People Travel From Across Michigan For The Mouth-Watering Reuben Sandwiches At This Iconic Restaurant

Tucked into the Kerrytown neighborhood of Ann Arbor, Zingerman’s Delicatessen has been drawing hungry visitors from every corner of Michigan since 1982. What started as a small deli counter has grown into one of the most beloved food destinations in the entire Midwest.

People don’t just stop by on a whim — they plan trips around it. From the legendary Reuben sandwiches to the hand-selected specialty groceries, there’s a reason this place has earned over 6,800 five-star reviews and a reputation that stretches far beyond state lines.

The Legendary Reuben Sandwich That Started It All

Some sandwiches are just sandwiches. The Reuben at Zingerman’s Delicatessen is something else entirely.

Regulars and first-timers alike go quiet after the first bite — a reaction that has become almost a tradition at this Ann Arbor landmark.

The corned beef is piled high and deeply flavorful without being overly salty. Grilled rye bread from Zingerman’s own Bakehouse holds it all together with real weight and chew.

The sauerkraut adds a sharp tang, and the Russian dressing ties every layer into a perfectly balanced bite.

One reviewer called it “a masterpiece” and compared eating it to a “symphony of salt, fat, and acid.” You genuinely need two hands and full commitment to tackle this sandwich. For anyone who has driven hours across Michigan just for lunch, the Reuben alone makes the trip completely worth it.

Zingerman’s Bakehouse Bread: The Secret Weapon

Behind every great sandwich is great bread, and Zingerman’s figured that out early. Rather than sourcing bread from outside suppliers, the deli partnered with its own Zingerman’s Bakehouse, located just a few miles away in Ann Arbor.

About 20 types of freshly baked breads arrive daily, including the famous Jewish rye that cradles the Reuben. Customers rave about its weight, crust, and flavor — it tastes nothing like the soft, squishy bread you’d find at a grocery store.

The pumpernickel is another fan favorite, especially when paired with pastrami.

One loyal customer makes regular trips just to buy whole loaves to take home. The bread is so good that staff at the deli even give out samples of coffee cakes and brownies from the Bakehouse.

Good bread isn’t a side note here — it’s a cornerstone of the entire Zingerman’s experience.

A Deli Counter Like No Other in Michigan

Walking up to the deli counter at Zingerman’s feels like stepping into a food lover’s dream. Behind the glass, you’ll find an impressive spread of cured meats, artisan cheeses, house-made salads, and specialty items that change with the season.

Staff members are genuinely enthusiastic about what they’re serving. They offer samples freely and can walk you through every option with real knowledge and warmth.

One reviewer described the experience as being guided by “flavor shamans” — and that’s honestly not far off.

The counter also features a fish section with whitefish, nova lox, kippers, and more. Whether you’re building a sandwich or shopping for a dinner party spread, the selection is staggering.

Even longtime visitors say they discover something new every visit. This isn’t a counter you rush past — it’s one you linger at, sample in hand, deciding what you simply cannot leave without.

Pastrami So Good It Earns Its Own Fan Club

If the corned beef Reuben is the superstar, the pastrami at Zingerman’s is its equally talented co-star. Tender, deeply seasoned, and sliced thick, this pastrami has turned casual visitors into devoted regulars who plan return trips before they even finish their first sandwich.

One reviewer ordered the pastrami Reuben on pumpernickel and described going “similarly quiet for a few minutes after the first bite” — which is the highest compliment a sandwich can receive. Another customer drove to the deli specifically to buy two pounds of freshly cut pastrami to take home, marveling at how skillfully the staff sliced it.

At roughly $20 per homemade sandwich, some might wince at the price. But when you factor in the quality of the meat, the handcrafted bread, and the care that goes into every order, most people agree it delivers serious value.

Pastrami lovers, this one is for you.

Matzo Ball Soup That Tastes Like It Has Been Simmering for Days

There are soups, and then there is Zingerman’s matzo ball soup. Visitors who order it often describe the broth as tasting like it has been slowly simmering for days — rich, golden, and deeply comforting in a way that feels genuinely homemade.

The matzo ball itself is soft and perfectly sized, floating in that gorgeous broth like it belongs there. A large hunk of rye bread comes alongside the bowl, making it a full and satisfying meal on its own.

Multiple reviewers mentioned ordering it alongside a sandwich and feeling like they had stumbled onto the best lunch of their lives.

On a cold Michigan day, this soup is pure comfort food in the truest sense. It’s the kind of dish that makes you slow down and actually savor each spoonful.

Simple ingredients, done right — that’s the Zingerman’s philosophy in a bowl.

Specialty Grocery Shopping Unlike Any Other Deli

Zingerman’s Delicatessen is far more than a place to grab lunch. The retail section of the store is a treasure chest for food lovers, packed with specialty items you won’t find at a regular supermarket.

Think gazillions of high-grade olive oils, aged balsamic vinegars, and imported pantry staples from around the world.

Customers frequently leave with bags full of groceries alongside their sandwiches. One shopper noted that an $80 purchase stretched across four full meals at home — a surprisingly smart value when you factor in the quality.

Others pick up Zingerman’s branded booklets, frozen items, and even cookbooks to bring the deli’s spirit into their own kitchens.

The store layout blends the deli counter experience with a curated market feel. Browsing the shelves feels like a mini food education.

For anyone who loves to cook or simply appreciates outstanding ingredients, the grocery section alone is worth the trip to Ann Arbor.

The Outdoor Patio That Makes Every Meal Feel Like a Michigan Summer

Few things beat eating a jaw-dropping Reuben outside on a warm Michigan afternoon, and Zingerman’s has set up an outdoor patio that makes exactly that possible. The ample seating area gives diners a chance to soak in the lively Kerrytown neighborhood atmosphere while working through their enormous sandwiches.

Reviewers who visited on sunny days consistently mention the patio as a highlight of the experience. The casual, open-air setting fits perfectly with the deli’s funky, unpretentious personality.

You might end up sharing a table with a stranger, which somehow feels right in a place this community-oriented.

Spring and summer visits are especially popular for this reason. Graduates, families, and longtime Ann Arbor fans all flock to those outdoor tables after picking up their orders.

Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or just enjoying a Tuesday afternoon, eating outside at Zingerman’s has a way of making ordinary days feel a little more special.

A Cheese Counter That Deserves Its Own Standing Ovation

Cheese lovers, prepare yourself. The cheese counter at Zingerman’s Delicatessen is one of the most impressive in the entire state of Michigan.

Staffed by knowledgeable cheesemongers who are genuinely passionate about their craft, this section of the deli could easily become your favorite part of the visit.

Samples are offered generously, and the staff will happily guide you through options ranging from creamy bries to sharp aged cheddars and funky blues. One reviewer mentioned the cheesemonger was “quick and generous with a sample and offered more” — a small detail that speaks volumes about the culture of hospitality here.

The selection is carefully curated to complement the deli’s meats, breads, and pantry items. Many customers end up buying wedges to take home for entertaining or a simple weeknight snack.

Paired with a slice of Bakehouse rye, even a humble piece of cheese feels elevated. This counter rewards curiosity.

Staff That Treats Every Customer Like an Old Friend

You can have the best food in the world, but if the staff makes you feel like an inconvenience, the magic disappears. At Zingerman’s, the opposite is true.

From the moment you walk in, employees greet you with genuine warmth and enthusiasm that feels anything but scripted.

Multiple reviewers specifically called out staff members by name, thanking them for going above and beyond. One customer with food allergies described the team as extraordinarily thorough — explaining ingredients, safety protocols, and precautions without ever making them feel like a burden.

That level of care turned a great meal into a truly meaningful experience, prompting three return visits in a single trip.

Whether it’s the bread station offering extra samples or a counter employee patiently helping a first-timer navigate the massive menu, the human element here is real. Zingerman’s has built a culture where hospitality isn’t a policy — it’s a genuine value.

The Iconic Menu That Takes Fifteen Minutes to Read

Choosing what to order at Zingerman’s is a delightful problem to have. The sandwich menu alone is so extensive that one reviewer joked it “could take fifteen minutes to parse.” Every item is listed with its full ingredient breakdown, which is part of the fun — you can see exactly why each sandwich costs what it does.

Beyond Reubens and pastrami, the menu spans pulled pork, smoked chicken with pesto and cheese, turkey stacked with coleslaw on buttered rye, and much more. Sides like chipotle chicken pasta salad, garlic potato salad, and oranges-and-beets round out the options beautifully.

There is truly something for everyone.

Ordering kiosks make the process smoother during busy hours, and staff members are always nearby to answer questions. First-timers are encouraged to ask for recommendations — regulars are fiercely loyal to their personal favorites, and everyone has a strong opinion worth hearing.

A Kerrytown Neighborhood Institution Since 1982

Opening in 1982, Zingerman’s Delicatessen has spent over four decades becoming one of the most recognizable food establishments in the entire Midwest. Located at 422 Detroit Street in Ann Arbor’s charming Kerrytown neighborhood, the deli has grown from a modest sandwich shop into a full-scale culinary institution with multiple related businesses.

The Zingerman’s Community of Businesses now includes the Bakehouse, a creamery, a coffee roaster, a farm, a roadhouse restaurant, and even cooking classes. Yet the original deli remains the beating heart of it all.

Returning visitors — including University of Michigan alumni who graduated decades ago — describe walking through the door as “coming home.”

That kind of emotional connection isn’t built overnight. It comes from decades of consistent quality, community investment, and genuine care for every person who walks in.

Zingerman’s doesn’t just feed Ann Arbor — it’s woven into the city’s identity in a way few restaurants ever achieve.

Fresh Salads and Sides That Deserve Their Own Spotlight

Sandwiches get most of the glory at Zingerman’s, but the side dishes are quietly stealing hearts one visit at a time. The chipotle chicken pasta salad has been called an excellent complement to the main course, while the oranges and beets salad brings a bright, refreshing balance to a rich, meaty meal.

House-made coleslaw piled onto turkey sandwiches adds crunch and creaminess in equal measure. The potato salad, when properly prepared, showcases the same commitment to quality ingredients that defines everything else on the menu.

Customers often order two or three sides just to sample the range.

These aren’t afterthoughts thrown together to round out a plate. Each salad is made with care and uses the same high-quality sourcing philosophy that Zingerman’s applies to every item in the deli.

If you’ve been skipping the sides to save room for the sandwich, it might be time to rethink your strategy.

Worth Every Penny: Understanding the Zingerman’s Price Tag

Let’s be honest — lunch for two at Zingerman’s can run $60 to $70, and that surprises first-timers. A single Reuben hovers around $24, and drinks add up fast.

For a deli experience, that’s a number that makes people pause before ordering.

But here’s the thing most regulars understand: you’re not just paying for a sandwich. You’re paying for house-baked bread, ethically sourced meats, hand-crafted sides, and a staff that genuinely cares about your experience.

The portion sizes are enormous — many customers split a sandwich and still leave full. One smart shopper turned an $80 grocery purchase into four full meals at home, working out to roughly $20 per meal.

Value looks different depending on what you’re measuring. If you measure it in quality, craftsmanship, and memory, Zingerman’s delivers generously.

The price tag stings for a moment, but the experience lingers for years. Most people who go once find themselves planning when to go back.