The deli in America is not just a place to grab a quick bite; it’s a much-loved institution, the hub of culinary culture, and to many, a haven in the drudgery of daily life. It began in 1888 with the opening of the first Jewish delicatessen on the streets of New York City, evolving by the 1920s into an all-pervasive part of Jewish-American life, described by author Ted Merwin as being, in large ways, “as important to the community as the local synagogue.” Today, rich tradition has spread, and the delicatessen has become a mainstay of American cuisine, with amazing delis now operating in every quarter of the nation, not just in the densely populated boroughs of New York.
The seemingly innocuous sandwich, in all of its tasty permutations, has achieved the pinnacles of respect on the American gastronomic landscape. August particularly celebrates this conveniently packaged gem as National Sandwich Month, a perfect moment to appreciate its ongoing evolution from simple fare to upscale entree and social media sensation. With the addition of more and more creative homemade aiolis, chutneys, pâtés, and sauces by the chefs, along with special toppings like pickled vegetables and specialty breads, sandwiches remain the best, showing how versatile and enduringly popular they are to hungry consumers everywhere.
To celebrate the businesses behind the best handhelds in America today, we’ve curated a list of top sandwich shops that exemplify passion, tradition, and culinary innovation. These establishments have earned their reputations based on customer ratings, critics’ reviews, and first-hand experiences, offering everything from overstuffed pastrami and towering Reubens to imaginative modern creations. Get ready to level up your lunch game with these standout delis across the country.
1. Franky’s Deli Warehouse – Hialeah, Florida
Franky’s Deli Warehouse is a mom-and-pop gem where the sandwiches are everything, but also the people. Owners Franky and Nanette Diaz have been welcoming visitors like family for over 25 years, greeting regulars by name and even recognizing when they’re visiting for the second time.
The Famous Italian, loaded with ham, capicola, salami, and provolone, is a menu favorite, especially hot off the grill where the meats meld together perfectly. Their Philly Cheesesteak, made with ribeye, onions, peppers, and a secret sauce, is another standout. Even the Tuna Sandwich earns high praise, with one Yelper calling it “one of the best tuna sandwiches I’ve ever eaten.”
2. Sierra Subs and Salads – Three Rivers, California
Nestled next to Sequoia National Park, Sierra Subs and Salads fuels the active with hearty, fresh food and a matchless river view. Twice a Top 100 U.S. Restaurant as named by Yelp, this shop prospers under the care of owners Dane and Allison Millner, who take pride in scratch-made goodies created with love.
Their menu includes innovative choices like the olive tapenade and four-meat Manwich and the Gourmet Green made in-house with creamy almond-cilantro-jalapeno spread. Max’s Artisan Bread from Fresno provides the bread, and veggie items comprise nearly a third of all sales. Seasonal veggies are used on weekly specials, including the Pink Melon pork with watermelon pico de gallo.
3. Tony’s Beechhurst Deli – Whitestone, New York
For over 25 years, Tony’s Beechhurst Deli has been a community institution where family heritage runs deep. Paninis and heroes are made by brothers Tommy and Angelo along with their father Emilio, and specialties like penne alla vodka are made by their mother Josephine.
Signature sandwiches like Pollo E Prosciutto, prepared using Emilio’s homemade mozzarella, and Tony’s Special, stuffed with soprasetta, mortadella, pepperoni, and provolone on semolina bread, crowd plates. Regulars praise the warm service as much as they praise the cuisine, lauding the personal touches that make this deli so special.
4. Tony’s Italian Delicatessen – Montgomery, Texas
A Texas tradition with East Coast style, Tony’s Italian Delicatessen has become a national celebrity for subs whose enthusiasts voluntarily drive several hours just to try them. From 2014 on, the deli has amazed consumers with sandwiches named after iconic Italian-Americans.
The Stallone stacks ham, soprasetta, salami, and capicola with basil pesto and marinated tomatoes, and the Lucky Luciano stacks sausage, salami, marinara, and roasted red peppers on crusty Italian bread. The portions are infamous-sized typically the size of a kid’s football so they’re ideal to share. Yelpers rave about the Chicken Parm on garlic bread, calling it “life-changing.”
5. Woods Deli – Huntington Park, California
Robert Valdez began Woods Deli with an idea: to bring fresh, tasty food to an area lacking in healthful options. His sandwiches are the very definition of guilty pleasure and lightness, and his shop is a double-edged sword as a means of doing some good, through giveaways and youth job training programs.
Standouts are the Turkey Pretzel, which has smoked turkey and chipotle sauce on a pretzel roll, and the Italian Stallion, with four meats and red bell pepper sauce. Customers always compliment the flavor, as well as the love that goes into each meal.
6. Chicago Paulies – Tampa, Florida
Chicago Paulies has taken on the art of replicating the Windy City’s iconic Italian Beef sandwich. This small Tampa walk-up dishes up fall-apart shaved beef in soft French rolls, finished with giardiniera or grilled peppers and dipped in rich au jus for a divine sloppy meal.
It also serves Reubens, Philly cheesesteaks, and Chicago-style hot dogs. Limited hours and long wait times aside, fans say it’s worth it, with Chicago transplants saying it’s the best Italian Beef they’ve had anywhere in Chicago proper outside of the city.
7. Hugs Café- McKinney, Texas
Hugs Cafe is more than a restaurant it’s a mission-based nonprofit that employs adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It has been providing both terrific food and a welcome vibe that fosters inclusion for a decade.
The Peach Gobbler, combining peach chutney, turkey, bacon, and cheddar, is a popular variation, and the PBLT raises the classic BLT with Southern pimento cheese. Visitors admire not just the generous portions but also the energy and welcome that radiate from the staff.
8. Blues City Deli – St. Louis, Missouri
Blues City Deli mixes the flavors of New Orleans, Chicago, and Italian-American fare in a lively, music-filled environment. Owner Vince Valenza’s passion for food and culture permeates dishes like the Old School, cherry wood–smoked pastrami, Swiss, and mustard; or the Knuckle Sandwich, piled-high Italian beef topped with hot giardiniera.
The Spicy Italian Sally’s, which is loaded with capicola, prosciutto, and fresh mozzarella topped with Blues City’s signature “BANG peppers,” is a favorite. With wait times out the door and walls covered in blues memorabilia, this deli is half about the experience and half an experience worth devouring
A Flavorful Journey Worth Taking
From purpose-driven kitchens empowering communities to neighborhood spots keeping old traditions alive, America’s best delis offer far more than a sandwich. They’re places where passion, culture, and creativity come together between two slices of bread. Whether you’re chasing a classic, trying a bold new flavor, or looking for food with a mission, these shops prove that the perfect handheld is truly a work of art.
