Tucked along South Meridian Street in Indianapolis, Shapiro’s Delicatessen has been feeding hungry locals since 1905. What started as a humble family-run spot has grown into one of Indiana’s most beloved food destinations, drawing crowds who come back again and again for the towering sandwiches and classic deli sides.
With over 7,000 glowing reviews and a 4.5-star rating, this cafeteria-style gem proves that great food never goes out of style. Whether you are a lifelong Indy resident or just passing through, Shapiro’s is the kind of place that leaves a lasting impression.
The Legendary Reuben Sandwich
Ask anyone in Indianapolis where to find a great Reuben, and the answer almost always circles back to Shapiro’s. This sandwich has earned a reputation that stretches well beyond Indiana’s borders, with visitors from Chicago and beyond admitting they were genuinely impressed after their first bite.
The rye bread is freshly baked and carries just the right amount of that signature tangy flavor. Sauerkraut is piled on generously, balancing the richness of the meat with a sharp, satisfying bite.
The combination creates something that feels both classic and comforting.
One reviewer called it one of the top five Reubens they had ever eaten, and the sandwich was so large they got four halves out of it. Portions here are never stingy.
Whether you go full size or opt for the half, the Reuben at Shapiro’s delivers every single time.
Pastrami on Rye – A Deli Classic Done Right
Pastrami lovers, this one is for you. Shapiro’s pastrami on rye has earned a devoted fan base of its own, separate from even the famous Reuben.
Reviewers consistently describe the pastrami as high quality, deeply flavorful, and piled on in amounts that make the price feel completely worth it.
One visitor who drove in from Chicago, a city not exactly lacking in good deli options, admitted the pastrami at Shapiro’s ranked among the best they had ever tasted. The freshly baked rye bread adds a buttery, slightly tangy base that complements the bold, peppery meat perfectly.
A half-size option is available for those who want to sample multiple items without overcommitting to one massive sandwich. Smart move, honestly.
If the pastrami is your first stop at Shapiro’s, it almost certainly will not be your last.
Matzo Ball Soup That Tastes Like Home
There is something almost magical about a bowl of matzo ball soup that is made with real care. At Shapiro’s, this soup has become a comfort food staple that regulars return for visit after visit.
One reviewer said it tasted like a grandma was in the back making it from scratch, which is honestly the highest compliment soup can receive.
The matzo balls themselves are enormous, soft, and satisfying in a way that fills you up without feeling heavy. The broth is golden, rich, and warming, especially welcome on a cold Indiana afternoon.
One visitor’s wife loved it so much she ordered it both days during a weekend trip to the city. That kind of loyalty does not happen by accident.
Shapiro’s matzo ball soup is the real deal, a bowl of tradition that has been perfected over more than a century of practice.
Potato Pancakes With Applesauce – A Side Worth Ordering
Potato pancakes might not be the first thing you think of when visiting a deli, but at Shapiro’s, they are absolutely worth adding to your tray. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these pancakes come served alongside cool, sweet applesauce that creates a classic flavor pairing that has stood the test of time.
Multiple reviewers have called them out by name, which says a lot in a place with such an extensive menu. They are the kind of side dish that sneaks up on you and becomes the thing you talk about on the drive home.
Comforting without being too heavy, they work perfectly alongside a sandwich or as part of a larger spread. If you are building your tray at Shapiro’s and skipping the potato pancakes, you are genuinely missing out on one of the most satisfying bites the deli has to offer.
Deviled Eggs That Keep People Coming Back
Deviled eggs at a deli might sound like a small detail, but Shapiro’s version has developed its own loyal following. Reviewers mention them repeatedly, often unprompted, which is a sign that these little bites are doing something right.
One customer gave them a 9 out of 10, calling them good but not quite the best they had ever had, which still puts them well above average.
Another visitor listed the deviled eggs alongside the Reuben and carrot cake as highlights of their entire meal. When a simple appetizer earns that kind of company, you know it is worth trying.
They are creamy, well-seasoned, and prepared with the kind of attention to detail that makes even familiar foods feel special.
Order them as a starter while you settle in, or grab them as a snack between bites of your main sandwich. Either way, they belong on your tray.
Ann’s Strawberry Cheesecake – A Sweet Finish Worth Saving Room For
After working your way through a towering sandwich and a few sides, you might think there is no room left for dessert. Think again.
Ann’s strawberry cheesecake at Shapiro’s has earned its own fan club, with reviewers describing it as rich, delicious, and the perfect way to close out a meal.
One visitor mentioned it in the same breath as the famous Reuben and the potato pancakes, treating it as an equal highlight rather than an afterthought. The cheesecake is dense and satisfying, with a strawberry topping that adds brightness without being overly sweet.
Shapiro’s dessert case is packed with options, from carrot cake to key lime pie to Mexican wedding cookies. But Ann’s strawberry cheesecake has a special kind of staying power that keeps people talking long after they have left the building.
Order a slice. You will not regret it.
The Cafeteria-Style Experience That Makes It Unique
Shapiro’s does not operate like a typical sit-down restaurant, and that is a big part of its charm. You grab a tray, move down the line, and order directly at the counter.
It is efficient, a little exciting, and gives the whole experience an old-school energy that feels refreshingly different from modern dining.
First-timers should have their order ready before reaching the counter. The staff takes the line seriously, and knowing what toppings you want ahead of time makes everything smoother.
Read the signs, make your decisions, and embrace the rhythm of the place.
The line can stretch out the door during peak lunch hours, sometimes 40 people deep, but it moves fast. Regulars know the routine and newcomers catch on quickly.
The cafeteria format is not just a quirk; it is a genuine part of what makes a visit to Shapiro’s feel like a full experience rather than just a meal.
Corned Beef Sandwich – A Deli Staple With Real Character
Corned beef is one of those deli items that separates the serious spots from the average ones. At Shapiro’s, the corned beef sandwich has been a menu anchor for decades, drawing in customers who know exactly what they are looking for and leaving satisfied.
The meat is tender, well-seasoned, and served in portions that make the price feel fair.
Paired with the freshly baked rye bread that Shapiro’s is known for, the corned beef sandwich delivers a satisfying bite every time. Some visitors prefer it alongside the Reuben as a comparison, and many find the pastrami and corned beef equally impressive in their own ways.
For anyone who grew up eating at classic East Coast delis, Shapiro’s corned beef will feel like a familiar friend. For those trying it for the first time, it is a solid introduction to what real deli-style corned beef is supposed to taste like.
Weekend Breakfast Options That Surprise First-Timers
Most people know Shapiro’s for its sandwiches, but Saturday and Sunday mornings bring a whole new reason to visit. The weekend breakfast menu features options like the Uncle Max omelet, a massive, egg-packed creation that one reviewer said was so large they had to take half of it home.
That is a good problem to have.
The lox plate is another weekend favorite, drawing fans who appreciate a classic deli-style smoked salmon spread done properly. Egg options are plentiful, and the overall breakfast selection is broad enough to satisfy both meat lovers and lighter eaters alike.
Even longtime Shapiro’s regulars have admitted they had not explored the breakfast side of the menu until recently, and most say they wish they had started sooner. If you are in Indianapolis on a weekend morning and need a hearty, satisfying start to your day, Shapiro’s breakfast is absolutely worth waking up early for.
Chopped Liver Sandwich – An Old-School Gem
Chopped liver is the kind of menu item that divides people instantly. You either love it or you have never given it a fair chance.
At Shapiro’s, the chopped liver sandwich is a quiet standout that earns genuine praise from those who order it, with one reviewer describing it as especially rich and savory, the kind of bite that lingers in the best possible way.
It is a deeply old-fashioned deli item, the sort of thing that connects modern diners to a long tradition of Jewish deli cooking. Shapiro’s has been serving it since 1905, which means they have had more than a century to get it right.
For adventurous eaters visiting Shapiro’s for the first time, the chopped liver sandwich is a genuine conversation starter. Order it with confidence, find a seat, and enjoy a piece of culinary history that most restaurants simply cannot replicate.
Carrot Cake That Earns Its Own Praise
Carrot cake does not always get the spotlight it deserves, but at Shapiro’s, it has built a quiet fan base of its own. Reviewers list it alongside deviled eggs and the Reuben as a meal highlight, which is impressive company for a dessert that could easily be overlooked on such a packed menu.
The cake is moist, warmly spiced, and topped with cream cheese frosting that adds just the right amount of richness. It is the kind of dessert that works whether you are a devoted carrot cake enthusiast or someone who just wants something sweet after a big sandwich.
Shapiro’s has always taken its baked goods seriously, and the carrot cake reflects that commitment. A visit to the deli without at least sampling a dessert feels incomplete.
Grab a slice on your way through the line and consider it a well-earned reward for making it to Indianapolis.
Over 118 Years of History Behind Every Bite
Opening in 1905 is not something most restaurants can claim. Shapiro’s Delicatessen has been feeding Indianapolis for well over a century, surviving economic shifts, changing food trends, and the rise of fast food chains that tried to make old-school delis feel outdated.
Shapiro’s never flinched.
The deli was founded as a family business and remains one today, with Sally Shapiro still actively engaging with customers through review responses and maintaining the standards that made the place famous in the first place. That personal connection to the business is something you can feel the moment you walk through the door.
Visitors from out of town are often stunned to discover a deli of this age and quality operating in the heart of Indianapolis. For locals, it is simply part of the city’s identity.
Knowing a place has been doing the same thing well since 1905 adds a layer of meaning to every single bite.
Key Lime Pie and a Dessert Case Worth Exploring
Shapiro’s dessert case is one of those things you need to slow down and actually look at before making a decision. From key lime pie to eclairs to Mexican wedding cookies, the variety is impressive and the quality matches the reputation of everything else on the menu.
One visitor called the eclairs the best they had encountered throughout all their travels, which is a bold statement worth taking seriously.
The key lime pie has earned its own admirers, described as fantastic by a repeat visitor who made Shapiro’s a twice-in-one-weekend destination. Bright, tangy, and not overly sweet, it is a refreshing contrast to the heavier savory items on the menu.
Exploring the dessert case at Shapiro’s is genuinely fun. There is no wrong choice, only the pleasant challenge of deciding which sweet thing gets the honor of finishing your meal.
Budget extra room and try at least two.
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