Shapiro’s Delicatessen Is Not a Trend: A Deli, a Line Out the Door, and a Century of Doing It Right
- davidcdouglass
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Shapiro’s Delicatessen in Indianapolis — one of the city’s most beloved culinary institutions:
Shapiro’s Delicatessen is not just a restaurant — it’s a century-old Indianapolis legend and one of the Midwest’s most iconic Jewish-American delicatessens. Family-owned and operated since it opened its doors in 1905, Shapiro’s stands as a testament to enduring tradition, quality ingredients, and nostalgic comfort food that generations of Hoosiers have returned for time and again.
From the moment you approach the deli at 808 South Meridian Street in downtown Indy, the atmosphere evokes the classic New York-style Jewish deli experience. Long before the word authentic became a marketing tagline, Shapiro’s was serving hand-sliced corned beef and pastrami piled high on freshly baked rye bread — the kind of sandwiches that resonate with history and hearty flavor.
Beautiful Cakes!
A Rich History Rooted in Family and Community
Shapiro’s story begins with Louis and Rebecca Shapiro, Jewish immigrants who fled violent anti-Semitic pogroms in Odessa (then part of the Russian Empire) and arrived in Indianapolis in the early 1900s with just a pushcart and dreams of making a new life. They initially opened a small grocery and kosher meat shop to serve the city’s growing Jewish community. As demand for something to eat grew — often alongside a cold beer — their grocery naturally evolved into a full-fledged deli.
Hot Food Counter
Over the decades, the deli expanded and adapted but always stayed true to its core values: “Cook good; serve generously; price modestly.” That simple mantra helped Shapiro’s flourish even while the original Jewish neighborhood dispersed and changed. Today, the downtown location seats over 200 and serves thousands of pounds of corned beef each week.
Sandwich Piled High!
Menu Highlights: Tradition on Every Plate
Walking through the cafeteria-style line at Shapiro’s is part of the experience. Behind the glass you’ll find a parade of beloved classics prepared daily from scratch:
Corned beef and pastrami sandwiches — generously stacked and often regarded as the best in the Midwest.
Roasted turkey on sourdough, with slaw and house-baked rye.
Matzo ball soup — comforting and rich, with fluffy dumplings in savory broth.
Potato pancakes, deviled eggs, and mac ’n’ cheese, all steeped in diner-style comfort and nostalgic appeal.
Desserts from the in-house bakery — from rich cheesecakes and lemon poppyseed cake to rugelach and classic black-and-white cookies.
Amazing Pastrami!!
Every item reflects a commitment to quality: slow-cooked meats, fresh (never frozen) chicken, locally sourced vegetables, and real butter and cream cheese in baked goods.
Lox and Bagel with Cream Cheese
More Than Food — A Cultural Experience
Shapiro’s isn’t just about what’s on the plate. It’s about the experience and continuity of tradition. Locals often joke that the line out the door — common at peak hours — is as much a part of the restaurant as the pastrami itself. Visitors and residents alike relish the vibrant, cafeteria-style energy where servers know regulars by name and newcomers quickly feel at home.
Stuffed Cabbage (Hand for size reference)
Over its long life, Shapiro’s has become woven into Indianapolis culture — a place where families gather, memories are made, and classic deli fare still tastes of comfort and care. Whether you’re grabbing a sandwich to go or lingering over dessert with coffee, a visit here is as much about tradition as it is about taste.
Poppyseed Cake
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