the state’s best New York-style deli dishes. Whether you want chopped liver, pickled herring, matzo ball soup, or classic sandwiches with pastrami, tongue, or corned beef, you can get all traditional deli offerings here.

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29. New Hampshire – Biederman’s Deli

Biederman’s Deli in Plymouth is a half-deli and half-pub that serves excellent local beer on tap. You can customize your sandwiches at the deli with different Boar’s Head meats, various bread options (wraps, rye bread, croissants, etc.), ten kinds of cheeses, and numerous condiments and toppings.

30. New Jersey – Fiore Deli

Fiore Deli has been rated the top deli out of 33 best delis in the state. The deli has a classic charm, scrumptious Italian deli staples for customers, and specials that haven’t changed for years. Frequent visitors of the deli have praised their fresh mozzarella and roast beef special and gravy with delicious roasted peppers.

31. New Mexico – Brown Bag Deli

Brown Bag Deli offers the best handcrafted sandwiches in the state and provides customers with a build-your-own-sandwich option, including tasty local ingredients. The Jalapeno Steak Sub and Chile Chicken Club are the deli’s most popular items on the menu.

32. New York – Katz’s Delicatessen

Katz’s Delicatessen is an NYC staple offering the most delicious hot pastrami in the country. You can get juicy and freshly sliced pastrami sandwiches from Katz’s Delicatessen that come along with the freshest and most flavorful rye bread.

33. North Carolina – Neal’s Deli

Neal’s Deli offers a special pastrami sandwich with delicious, cured pastrami in biscuits instead of white or rye bread. The quality of their deli products is praiseworthy, and their smoked brisket can stand on par with the quality of Katz’s Delicatessen in NYC.

34. North Dakota – Country House Deli

Based in Bismarck since 1976, Country House Deli is a great place that can provide you with a great range of meats, cheeses, and condiments for the perfect lunch sandwich. Their dark rye and sunflower seed bread are their top customer-favorite items.

35. Ohio – Larder Delicatessen and Bakery

Recognized as one of the country’s best Jewish Delicatessens of America by Food and Wine Magazine, Larder Delicatessen offers classic Jewish deli products such as pastrami, corned beef, roast beef, etc., all made from scratch at the establishment. From their range of juicy and flavorful sandwiches, their fried chicken sandwich is the best of them all.

36. Oklahoma – Trencher’s Deli

Trencher’s Deli offers the freshest and most premium ingredients in its sandwiches. With wine-braised pork, juicy smoked pastrami, eggplant caponata, corned beef, and other fillings, Trencher’s Deli sandwiches are a must-try if you are in Tulsa.

37. Oregon – Elephant’s Deli

Based in Portland, Elephant’s Deli was one of the first delis in the area to include fresh pasta on its menu. They have traditional deli items, delicious grab-and-go treats you can enjoy with colleagues, and fantastic catering options for large gatherings.

38. Pennsylvania – Famous 4th Street Delicatessen

Famous 4th Street Delicatessen is a popular restaurant in Philadelphia, established in 1923. It offers the juiciest corned beef in the city with a hint of pickling spice sandwiched between two slices of freshly grilled rye bread.

39. Rhode Island – Hudson Street Deli

The Hudson Street Deli in Rhode Island offers some of the most diverse range of deli sandwiches at different times of the day. You can try delicious gluten-free and vegetarian options for lunch and breakfast to suit your cravings.

40. South Carolina – Groucho’s Deli

Among one of the oldest delis in South Carolina, Groucho’s Deli has sustained its original taste and quality of flavors over the years and serves incredibly tasty Reuben and roast beef sandwiches to this day. All items on their menu consist of high-quality ingredients and are prepared with care to ensure great flavor.

41. South Dakota – M.B. Haskett Delicatessen

M.B. Haskett Delicatessen is a more refined version of the traditional deli and offers excellent vegetarian and vegan options. Their ham sandwiches and muffuletta are their best-selling items on the menu.

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42. Tennessee – Mitchell Delicatessen

Mitchell Delicatessen offers some of the best artisan sandwiches in Tennessee that incorporate mouth-watering roasted pork, in-house cured deli meats, and other cured meat products.

 

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43. Texas – Kenny & Ziggy’s Delicatessen

Featured in the documentary “The Deli Man”, Kenny & Ziggy’s Delicatessen is one of the most phenomenal delicatessens in the USA. You can find eight-deck high sandwiches that tower on a plate like a skyscraper on the restaurant’s menu, along with classic East coast delicatessen dishes.

Also be sure to check out the best Jewish Delis in Austin, Texas.

44. Utah – Feldman’s Deli

Feldman’s Deli from Salt City Lake has won multiple awards over the years for its outstanding quality of sandwiches and bagels. Check out their classic deli sandwiches and see if they live up to the hype.

45. Vermont – Gill’s Delicatessen

Gill’s Delicatessen serves the best sub sandwiches in all of Vermont. They have an excellent sandwich bar that lets you view the process as the staff makes your sandwich or salad. Their “Hot Italian” sandwich is one of their most popular sandwiches among new and old customers.

46. Virginia – Padow’s Ham and Deli

Situated in Innsbrook, Padow’s Ham and Deli are experts in making various types of hams and curating delicious lunch sandwiches. You can try out their array of hams and hot-sauce spiked cheese balls for a mind-blowing experience.

47. Washington – George’s Sausage and Delicatessen

George’s Sausage and Delicatessen is one of the best delis in Seattle that specializes in Eastern European foods and Polish deli items. You can try their varied cheeses and meats for a one-of-a-kind experience.

Be sure to read about the Top Jewish Delis in Seattle.

48. West Virginia – Hermosilla’s Deli Market

If you want to try some of the most delicious deli dishes in West Virginia, you should try Hermosilla’s Deli Market. The establishment offers a great salad and olive bar, various types of meat and cheeses, and juicy sandwiches such as the customer-favorite “Italian Bomb”.

49. Wisconsin – Bunzel’s Meat Market in Milwaukee

For award-winning beef jerky and special flavorful sausages, you need to try the old-school establishment called Bunzel’s. Bunzel’s offers great hot meals featuring juicy pulled pork, grilled brats, and other flavorful meats.

50. Wyoming – R Deli

R Deli in Hulett is a highly affordable spot that offers terrific deli classics such as the BLT and ham and cheese sandwiches. The restaurant focuses on adding fresh and delicious meats, vegetables, and cheeses to sandwiches that make for a filling meal.

How Katz’s Became the Most Legendary Deli in NYC | Legendary Eats

Katz’s Delicatessen has been a New York institution since 1888. Producer Spencer Alben visits to taste the legendary pastrami on rye and sits down with Jake Dell — the owner currently in charge of all major operations — to learn how Katz’s survived the ages and became one of the most famous delis in the world.

Summary

Delis are most popular on the east side of the USA and the mid-Atlantic areas; however, you will be able to find great delis in other countries as well. Philadelphia and New York City are known to feature the most incredible delis all over the country and have fantastic Jewish and Italian deli spots to choose from. From traditional delis to elegant and upscale deli spots, you can find places in every state that feature local ingredients and classic deli elements.

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