Tucked away on South Meridian Street in Indianapolis, Shapiro’s Delicatessen has been serving up hearty, old-school deli food since 1905. With over 7,000 reviews and a 4.5-star rating, this place has earned its reputation as one of Indiana’s most beloved sandwich spots.
The cafeteria-style setup, generous portions, and classic Kosher-style flavors keep locals and visitors coming back again and again. Whether you’re craving a stacked Reuben or a warm bowl of matzo ball soup, Shapiro’s delivers something truly special.
The Legendary Reuben Sandwich
Some sandwiches are good. The Reuben at Shapiro’s is on a completely different level.
Reviewers from Chicago, who grew up near world-famous delis, have said this sandwich holds its own against the very best they’ve ever tried.
The rye bread is freshly baked with just the right amount of that signature tang. Sauerkraut is piled on generously, perfectly balancing the rich, savory meat underneath.
One reviewer called it “the best in the Hoosier state,” and honestly, it’s hard to argue with that after one bite.
Fair warning: the portions are massive. Multiple visitors mentioned needing to split one sandwich between two people.
At Shapiro’s, the Reuben isn’t just a menu item — it’s practically the reason the place exists.
Pastrami That Stands On Its Own
Ask anyone who’s eaten at Shapiro’s what blew them away most, and a surprising number will say the pastrami. Rich, deeply seasoned, and sliced thick — this is the kind of pastrami that ruins you for the grocery store stuff forever.
One visitor specifically called it “the best pastrami I can remember,” which is saying a lot for someone who’d eaten at delis across the country. The meat is flavorful without being overwhelming, carrying a smoky, peppery punch that pairs beautifully with the freshly baked rye bread.
If you can’t decide between the Reuben and the pastrami sandwich, good news — Shapiro’s offers half portions, so you can try both without regretting your life choices later. The pastrami alone is worth the drive to Indianapolis from just about anywhere in Indiana.
Matzo Ball Soup Worth Every Spoonful
There’s something deeply comforting about a bowl of matzo ball soup made the right way. At Shapiro’s, the broth tastes like it came straight from someone’s grandmother’s kitchen — warm, golden, and full of slow-cooked flavor.
The matzo balls themselves are enormous. One reviewer joked they weren’t expecting them to be quite so large, but then happily ate every bit.
The soup strikes a balance between light and hearty, making it a perfect starter or a satisfying meal on its own on a cold Indiana day.
A visitor who described herself as “mostly pollo-pescatarian” said the soup was a highlight of her visit. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Jewish deli cooking or trying matzo ball soup for the very first time, Shapiro’s version is an experience worth having at least once.
Potato Pancakes With Applesauce
Crispy on the outside, soft and warm on the inside — Shapiro’s potato pancakes are the kind of side dish that quietly steals the show. Paired with a dollop of cool, sweet applesauce, they hit that perfect savory-sweet combo that keeps people ordering them visit after visit.
Several reviewers made a point of mentioning the potato pancakes specifically, which is impressive considering they’re competing for attention alongside towering sandwiches and rich soups. One guest described them as “crispy and comforting,” which really nails what makes them so satisfying.
They’re a traditional deli staple, and Shapiro’s has clearly spent over a century perfecting the recipe. Whether you order them as a side to your sandwich or just grab a couple on their own, the potato pancakes are a small but memorable part of the full Shapiro’s experience.
Deviled Eggs Done Right
Deviled eggs might sound like a simple thing, but Shapiro’s version keeps showing up in review after review for a reason. Creamy, well-seasoned, and made with care, they’re a crowd favorite that regulars specifically seek out every time they visit.
One guest gave them a 9 out of 10, calling them “good but not the best I’ve ever had” — which still puts them well above average by most people’s standards. Another reviewer listed them alongside the Reuben and carrot cake as absolute must-orders during their visit.
In a cafeteria line packed with big, dramatic options, the deviled eggs are the quiet overachiever. They’re the kind of classic deli item that reminds you why old-school recipes stick around for over a hundred years.
Grab a couple when you’re moving through the line — you won’t regret it.
Ann’s Strawberry Cheesecake
Named and beloved, Ann’s Strawberry Cheesecake at Shapiro’s has developed its own fan club among dessert lovers. Rich, creamy, and topped with real strawberry, it’s the kind of slice that makes you slow down and actually savor each bite instead of rushing through it.
A visitor who tried it during a weekend trip to Indianapolis called it “rich and delicious” and made sure to include it in her list of highlights. Another regular mentioned it as the reason she keeps coming back on weekends, when the dessert case is at its most fully stocked.
Shapiro’s dessert case is packed with options, but Ann’s cheesecake has a loyal following for good reason. After a massive Reuben and a bowl of matzo ball soup, it’s the perfect way to end a meal that already felt like a celebration of good, honest food.
The Cafeteria-Style Experience
Walking into Shapiro’s for the first time can feel a little overwhelming — in the best possible way. Grab a tray, move down the line, and get ready to make some quick decisions because the menu is loaded with tempting options at every single station.
The staff moves with purpose, and regulars will tell you to know your order before you reach the counter. One reviewer compared the vibe to TSA — except instead of security, everyone is just a little “hangry.” It sounds intense, but the line moves fast and the payoff is absolutely worth it.
First-timers should take a moment to scan the menu before jumping in. The cafeteria format is part of what makes Shapiro’s feel so authentic and unpretentious.
No waitstaff, no fuss — just really good food served with the kind of no-nonsense efficiency that has worked since 1905.
Over 120 Years of Deli History
Founded in 1905, Shapiro’s Delicatessen has been feeding Indianapolis for well over a century. That kind of staying power doesn’t happen by accident — it takes consistently great food, a loyal community, and a family committed to keeping the tradition alive through every generation.
One reviewer practically had a moment of disbelief when he realized the deli had been running since 1905, adding three crying-face emojis and a row of sandwich icons to express his shock. Sally Shapiro, who responds personally to many online reviews, still signs off with the family name — a small but meaningful sign of how personal this place remains.
In a food landscape dominated by chains and trends, Shapiro’s is a rare survivor. It’s a living piece of Indianapolis history, and every sandwich served there carries more than a hundred years of know-how behind it.
That’s something no new restaurant can replicate.
The Chopped Liver Sandwich
Chopped liver might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of an unforgettable sandwich, but Shapiro’s version changes that perception pretty quickly. Rich, savory, and deeply satisfying, it’s a traditional Jewish deli staple that the kitchen here handles with obvious respect and skill.
One reviewer who ordered it described the sandwich as “especially rich and savory,” noting it was one of the highlights of a visit that already included matzo ball soup and deviled eggs. For anyone curious about classic deli flavors beyond the usual Reuben territory, this is a great place to start exploring.
Shapiro’s ability to do old-school dishes like chopped liver well is exactly what sets it apart from generic sandwich shops. These are recipes with roots, and the kitchen treats them that way.
Order it on rye and don’t overthink it — just enjoy.
Weekend Breakfast Options
Most people think of Shapiro’s as a lunch destination, but the weekend breakfast menu is quietly one of the best-kept secrets in Indianapolis. Available Saturday and Sunday starting at 9 AM, the morning offerings include a variety of egg dishes that have earned their own devoted following.
The Uncle Max Omelet is a standout — described by one visitor as “huge and delicious,” with enough food that she took half of it home. The lox plate is another weekend favorite, drawing regulars who make a specific point of ordering it every single time they visit.
Sally Shapiro herself has mentioned in owner responses that the egg options on weekends are “amazing,” which tracks with how enthusiastically customers talk about them. If you’ve only ever visited Shapiro’s for lunch, setting your alarm a little earlier on a Saturday is genuinely worth it.
Key Lime Pie and Other Dessert Case Gems
The dessert case at Shapiro’s is the kind of thing that makes your eyes go wide right as you’re already too full from your sandwich. Pies, cakes, cookies, and cheesecakes line the display, and every single one of them is made to be taken seriously.
The key lime pie earned a glowing mention from a visitor who called it “fantastic” — high praise coming from someone who had already been wowed by the pastrami and deviled eggs. Mexican wedding cookies also made the highlight reel, described as “the perfect little sweet bite” to finish off a big meal.
Even the eclairs got a shoutout from one traveler who said they were the best he’d encountered throughout all his travels. With a dessert case this strong, it’s worth saving room — or at the very least, boxing something up to enjoy later.
You’ll thank yourself.
Half-Size Portions for the Curious Eater
One of the smartest things Shapiro’s does is offer half-size portions on their sandwiches. For anyone who wants to taste more than one thing — or simply can’t commit to a full pound of pastrami in one sitting — this option is an absolute game-changer.
A visitor who ordered the Rebecca sandwich in half portions specifically did it so she could sample multiple sandwiches during one visit. Another guest pointed out that the half size comes at roughly half the cost, making it a genuinely practical way to explore the menu without blowing your budget or your appetite.
Given that full sandwiches regularly come in at over $20 and could easily feed two people, the half portion is a smart move for first-timers. Shapiro’s isn’t a place you rush through — it’s a place you explore, and the half-size option makes that exploration a whole lot easier.
A True Indianapolis Landmark Worth Visiting
Located at 808 S Meridian Street, Shapiro’s sits close enough to downtown Indianapolis that it’s an easy stop whether you’re in town for a convention, a game, or just passing through. The restaurant has its own parking lot — a detail that surprised more than a few visitors who expected downtown parking chaos.
The dining room offers plenty of seating, and while the lunch rush can mean a line stretching out the door, the queue moves quickly. One visitor arrived right at opening and walked straight in; another showed up at 12:30 PM and waited about 20 minutes in a 40-person line — still not bad for a place this popular.
Open seven days a week, with weekend hours starting at 9 AM, Shapiro’s is accessible and accommodating. For anyone visiting Indianapolis who wants to eat somewhere with real history and real flavor, this deli belongs at the very top of the list.
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