Texans take their sandwiches seriously, and few things start a friendly argument faster than asking where to find the best overstuffed roast beef in the state. From New York-style delis to Italian beef counters, these spots pile the meat high and keep folks coming back week after week.
The seven places on this list stretch from Houston to Austin to San Antonio, each with its own spin on a classic. If you love thin-sliced beef stacked between fresh bread, keep this list handy for your next lunch run.
1. Deli News Dallas, Dallas, TX
Preston Road in North Dallas hides a New York-style deli that treats roast beef like a headliner. Deli News stacks its sandwiches with thinly sliced, tender beef on quality bread, and the portions lean generous.
The menu reaches well beyond one order. You can grab a Pastrami Reuben, a Whitefish Salad Sandwich, or breakfast plates like Eggs Benedict, since the kitchen serves morning food too.
Prices run around 20 to 30 dollars per person, and the space keeps things simple with plenty of seating. Free parking in the lot and on the street makes the stop easy.
Hours run Monday 7 AM to 3 PM, Tuesday through Friday 7 AM to 7 PM, and weekends 7 AM to 3 PM. Weekday afternoons and Sunday mornings draw the crowds, while Wednesday evenings stay calm if you want a quieter table.
2. Nielsen’s Delicatessen, Houston, TX
Old-school deli fare has a home on Richmond Avenue, where Nielsen’s has built its name on breakfast and lunch done right. The roast beef comes thinly sliced and piled high, and the housemade mayonnaise is part of what sets it apart.
A signature move here is the roast beef on rye with Danish Havarti, and sandwiches often arrive with coleslaw on the side. Deviled eggs and butter cookies round out a menu that keeps things classic and clean.
Plan for around 10 to 20 dollars per person. Open Monday through Saturday from 8 AM to 4 PM and closed Sunday, this is a quick-visit spot with a free parking lot and curbside pickup.
Afternoons tend to fill up all week, so arriving a little early helps you beat the lunch rush.
3. Weinberger’s Deli, Grapevine, TX
Downtown Grapevine keeps a counter-serve deli that leans into big, bold sandwiches. Weinberger’s builds classic and design-your-own options, and the beef sandwiches here draw comparisons to Chicago-style favorites.
The lineup is long and fun, with the Cheesesteak, the Ciabatta Bomb, the Texan, and the MediaNoche all on the board. Vegetarian picks like the Bourdain and the Jim Shoo mean nobody in the group gets left out.
Portions run large for the price, so bring an appetite. Free wi-fi, restrooms, and multiple parking options make it an easy sit-down, and the spot is LGBTQ+ friendly.
Hours are Monday through Thursday 10 AM to 8 PM, Friday and Saturday 10 AM to 9 PM, and Sunday 11 AM to 6 PM. Weekend afternoons get busy, while weekday evenings stay mellow.
4. The Station Cafe, San Antonio, TX
South Flores Street brings a down-to-earth eatery and taproom where roast beef gets a little creative. The Station Cafe is known for stacking lean beef with mozzarella and bold house sauces that give each sandwich its own personality.
Fans reach for the garlic roast beef with its Super Duper Garlic sauce, the Habanero Roast Beef, and even a horseradish version. The kitchen also serves Italian and Meatball sandwiches, the Turkey Chupacabra, clam chowder, and coconut cream pie.
Expect around 10 to 20 dollars per person in a casual, trendy space with outdoor seating and dogs welcome on the patio. It is good for groups and solo lunches alike.
Note the schedule before you go: open Monday through Friday 11 AM to 4 PM and closed weekends. Parking can be a bit tight, so budget a minute to find a spot.
5. Ploughman’s Deli & Cafe, Houston, TX
Over on Pinemont Drive, a retro deli quietly turns out some of the most generous sandwiches in the area. Ploughman’s Deli & Cafe builds its roast beef with fresh mozzarella on ciabatta that has just the right chew.
The beef leans toward rare and tender, and the toppings run thick, from wide cuts of cheese to hearty vegetables. A ginger coldslaw and a meatball sub give you reasons to come back and try something new.
Portions stay big and prices reasonable at around 10 to 20 dollars per person. The deli offers dine-in, takeout, and delivery, plus free lot and street parking.
Hours run Monday through Friday 11 AM to 9:30 PM, Saturday 11 AM to 3 PM, and closed Sunday. Mondays and Saturday afternoons get busy, while midweek nights stay easy.
6. Little Deli & Pizzeria, Austin, TX
Austin’s Woodrow Avenue holds a small storefront that channels the East Coast in the best way. Little Deli & Pizzeria serves Jersey-style specialty pizzas alongside hot and cold sandwiches, and the roast beef and cheddar has a loyal following.
The build is simple and satisfying, with real meat, great bread, and options like a Kaiser roll. The menu also stretches to Harry’s Perfect Pastrami, a Muffalatta, the Big Tuna Sub, and a Gyro Wrap.
Count on roughly 10 to 20 dollars per person in a cozy, family-friendly space that welcomes dogs inside and out. Free wi-fi, plenty of parking, and outdoor seating make it a comfortable stop.
Open Monday through Saturday 11 AM to 9 PM and closed Sunday. Friday and Saturday evenings pull the biggest crowds, while weekday mornings are the calmest.
7. Jimmy’s Food Store, Dallas, TX
Part grocery, part deli counter, Jimmy’s Food Store on Bryan Street has been a Dallas fixture for Italian specialties. The prepared-foods section covers sausages, imported cheeses, pasta, and a deli that turns out standout sandwiches.
Roast beef and provolone is a favorite here, with beef sliced thin and finished with oregano and peppers that give it real punch. It is also one of the few Dallas spots to serve a proper spicy Italian beef.
Beyond the counter, you will find organic products and good produce, making it easy to shop while you wait. Parking is available on-site and on the street, and staff are known for helping you pick the right order.
Hours run Monday through Saturday 9 AM to 7 PM, closed Sunday. Saturday afternoons are the busiest, so weekday evenings are the smart move for a quick visit.
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