There is nothing quite like a pastrami sandwich piled so high you have to plan your first bite. Indiana might not be the first state that comes to mind for classic deli food, but it turns out the Hoosier State has some serious sandwich talent.
From a decades-old cafeteria-style spot in downtown Indianapolis to a bagel shop in the state’s far northeast corner, these seven delis take their meat seriously. Whether you like your pastrami on rye with mustard, stacked on a giant bagel, or built into a loaded Reuben, there is a stop here for you.
Save this list for the next time hunger hits, and get ready to loosen your belt a notch.
1. Shapiro’s Delicatessen, Indianapolis, IN
Few places in Indiana carry the deli reputation that Shapiro’s does. This classic Jewish delicatessen serves big portions of Kosher-style favorites the old-fashioned way, cafeteria style, so you slide your tray down the line and point at what you want.
The pastrami is the reason many people make the trip. It comes piled high on fresh rye, often paired with Swiss cheese and spicy brown mustard, and the meat is known for being tender and full of flavor.
The corned beef on rye and the beef tongue special are longtime favorites too.
Beyond the sandwiches, the menu stretches into a Nova lox platter, a rare roast beef sandwich, a Pastrami Reuben, and homemade macaroni and cheese. Save room for a slice of Arlene’s carrot cake.
You will find it at 808 S Meridian St, with free parking and open hours seven days a week. Expect $20 to $30 per person, and know that Thursday and Friday afternoons draw the biggest lunch crowds.
2. The General Deli & Cafe, South Bend, IN
College-town energy meets serious sandwich-making at this laid-back South Bend cafe. The setting is casual and a little trendy, the kind of spot where you can settle in with a laptop or meet a friend over coffee and lunch.
House pastrami is the standout here, and it shows up in creative sandwiches made well. Breakfast sandwiches on fresh sourdough get plenty of attention too, and the Kibbler sandwich has a loyal following.
The menu keeps things approachable with combos like a cup of soup and any half sandwich, plus local-roasted coffee, a chai latte, and a Ragamuffin cookie for dessert. Prices land in the $10 to $20 range, which is fair for the quality.
Open daily from early morning until mid-afternoon, it sits at 609 E Jefferson Blvd. Parking can be a little tight, so give yourself a minute to find a space. Midweek and weekend mornings tend to be the busiest stretches.
3. Duneland Station Deli, Chesterton, IN
Roughly a short drive from the Indiana Dunes, this Chesterton deli is the kind of stop that turns a beach day into a proper lunch break. It is an informal counter spot serving soups, salads, and sandwiches in a clean, cozy space.
What sets it apart is value paired with generosity. Sandwiches are built right in front of you, so you get exactly the bread, meat, and toppings you want, and the topping selection leans generous and a little unique.
The pastrami on marble rye earns real praise, and the Italian Sub is another menu highlight worth ordering. Between quality breads, meats, and condiments, it is a hard place to order wrong.
Find it at 1050 Broadway Ave, where parking is usually easy. Hours run Monday through Friday until early evening and Saturday until mid-afternoon, with Sundays closed.
Afternoons on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday see the steadiest flow.
4. Harvest Moon Deli & Market, Rochester, IN
Part deli, part market, this Rochester stop gives you lunch and groceries under one roof. Alongside sandwiches, soups, and salads, it stocks bulk foods like spices, plus a bakery, prepared foods, a salad bar, and local Amish groceries.
Sandwiches here are made to order with a long list of toppings, so you can load up a pastrami sandwich with Swiss, lettuce, tomato, yellow peppers, mustard, and mayo on fresh bread. A pastrami turkey combo on sourdough is another way to go.
The counter runs efficiently, so you can grab and go or stay and eat inside or outdoors. And because it doubles as an ice cream shop, you can finish with a scoop of something fun like peanut butter and jelly, maybe alongside a cold brew.
It sits along Old US Hwy 31 at 5758 N Old US Hwy 31, in the county seat of Fulton County. Open Monday through Saturday, closed Sundays, with Saturday afternoons being the busiest.
5. Otter Bay Deli, Fremont, IN
Way up in the northeastern corner of Indiana, Otter Bay Deli brings a taste of New York to Steuben County. Fresh New York bagels are the foundation here, joined by sandwiches, hot dogs, soups, salads, and breakfast burritos, all built on high-quality ingredients.
The pastrami is the item to beat. Stacked on a giant rye bagel, it has earned a reputation as some of the best around, and the staff are happy to steer you toward it.
The Port Pastrami and the Man Overboard, a tender corned beef sandwich, both have serious fans.
Coffee is another strong point, making this a solid breakfast or lunch stop for $10 to $20 per person. Just note there is no restroom on site.
You will find it at 655 IN-120, suite C-23, next to TSS in Tilbury. Hours are limited, so plan around them: Thursday through Saturday from 8 AM to 3 PM and Sunday from 9 AM to 3 PM, closed Monday through Wednesday.
6. Lincoln Carry Outs, Hobart, IN
Some sandwich shops build loyalty that follows people across state lines, and Lincoln Carry Outs is one of them. This long-standing Hobart spot has roots that former Northwest Indiana regulars still talk about years after moving away.
Made-to-order is the whole point. Sandwiches come generously stacked with cheese, veggies, and meat, and the pastrami and corned beef on rye is a signature order.
The pastrami and corned beef sub is another crowd-pleaser.
The menu goes well beyond deli meats too, with the Lincoln Burger, a Steak Sandwich, the Patty Melt, a Fish Sandwich, and vegan potato salad. There is even a kids’ menu, and dessert holds its own here.
Prices sit in the mid-range at $10 to $20, and the craftsmanship backs it up. Located at 1002 Lincoln St, it is open Monday through Saturday from 8 AM to 9 PM and closed Sundays.
Afternoons and evenings stay steady, and parking can take a little patience. No restroom on site, so plan accordingly.
7. Fat Dan’s Deli, Indianapolis, IN
Chicago-style comfort food lands in the SoBro neighborhood at Fat Dan’s Deli, a relaxed smokehouse where the portions are enormous and the meat is house-smoked. It is a greasy-spoon-style menu done with quality ingredients.
The Reuben is the sandwich that gets top billing, built with thick-cut fatty pastrami, relish, and smoked meat. You can also order pastrami with Swiss on rye and ask for grilled onions if that is your style.
The brisket, both pork and beef, comes out tender and juicy.
Around the pastrami you will find a full Chicago lineup: Italian Beef, the Chicago Dog, the Fatty Melt, smoked jumbo wings, dirty tots, and IPA beer cheese fries. It is the kind of menu that rewards showing up hungry.
Located at 5410 N College Ave, it keeps generous hours daily from late morning into the night, with Friday and Saturday evenings drawing the biggest crowds. Prices run $10 to $20 per person, and takeout and delivery are both options.
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