Kansas City is famous for barbecue, but a quieter meat obsession has been building behind deli counters all over the metro. Pastrami, the peppery, spiced cousin of corned beef, is showing up in sandwiches so tall they need two hands and a plan.
Some of these spots sit in busy downtown blocks, while others are neighborhood counters that close by mid-afternoon. A few are Italian markets that happen to slice some of the best pastrami around.
Each one earns its place for a different reason, from late-night hours to bakery-fresh bread to sandwiches big enough for two meals. If you have ever wondered where to find a real deli fix without booking a flight to New York, this list is a good place to start.
Bring an appetite and maybe a friend to split with.
1. Milwaukee Delicatessen Company, Kansas City, MO
Downtown workers have a reliable lunch shortcut at 101 W 9th St. Milwaukee Delicatessen Company sits in a historic-feeling space with a long wooden bar, and the pastrami here regularly gets compared to the famous New York versions.
The sandwich lineup goes well beyond one star, though. The Central Branch Reuben, a salmon BLT, and a turkey panini all share the menu, and the portions come with solid sides.
Here is the twist I like. This deli also sells pizza by the slice, and the meat-heavy Slice Cowtown has its own fan base, so a sandwich and a slice is a very reasonable order.
Vegetarian and vegan diners are covered too, with a full menu that includes a veggie sandwich and grilled cheese. Kids are welcome, and high chairs are available.
Hours run Monday through Thursday from 11 AM to 9 PM and until 10 PM on Friday and Saturday. It is closed Sunday.
Friday and Saturday evenings get busy, and street parking can be tricky, so reservations help for groups.
2. King G – Bar and Delicatessen, Kansas City, MO
Most delis are winding down by dinner. King G is just getting started.
This modern bar and delicatessen at 500 E 18th St in the East Crossroads stays open until midnight Tuesday through Thursday and until 1:30 AM on Friday and Saturday. That makes it one of the rare places in town where a late craving for Pastrami on Rye actually has an answer.
The Pastrami on Rye is the signature here, served alongside a short list of other house sandwiches. The setting is casual and trendy, with outdoor seating and quick service.
A few practical notes. King G does not take reservations, it is closed Sunday and Monday, and weekend nights fill up fast, so weekday mornings and afternoons are the calmest time to grab a seat.
Street parking is free but can take a lap or two around the block.
3. M & M Bakery & Delicatessen LLC., Kansas City, MO
Set an alarm for this one. M & M Bakery & Delicatessen is open only Tuesday through Friday, from 7:30 AM to 3 PM.
That short window is part of its charm. This neighborhood deli at 1721 E 31st St bakes its own bread, then piles on generous helpings of fresh deli meat, and the pastrami is a standout.
Save room for something sweet. The fried cinnamon rolls are a big reason people plan their morning around a stop here.
It is a takeout operation, with no dine-in seating and no restroom, so think of it as a grab-and-go mission. Curbside pickup and delivery are options, and street parking is free.
I would save this one for a weekday lunch break or a picnic in the park.
4. Scimeca’s Retail Market & Deli, North Kansas City, MO
An Italian market might be the last place you would expect to find a New York-style deli feel. Scimeca’s in North Kansas City pulls it off anyway.
The pastrami and corned beef are the headliners for many visitors. Order the corned beef and Swiss with double meat and you may end up with lunch and dinner in one bag.
The Italian side of the menu is just as strong. Phil’s Meatball Sub, Phillip’s Favorite Muffelatta, an eggplant Parmesan sandwich, and a Thursday-only Italian beef sandwich all have their place, plus sides like twice-baked potato salad and Italian olive salad.
Because it doubles as a market, you can shop specialty meats while you wait. Catering is available too.
Find it at 1611 Swift St, with a free parking lot. Hours are 10 AM to 4 PM weekdays and 10 AM to 2 PM Saturday, and Saturday is the busiest stretch.
5. Italian Sausage Co., Gladstone, MO
A full pound of meat on one sandwich is not a typo at Italian Sausage Co.
This hole-in-the-wall Italian deli on N Oak Trafficway in Gladstone is known for oversized sandwiches, and the corned beef and pastrami come stacked high. The pastrami ranks among the best in the metro for plenty of Northland regulars.
The name gives away another specialty. The Hot Italian Sausage Sandwich, Chicken Parm, and Chicken Spiedini Sandwich show off the house-made side of the kitchen, while The Chop salad and a Reuben round things out.
Finish with a cannoli. It is the easy dessert decision.
Hours run Tuesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 7 PM and Sunday from 11 AM to 4 PM. Weekend afternoons get crowded, so a Tuesday visit is the low-stress move, and the free lot helps.
6. Fetterman’s, Parkville, MO
Seven days a week, starting at 7 AM. Fetterman’s keeps the longest weekly schedule on this list, which makes it an easy pick for a breakfast run or an early dinner.
The Parkville deli at 7069 Elizabeth St builds its sandwiches to order. The towering pastrami arrives warm and browned, and a classic Reuben and house specialties share the spotlight.
Shelves of grab-and-go sides and pastries make it simple to round out a meal. Breakfast selections are a signature here too.
Parking is unusually easy, with a free garage, lot, and street spaces. Free Wi-Fi is a bonus if you want to linger.
Pair a visit with a stroll through downtown Parkville and you have a pretty great Saturday.
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