The Oldest Deli In Indiana Will Take You Straight To Sandwich Heaven
By Elizabeth Crozier|Published March 06, 2019
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Elizabeth Crozier
Author
An Illinois transplant who grew up and went to school in Indiana for 22 years, Elizabeth holds a BFA in creative writing and has enjoyed traveling across the country and parts of Europe. She has visited half of the states, as well as parts of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and regularly travels home to the Hoosier State to see friends and family. With more than five years of writing experience, Elizabeth’s articles have been featured on several websites, and her poetry and short stories have been published in multiple literary journals.
For more than 100 years, the oldest deli in Indiana has been a popular place for locals to gather. This Indianapolis staple belongs on every Hoosier’s bucket list.
If you love sandwiches, you’ll definitely want to try the ones made here. Scroll on to check them out.
The original Shapiro's Deli was established in 1905 and it has since grown to have an additional location on the north side of Indy as well as one at the airport. The business has been family-owned for four generations and is known for its Jewish comfort foods that will make you say, "mazel tov!"
The state's oldest deli is so well-known it has even seen celebrity clientele, such as Peyton Manning. This no-frills sandwich shop and marketplace is casual and cafeteria-style. Guests grab a tray and get in line to have their food prepared to order.
The downtown location will even allow you to order ahead of time and pick up your order. The location on the north side of town is known as Twisted Traditions, and it is set up like a traditional cafe. It sells similar items and is open Monday through Saturday between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. Find it at 8702 Keystone Crossing at The Fashion Cafe in The Fashion Mall at Keystone. Keep scrolling for more details about the original location.
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When it comes to the food, this place is best known for its thick-cut bread and piled-high pastrami and other meats. You'll get to watch your meal being prepared before your eyes, and every sandwich comes with a pickle spear.
Indiana's oldest deli gets its ingredients from local farmers and butchers from Chicago. The most popular sandwiches include the corned beef, brisket, salami, bologna, and turkey.
Many of these meats can be purchased in the marketplace as well.
Other popular items include New York bagels, grilled cheese, mac and cheese, burgers, wraps, meatloaf, chicken, pasta, steak, and even breakfast selections. Soups, stews, salads, sides, and kids' meals are also available.
It is difficult to leave the state's oldest deli without trying some of its baked goods. Cheesecake, regular cake, pie, cookies, cannoli, eclairs, macaroons, rugelach, brownies, and bars. The shop also offers catering for anything from office or home parties to graduation or rehearsal dinners.
