Some lunch stops are about speed, and some are worth a detour off the main road. In Chesterton, Indiana, a small deli near the dunes has quietly built a loyal following with stacked sandwiches, a rotating lineup of soups, and a fountain machine that pours something most places never offer.
The pastrami gets piled high on rye, the counter crew slices cheese right in front of you, and the walls carry a love letter to a famous local rail line. Beach crowds grab sandwiches to go, while regulars come back week after week to try something new.
Stick around to learn where this spot sits, what makes its drinks unusual, which menu items earn the most chatter, and how to plan a visit around its hours. Hungry readers, this one is for you.
A Deli Stop on Broadway Avenue
Tucked into a modest storefront, Duneland Station Deli sits at 1050 Broadway Ave Ste 2, Chesterton, IN 46304, in the northwest corner of Indiana. The town is part of the Duneland region, close to Lake Michigan and the famous sand dunes.
The building does not shout for attention. It is a little off the beaten path, which explains why some locals admit they drove past it for years before finally stopping in.
Once they do, many of them keep coming back. The deli carries a 4.7-star average across nearly 300 opinions on Google, a strong showing for a neighborhood sandwich counter.
The setup is simple. Guests order at the counter, watch their sandwich get built, and either grab a seat or head out the door with lunch in hand.
Chesterton itself is a small community with a big draw nearby, since the dunes pull in crowds every warm season. That location makes the deli a handy pit stop for travelers who want real food before a day outside.
The name hints at something deeper, too. There is a reason the word station appears on the sign, and it has everything to do with what hangs on the walls.
All Aboard the Railroad Theme
Train fans, take note. The interior leans hard into a railroad theme, and it is one of the first things people mention after their first visit.
Artwork featuring the South Shore Line covers the walls. That commuter railroad has connected Northwest Indiana and Chicago for generations, so the decor feels rooted in local identity rather than random kitsch.
Train decorations and distinctive furnishings set the place apart from a standard chain sandwich shop. Guests often say they can tell the deli is different the moment they walk through the door.
The theme carries onto the menu as well. Several sandwiches have railroad-inspired names, which gives ordering a playful twist.
Kids tend to enjoy the train touches, and adults who grew up riding the South Shore often linger to look at the art. It turns a quick lunch into a small trip through regional history.
Nothing about it feels forced. The deli simply took a local point of pride and built a friendly, welcoming room around it, one rail car at a time.
The Pastrami That Started the Conversation
Pastrami lovers have a clear target here. The pastrami sandwich comes up again and again, often served on rye or marble rye.
First-timers who order it frequently say it did not disappoint. The meat-to-bread ratio earns praise for being well balanced, so each bite carries plenty of filling without the bread getting lost.
Some diners pair pastrami with corned beef for a double-deli lineup. Both meats show up among the most talked-about items on the menu.
Generous portions are a running theme. Meats and cheeses are piled on with a confident hand, which is exactly what a pastrami craving calls for.
Sandwiches can be toasted, and guests choose from fresh vegetables and sauces to finish things off. That means the pastrami can stay classic or get dressed up with extra toppings.
For a full meal, the sandwich, soup, and drink combo is a popular route. Pastrami with a cup of broccoli cheese soup is one pairing that has earned happy mentions.
Of course, a sandwich this hearty needs a proper drink to go with it, and that is where things get unusual.
Cane Sugar Soda on Tap
Here is a fun surprise. The fountain machine pours Jones Soda, the cane sugar brand that most people only know from glass bottles.
Plenty of first-time guests say they have never seen Jones on a fountain before. For some, that alone was worth the drive.
Jones Soda is made with cane sugar, and the company is known for its quirky labels. Fun fact: the brand lets fans order bottles with their own photos printed on them through its website.
Pepsi products are available too, so traditional soda drinkers have options. Still, the Jones fountain is the conversation starter.
The pairing makes sense. A meat-loaded pastrami sandwich and a cup of cane sugar soda feel like an old-school deli combination with a modern twist.
Refilling a cup becomes a small adventure when the flavors are different from the usual lineup. It is a simple detail, but it gives the deli a personality that sticks in people’s minds long after lunch ends.
Build-Your-Own Sandwich Freedom
Choice is the name of the game. Between meats, breads, cheeses, and toppings, the counter offers a very large array of combinations.
Guests can make a sandwich just about any way they like. Some say even people who usually skip sandwiches can find something that works for them.
The bread selection gets particular praise for variety and quality. Marble rye, classic rye, and other options give each order a different foundation.
Vegetables are known for being fresh, and the toppings list is long. One common remark is that the deli offers all the toppings anyone could want.
Beyond standard sandwiches, the menu stretches into subs, wraps, and paninis. A ham panini and a Cuban both appear among guest orders, showing the range goes beyond deli basics.
Watching the sandwich take shape is part of the appeal. Kids especially enjoy seeing the staff slice cheese right at the counter.
With so many paths to choose from, the hardest part may simply be deciding what to order first.
House Favorites Beyond Pastrami
Pastrami may headline, but the supporting cast is strong. Several sandwiches have built their own fan clubs.
The meatball sandwich is a repeat favorite among regulars. So is the Red Arrow, one of the house creations that fits the railroad spirit of the menu.
Italian beef and corned beef also rank among the most mentioned orders. Turkey sandwiches round out the list for guests who prefer something lighter.
Not every opinion is glowing on every item. An Italian beef at $12.99 struck one diner as pricey for the amount of beef, and the owner responded by pointing out that sliced roast beef runs $16 to $18 per pound at the supermarket.
That kind of openness says something about the business. Rising meat costs affect everyone, and the deli does not pretend otherwise.
Many longtime customers say they have never ordered something they did not like. For a menu this broad, that is a solid track record worth testing in person.
Soup Kettles Worth the Spoon
Soup might be the deli’s secret weapon. It is the second most talked-about item after sandwiches, which says plenty.
The lineup rotates and includes a variety of options. Chicken dumpling soup is a frequent star, with bite-sized dumplings that win over many fans.
Gumbo has earned praise for having a good amount of heat. Stuffed pepper soup and broccoli cheese soup also appear on the list of past offerings.
Chili is another standout, with some calling it top notch. On a cold Indiana afternoon, a cup alongside a sandwich makes a lot of sense.
A 16-ounce soup has been priced around $8. Opinions on the chicken dumpling are not unanimous, as one guest felt it needed more chicken, though many others rave about it.
Because the selection changes, checking the day’s choices is part of the fun. Some guests return several times in one week just to sample a new kettle.
Mac and Cheese, Salads, and Sides
Sides get serious attention here. Mac and cheese shows up often enough to earn its own spot in the conversation.
Kids are especially fond of it, which makes the deli an easy choice for families with picky eaters. It fills the gap when a child is not in the mood for a sandwich.
A pickle spear ordered on the side has drawn compliments for being thick and crunchy. It is a classic deli touch that pairs naturally with pastrami.
Salads are on the menu in several forms, giving lighter eaters a path to lunch. Wraps offer another option for people who want something easy to carry.
Desserts make an appearance too. Small ice cream cups are available, which turns a lunch break into a treat for the whole family.
Put together, the side menu helps the deli work for different appetites at one table. Nobody has to settle for something they do not want.
Friendly Faces at the Counter
Good food is only half the story. The people behind the counter come up again and again as a reason to return.
Friendly workers are among the most mentioned features of the deli. Staff are often described as patient, welcoming, and helpful, even during busy stretches.
One employee named Noah has been singled out for going above and beyond and for knowing the menu well. Another counter worker drew thanks for staying pleasant and patient just minutes before closing on a Friday.
Families notice the effort too. Some say the crew could not do enough to help them out.
Not every visit lands the same way. A few guests have found the staff less cheerful or service slower when sandwiches are being assembled.
Still, the overall tone is warm. For a counter-service spot, that kind of consistent kindness is a big part of why the place feels like a neighborhood fixture instead of a quick transaction.
Clean Kitchen, Clear Record
Cleanliness is a recurring compliment. Many guests point out how tidy the deli stays, even after the lunch rush.
The owner takes this seriously. In response to one concern about glove use, the business noted that it is inspected twice a year and has not had a violation in years.
The deli even shared a link to a January 2026 Porter County inspection report. That kind of transparency is not common for small shops.
Diners who stopped by late in the day have remarked on how clean the space looked. Others who visited after the busiest hours said the same.
Sandwiches are made in plain view, so customers can watch the process from start to finish. Some enjoy that open setup for exactly that reason.
A spotless room might not be the flashiest selling point. Yet it quietly supports everything else on the menu, and it gives families one less thing to think about.
Fuel for a Day at the Dunes
Beach days need a game plan. Plenty of travelers make the deli their first stop on the way to the nearby sand dunes.
Sandwiches travel well, and portions are generous enough to keep energy up for hiking or lounging by the water. Packing lunch from a counter like this beats a gas station snack.
Guests heading to the beach have praised the quick lunch option and the hearty servings. Families find it easy to order for everyone at once.
Wraps and subs are handy picks for outdoor eating. A cold drink to go makes the trip that much better.
The location in Chesterton keeps the detour short. It sits in the heart of the Duneland area, so it fits naturally into a day trip itinerary.
Local regulars use it as a lunch break spot during the work week, while summer crowds treat it as a launch pad. Either way, the sandwich gets where it needs to go.
Who Fits Right In
Almost anyone with an appetite. The deli works for solo lunch breaks, couples, and full family outings.
Parents appreciate the mac and cheese, the ice cream cups, and the fun of watching cheese get sliced. Kids enjoy the train decorations too.
Train enthusiasts will find plenty to admire in the South Shore artwork. Fans of classic deli fare will feel at home with pastrami, corned beef, and Cubans on the menu.
Soup lovers have a reason to drop in often, since the kettles change. Some people have stopped in four times in a single week to work through the options.
Budget-focused diners should know that some guests find prices a bit high for what they receive. Others say the deli is well priced for the quality.
The mix of comfort food, quirky drinks, and themed decor gives the place broad appeal without trying to be everything at once.
Hours, Prices, and Timing Tips
Timing matters here, so plan ahead. The deli opens at 10 a.m.
Monday through Friday and closes at 7 p.m. on those days.
Saturday hours are shorter, running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The deli is closed on Sundays.
Expect sandwiches to land around the $13 range, based on the $12.99 Italian beef. A 16-ounce soup has been about $8.
The sandwich, soup, and drink combo is a popular way to round out a meal. It helps bundle the full experience into one order.
Service can slow down when the counter is busy, since sandwiches are built fresh. Arriving outside the peak lunch window may shorten the wait.
Updates and specials are shared on the deli’s Facebook page. Checking there before a visit is a smart way to see what is happening that day, especially for the rotating soups.
The Final Stop on the Line
Every good train ride ends at the right station. For sandwich lovers in Northwest Indiana, this deli is a strong candidate.
The pastrami is stacked, the soups rotate, and the fountain pours cane sugar soda that few places offer. The railroad art adds local character without overdoing it.
It is not flawless. Some find the prices steep and the service slow during busy moments.
Still, the friendly counter crew, clean dining room, and huge menu keep people coming back. Many of those people once wondered why they waited so long to try it.
For a quick lunch before the dunes or a weekday treat, the deli delivers a satisfying, no-fuss meal. It is the kind of place that rewards repeat trips.
So grab a cup of Jones soda, order the pastrami on rye, and take a seat beneath the South Shore artwork. The next round might just be the Red Arrow.
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