Craving a sandwich that’s more than just a quick bite? America’s old-school sandwich shops are serving up more than bread and meat – they’re dishing out history, tradition, and a whole lot of flavor. From coast to coast, these iconic spots prove that the perfect sandwich is always worth the trip.
Contents
- 1 Katz’s Delicatessen – New York City, NY
- 2 Primanti Brothers – Pittsburgh, PA
- 3 Langer’s Delicatessen – Los Angeles, CA
- 4 John’s Roast Pork – Philadelphia, PA
- 5 Al’s Italian Beef – Chicago, IL
- 6 Schwartz’s Deli – Montreal, QC (Canada)
- 7 Louie’s Lunch – New Haven, CT
- 8 Shapiro’s Delicatessen – Indianapolis, IN
- 9 Taylor Gourmet – Washington, D.C.
- 10 Arby’s Deli
- 11 Sam LaGrassa’s – Boston, MA
- 12 Philippe The Original – Los Angeles, CA
- 13 Italian Store – Arlington, VA
- 14 More From RetailShout
- 15 15 Walmart Deals That Give You the Best Bang for Your Buck
- 16 10 Trendy Appetizers to Impress Even the Pickiest Guests
Katz’s Delicatessen – New York City, NY
Katz’s Delicatessen is a legendary establishment that’s been serving up classic sandwiches since 1888. Located on the Lower East Side, it’s known for its mouth-watering pastrami on rye. The massive sandwiches come piled high with tender, juicy meat that melts in your mouth. Katz’s has become a cultural icon, even appearing in movies like When Harry Met Sally. Despite its fame, the deli maintains an old-school charm and a no-frills atmosphere that keeps both locals and tourists coming back.
Primanti Brothers – Pittsburgh, PA
Primanti Brothers is a Pittsburgh staple, famous for their sandwiches stuffed with French fries and coleslaw. Open since 1933, the shop started as a food cart for truckers needing a meal on the go. Today, it has grown into a beloved chain, but its original Strip District location is a must-visit for anyone seeking the authentic experience. Their sandwich offerings range from pastrami to capicola, all served on thick Italian bread. It’s a no-nonsense spot where flavor and hearty portions take center stage.
Langer’s Delicatessen – Los Angeles, CA
Langer’s Delicatessen is a West Coast gem that has been perfecting the art of the pastrami sandwich since 1947. Located in downtown L.A., Langer’s is famed for its #19 sandwich, featuring hand-cut pastrami, Swiss cheese, and coleslaw on rye. The deli prides itself on using time-honored techniques to cure and prepare its meats. While the shop has changed little over the decades, its commitment to quality has earned it multiple awards and legions of loyal fans. Stepping into Langer’s is like stepping back in time to a golden age of deli dining.
John’s Roast Pork – Philadelphia, PA
A small, unassuming shack in South Philly, John’s Roast Pork is a family-owned sandwich shop that’s been around since 1930. Famous for its roast pork sandwiches, this spot has also garnered praise for its cheesesteaks, often considered one of the best in the city. What sets John’s apart is the high quality of its meats and the perfectly crusty seeded rolls. The combination of tender pork or beef with melted cheese and sautéed vegetables creates a sandwich experience that’s worth the wait in line.
Al’s Italian Beef – Chicago, IL
Al’s Italian Beef has been a Chicago institution since 1938, specializing in the city’s beloved Italian beef sandwiches. These sandwiches feature thinly sliced, slow-roasted beef served on fresh bread and dipped in a flavorful jus. Customers can order theirs “wet” for an extra-soaked experience or “dry” for less mess. Al’s simple but satisfying menu is rounded out with options like hot giardiniera peppers for added kick. With its no-frills setting and focus on bold flavors, Al’s remains a cornerstone of Chicago’s sandwich scene.
Schwartz’s Deli – Montreal, QC (Canada)
Though technically located in Canada, Schwartz’s Deli has earned a place on this list for its renowned smoked meat sandwiches, beloved by visitors from all over the U.S. Since 1928, Schwartz’s has been serving hand-sliced, juicy smoked meat on rye bread, with mustard as the only condiment. The deli’s commitment to traditional methods, including curing their meat in-house for 10 days, makes it a standout. The lines often stretch out the door, but the first bite of their perfectly seasoned smoked meat makes it all worth it.
Louie’s Lunch – New Haven, CT
Louie’s Lunch claims to be the birthplace of the hamburger, but their sandwiches deserve just as much attention. Since 1895, this New Haven institution has been serving burgers in their most classic form: cooked in an antique cast-iron broiler and served between two slices of toast. Their menu is simple, with a no-frills approach to both burgers and sandwiches, relying on the flavor of quality ingredients. Despite the rise of fast-food chains, Louie’s has stayed true to its origins, keeping it a beloved local icon.
Shapiro’s Delicatessen – Indianapolis, IN
Since 1905, Shapiro’s Delicatessen has been a cornerstone of Indianapolis’s food scene, offering Jewish deli classics like corned beef, pastrami, and brisket sandwiches. Shapiro’s stands out for its house-made rye bread, which is the perfect base for their generously portioned sandwiches. The deli has managed to maintain its old-school charm while expanding its menu to include soups, salads, and desserts. Whether you’re dining in or taking out, Shapiro’s delivers a hearty, satisfying meal that feels like a step back in time.
Taylor Gourmet – Washington, D.C.
Founded in 2008, Taylor Gourmet brings a modern twist to traditional hoagie shops, inspired by Philadelphia’s sandwich scene. Despite its more recent origins, Taylor Gourmet embraces old-school values like fresh ingredients, handcrafted bread, and made-to-order sandwiches. Their menu features both hot and cold options, with fillings ranging from roasted turkey to prosciutto. Taylor’s ability to blend tradition with innovation has made it a favorite for both D.C. locals and visitors alike.
Arby’s Deli
A small family-run operation, Arby’s Deli in Utica, New York, should not be confused with the fast-food chain of the same name. Since 1947, this local gem has been serving some of the best deli sandwiches in the region, specializing in roast beef, turkey, and ham. Their bread is freshly baked, and their meats are hand-sliced, setting them apart from other sandwich joints. The deli also offers a wide range of salads and soups, making it a go-to for those seeking comfort food with a homemade touch.
Sam LaGrassa’s – Boston, MA
Sam LaGrassa’s has been serving overstuffed sandwiches to Boston locals and tourists since 1968. Known for their house-made pastrami and corned beef, Sam LaGrassa’s offers classic deli sandwiches that never skimp on portion size or flavor. The deli’s focus on quality ingredients and traditional preparation methods has earned it a loyal following. With its cozy, old-school atmosphere and a menu filled with timeless favorites, Sam LaGrassa’s remains one of Boston’s best-known sandwich shops.
Philippe The Original – Los Angeles, CA
Opened in 1908, Philippe The Original is one of L.A.’s most famous sandwich spots, credited with inventing the French dip sandwich. The story goes that a sandwich accidentally fell into a pan of meat drippings, and a culinary legend was born. Today, Philippe’s French dip sandwiches are still made the same way, served with au jus and a side of spicy mustard. The rustic, no-frills atmosphere only adds to its charm, making it a favorite for locals and tourists alike.
Italian Store – Arlington, VA
The Italian Store is a beloved neighborhood deli that has been serving authentic Italian sandwiches since 1980. Known for its top-quality cold cuts, cheeses, and freshly baked bread, this Arlington shop offers a wide variety of hoagies and subs. Their signature “Capri” sandwich, featuring prosciutto, provolone, and roasted red peppers, is a crowd favorite. With its combination of traditional flavors and a welcoming atmosphere, The Italian Store has earned a reputation as one of the best sandwich shops in the D.C. metro area.
This article originally appeared on RetailShout.
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