Discover Shapiro’s Deli: Iconic Tastes in Indianapolis

Indianapolis is near and dear to our hearts. We were born, went to school, and spent a lot of our time in the Indy area. For all the many great things the region is known for, being a food destination is not one of them. However, there are a couple of standouts that you need to try if you’re looking for Indianapolis culinary highlights while in town attending one of the many sporting events they host every year or there on business. Lunch or dinner at Shapiro’s Deli Indianapolis, an iconic Indianapolis eatery should be on your list. Simply put, Shapiro’s is is one of the best restaurants in Indianapolis.

About Shapiro’s Deli Indianapolis

Located only a few minutes’ walk from Lucas Oil Stadium, home to the Indianapolis Colts and the Indianapolis Convention Center, Shapiro’s has been an anchor on the food scene since the early 1900s. In fact, it was 1905 when the Shapiro family opened a small grocery deli. The business has stayed in the family, as they proudly claim to be America’s oldest single-family deli.

They can also proclaim to have one of the best Reuben sandwiches in the country. Yes, residents of New York will dispute that claim, but Shapiro’s New York-style Reuben sandwich served with a kosher dill pickle is that good, worthy of such praise.

Let’s start with the corned beef, the foundation of a great Reuben sandwich. Shapiro’s is house-made from locally sourced beef. It is tender, delicious, and plentiful. Pro tip for your first visit: order one Reuben and share, or be prepared to take half with you for a snack or another meal later. The amount of corned beef stacked on the marbled rye bread is ample. Accompanying the corned beef on rye will be German-Swiss cheese, Russian dressing, and sauerkraut, then grilled to golden perfection.

America’s Best Reuben Sandwich

If you’re not looking for a Reuben sandwich, never fear. Shapiro’s delicatessen menu has a wide variety of sandwich and meal options for you. Their meatloaf and beef Manhattan entrees are wonderful alternatives for consideration.

Shapiro’s frequently shows up in lists for the best kosher restaurants in the United States, and with good reason. Their slogan, “We believe that quality isn’t negotiable,” comes to life with the variety of sandwiches, meals, soups, and desserts that they offer.

Speaking of soups, Shapiro’s has a wide variety of soups available each day. Typically, they have about a half dozen soups to choose from, though for us the choice is pretty easy. Matzo ball soup is the perfect accompaniment to their Reuben sandwich. They hand-roll the matzo balls, which become light and fluffy when cooked in their delicious chicken broth. A cup of matzo ball soup comes with one giant ball, or a bowl will get you two.

Food is served cafeteria-style, offering you a chance to walk through the line and pick out your favorite sides and desserts. Keep in mind the portion sizes as you select sides, but if you are looking for a quality side to accompany your meal, then consider the mac n cheese and the cole slaw. Both are favorites for us.

As good as the Reuben is, the selection of desserts at Shapiro’s is perhaps equal to it. As you get in line, you are greeted by the dessert case to show you the options to end this culinary event. They have a wide variety of baked goods to select from, including brownies, cookies, lemon bars, and more. For us, the choice is typically between the carrot cake and the cheesecake. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with either selection.

Shapiro’s is definitely worth working into your itinerary if you are traveling to the Circle City. It is a safe, quick walk from major attractions downtown if you are visiting for a sporting event or convention. Should you have a car, it is worth noting that Shapiro’s has free parking, which is a rare treat for a downtown restaurant.

Shapiro’s is one of the must try eateries in Indianapolis. The main location is located just south of downtown at 808 South Meridian. They are open Monday – Friday from 10AM to 7:30PM, weekends from 9AM to 7:30PM. For travelers in and out of the Indianapolis International Airport, Shapiro’s does have a small restaurant offering up many of their featured items from the main location downtown, including their famous reuben sandwich. So even if you’re only passing through the airport, you can sample one of the best Indianapolis dining spots. 

Spending time in the Hoosier State? Check out our restaurant reviews of other Indiana restaurant we think are worth trying.