Shapiro's Delicatessen

Deli · Pogue's Run ·

Shapiro's Delicatessen

Deli · Pogue's Run ·

Kosher-style deli classics, huge sandwiches, cafeteria style

Information

808 S Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46225 Get directions

$20–30

@eater

391,688 Postcards · 10,991 Cities

The 36 Essential Indianapolis Restaurants

"If you have a taste for a traditional corned beef sandwich with mustard on rye, Shapiro’s is the place to get the perfectly shaved meat cut to your liking. The place is famous for their deli sandwiches on fresh bread, but the cafeteria-style restaurant doles out a whole lot more. Get in line and load up your plastic tray with sandwiches, entrees like spaghetti and meatballs, stuffed peppers, soups, salads, and fresh-baked desserts." - Mike Gillis

https://www.eater.com/maps/the-eater-indianapolis-heatmap-where-to-eat-right-now-2

Shapiro’s Deli

Shapiro's Delicatessen

@eater

391,688 Postcards · 10,991 Cities

The 36 Essential Indianapolis Restaurants

https://www.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-indianapolis

Shapiro’s Deli

Shapiro's Delicatessen

@eater

391,688 Postcards · 10,991 Cities

Spring 2018: The Best Food Books That Aren’t Cookbooks | Eater

"A Kosher delicatessen in Indiana highlighted in the book as a must-visit, praised for being so notable that the author claims it outshines famed delis on both coasts and delights visitors from New York and Los Angeles alike." - Daniela Galarza

https://www.eater.com/cookbooks/2018/4/13/17172660/best-food-history-memoir-books

Shapiro's Delicatessen

@postcardnews

22,027 Postcards · 1,950 Cities

Family-run since 1905, this cafeteria-line deli serves skyscraper sandwiches, matzo ball soup, and old-school sides. Featured on national TV and celebrated by local press, it remains a defining Indy experience.

https://shapiros.com/

Things to Do in Indianapolis (2025)

View this post on Instagram

Shapiro's Delicatessen

Aric S.

Google

Had to try this local favorite as several people recommended it. I ordered two sandwiches as i couldnt decide between the reuben and pastrami. Overall, the restaurant is cafeteria style, wait in line with your tray, ask the busy lady to build your sandwich to order, pick your sides and checkout at the end. This all while the person behind you is glaring holes through you if you so much as ask for clarification on a menu item. The reuben was tasty, saurkraut nicely balanced the meat. Unfortunately, The beef was dry and and the thin slices of meat created an almost gritty texture, if thats the best reuben in Indy, then noted, certainly wasn't expecting world class deli here anyway. The pastrami was a different story, really flavorful meat piled high. Freshly baked rye bread was delicious. I had to try the mac n cheese, but wish I hadn't. There was so much salt in that tiny bowl, it was like spoonfuls of sea water. Probably a months worth of sodium between the sandwiches and 3 or 4 bites of the american cheese salt noodles, hard pass. Overall, despite it being fairly reasonable for what you get, i probably wouldn't go back.

Michael C

Google

What are pleasant surprise for my first visit to the city of Indianapolis. Luckily I was staying right nearby at towneplace Marriott. Soon as my wife saw that there was a delicate test and she said we had to definitely check it out. It ends up being her family name. We ended up eating there twice on our weekend in Indianapolis. The pastrami on rye also the Reuben on rye are delicious although some may think they're expensive you get plenty of meat for your money. The secret is they do offer a half size. Half the cost. The key lime pie I thought was fantastic. The deviled eggs were delicious. My wife had matzo ball soup everyday and loved it. She also got chicken salad on a croissant and you can tell the chicken salad was legit. One of our visits we arrived right at opening and we were the first people in line. The second time we went was about around 12:30 pm and we were in line about 40 people deep for about 20 minutes. The line eventually went out the door but it does move pretty fast. We will definitely be back next time we're in Indianapolis. Shapiro's is a must go must see place.

Nate B.

Google

The Rueben is as advertised! I’d believe it is the best in the Hoosier state. The pastrami was high quality and the best I can remember. Glad we found this gem of a restaurant on Google Maps. It’s also fun to find local restaurants that have been steadily operating for a long long time… wow since 1905! 🤯🥪🥪🥪🥪😋

Lisa “MrsTank51” P.

Google

Coming from Chicago and Loving Manny’s Delicatessen I was pleasantly surprised with how good the Reuben was. I had never had the New York style Reuben before, and it was amazing. The corn beef, the brisket, the pastrami all of them were excellent. The husband had the fried chicken which was crispy and juicy. Everything was so good. The matzo ball soup is one that tasted like a grandma was in the back and made it. I will definitely be back for more.

Josh Goergen (The G.

Google

Had not been to Shapiro’s in years, but after seeing someone do a food review I was eager to get back and get a pastrami on rye. I do like the old school classic cafeteria vibe, but I did find service to be a bit impatient and gruff if one didn’t know exactly what they wanted or how to order. Was a lack of willingness to talk about or explain the options. Got the pastrami on rye with the brown mustard…the sandwich looked great. On first bite I was really disappointed. The pastrami was shockingly dry, more approaching a room temp jerky than a freshly sliced hot pastrami. Agree with another review that the rye bread crust was rather hard too. So that was really disappointing and different than what I remembered years ago and for $20+ didn’t make me want to go back. The potato pancakes were good once added some salt. The saving grace of the experience was the crème brûlée bar I got on the way out from the carry out bakery. That was phenomenal. I would like to try again, maybe getting the rare roast beef to see if more tender than the pastrami.

Ron R.

Google

Great food every time we come. 1st time trying the breakfast Uncle Max omlet. Huge and delicious. Took half of it home. My friend had her usual Lox plate , good as usual.

Liam M.

Google

When you order the all beef burger don’t expect them to go back and cook it for you, but expect them to take your burger out of a vat of onion and put it on a cold bun with one slice of cold cheese. The rueben was good… until it got cold. Then it was like eating a tough chewy raw meat. I don’t even want to talk about the neon grilled cheese. Overall I would not go back, it’s expensive and not at all worth it.

Mark Y.

Google

50 bucks on 2 sandwiches and a bottle of Coke?! I'm from closer to Chicago, haven't had a reuben in years. Several people told me this place had the best... I will never trust their opinion on anything ever again. I ordered the reuben, wife ordered the rare roast beef. I had to add horseradish to the reuban to get a flavor! It was a bland, tasteless, sloppy sandwich. I added a teaspoon of the horseradish sauce but it was dripping with a flavorless sauce already. The Culvers on Cicero, a fast food joint, has a better reuben. It was an insult to reubens. A travesty of a sandwich. The rare roast beef, it was rare like a well done steak. Rare like a VW in germany. Rare like a panhandler on 31. . It was just dry meat on bread. Nothing else. Here's a packet of mustard where you pay. No lettuce. No cheese. No nothing. 49 and some change..... Learned my lesson. Wish em well but I can't see a reason to ever go back.

Erin L.

Yelp

How would you not rate this place less than 5 stars?! Shapiro's is an Indy staple. I've been here several times and it never disappoints! My go to items here are: - Reuben- it's a huge sandwich so I usually get a half - German potato salad- it's vinegar-y goodness and I can't get enough - Cabbage soup: I love this in the winter! - ANY desserts: how can you pick one?! I usually get take out by ordering on their website. I walk in and pick it right up. The staff has always been friendly and my order is always right! It's an old school staple in Indy and that's what you get from the ambiance.

JD B.

Yelp

Legendary Jewish Deli. A little pricey, but this is a one of a kind place. Get your tray, pick out your food. Sit down and eat it. Pastrami, mozzaball soup, meatloaf, Reuben.. it's all good. Side of deviled eggs or broccoli salad. Your favorite pie! Grab a cream soda for old time sake.

John R.

Yelp

Quality has seriously slipped. Our family has enjoyed Shapiro's for generations, and after my last experience, it's over for me.. It's been a decline for a while, in both service and food quality. Sad to see an icon of Indy deteriorate like this

Dennis E.

Yelp

Shapiro's Delicatessen in Indy is a slice of deli heaven with a cafeteria-style setup that lets you eye up the goods as you go. The place is very clean and bustling with people, so be prepared for a 5-10 minute wait - but trust me, it's worth it. I grabbed a tray and kicked things off with a slice of chocolate cake that looked too good to pass up. Then came the star of the show: a roasted turkey sandwich on sourdough with Muenster cheese. This thing was HUGE - piled high with tender, juicy turkey that was a cut above anything I can find near home. The side of mac-n-cheese was just okay; a bit forgettable and I'd skip it next time. The chocolate cake? A solid winner - moist, rich, and satisfying. The only downside here is the price. Spending nearly $30 for a sandwich, a side, a drink, and dessert is a bit of a shock, but the quality of the meat makes it worth the splurge. They really take pride in what they serve.

Abigail W.

Yelp

Of course we've all heard of Shapiro's at some point, if you live around Indy, but it took me way too long to actually make the stop. I need to stop making that mistake because this pastrami was excellent! The deli was the perfect spot for our little Christmas get together with plenty of long tables, an easy cafeteria style ordering line, and a large range of goods including some EPIC desserts. I have to admit I was a little shocked when the Boston Pastramis were $20 each, without any sides or drinks included. But for a special occasion... The PLT on a bagel was a recommendation from a fellow Yelper and I've honestly been dreaming of it since. Service was great, food was great, you've just got to try it!

Jose C.

Yelp

We came here before a Colts game. The line was long but it moved very quickly. I thought the place would be more packed, but it's very spacious inside, and despite the crowd, there was plenty of tables available. The staff was very kind and kudos to them for being able to hand pregaming so perfectly. I ordered a pastrami on rye. It came your usual pickles and that's about it. The pastrami was really delicious and you get this fat sandwich, but it's definitely on the pricier side. A small side would have been to go along with the sandwich would have been perfect, but overall a very satisfying meal.

Iva H.

Yelp

We decided to have lunch here before attending the Yuletide Celebration. This place is always a great visit. I had the matza ball soup with noodles and a pastrami on rye ( the usual). Eat your soup first because the sandwich is definitely enough for two meals and a carryout. Speaking of carryout make sure to visit the bakery on your way out. They have the absolute best fresh bagels and my favorite is the black and white cookies. What a tasty event!

Praetorian A.

Yelp

Ok. I've. Even scoping this joint for a while now. Finding myself in Indy, we decided to try it out. The menu was unreal and true to what an OG NYC Jewish deli should be. I'm not going to throw it five stars, but close. I will say that if I had to seriously rate this place, it would reach level Beastie Boys. It's expensive, but they know what they have. It's worth it. I will be going back any time I'm close. I ordered the Reuben and T preferred the tuna on a house made croissant. Damn. That's all I gotta say. Yeah, I got a side of Mac n Cheese. It was good but I was busy and barely touched it. Damn It's a large cafeteria style set up. The people working there are busy and not prone to small talk (must have received a tutorial in New York). Just get your food and sit down somewhere. All is good. Check this joint out and be happy.

Jeremy K.

Yelp

Shapiro's is amazing! We went at 1pm and the line still looked like they just opened, it was long. Don't show up thinking you're going to get something to eat right away. We ordered two corned beef reuben's traditional and a half corned beef/pastrami all the way. 6 chocolate chip cookies and a dozen rugelach apricot. Great job!

Brenda J.

Yelp

When family comes to visit, I like to introduce them to restaurants that are unique to Indianapolis. My aunt saw Shapiro's and remembered it being featured on a Food Network show. A few days later, we occupied a table of 7 in a corner of the cavernous dining room. This Indiana landmark met everyone's expectations. It reminded my Chicago family of Manny's Cafeteria & Deli back home. The food was fresh. I love the meatloaf, so while everyone else enjoyed sandwiches, I savored the flavorful entree. Everyone enjoyed their Shapiro's visit. It would have been a 5-star experience except for the uncleaned tables hours after the lunch rush. Shapiro's offers a spacious parking lot with handicapped spaces next to the building.

CJ D.

Yelp

Historical Fact: Lil Wayne's 2011 Hit "6 Foot, 7 Foot" was written about the girth of protein shoved into a Shapiro's sandwich. Chicken salad stacked 72-84 inches high proved a challenge to my sensitive smackers, which through a sunscreen oversight were quite burnt. Good thing mom didn't raise a quitter! Call me ungrateful, but the cranberry ALDI alternative trumps Shapiro's behemoth in price and flavor. Cheesy Mac and Potato Pancakes tried to play the side character role. The former flopped on IMDB, as our table unanimously agreed it tasted funky, almost like some wet scrambled eggs snuck into the yellow bowl. My meal was partially salvaged by the starchy discs that I showered in applesauce. It's this weird relationship where I could eat one or seven on any given day, subtle and buttery and crunchy and all of that good stuff. So much of me wants to love this spot, the atmosphere is cozy and reminiscent of something well before my time. It has a pie shelf and meatloaf and a really old water station. A deli that's quirky and simple. The unfortunate reality is that CJ will not be rushing to pay a pretty penny for sandwiches that lack the adequate ratio of veg:meat or serves soupy macaroni. Shoutout to the guy bussing tables though. It was evident the regulars were a big fan of his work and I can understand why, my guy gets after it.

Kyle D.

Yelp

Overall: This Indy staple still holds strong even after all these years. The good: If you like pastrami then you have to go to Shapiro's. Arguably some of the best pastrami I've ever had, piled high and paired perfectly with swiss cheese and spicy mustard on rye bread. It's a massive sandwich, but make sure to save room for sides and dessert. The potato salad is creamy and rich, and the carrot cake rivals my favorite family recipe. The not-so-good: The atmosphere and ordering experience may be off-putting to some (cafeteria style), but don't let that stop you from experiencing some amazing food. Food/drink: 10/10 Atmosphere: 9/10 Service: 9/10

Jason F.

Yelp

What's not to like about Shapiro's? This is my second visit, but my first review. 10. You have to be tolerable of an in-line cafeteria-tray deli experience. If you're not accustomed to it, stand there for a few to get your bearings and observe how others conduct themselves throughout the process. 9. Don't feel rushed, but be ready to place your order when it's your turn. 8. If you are considering a meat, ask for a sample to see if its what you want. 7. A la cart adds up, so be mindful of what you're getting, and know that you will walk out full from their portions. 6. The staff are very helpful, so ask questions. Let them know it's your first time. They'll work with you. 5. Challenge yourself. If you've never had tongue and think it's the most disgusting thought in the world of something that could be eaten, ditch that perception and give it a try. You'll be surprised and your mouth will thank you. 4. When you get the matzah ball soup (and you will get the matzah ball soup), get it with broth only. No need for the noodles. Keep it simple. The broth is to die for, and the matzah is everything you'd hope for and more. Exceedingly good. 3. Get a dessert. I regret not getting the Boston cream pie. It looked amazing!!! 2. Fresh fruit is fresh. Offset that brisket with some healthy :) 1. They have a tap for water around the corner of the cash register. Skip the pop or bottled water. Save a buck, get the Boston cream pie, and you won't walk away with regret.

Stacie B.

Yelp

This is an iconic spot and one we have visited in the past but many years ago. As soon as I walked in I was reminded of why this delicatessen is a historic spot -it's authenticity and character! They have changed a bit to accommodate online and pickup orders only,so if taking it home foto the left area and order there. They have cakes, sweets, bagels and breads as well as chips and other assorted items for sale. My order for two classic Rueben's was done quickly! One amazing note...they offer gluten free bread AND it is no extra charge! Their philosophy is why should you have to pay more for an allergy?!? Love this!! (And the bread isn't bad at all!) The sandwiches were piled high and delicious! I like mine to be smothered in sauce (as being only able to eat meat occasionally I make it count), so that was a bit lacking in my opinion. But if we had dined in I'm sure they would have given me more sauce. My husband devoured his! The other items looked huge and delicious so will be back to eat in and enjoy the ambience. Plenty of parking and ample seating plus options for everyone!

Lewis C.

Yelp

What a great deli. So much food - so little time. For lunch, the two of us shared a pastrami sandwich and it was so big we couldn't finish it ... although the cup of chicken stew that we also ordered may have had something to do with that. They only offer the chicken stew on Thursdays - so, we couldn't pass it up. Yum! It was awesome. The cole slaw was also excellent. Only the potato pancakes were -so-so. A bit too dense for our liking. We didn't have room for dessert after that lunch - so we bought a couple of their peanut butter cookies to go as well as some baklava. They had a wide variety of desserts - cakes, pies, eclairs. All of them looked good. This is a great deli - we look forward to coming back.

Matcha L.

Yelp

I have to say that the rueben sandwich is a bit pricy, but for the amount of meat that you receive in a single sandwich, makes it totally worth it. The kraut on the sandwich was a generous amount too. Honestly, the sandwich was so big that I asked my partner to split it with me, and we each got a soup to go with our sandwich half. I had cabbage borscht. Quite delicious. It tasted like it was grandmother's recipe that was passed down for generations. Next time, I'd like to stray away from the popular picks and be a little adventurous. Thank you for the delicious sandwich!

Sabrina C.

Yelp

My wife took me to lunch to this deli since so many people were talking about it on TikTok and it was absolutely delicious. The sandwiches were huge, fresh and tasty. The customer service was outstanding from Frank, Porsha and Alisse. The cake slices were the bomb dot com too, we bought the marble and lemon cakes and both were very good. We will definitely return to this restaurant again and bring some family, friends and coworkers. I highly recommend Shapiro's Deli you will NOT be disappointed. They also have a cafeteria style section where you can purchase an assortment of food such as spaghetti, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, roasted chicken and more. I give them 10 stars

E K.

Yelp

Pastrami sandwich? Awesome Matzo Ball soup? Great. Just get the broth. -----------------------

Doug H.

Yelp

Shapiro's represents what's best about Indy. It's the place local folks take friends, relatives and clients from out of town. It's a way to show off discreetly. Yes, the prices have gone up over the years, but the quality and enormous portions have remained exactly the same. I'm certain that everyone has their favorites. My wife loves the tender beef brisket sandwich with Swiss cheese accompanied with the chicken noodle soup. I find it difficult not to order the cabbage roll. The two sides I choose do vary from visit to visit. This time I had the roasted red potatoes and buttered noodles. Although the many desserts are very tempting we wait and get sweets from the counter to take home. The black &white cookie is always a choice with other cookies or dessert bars making an appearance as well. Just look at the size of those portions in the pics!!!!!

T S.

Yelp

Met up with a friend of mine while I was in the area. He suggested this. I had the corn beef hash with eggs over easy. The corned beef hash was very good although it could've been crisped up a little bit the eggs were cooked perfectly. However, they sent me completely burnt toast. Good coffee. Decent prices. I would definitely go back there again. Recommended

Michael B.

Yelp

This was by far blew far beyond my expectations. The sandwich are large and so flavorful. The corned beef comes directly from Chicago. While the pastrami is from NY. The bake goods are so amazing the choices of buffet food or deli sandwiches are so amazing. Will be a must stop from now in while we are in Indy.

Rick S.

Yelp

My friends told me that Shapiro's was a wonderful deli and I have to say that it was a very good experience eating here. They have an amazing selection of baked goods, mostly pies and cakes, and the lunch menu has a good variety of entrees and traditional deli sandwiches. The dining room was pretty busy but we got through the line fairly quickly. Although the reuben was tempting, I ended up going with meatloaf here with the deviled eggs and cole slaw as my side dishes. The meatloaf had a flavorful tomato sauce coating and the meat itself was an excellent quality without any grissle. Deviled eggs and cole slaw had a homemade vibe and were delicious. Even the rye bread was perfectly baked with a crispy crust around the tender center. Food is served cafeteria style so it's not at all fancy, but you'll love the food. Recommended.

Queenie W.

Yelp

Cafeteria style self serve restaurant. Excellent food and the staff were very friendly and helpful. Place was clean and they have their own parking. Line was long but don't let that deter you. Line move pretty fast. You get lots of food for the price. Will definitely be back.

Drew R.

Yelp

Shapiro's is a rare find in the Midwest. A traditional Jewish Deli that serves a wide variety of traditional foods ranging from stacked corned beef sandwiches to house made desserts. They also serve cafeteria style. A longstanding tradition in Indy that is sadly dying off. We were visiting and decided to visit an old favorite. We enjoyed the Pastrami and Swiss Cheese, Coke Slaw and Potato Salad on the first visit. The sandwiches were superb. We noticed that they serve breakfast on the weekends breakfast is served and came back Sunday morning on the way home. Since we came later in the morning they were out of Corned Beef Hash. Luckily there are plenty of options and the Omelets are delicious. Corned beef and Swiss with veggies is a good choice.

Annette I.

Yelp

Great for lunch on the run! Family recipes for comfort foods are cooked into good flavor profiles by 4th generation owners. The portions are big and we took leftovers home. Service was quick and accurate in spite of a busy lunchtime line. The ambiance was historic deli and was interesting to see. I recommend.

Andrea M.

Yelp

Wow wow wow. For some reason this deli takes me back in time. Cafeteria style, timeless dishes and no fuss character. Did I mention portions? Come hungry. Everything I chose, I ate more of than I anticipated. Stuffed cabbage for the win! And the fluffy Mac n cheese! I might have started with dessert (pecan pie) first too.

Neil W.

Yelp

Matzo Ball and Chicken Soup are basic, the Rueben and corned Beef are the stars here. Quite expensive but they give you a hearty sandwich in return.

Jessica L.

Yelp

I came here once, a few years ago I think, with my husband and met a couple that my mom has been friends with since childhood. I don't remember exactly what I got, but it was more than enough for 3 people. I'm pretty sure I got a sandwich that I had to take home to finish in a couple more meals. I had a soup, I don't remember which one, but it was delicious. I had a dessert that I don't remember, but that was gone within minutes, thanks to help from my husband. When I'm in the area, I will go again and order different things and probably like it just as much, if not more.

Cortez G.

Yelp

This place is really great. The food is excellent customer services great. The macaroni and cheese is really good. Have a different taste to it.

Jessica M.

Yelp

Shapiro's Delicatessen is an Indianapolis institution that has been around for decades. The location and restaurant is unassuming, basically like any other typical neighborhood deli. We arrived around 11 am on a Saturday and wanted to order the chicken leg for our daughters but we were told it will be another 50 minutes before they're ready. So we ended up ordering the roast beef sandwich with cheddar cheese with a side of green beans and a slice of chocolate cake. Our daughters were quick to finish their sandwich which is a no-brainer to say they enjoyed it. And from their point of view, the chocolate cake was a taste of heaven. My husband and I shared the broccoli cheddar soup and pastrami sandwich with rye bread and mustard. The meat was thinly sliced, lightly smoked, and piled high. It's no wonder they are widely acclaimed! Will this top our favorite local Chicago Jewish deli? Unlikely. But that's not to say this isn't at the top of our list for a quality pastrami sandwich.

Gary L.

Yelp

I had to go for another pastrami sandwich today because there is no better pastrami than Brooklyn pastrami at Shapiro's in Indianapolis. I always get the deviled eggs with it and this time I had some good zero sugar Dr. Brown sodas too. thank you!!!

Shane T.

Yelp

It's a staple every time we are in Indy. The line gets very long, but the food is worth it.

Ryan A.

Yelp

I've lived here for years and drove by Shapiro's every day on my commute to downtown Indy, but missed stopping in because of the timing. Man I was missing out, and I get the hype here. Some of the reviews mention "no frills" and one said it reminded him of a hospital cafeteria - I guess I can't argue, but I've never been to a hospital with food this good, and I came for dinner not ambiance. As you enter, you get in line with the pre-portioned desserts first (this should be criminal, they know what they're doing) and then sides and then finally your entree, made by the friendly and helpful staff. My buddy and I were both new to the experience, so they were patient and helpful with our selection. I had the brisket sandwich as listed on the menu, with a side of broccoli salad and half the cake my friend couldn't finish. (I told you, they know what they're doing putting that first!) All of it was excellent. He refused to let me have any of his corned beef sandwich, it was that good. (I offered to go half and half, and all I got was his extra pickle. Some friend!) Would I bring my wife here for a romantic date night? Nope. Will this be my pre-concert dinner stop with a buddy again? Absolutely.

Theresa G.

Yelp

Sometimes there's nothing better than a cold sandwich. I highly recommend this place if you're hungry as the sandwiches are huge! I opted for a half pastrami with Swiss on their homemade rye bread with a side of homemade German potato salad. It was so good but very filling! It's cafeteria style, so they make it right there for you pretty quickly.

Cory F.

Yelp

Please don't fall into the trap that this place is good. It's NOT worth your $22 for a sandwich. Overhyped, overpriced, bad attitudes.

Aaron R.

Yelp

Always a big win at Shapiro's. Back in the day this place had a line what seemed like all the time, real motion for the young people lol. If you really wanna get down order the New York style Rueben. When you're looking for something a lil lighter order a dinner that comes with two sides. The potato cakes are my favorite along with the Mac n cheese. The Mac has a crispy top, that when I was younger I didn't enjoy now I can't get enough of. The potato cakes come in two small cakes that are perfectly fried, always get the side of apple sauce with them. I like finishing with the carrot cake for full glutinous punishment.

Chance C.

Yelp

This is a phenomenal delicatessen! If you're looking for a true kosher spot with amazing quality, service, and atmosphere. This is it. I was so happy and impressed by this establishment. The pastrami sandwich was so good! All the sweets were delicious as well. If you're looking to get a great local sandwich, made with love. Please try this spot!

Julie M.

Yelp

This has now become a regular stop any time we come to Indy or drive through it. Pastrami or corned beef, it doesn't matter, its all amazing.

Everett C.

Yelp

America has become largely a "30 minutes or it's free" society when it comes to our food , and we suffer for that . Shapiros Delicatessen has been a staple in Indianapolis since 1938 . They are without a doubt the pinnacle of deli service foods and dining . From the carry out to the dine in and including the catering service they continue to lead the way in family friendly family owned family understood fine foods . Thank you Shapiros for it all , for all the years and many more to come .

Danny M.

Yelp

Nice selection of food to choose from. I had the a stuffed pepper which was good but it only had 1/3 of pepper but the meat was very good. There is actually no service since it is cafe style. The ambience is fine for cafe seating.

Rob D.

Yelp

First off- the carrot cheese cake is flipping wonderful. Not dry and not overly sweet. It's wicked! The deli I have mixed feelings.- It's pricey for a sandwich. Although I understand the process to make pastrami. I don't see the need for $22. The potato pancakes were cold and dry. Glad I had apple sauce and sour cream to help. We are from out of state so we can't lean on the nostalgia of the business. I can honestly say the Reuben from Arby's is better.

M B.

Yelp

I got a sandwich and the soup. The sandwich and the portions were huge. The meat was pretty good, but kind of expensive (30 for just a soup and sandwich. I wish the roast beef was just a little bit more pink than what I got. But, Good if you want to take home leftovers.) I wish there was a cheaper option with for a smaller sandwich (or half sandwich) option with a lower meat to bread ratio. I wasn't that hungry and didn't really want to take home leftovers, but I still ended up paying 30 bucks for just a sandwich. It was good, but I don't know if it's worth that much. The ambiance was diner style with trays. Not really my vibe, but good for large parties. Service was good. The individuals were super helpful.

Robin H.

Yelp

The restaurant is nothing fancy, serving cafeteria style, but the food is great! I love their corned beef sandwiches and their stuffed cabbage. They also have a deli counter for deli and Jewish style baked goods to take home. We go every time we are in or driving through Indianapolis. The staff mostly is pretty nice nothing special overall but the gentleman that served me at the deli last night was exceptionally friendly. The only weird thing was when I ordered my chopped liver sandwich I was asked if I wanted onions with it. I said no - I figured they meant raw onions on top. Turned out there were no cooked onions in the liver itself. I'm not used to that. I'll stick to corned beef or pastrami.

Kyle S.

Yelp

An Indianapolis staple. If you're in need of a large pile of meat, this is the spot. Located on south Meridian downtown it's in a centrally located spot. Huge parking lot so no issues there. Cafeteria style, walk in grab a tray. Then you can pick your cold sides and dessert. You'll get to the hot food area and they will plate what you want! I went with the 1/2 pastrami on rye. Rye made in house! It's always great. The pastrami is out of this world. If you do a full sandwich def go Reuben. Potato salad is phenomenal, I'd skip the soup next time and maybe just get a different side or full sandwich. Soups rotate each day, but there's typically always vegetable, chicken noodle, and matzo ball. Only gripe is that it's a pretty expensive lunch. I think I spent $23 on what's pictured including a tip.

Brian G.

Yelp

I visit Indy once a year for an annual convention, and I always set aside time to eat at Shapiro's. Their food is phenomenal (love the Reuben and the stuffed cabbage) and comes in enormous portions (as it should!), and they've somehow magically turned a quasi-cafeteria environment into an inclusive this-is-where-we-eat-as-family atmosphere. If you give their employees the business they'll give it right back, in a good way; they're all incredibly genuine people. If I ever to move to Indianapolis, I will intentionally move to their part of town so that I can be rolled home after eating there.

Kelly M.

Yelp

This is a downtown Indianapolis institution and definitely should be tried. Like the name says it is a delicatessen so as far a service you stand in line, order and put it on your tray. No complaints that's just the deal. I feel it is a little pricey for a work lunch. $27 for a pastrami sandwich and a soft drink is kind of steep. The pastrami is great, but be prepared for the sticker shock.

Na'Shota L.

Yelp

Was in town for a convention and this place was not too far from me. I Cannot find a deli that serves beef salami in the south. I was able to purchase a half a pound and they triple wrapped it so it can make the journey home with me.

Jam A.

Yelp

Traditional deli (the kind you just don't find anymore). Been coming here for 45 years and it's just as good as it was in my first childhood memories. Corn beef, rye, mustard, and a pickle with a latke on the side. It doesn't get any better than that on a cold day.

Stu F.

Yelp

A cafeteria style deli! A big 5 star review for the real deal in the size of the saMwich! My pastrami was a little fatty and juicy. In another words, PERFECT! The potato latke were moist and full of flavor. Crispy on the outside but soft and fluffy on the inside. Good cabbage soup and the pickles (wish they were half instead of quarters). Could also use soup spoons and not eat soup with a tea spoon? I'm a big fan of the rye bread where you can't miss the caraway seeds.

@eater

391,688 Postcards · 10,991 Cities

The 36 Essential Indianapolis Restaurants

https://www.eater.com/maps/the-eater-indianapolis-heatmap-where-to-eat-right-now-2

Shapiro’s Deli

Shapiro's Delicatessen

@eater

391,688 Postcards · 10,991 Cities

The 36 Essential Indianapolis Restaurants

https://www.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-indianapolis

Shapiro’s Deli

Shapiro's Delicatessen

@eater

391,688 Postcards · 10,991 Cities

Spring 2018: The Best Food Books That Aren’t Cookbooks | Eater

https://www.eater.com/cookbooks/2018/4/13/17172660/best-food-history-memoir-books

Shapiro's Delicatessen

@postcardnews

22,027 Postcards · 1,950 Cities

https://shapiros.com/

Things to Do in Indianapolis (2025)

View this post on Instagram

Shapiro's Delicatessen

Aric S.

Google

Michael C

Google

Nate B.

Google

Lisa “MrsTank51” P.

Google

Josh Goergen (The G.

Google

Ron R.

Google

Great food every time we come. 1st time trying the breakfast Uncle Max omlet. Huge and delicious. Took half of it home. My friend had her usual Lox plate , good as usual.

Liam M.

Google

Mark Y.

Google

Erin L.

Yelp

JD B.

Yelp

John R.

Yelp

Dennis E.

Yelp

Abigail W.

Yelp

Jose C.

Yelp

Iva H.

Yelp

Praetorian A.

Yelp

Jeremy K.

Yelp

Brenda J.

Yelp

CJ D.

Yelp

Kyle D.

Yelp

Jason F.

Yelp

Stacie B.

Yelp

Lewis C.

Yelp

Matcha L.

Yelp

Sabrina C.

Yelp

E K.

Yelp

Pastrami sandwich? Awesome Matzo Ball soup? Great. Just get the broth. -----------------------

Doug H.

Yelp

T S.

Yelp

Michael B.

Yelp

Rick S.

Yelp

Queenie W.

Yelp

Drew R.

Yelp

Annette I.

Yelp

Andrea M.

Yelp

Neil W.

Yelp

Matzo Ball and Chicken Soup are basic, the Rueben and corned Beef are the stars here. Quite expensive but they give you a hearty sandwich in return.

Jessica L.

Yelp

Cortez G.

Yelp

This place is really great. The food is excellent customer services great. The macaroni and cheese is really good. Have a different taste to it.

Jessica M.

Yelp

Gary L.

Yelp

Shane T.

Yelp

It's a staple every time we are in Indy. The line gets very long, but the food is worth it.

Ryan A.

Yelp

Theresa G.

Yelp

Cory F.

Yelp

Please don't fall into the trap that this place is good. It's NOT worth your $22 for a sandwich. Overhyped, overpriced, bad attitudes.

Aaron R.

Yelp

Chance C.

Yelp

Julie M.

Yelp

This has now become a regular stop any time we come to Indy or drive through it. Pastrami or corned beef, it doesn't matter, its all amazing.

Everett C.

Yelp

Danny M.

Yelp

Rob D.

Yelp

M B.

Yelp

Robin H.

Yelp

Kyle S.

Yelp

Brian G.

Yelp

Kelly M.

Yelp

Na'Shota L.

Yelp

Jam A.

Yelp

Stu F.

Yelp

Shapiro's Delicatessen

Information

Postcards

Media

The 36 Essential Indianapolis Restaurants

The 36 Essential Indianapolis Restaurants

Spring 2018: The Best Food Books That Aren’t Cookbooks | Eater

You might also like

The 36 Essential Indianapolis Restaurants

The 36 Essential Indianapolis Restaurants

Spring 2018: The Best Food Books That Aren’t Cookbooks | Eater