I attend college at Ivy-Tech, and end up having a 3 hour lay over between classes. I decided I would look for a decent place to have lunch, and being downtown there are a lot of great restaurants to choose from. I've been to cafeteria like places before such as MCL and Grey's, so I knew the whole grab your tray and stand in line deal. The people behind the counter giving the food were nice, but the lady at the register wasn't very friendly. She wasn't very sociable, had a blank expression on her face, and overall didn't seem like she wanted to be there. I got a sandwich, bowl of mac n cheese, and a drink. My total came up to a little over $17, which I feel personally is outrageous. The roast beef sandwich was OK, the beef was a little under seasoned for my personal preference. The bread was nice and fresh, and the swiss cheese was what you would expect from any deli. They gave what would seem like a generous portion of roast beef, but the actual bread was a little smaller in size then what you would buy at the grocery store, so it gave the illusion that there was more there then there really was. The building is pretty large, but it really needs some TLC and a face lift. The tables were old, and the chair I sat in was wobbly. There menu board looked tacky because when they raised prices they just painted over the old price and wrote the new price over the paint, and it looked like each price change was done by someone different because the paint, handwriting, and overall appearance were inconsistent. With how expensive the food is, and how run down the inside is, it feels like the owners aren't putting anything back into their business, which is a shame because Shapiro's has been an Indy favorite for years. It feels like their reputation may blind some customers into thinking the place is better then it actually is.
(2)
Scotty Z.
Searching for the perfect corned beef & rye? Not anymore. Shapiro's, the only real Jewish deli in 100+ miles, is second to none, and an Indianapolis staple to which many residents and visitors alike flock. Plenty of parking makes it great for lunch, and relatively recently extended hours (8:00 PM, I believe) makes it practical for dinner, too (though they do have north side and airport locations as well). Cafeteria-style seating makes for an easy visit, sans the usual pretentious downtown overhead. The corned beef is possibly the best I've had to date, situated in between two thick slices of home-baked rye bread. Be prepared to choose mustard or mayo when asked; the folks are friendly, but efficient. Two downsides for me: 1) the sandwiches will set you back a bit more -- the corned beef upwards of $10 or $11. And, 2) the desserts are the first thing you pass in the cafeteria line. But -- if you have an endless wallet, metabolism, or both, then #1 and #2, respectively, don't matter as much, and it's definitely nothing that should prevent at least one visit per person.
(4)
Carina A.
Borscht that is the ultimate food of life! A pastrami Reuben that could renew your faith in anything! Everything here is comfort food....downright dangerous! Thank goodness I don't live closer...I'd be as round as a bowling ball! If you've never been here, come on an empty stomach: it will change your life and rock your world!
(5)
Lindy E.
Outside of the east coast and possibly Chicago, this genuine Jewish deli has it all. Pastrami, Corned beef, baked chicken, soups, stuffed cabbage, strawberry pie, and rye bread are all mouthwatering. It's all good. Gets very busy during the work week but the line moves quickly. Get ready for a bit of the Seinfeld "Soup Nazi" treatment when you order as they try real hard to keep the cafeteria line moving along. Kid of amusing but you have to be ready for it. Prices are a bit high but worth the trip every now and then. One note, on two occassions we've eaten in the dining room of the north location in Carmel. Both times, the waitresses were cat fighting with each other, creating an uncomfortable experience. Will only be doing take out at the Carmel store in the future.
(3)
Jenna M.
I've been here twice at lunch with completely different experiences...once the line was almost to the door....and a person in the group I was in got yelled at by two older gentlemen for saving a large table for our 8+ person group. The second was this past week - we must have just timed it right because there was no line at all and there were LOTS of tables. On the two visits, I had a corned beef sandwich, a pastrami sandwich and dessert (both times). The sandwiches were quite yummy - the meat was tender, the bread (rye) was almost a little too soft and mushy for my sandwich, but the flavor was nice. The cheeses or mustards all added to the flavor of the sandwich - so overall I was pretty happy with my meal. The desserts were just ok. The first one had been out and uncovered fortoo long because the whipped topping was a little crunchy...the second time I had chocolate cream pie - good, but not great. Will I head back? Sure...but I'm also not completely on the bandwagon yet...
(3)
Joel H.
Melt in your mouth corned beef. Love the matza ball soup. The rye is fresh. It is great to find old school cafeteria done very well
(5)
Christopher S.
went here while flying into indianapolis. place is great went at about 1pm so it was quiet. Ample parking behind/side of building. set up like a cafeteria. Had a rueben sandwich was great on homemade bread not too much thousand island dressing. it was a large sandwich and you get what you pay for.
(5)
Laura C.
I love you, Shapiro's! Truly a Jewish deli, except for all the Christians who come after church (I am one...). So delicious!
(4)
Edward M.
Grew up dining at some of the great Brooklyn and Manhattan delis. This place is right up there with them. The service is cafeteria style and even the long lines go quickly. The food is not for the faint of heat, with generous portions on everything. Reubens, Pastrami on rye, sides, etc., were all excellent. Perhaps not the healthiest eating but certainly delicious. Walking distance from the Colts stadium. Nice to go to with a small, intimate group willing to order different items and share.
(5)
Mali J.
During a recent site visit when my stomach reminded me that it was now lunch time, I found myself near downtown Indianapolis. After an intense morning, I really wanted some place where I could grab a good, nutritious energizing lunch to complete the day. I thought of Shapiro's, the little kosher deli whose reputation precedes it. How could I miss? I didn't have much time, wanted something really good, in a clean environment. Knowing it was tucked away somewhere close, but not all that easy to find, I wound around downtown Indy's south side before finally stumbling upon the iconic restaurant. I parked the car and proceeded to go inside. This was a bustling place! The line was long, but seemed to move along quickly, apparently filled with many repeat customers. Realizing I didn't have much time, I proceeded to the carry out line and perused the overhead menu. When it was my turn, the smiling clerk looked at me anxiously as if to say "okay spit it out - I don't have all day!" I managed to communicate that I thought I wanted pastrami. "Bread?" "Uh - rye", I answered. "Anything on it?" "Yes, spicy mustard, please." "What else?" (Translation: "hurry up so I can get to the next customer that does know what they want!") "That's all, thanks." I felt rushed. My impression was that you'd better know what you want before you get to the front of the line! Unsure of where to stand after placing my order, I found myself being eased to first one side of the line, then the other as more customers jockeyed for position at the front. Finally I heard a server squawk "Pastrami on rye with brown!" Aha - that must be mine. As I reached for it, the clerk announced, unapologetically, "$11.06!" I thought she must have made a mistake! I hadn't ordered a drink or any sides at all. She just looked at me. I was NOT prepared to cough up $11.06 for a single sandwich without beverage, chips or anything! Unsure if I even had that much cash, I began to panic when I found that this line is for cash only! Bad word! If you don't have cash, you're up that proverbial creek! After several seconds that felt like an eternity, I did manage to scratch up the required sum! I'll admit the sandwich was delicious, and almost too generous! Pastrami was piled so high even the biggest mouth would have trouble negotiating that width! I would have been much happier with a sandwich half that size - and half the price! It could easily have been shared with another person, but since I was dining alone and did not want to carry anything home, $11.06 for a sandwich was just a bit much for me - complimentary dill spears notwithstanding. The service is fast, the portions very generous. There is apparently a loyal client base that keeps the place crowded - especially during lunch hour. This is not what I would call a relaxing atmosphere, but the environment is clean with no frills - if you're expecting cloth linens and candlelight, go somewhere else. Prices are a bit steep, but the food is decidedly good. If you're sharing with a dining mate, it's well worth the money. Go Kosher.
(5)
JR J.
If you live in Indianapolis you need to go to Shapiro's. Amazing large sandwiches with fresh ingredients. The rye bread is amazing, either the reuben or the pastrami is fantastic. And that is just the sandwich carry out. Then there is the cafeteria, where you can get everything from there great sandwiches to spinach and potato cakes. Its a great meal but make sure you take some money because it's going to cost you.
(4)
Trevor T.
Had lunch here. This is a true Jewish deli gem in Indianapolis. When you start the journey at Shapiro's, you pick up a cafeteria tray, choose your silverware, pick up a napkin and then choose your dessert. Yep, you read that right...dessert comes first at this place. And it's no wonder because the regular food is so filling that if you didn't pick your dessert first, you wouldn't pick it last. My lunch tray held the following: 1) Lemon meringue pie (with a radioactive yellow filling and 6-in of meringue) 2) Rueben sandwich - piled high on delicious rye bread and served with 1000 island and cheese 3) Potato salad - just cause 4) Mac & Cheese - homemade ooey goodness 5) Diet coke Try this place. I'm sure you'll like it.
(3)
Valerie S.
Home run, out of the park! It's not much to look at, but the deli food ranks way up there. Pastrami, corn beef, chopped liver, meat wrapped in cabbage. It's all the comfort foods from my youth all served in a line in front of me. And the bread is that crusty, crunchy crust with the soft center. I could eat there for weeks straight if I only lived in Indy.
(5)
Adam R.
Although this was one of my quickest trips to Shapiro's, I was still quit happy with the trip. My cousin & I were driving back to Chicago. From the moment we started the trip at 7:30 am, there was never a doubt in my mind we wouldn't be stopping at Shapiro's. Once there I ordered a simple Corn Beef on Rye to go with Dijon mustrard on the side. A little down the road, the sandwhich was unwrapped, and demolished! The bread was fresh and the meat was cut so nice & then. I wish I had there excellent potatoe pancake. Truth be told, an old favorite of mine was the red jello. Although the price for the Jello had risen a little too high for me.
(4)
Michael R.
This is a gem of a deli in downtown Indianapolis. The food is EXCELLENT!!!!!!!!! I had the corn beef sandwich with a stuffed pepper YUMMMY! I didnt have any dessert ,but I seen them and they look really good. If your in Indianapolis you have to check this place out for lunch. ITS A CANT MISS I'LL BET EVERYTHING ON MENU IS GREAT!
(4)
Matt L.
Oh Shapiro's, how I miss you. I don't travel out to Indy anymore, and as a result, must make do with the deli's in my hometown. You would think, hey man, you live in Philadelphia, it's a big East Coast city. I thought that was the "deli part" of the country. you'd be wrong. In all the 50 states there is no operation quite like you. the way they stick the desserts up front to trick your eyes into thinking your belly can fit them. The potato pancakes, the way you get empty plates redeemable later for hot, delicious ruban sandwiches. someday I hope to be out in Indianapolis again, but if business doesn't take me there, perhaps i'll break down and fly out just for teh sandwhich.
(5)
Sue S.
Best turkey hash on the planet. Recently went here, missed breakfast cut-off, but 1/2 a pastrami sandwich was incredible and I savored every bite. Crowded when the Colts play home, so plan ahead.
(5)
Mike H.
Went to Shapiros with a fellow deli connoisseur friend for lunch last weekend. Looking at the place I thought we had finally discovered a great place to eat in Indy. Oh if it were only true. He had a Ruben and I had a roast beef sand. Frankly neither were that great, and certainly not in any way shape or form worth the $39 that lunch cost us. Looking at the pre-existing reviews, a lot of the five-star reviews for this place seem to come from locals. I'm skeptical that any of them have ever eaten in a good NYC deli.
(2)
Jean P.
This was my first deli cafeteria experience (I know), and I must admit that this was probably a good one to get my feet wet. I started going through the line, doing well, and then I got to the entree/sandwich part. Completely overwhelmed and froze. I'm sure if it was busier, I would have gotten harassed, but luckily, it wasn't, and the guy behind the counter was nice enough to snag me a sample of their rueben, which I happily ordered. This was my first rueben sandwich (yes, I'm sheltered), so I ordered it with "less of that mustard or sauce or whatever". The guy probably thought I was an idiot. My husband later explained that it was thousand island, and he ate my sauerkraut which was just a little much for me. I don't think I'm a fan of sauerkraut in general. Anyway, the meat and bread were good, so I'd probably just hook myself up with a corned beef sandwich or something completely different next time. The green beans were good. The key lime pie, once I got past the ridiculous amount of whipped cream, was delish - especially the crust! I did think they were quite pricey. Is that normal for the area or for this kind of dining experience?
(3)
D T.
Great NY style deli.
(4)
Brenda T.
Hands-down, the BEST reuben I've ever had. Period. End of story.
(5)
bob b.
top of the heap airport food. I sometimes choose a longer flight to Indy over a shorter flight to St Louis- when traveling on business- so I can get a sandwich at Shapiros in the airport. I get one when I land and another to carry on. I visited Mannys last night at Midway Chicago. Good food, but better at Shapiro's
(5)
Scott J.
I used to love this place, but after 4 bad experiences in a row, I've thrown in the towel. The people working the line are rude. Frankly, I question their cleanliness. I've seen one woman in particular cough right on the food line. That was the nail in the coffin for me. If you're willing to do that with customers standing in front of you, what are you doing when I'm not around? I'd still go there for bagels, but as far as the food line is concerned - I'm out. Management - clean up your act and get some new people working there. Your standards are slipping.
(1)
Keith M.
This is my first time writing a review. This place has to be the most overpriced place i've ever seen for food that was so far below average. I ordered a roast beef sandwich and it came on regular white loaf bread. There wasn't really any toppings to choose from. I asked for mayo and the guy working harassed me about it in a joking manner. The sandwich was $11 which is just outrageous for what I received. That price didn't include any side items or a drink. This is the first and last time I'll be coming here.
(1)
Cara R.
Shapiro's is an Indianapolis institution. I am ruined forever on reubens because the Shapiro reuben is so good. I refuse to eat this sandwich at any other establishment. Many people complain about the pound of corned beef you get with the reuben here, but seriously, if you wanted a wimp sandwich, head to Arby's down the street. Usually, I'll get the reuben with a couple of sides and I'm set for lunch AND dinner. In addition to the deli sandwiches piled high with meat on homemade breads, Shapiro's offers daily specials like meatloaf (which I adore, it's the ultimate comfort food) and roasted half-chickens. The cold sides I like to get are the broccoli/grape salad, deviled eggs and potato salad. The hot sides that are good are steamed salty spinach and macaroni & cheese. If you have a sweet tooth, they also have a great selection of cakes and tarts. There is no other place like Shapiro's in Indy and possibly the entire midwest.
(5)
Curley L.
OMG!! The Ruben is out of sight. Friend had the pastrami and I had a nibble, same sensation...off the charts! Save room for the homemade pie ( rhubarb). A must if you are in Indy.
(5)
Jeffrey L.
I visit Indy about once a year and go to Shapiro's at least once each visit. It is a classic cafeteria-style Jewish deli. Portions are large, variety is extensive. Probably hasn't changed much in 50 years... which in this case is a good thing.
(4)
David S.
Food is good. Bathrooms could be a bit cleaner.
(4)
Chad B.
The only deli I have ever been to that compared to the Stage Deli in New York City. Yeah, it's a little pricey. I usually get a corned beef sandwich, german potato salad, and a drink. It runs me about $14. I know that going in, so it doesn't bother me. I heard that they have built one of these in the new Indianapolis airport. I'll know in 2 weekends because I am flying out of there. Another perk is that this is right next to Lucas Oil Stadium. I would suggest going here for lunch prior to a Colts game or anything being held here. It is closer than Circle Center. EDIT: They DID put a Shapiros' in one of the concourses at the Indianapolis Airport. I am pretty sure Its Concourse A. SO Good!!!!
(5)
Alan K.
I had Shapiro's Reuben sandwich which consists of corned beef, sauerkraut, cheese, and some sort of dressing. It was pretty good sandwiched in between the house rye bread. I also had a craving for some matzo ball soup which was also pretty tasty at this place. They give you the option of having just broth with the matzo ball or with chicken noodle soup. Then, when perusing through their menu, I stumbled upon some cabbage borscht. Silly me thinking that this would be some Russian borscht soup, but this borscht was made with cabbage and tomatoes. Anyhow, I would recommending trying their Reuben sandwich and their matzo ball soup. If you are indecisive, they have so many things to choose from in their menu, but if you are still stuck, get in line and you can see what you are ordering as it is cafeteria style. Their menu is somewhat confusing. FYI, you can actually select a half sandwich but also, you can also opt for a half sandwich and a half soup at a combo price.
(4)
Amy L.
Amazing food and service. Cafeteria style service and dining. The corned beef on rye is amazing and a staple in a Jewish deli. Highly recommend. Be prepared for leftovers to go as the portions are HUGE~!~ The potato latkes are awesome. Get some sour cream and apple sauce as you are going through the line to complete the experience. The desserts are amazing and beautiful to boot. The strawberry cheesecake, the carrot cake cheesecake, and the devils food cheesecake with chocolate cake are the hits. A small detail that I love is that they have to go boxes and bags out for people to get as they need them and you dont have to ask staff to take the time to get you one. The staff here are outstanding PERIOD. You will find no better. Everyone is always friendly and are glad to see you when you come into the place. A+++++++++
(5)
Travel S.
WOW!!! What a place to get desserts! I've never ate here but I have bought quiet a few strawberry cheesecakes for people who absolutely drool over these amazing cakes! They are priced pretty high - $47.00Strawberry Cheesecake ... But TRUST me it's worth it for whomever its for! The last few times I went there a gentleman named Russell has helped me and he's excellent! I buy a lot of desserts, cookies, cakes, cupcakes for people every week and I've never received the amount of positive feedback from any other dessert like I have with the Strawberry Cheesecake! Three words. Go Buy One
(5)
Hayat C.
I'm a little disappointed this time coming back putting them down to 3 stars unfortunately I found a eggshell in my deviled egg and it was pretty crunchy and I couldn't catch the eggshell because by the time that I felt the crunch it was already in the back part of my mouth. The stuffed cabbage was absolutely delicious but I would not eat it every day or every week or every month maybe once every six months it is pretty sweet. The spinach was perfect the broccoli salad was really good, but they need to make sure that there is an even portion of grapes in every serving . The matza ball soup was stupendous with noodles , and last but not least the key lime pie in my opinion was a big disappointment but not a complete disappointment it reminded me of a thicker version of Yoplait key lime pie yogurt.
(3)
Adam L.
Shapiro's is an Indianapolis legend. I work with the major television sports networks, and the talent always asks for sandwiches from Shapiros. As for me, I get the corned beef on rye with yellow mustard, cottage cheese, potato salad, and a slice of pie. Worth every single penny.
(5)
Randy B.
Best corned beef in town! Very expensive for a sandwich, but it tastes excellent plus you'll only eat half anyway.
(4)
Bongiorno M.
If Cafeterias could rise above the stereotype of Marge with the ladle and the slop of the day is... Gruel 101 right!! Shapiro's is really a delicatessen pumped full of growth hormones and fed fresh home-made down home grub. The end result: A stud of a Jewish Deli. From the moment you walk in its glass doors and the aroma of yum & "yes this is just what I need" becomes you, it is evident you are in a landmark. To the left of this mammoth deli is the to-go section, offering treats and freshly sliced meats: whole pies, cheeses, etc, and the largest chunks of chocolate in cookies I've ever encountered. Along the middle is a mile long tray runner with steamy and chilled offerings to satisfy anyones knot in the belly. Sick with the corned beef and/or pastrami, followed up with a fascinatingly good key lime pie. To drink: unsweetened iced tea, spot on!! Enjoy, and to Langer's Deli in LA, here's looking at you kid =D
(5)
Matt K.
As about every reviewer has said thus far, Shapiro's is a real NY Jewish deli in Indianapolis. The atmosphere is a giant cafeteria complete with metal seats and fluorescent lighting. You wait in line just like you did back in middle school and the staff serves you with lightning efficiency (and I mean lightning...you better have your order ready when your turn comes up because they are really cooking...bad pun intended). In my experience the food is excellent. While the prices aren't outlandish, don't expect to pay the same you did back in middle school. For a sandwich and sides you are looking at somewhere around $15 a plate. This isn't an everyday place for me, but it's a nice place to grab a bite to eat on lazy Sunday afternoons.
(4)
Donovan M.
You get a ton of food....boy are the sandwiches big. I love Rueben's, and Shapiro's always wins best Rueben in Nuvo every year.....but I've had a lot better. I love Cafe Olivia's in City Market 100x more. Shapiro's, in a word, is overrated. Its just some old cafeteria that old people sit at for hours watching the news, the food is a 3/5 at absolute best, and its a little pricey. Sure, portions are big, but I don't want to spend $13 on a rueben.
(2)
Robert J.
Oh my goodness, this has now become a must have when I get to Indy, which is usually 1-2 times a year. I've never had a pastrami sandwich before, but after being talked into trying it, anything less than having it at this place is a letdown. It was truly delicious. The corned beef sandwich is by far the best I've ever had. Chicago has few, if any, options for these types of sandwiches. And the desserts are also off the hook. The lemon and carrot cakes are both outstanding. Crowd was pretty quiet, most likely due to a weekend the Colts were not in town. It is a cafeteria style and carryout can be long so be prepared time-wise. And for the money, you get a lot of meat. I'm hooked!!!!
(5)
Samantha A.
I could go for a sandwich from Shapiro's right now (at 5:43 am). I hear the call of corned beef right now...
(4)
Brent D.
Food good. No service. its cafe style. So there is no wait staff. Portions are huge. Sandwiches are huge a half will do ya. try it.
(3)
Josh O.
This was a tough one. Ive longed to find a really good corned beef sandwich.. Shapiros has it. After visiting the city and telling myself that id stop there everytime and not doing so, I must say im glad I finally made it in. What keeps me on edge is the pricing. Id love to have tried more but I get skeptical when a bare sandwich costs more than 10 bux. Onto the food, I got a corned beef sandwich with swiss and rye, potato salad and drink. Came out to just shy of $20. The potato salad reminded me of what my mom made on easter, good. The sandwich was really good. So good I wanted to take one to go. I managed to polish off the whole thing which was like a slab of brontosaurus between 2 crackers. Had they been a few bux cheaper I would have. The good thing for Shapiros, Ill be back but I will make sure my wallets prepared for a beating.
(4)
David D.
A mixed bag. I find that the cafeteria setup undercuts the deli-ness, but am told that this is a standard mid-western restaurant setup, so what the heck do I know? Great rye bread, decent brisket, awful 'eggs + (x)' breakfast, mediocre bagels, great desserts. And the best cannoli I've found in Indy, beats the pants off Constantino's in that department. The main area in which Shapiro's shines for me is the location relative to my home downtown. Being able to walk or bike down there on a snacks-ish Tuesday night for a cup of coffee and a dependably good slice of pie is like magic. Magic, I tell you!
(3)
Mike F.
Shapiro's is an Indianapolis tradition and I cannot believe that anyone could give it less than a 5-star review. I love everthing about Shapiros--especially the corned beer and the potato pancakes. All of Shapiro's breads are freshly baked as are their bagels. The meat is cut right before your eyes. The homemade pickles are an added bonus.
(5)
Chuck C.
The better of the two when it comes to food and the room, the Carmel Deli is to new and shiny for me. The food just taste better here. I don't mine the counter people's attitude here because you expect it at a Deli, Carmel is still to White bread for a real Deli. I do wish they had old dills, I realy crave them over the young one at Shapiro's. If you have ever eaten at a New York Deli you will know what I mean. Remember to eat well and live well and please no chains!
(4)
Ben A.
I love this place! My favorite is the New York style Rueben, but I usually order the Matza Ball soup too. If it weren't so expensive here I would go more often.
(5)
Wink B.
There are 2 places I stop on my way to Bloomington, regardless of the situation. This is one. Delicious deli-style food. Like everybody else says, they're right up there with the real thing in NYC. Go for the baked tongue sandwich and thank me later.
(5)
John G.
A classic place where you can't go wrong the next time you are craving great meats between two slices of amazing rye.
(5)
Jami D.
I would have given 3 stars, but I'll tell you about that later. Sandwiches were overpriced and under-tasty. Bread underwhelming, meat not very flavorful (even though they sure slopped enough on it) condiments lackluster. Sauerkraut only average. The desserts looked promising, but I didn't have one. Butter noodles were blah and a bit over-boiled to the point of mushy. mashed potatoes only okay. Service not helpful to first-timers, which I could easily overlook if the food knocked my socks off. Same goes for the atmosphere. If our bill was about half as much, I wouldn't really complain, but it is not worth what they charge. And about the loss of the third star: My boyfriend really wanted to take me there because he had fond memories of it when he was a kid. When he ate his food, he lost the excited sparkle in his eye. I tried to perk him up by trading meal choices halfway through (presuming my lackluster sandwich was better than his). It didn't help. Maybe it's a little subjective to remove the star, but if it ever happens to you, you will understand.
(2)
Leila T.
A real NY-style deli in downtown Indianapolis? That is how Shapiro's was billed to me when I went to Indy last week to witness the big Patriots-Colts match-up. I'm not sure I would say it is really NY-style. It is more cafeteria-style. A style I consider uniquely Midwestern, but maybe that is because my wonderful Midwestern gramma LOVED her some cafeterias. I'm sure other places can do cafeteria well too. Anyway. Back to Shapiro's. The main thing stopping this old-skool institution from claiming its rightful deli props is that it had exactly ONE smoked fish option. Yes, I had the nova lox in Indy. Yes, my relatives had no idea what nova lox was. Yes, I would have preferred a smoked whitefish option. No, the prepackaged Philly cream cheese bins that were served with the plate didn't inspire me. Let's just say that the nova lox plate was good. Possibly great by Indiana standards. But it was not NY-style deli worthy of accolades. On the other hand, I heard from my dining mates that the Reuben was stellar. My boyfriend even put it in his top 5 ever, and he has sampled a lot of Reubens in his day. The cafeteria-style cherry pie slice was tasty. I hear they make a good key lime pie as well, but it was a bit too covered in whipped cream for my taste, so I stuck with my favorite - cherry pie. Overall, it was an unexpected non-chain pre-game experience, that I would be happy to repeat next year if I make it to a game in the new stadium. Perhaps the start of a tradition?
(4)
Joseph Y.
There's several things to notice about Shapiro's when you first walk in. 1. It looks like a cafeteria. And they treat it like a cafeteria. Blue plates to mark where someone gets a sandwich. Elderly women in white outfits dishing out food. You get the idea. 2. It's clean. Unlike a cafeteria, the place is very clean, and the food is relatively organized. 3. Portions are large and tasty. Deviled Eggs,
(5)
Tom R.
Been here twice now as we travel through. f first was better than the last. Way too easy to eat to much. We also agree with other oats about the price. Sandwiches are good but not the best. Main reason for stopping is the cafeteria atmosphere.
(3)
Gillian S.
This place is legit. I am spoiled as it is so close to my home. I've been here too many times to count but today was different. This time, I came in to grab breakfast. Did you know they serve breakfast? I mean I came here seeking my carb fix with one of there crunchy, chewy bagels but to my surprise they have a full breakfast menu! After a quick look I decided upon the eggs and corned beef hash option. I mean this is a Kosher deli and I know from experience that I love their corned beef. Just as I suspected they make their corned beef hash in house and man is it good! It's full of real ground corned beef, big chunks of potatoes with a great onion, garlic, pepper flavor too. My only regret is that I wish I'd had known about this option years ago! I have to note that my breakfast option was in the $6 range and I only ate half. I consider it one of best breakfast deals in the city!
(5)
Wang C.
Superb NY Rueben, even if it is really overpriced. The coconut cream pies really good. Only negatives- the woman at the cash register keeps yelling at people if they walk to where the desserts are; maybe you shouldn't have them first. There is also a funky smell when u first walk in. And unfortunately they don't check their bathrooms that often, because someone dropped a Tom Brady, and it was terrible.
(5)
Chad M.
One of the best fresh made to order deli sandwiches you can get! Very large portions if ordered that way, but also expensive for a sandwich, but you get what you pay for. Be careful because eating here can become addictive, and its not cheap. Restaurant itself is large and roomy, plenty of seats, self serve soda pop, nothing fancy, just a clean deli.
(4)
Amber E.
THE BEST place in Indy for a deli sandwich (duh no brainer) the corned beef is heavenly. If you have a sweet tooth this is the place to go for that also. I wouldn't recommend the macaroni though. The menu states it's famous but I don't see how...almost flavorless to me and it's dry. Edit- tried the Mac n Cheese again, the batch I had before must have just been a bad batch. Excellent this time!
(5)
May B.
We stopped in here during our trip down to the final four and thought this might be a good place to grab an early dinner, and what do you know, with paid parking, we got $10 off our meal. Score! This place has great deli meats of the pastrami and corned beef type (along with others, but those are my favorite). Cafeteria style, grab a tray, pick some desserts, then get to the carving section and you can see them carve the meat and put your sandwich together - which is great because it means the meat is hot and is juicy just cut. I tried the reuben, which was pretty tasty. I actually really like the patrami sandwich my husband got as well. Just loads of meat - I really could have been happy with just half a sandwich, but had to finish it because it tasted so good. We also tried the mac and cheese, pretty good, but nothing special, it was a little different, mac and cheese on bottom, thick layer of cheese, mac and cheese on top. We also had the key lime pie which was good, but not tart which was disappointing as I like to pucker when I eat key lime pie. My friend had the strawberry shortcake, which was more like poundcake but really good. The place was a bit pricey for a "sandwich place", but since I ate enough food for two people, that might be the reason - I'd share a sandwich if I find myself back there in the future. From what I can tell, a staple of the Indy area, so definitely worth trying out if you're visiting!
(4)
Anna L.
Stopped by Shapiro's on my way through Indianapolis. With the extensive amount of reviews, I wanted to give this place a try-- who knows when I'll be back in Indianapolis! The place was easy to find with ample parking. I ordered half of a tuna sandwich, cole slaw, and a bowl of fruits. The sandwich was all right-- the food here is a little too pricey if you ask me. The cole slaw eventually got tossed since it was a bit too sour for my liking... The fruits did not taste fresh. The restaurant is large with tons of seating! I was confused with the service as to whether i just leave my food and dishes when I was done or if I had to clean and place them myself? I saw a man pushing around a cart for dishes but he simply walked right passed me as I approached him. Okay... Probably would not come back since it was too pricey and a little too loud.
(2)
Brittany S.
A verbal snapshot of the things that instantly come to mind when I think of Shapiro's Delicatessen: Indy classic Corned beef sandwich Cabbage rolls Buttery noodles and matzo ball soup Enough sweets to leave ya drooling in line and out the door Grab with caution, prices can add up quickly if you're not watching your math The "MCL crowd" ... and me. quick service no frills comfort food at its finest great for groups Again, the cabbage rolls...
(5)
Laura G.
Great choice in town for a no frills meal. We had the pastrami on rye. No, it's not Katz' but it's darn close. Moist and tasty. Large portion and easily shared. We will be back!!!
(5)
Sadie R.
This place. Jeez Louise. It's awesome. Not only is this place such an incredible place to fill your belly, it's part of Indy's culture. I suggest Brooklyn Pastrami on marble rye with provolone and potato salad. If you like potato salad, you HAVE to get it. The best.
(5)
Chris G.
Well it only took 11 years of living here to make my first visit but no longer. Went to Shapiro's on a recent weekend with my Dad and son prior to an Indians game - overall a pretty simple location to get to with ample parking. Not a large crowd at 430PM on a Saturday - turned out the Jehovah's Witnesses convention let out at 5PM that day and it took us an hour and 10 minutes to get to flipping VICTORY FIELD afterwards but that's a different story... Overall it is cafeteria style as others mentioned - you get your tray and utensils, start with desserts (cleverly positioned at the FRONT of the line), and work your way to the main courses and the cashier. I'm a Reuben fiend, so went with that and some German potato salad. Dad and son both had the pastrami sandwiches, son had mac/cheese. The Reuben was good but the pastrami was out of this world good. I wish I had ordered that. The sandwich bread was ridiculously good. The German potato salad was different than what I'd had in the past and was more mustard based in flavor. The mac/cheese was just OK. Son and I split some chocolate cake for dessert which was very good. A bit more expensive for the sandwiches but the other items on the menu seemed OK price-wise. Sticker shock is probably common here. I like that there are a lot of other comfort food choices (stuffed cabbage!) and choices of everything in general to choose from. There is enough variety to lessen the dent in the wallet opposed to the sandwiches. The atmosphere is a lot more laid back than I expected...it reminded me a lot of going to Tony Packo's for lunch in Toledo Ohio (for those familiar) but on a much smaller scale and not as expensive. The only complaint is everything menu-wise is at the middle of the serving line...I knew what I wanted this time around but reading a printed menu isn't the same as seeing what you're getting. The seating along that serving line railing would be annoying from the newbies like me straining their necks to review the day's offerings. I will be back at some point in the future to try other items.
(4)
Andrew D.
It hurts so badddd to not give this place five stars because the Reuben is the best reubeun I have ever and will have. I love this place just simple amazing delicious food. My one star take away is only based that I felt it was way to much for my cheap ass but that's it really one of my favorite places in my beautiful home of Indy.
(4)
Brian W.
I've only had the LOX and bagel platter here. Each time I am in Indianapolis I have the same thing. It might be a bit expensive but damn it's good. As for extra cream cheese when you order it. I am not sure why they skimp on that when everything else is so plentiful.
(4)
Peter P.
This is like a little slice of New York in downtown Indianapolis. It's similar to the kosher delis that you find all over the Big Apple. Grab a tray, and walk though the line cafeteria-style. My weakness is pastrami on rye and Shapiro's has a nice (and massive) one. It's a little pricey, but think of it as 2 meals instead of 1 as you will surely be taking some home (get your own carry-out boxes and paper bags from the drink/flatware station).
(4)
Derrick M.
Wow - please don't shoot me! 2 *'s is probably a death sentence here in Indy. Going for the giant reuben and such similar fare? GO! Be prepared to pay for it though - I wouldn't call this place a "good value." This review is for the "other" hot food that is not the deli sandwiches they are famous for: The first time I went here I got the baked chicken and it was bone dry. The second time I went I was not particularly hungry so I thought I would try their soup. I ordered Chicken and Rice soup - which I have had at other eateries before and it was rich and delicious (kind of like lemon rice minus the lemon if you've had your share of Indiana's Greek family restaurants - I'm lookin' at you every restaurant in Lake County!). Well. Their chicken rice soup is cold, refrigerated white rice which they then pour their hot, plain broth over. FYI: I'm sure this is a shocker but this results in a lukewarm broth with rice soup. No chunks of chicken, no vegetables, nuttin'. Oh, and the bill for my friend's sandwich, my bowl o' broth, and two soft drinks? Approximately $20 w/ tax. :-(
(2)
Andrew M.
Shapiro's is a downtown Indy landmark. Their deli sandwiches are top notch, especially the Reuben (it's huge!!). Their coffee is decent, and they have one of the Coke custom drink machines. The desserts are also amazing - fresh pies! Bring your appetite, and I would suggest Shapiro's for lunch rather than breakfast. They can also cater, although it isn't as good a value as other local chains, in my opinion.
(4)
Sheila M.
Reuben sandwich here: absolutely yummy! Shapiro's has always been the best Kosher-style deli I have ever eaten. Some people complain about the cost, but I have always thought it was well worth it!
(5)
Dan P.
Feelin a little Jewish in Indy today....nice lean Corn Beef on bakery fresh Hard Rye bread a little Swiss cheese, yellow mustard,horse radish a potato pancake with sour cream and a bowl of borsch cabbage soup to top it all off.
(5)
Mark B.
One of the best deli's west of New York. I try and stop in every time I come through Indy. This stop was on Saturday. I missed there unbelievable good pea soup only served on Thursday but had their veggie soup instead. Top notch. I have never ever had a bad meal here. This trip was beef brisket and deviled eggs starting off with veggie soup. Try it you will not be disappointed !
(5)
Dirk W.
This place is so good I considered converting to Judaism, but I was so full I didn't have the energy to google how. Their pastrami is their signature sandwich, and it's freaking good. Yes, it is a bit expensive, but DAMN what a sandwich. Make sure you get it with everything on it, the coleslaw ties the whole thing together.
(5)
Wendy D.
loved the pastrami and the sandwiches are huge... the mac and cheese yummy! I cannot say the prices were that bad as it was the only meal I had while I was there that was under $20
(5)
Chris S.
Delis like Shapiro's are tough to come by now-a-days. In fact, they're rare. I've been fortunate enough in my travels to visit most of the best delis in North America. Those who appreciate a good pastrami/corned beef, etc, know that there's a few that are tough to beat: Brent's and Cantor's in Katz in NY, Harold's in New Jersey, Caplansky's in Toronto and Schwartz's in Montreal top that list. When it comes to the above mentioned sandwiches Shapiro's can hang. They're not as memorable as the others, but darn close. In the state in Indiana and the entire Great Lakes Region, on the other hand, Shapiro's takes the trophy. There's no better sandwiches, period. If I'm going to be extremely critical, it's the bread that sets the others aside from Shapiro's. These other places have rye bread that is incredible. It's so good you ask for extra slices and spread butter on them. Shapiro's rye tasted a few days old and the marble rye was so thick (and hard) you couldn't bite through it. World class delis wouldn't let that be served. Aside from this, the corned beef and pastrami are top-notch, some of the best sandwiches in the US/Canada. The peppered beef, on the other hand, which I was told was a must, didn't impress. I couldn't taste the meat, just a massive amount of salt. (Maybe that's what this is. I've never ordered it before.) Meanwhile, the turkey sandwiches are packed with enough turkey to feed a horse and should be on the must eat list. The other food, however, is average. Come here for the sandwiches, rather than much of the rest which is cafeteria style and held in warming pots. The deli is what put this place on the map and the food from that side of the business belongs on your plate. Stick to the sandwiches and you'll be thrilled. The baked goods rock, too. They bake the pies, cookies, pastries, etc, on site, and you can taste the homemade flare with every bite. The challenging part is the sandwiches are so large, there's not going to be room for the cakes, pies, etc. Take it to go.
(4)
Anthony A.
The best reason for me to go to Indianapolis. If you have ever had a bad Ruben sandwich or not experienced a perfect potato pancake, try these out. This sandwich...will change your life.
(5)
Dave H.
This is our go to stop when we fly into Indianapolis. This time we were not hungry enought to go through the cafeteria line and get one of those huge pastrami sandwishes. What to do? We chose the carry out line instead. Got the awesome pastrami, sliced so very thin, to go. Loaded up on bagels that were also awesome the next day with cream cheese. Bought some chicken soup for some sick familiy members which was well received. Although it was Christmas Eve, the store was very well staffed and they all worked together to move the line quickly.
(4)
William B.
Shapiros seems to be slipping . Several times we've come here for brkfst and they are always out of corn Beef hash...best hash ever but they never make enough..no longer serving french toast for breakfast Either...very frustrating. .
(2)
Todd H.
Interesting place with lots of choices. I had the meatloaf and Mac and cheese. The Mac was wonderful but the meatloaf was just meh. The coconut cream pie tasted completely processed. I couldn't eat more than one bite. Not sure I would go back
(2)
Selwyn W.
Went back to Shapiro's twice last month. Just like i remembered and quite tasty. Nice staff, no pretensions, just great traditional deli faire.
(5)
Bill S.
I've heard this place called the best Jewish Deli in the Midwest. I don't know for sure if thats true, but it's pretty damn good.
(4)
Dawn B.
Pastrami & corned beef sandwiches are off the hook. Sandwiches are huge so easy to share. Coleslaw was a lot like KFC so would skip that next time.
(4)
Bruce K.
On a recent visit to Indianapolis, I was taken to Shapiro's, what with being a Jew and all. Well, when you're an LA Jew an Indiana deli doesn't really stand a chance when stacked against Langer's or Nate 'n' Al or Brent's. It's not really fair of me to judge too harshly, as I only had a side of mac and cheese and a piece of German chocolate cake, but the mac and cheese was pretty bad and what looked like whipped cream on the cake was, in fact, hard as a rock. I did like the cafeteria vibe. One of my dinner mates had a pastrami on rye and was not thrilled with it.
(2)
TOMMY o.
my Mother in Law said "how long has this been opened"? we said over 100 yrs, RIP, gawd i miss her
(5)
Todd R.
A Deli head and shoulders above the rest! Bean soup is spectacular. I don't even like corned beef, but I eat it here. Their reubens are spectacular! If you ever are in Indy during the weekday, stop by Shapiro's for lunch. PS: It is always crowded so bring some patience along with your appetite.
(5)
Mac M.
Discovered this place during a visit to the National FFA Convention. Great food -- the portions are huge -- it called sharing. The deserts are huge and taste great. Tea is great. Mataza Ball soup is good. Mac
(5)
Frank W.
New Yorkers may scoff, but this is a deli with a history and vibe to rival the great delis of NYC. Over 100 years old, so you know they must be doing something right, the downtown location has a lot of grit and character, and was recently rehabbed after a fire nearly destroyed the place. Corned Beef seems to be the most popular choice, but I love the brisket, or a brisket combination sandwich with either corned beef or pastrami. I also love the pickles and the key lime pie. Some of the hot food is also good, as are the other desserts. We take a sandwich to the 500 almost every year, and, man, you can't beat it. Eating in the original location is also fun and watching the old-timers enjoy themselves. The new suburban location is nice, and has better service quite honestly with the same quality of food, but without the history obviously.
(5)
Scott M.
Classic Indy establishment. You'll get sneered at by the staff, which is horrendous but efficient. The food is great though. You can't visit Indy without having lunch here.
(4)
Mark W.
Only deli in Indi
(4)
Richard H.
The sandwiches have always been tasty, and I even got somewhat decent fried chicken once -- but the other food tends to be extremely bland, and as everyone says, it is wildly overpriced. But obviously they are doing something right, because it is very popular, and people drive for miles to eat here.
(3)
Jonathon S.
Those who know a deli know Shaprio's. There's a reason it's a destination for so many foodies on the road. Have the corned beef on rye with just mustard and you'll be in heaven. Drink it with a Dr. Brown's. Also the soups are incredible. There aren't too many places with history like Shaprio's in Indianapolis, it's worth a trip.
(5)
Renee G.
Shapiro's is a good place to go for dessert rather than lunch or dinner, but then again I am not a big deli fan. The desserts are the best. Try their fruit tarts or their delicious lemon meringue pie. All of their desserts are as good as they look.
(3)
Robin P.
You gotta love Shapiro's. I grew up eating at this place...but now that I'm paying for my own sandwiches, I just can't fathom paying $10+ for a sandwich. Sure, they are good, but does anyone really want that much meat on a sandwich? And could they charge less to give you a sandwich that you can actually fit your mouth around? Don't get me wrong, the food is good - I especially like the chicken salad and the corned beef - all served on their crispy rye bread...I just don't know if it is good enough to pay $10+. Most recently I have been shying away from the cafeteria line and heading straight for the take-out area where they have some great sweets. Give the fruit-filled rugelach a try if you haven't already.
(3)
Kathryn G.
A real NY deli in the middle of Indiana? Believe it. Shapiro's is the real deal. I had half a pastrami sandwich, half reuben, broccoli salad and boston cream pie. (Yes, it was incredibly piggy of me, but I'd do it, again in a heartbeat.) It was the best reuben I'd ever had and will probably go on a mission of eating reubens at every deli I go to, just to see if anything else can compare to Shapiro's.
(4)
Debbie S.
I wanted to love this place - and I did love certain parts of it. The sandwiches were awesome - stacked high, fresh, the bread was really tasty. I loved the atmosphere of the cafeteria style and even the people behind the counter yelling at you for your order - sort of the the "soup nazi's" of Indy. You'd better know what to order and how to order it - PRONTO! I had the corned beef - 1/2 sandwich plus a nice big slice of butterscotch praline pie after fretting about my decision. There are so many desserts to choose from - AND they put the desserts FIRST in line so you can't possibly pass them up. My companion had a roast beef sandwich and two sides. We each had a drink. We were there on a Friday night and the line was long; our total bill was over $26.00! OMGosh! I just felt a lot of money for a couple of sandwiches - maybe they should include the sides?
(3)
Barry I.
This cafeteria has a nice selection of salads,soups,entrees,and desserts at reasonable prices,considering the generous portions.It has some nice traditionally Jewish dishes,even though this cafeteria is not kosher.I enjoyed their stuffed cabbage and potato pancakes very much.I didn't try their pastrami or corn beef sandwiches.I recommend this cafeteria near Union Station,but the Katz delicatessen in New York City has a more haimische atmosphere.
(4)
B R.
I'm surprised this place only has 3 Yelp reviews so far! It's been recommended to me by several long-time Indianapolis residents and it was packed when I went. It's a cafeteria-style deli with a large number of sandwiches and side dishes to choose from. They have pre-made salads, desserts, fruit, and a whole lot of rich and buttery cooked sides, like mac and cheese and fried latkes. Even so, you'd better be excited about meat to eat here, because that's mostly what they serve - the sandwiches are towering creations. I've heard their pastrami is excellent. They looked at me funny when I asked for lettuce and tomato on a turkey sandwich but hey, I'm from California, what can I say?
(3)
Indy B.
This deli would go out of business if it had any competition. The food borders on bad. The corned beef is awful, the bagels are so-so, the coffee is terrible. The eggs were just ok. I don't recall anything about it that I liked, other then some interesting bakery items, cookies, etc. that could have just as easily been purchased anywhere. We were very excited about Shapiro's but discovered that they're coasting along on a reputation that they just don't deserve anymore.
(2)
Aaron G.
Shapiro's is an Indy institution and the downtown location is the original. Great corned beef and other deli sandwiches. The rye bread is great. You also can't go wrong with a meal such as meatloaf or a stuffed cabbage roll. Desserts are also good and if you go Sunday morning the have noodle kugel! Soups are all good.
(5)
Peter D.
Easily the best deli I've been to outside of the East Coast. Amazing rye bread, unlike any I've had before, and very juicy corned beef. Possibly the best corned beef you can find in the country (and I've been to Katz's, David's Brisket House, Mill Basin Deli in New York, Attman's in Baltimore, Fourth Street Deli in Philly). Prices are okay but the sandwich is definitely worthy. I also tried the pastrami and found it to be very good, among the best I've had (better than Mill Basin, for what it's worth). I am absolutely coming back any time I travel to Indianapolis and would suggest you do the same.
(5)
Anna V.
O it is so good. Can't believe I haven't been sooner! Went for the corned beef and came out satisfied and with plenty of leftovers. The cabbage roll was amazing. Got the lemon meringue with the meringue piled high! Wish I could have tried everything because it all looked good! Especially that deviled egg. ... Guess I will have to wait till next time. Shapiros is definitely doing it right. I was expecting to wait since it's st paddy's and all but we were in and out in probably a half hour! High quality food with good service! Try it for yourself!
(5)
K L.
Looks like a cafeteria, smells like a cafeteria. It's authentic old world comfort food! I had the Reuben. And the corned beef was delicious. I'm on a quest for the perfect one;) This was good!
(4)
Scott M.
For a corned beef snob, Shapiro's is mediocre and middling. The corned beef is not special, not tender, not juicy. Reuben is ok but nothing that you couldn't reproduce at home with standard grocery store ingredients. It's one of those "regarded as best in town" things where it doesn't ACTUALLY mean that it's amazing. If you've been to any real deli outside Indy, you will be disappointed with Shapiro's. It's not a destination restaurant unless it's the first Reuben you've ever had ...and even then, I have a hard time believing you'll leave impressed. Toddler factor: Tons of room for high chair, pretty clean. We ordered him a grilled cheese that was mayyybe 3 stars if I'm rating generously. Lots of windows for him to look out and see cars driving by ... so that's a plus, I guess. ** Edit: My original review stated that they don't make their corned beef in house, my misinterpretation of their website text "comes from Vienna Beef in Chicago." I stand corrected! **
(3)
Grace L.
Fav place to eat in Indy. Had my first experience at the airport and continue to eat at the meridian location every chance I get. Classic Jewish deli and true quality food. My go-to is a pastrami on rye with yellow mustard. Have also tried the Reuben which is a crowd favorite and is fantastic as well. The chicken noodle soup is classic Jewish style, very light and simplistic but delicious. Pickles are to die for and come with the meal. Very pricey but worth every penny in my opinion.
(5)
Amy D.
Shapiro's is an Indianapolis Institution. I've been going to Shapiro's since I was a little kid. They have occasionally branched out with satellite locations (I think only the airport one is left?), but NONE of those compare to the Real Deal downtown. When my husband & I go, normally one of us will get a Reuben & the other will get a Pastrami/Swiss on rye. We then go halves'ies so that we get the best of both worlds. Although, each sandwich is big-enough that we should just split 1 sandwich & leave room for their yummy sides. Making that choice between corned beef & pastrami would be too hard, though. A trip to Shapiro's isn't complete without checking out their bakery on the way out the door. We never walk out without a couple of cookies, or some bagels, or whatever looks good that day.
(4)
Chrissy A.
This is a classic in Indianapolis. My husband gets the Rueben everytime but I love the tuna salad plate. The desserts are to die for. I love that you know what you are getting here is quality, homemade and good food everytime. You get what you pay for here. I love that I ate here as a child and am now 36 and can take my kids and they can eat here now. I am pretty sure it is decorated the same way too. No frills and that is fine with me.
(4)
Annissa M.
An Indy staple! An old, historic kosher deli, this place is the cafeteria nostalgic throwback perfect for lunch or dinner. The Reuben won't steer your wrong if you're into toothsome meaty goodness. The baked goods are a perfect take home treat. All the yes to carrot cake cheesecake.
(5)
Steve W.
There is a lot of hype in Indianapolis a bout shapiros. Hoosiers love this Jewish deli. I've been to the downtown location and the airport, and here is my take: Downtown: the line will be long at lunch. If you get a whole sandwich you are looking at $10-$15. Go for a half sandwich and a couple sides and you are in the same boat. Quality wise, the roast beef is delicious and I agree with Marc Summers that the peppered beef is the best thing I've ever had on sliced bread. Salads are fresh, as is the fruit. I can't speak for the desserts having never tried one myself, but they are huge and my colleagues enjoy them. airport: prices are even higher still. You are around $10 for a half sandwich. But, it is one of the best options in the Indy airport. And if you are there for breakfast they have some great options. Overall: Shapiros is good, and it's great is someone else is picking up the bill
(4)
John A.
How does anyone not like this place? The sandwiches and desserts are absolutely amazing. I literally stop by in Indianapolis just to pickup a Rueben Sandwich. The only thing that prevents me from giving them an outright 5 stars are the "sides". They are usually hit or miss and don't really standout.
(4)
Alex W.
An Indy institution where you can't go wrong with ANYTHING on the menu! My go-to is always a cheeseburger with lots of delicious cooked onions and 1-2 sides plus a slice of chocolate-on-chocolate cake, all for sharing! Lunchtime is always the busiest, however if you can wait until 1230-1p then the line isn't too shabby. Their best sides are the huge latkes [mom takes her part with applesauce], mac n cheese, and green beans. Recently they've added awesome Coke Freestyle machines to the mix. It's always a treat to hit up Shapiro's.
(5)
Tom S.
Stopped in Indianapolis for lunch. The deli was recommended. Portions are massive and the corned beef sandwich is amazing! A little pricy for lunch but it was great food!
(5)
Chris R.
Reuben sandwich was very good. The prices are a bit high in my opinion. Visited mid afternoon so was not that busy. Floors and bathrooms could have used s sweep/mop. Overall a nice lunch
(4)
Park R.
I don't know how else to say this but if you are in indianapolis this place is a must try the pastrami sandwich the mac and cheese is to die for the matzo ball soup and red velvet cake
(4)
Frank C.
Amazing pastrami Brooklyn Style!!!! Best sammy EVER!!!! Actually split half this with my buddy and he had the corn beef, another awesome sandwich, but the pastrami rules!!!! Had to have the deviled egg too! If your in Indy, you MUST go here!!!!
(5)
Eric V.
Came in to this Indianapolis cafeteria/deli for the Peppered Beef sandwich because somebody mentioned this sandwich on The Best Thing I Ever Ate. I was not disappointed. I had no idea that it was a cafeteria-style joint. I wasn't hungry enough to take advantage of all of the sides of bakery items that were calling out to me. Taunting me, actually. I just grabbed my sandwich to-go and headed back to my place. When I got home, I opened up the bag and the sandwich looked like most every other deli sandwich I've sampled across the country. A jawbone-testing serving of meat on rye with swiss cheese and mustard. Whatever. But when I sank my teeth into it, holy shit! That's a damn good sandwich! It's all about the meat with this sandwich, actually. The most tender meat I've ever eaten with perhaps the greatest tasting deli meat I've ever experienced. Five freakin' stars. The potato salad that accompanied by sandwich was as average as it gets. 3 stars. I look forward to going back to Shapiro's, taking a tray through the food line, and seeing what else the place has to offer. As far as delis go, I'll rate Shapiro's a solid five stars.
(4)
Christopher R.
Food with a sense of culture and a great fresh taste of food, just be careful things can get pricey on the line. Get CAKE..
(4)
Kevin C.
Great pastrami, what else can I say.
(4)
Greg K.
This is the original (updated) Jewish deli of Indy -& I have been coming for years. Pastrami & matzo ball soup is great. Rueben is classic. Usually a line but worth it. Fresh local beer if you want, too.
(5)
Michael K.
Not what I expected at all, but pleasantly surprised. I was thrown for a loop by the cafeteria style service, but the food was as good or better than most sit down service delis. Save room for dessert because they look fantastic! Not as modestly priced as they represent, but worth it.
(4)
Gene H.
It's been many years since I've been to Shapiro's but I remember the pastrami/corned beef being the best I'd ever had!!!
(5)
Yuleidy K.
My first experience with Shapiro's was two years ago as we drove through Indy. I can't comment on the food, because the employee in the food line was so rude to me that I told them I would not be purchasing food from them. Tonight, my husband and I found ourselves in Shapiro's again wanting to give it a second chance since everyone has a bad day every once in a while. Let's start with the good. Their corned beef was a good quality and I appreciate the fact that it is made in house. The rye bread was also delicious. I ordered a Ruben sandwich. When it came out, the sandwich was a good size, but the cheese on the sandwich was not melted and the corned beef wasn't hot. One of the best parts of a Ruben is the crunchy grilled and buttered rye bread, the hot corned beef and the gooey melted cheese. I very nicely asked the lady that brought it out to please take it back and grill it some more since the meat and cheese were cold. She was clearly annoyed at my request and said the best she could do was put it in the microwave. I'm sorry, but there's not reason for any restaurant to serve cold food, especially when you are paying over $13.00 for a sandwich alone. The matzo ball soup was tasteless and the latke wasn't anything to be excited about. My husband got a hot corned beef sandwich and his meat was cold as well. Corned beef and pastrami should be kept warm in a steamer. As far as a Jewish deli goes, it could never compare to any good deli in NY or any other prominent Jewish area. It was OK, nothing great. Please work on your employees. The first time we came to your restaurant they cost you money as their rudeness pushed us out of the door. Today was not much better. They act like they couldn't be bothered. Their attitude was very apparent. As we all know, having a good product is only half the equation. Customer service is the other half.
(2)
Lara P.
This deli has so much appeal and I don't think they're even trying to be appealing. The setup is cafeteria style: grab your tray, silverware, and dessert (yes...desserts are strategically placed FIRST) and head down the line. I had the corned beef which was piled high (just look at all the photos) and super tasty with swiss on top. Come hungry and you'll still probably want to grab a carryout box before taking your seat- portions are generous! The dining room probably hasn't been updated since the late 80's, and I think this adds to Shapiro's charm. Be sure to peruse the bakery section during your visit. I didn't save room this time but their cookies, cakes, and pastries looked amazing. Shapiro's is great for a casual but filling meal and the cafeteria-style dining make it a great place for larger groups too. If you live in Indy, don't make the same mistake I did and wait years to check this place out. I've been missing out!
(4)
Abdullah M.
So disappointed, this place advertised itself as a "kosher-style deli". Apparently kosher style is not actually kosher... I had been excited to try a well reviewed, well-regarded deli. Imagine my disappointment when the worker informed me that only the salami was actually kosher. If you're looking for kosher, this isn't the place for you. If those concerns aren't ones you share, then it looked like a decent place.
(1)
Scott H.
I can see and taste why this place is an Indy institution. It lives up to its name!!
(5)
Kara F.
I finally visited this Indy institution recently! I'm not a huge fan of Reubens or corned beef, their specialties, so I went with the roast turkey sandwich, which was really good. I also got a side of broccoli salad, which I liked a lot, and a latke (potato pancake). They had just run out of the latter when I was ordering, but an employee cheerfully informed me that a batch was on the way right out of the oven. He seemed personally invested in my latke experience and was very helpful as I tried to navigate Shapiro's for the first time. For dessert I had a brownie cookie (yes, a brownie cookie) purchased from another super nice staff member at the dessert counter. It wasn't as great as I hoped but good. I went after the lunch rush, so overall it was low key but a good experience. I'd love to go back and try more items!
(5)
Rhoda L.
This restaurant is always on the one. I am never disappointed on my choices. My mom when she was alive always came to Shapiro's. She liked her pickles peeled (lol). She was the Diva! I will always come back because they are dependable, delicious, affordable and an institution here in Indianapolis. LOVE YOU SHAPIRO'S!
(5)
Cheryl M.
Okay, I would agree that the place is cool and the food is good and I get that it's an Indianapolis staple but holy crap...the prices about threw me over!! 2 sandwiches, 1 deviled egg, 2 bags of chips, a side of mashed potatoes and a small salad with 3 drinks....$45+ later. Shapiro's I would love to love you more but I can't afford you! That's a hellish expensive lunch. For those of you that can afford it, eat away...the food options are numerous and I'm sure everything is just as tasty and delightful as what we had. Rock on Shapiro's! You're doing something right!
(3)
Ken K.
I'd go back to Indy just to have another pastrami/swiss on rye with spicy mustard. Hands down the best pastrami sandwich I've ever had. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. The bread was fantastic. The pastrami had the perfect amount of fat and was packed full of flavor. The only thing that kept me from eating this every day was the price. It was about $17 for the pastrami and a drink. Not sure when I'll ever be in Indy again, but might have to swing through just for another pastrami.
(5)
Noah B.
I was riding my bike around the city and came across this place having no idea what it was. After trying the Reuben and Mac and cheese for lunch I knew it had to be a well known hole in the wall. The food was great even though it's served cafeteria style and the atmosphere seemed weird at first glance. I would definitely recommend trying this place at least once!
(5)
Gretchen A.
5 stars for the Rueben sandwich! It is the definition of delicious. I just discovered the downtown location, but use to go to the airport location all the time. It was the highlight of my traveling. Only downside of this amazing sandwich is the price tag. Plan on spending $15-16 for the sandwich alone. Definitely worth it through!
(5)
Chris D.
In addition to being a deli, Shapiro's is a great bakery. For a relative's birthday, I placed an order for a chocolate pie. A day later, my sister called and added an apple pie to the order. The customer service was great and they had no problem adding to the order. Let's talk about the chocolate beast first. It was unlike any pie I had ever bought. It had to have been a foot high in the center (they had to pack it in a cake box). I was told the topping was a merangue. The concensus was that it tasted a bit more like marshmallow. Either way, it was delicious. The chocolate pudding was also great. A small slice was all any of us could handle but it more than satisfied. I didn't have a chance to try to apple (see above) but it looked and smelled delicious and got good reviews from those who did eat it. Don't mistake either of these pies for inexpensive. You pay for quality at Shapiro's. And quality we got - in spades. I highly recommend.
(5)
James C.
Like any warm blooded person in Indy, I've had, and loved, the corn beef sandwich. That sandwich, which I first had 22 years ago, keeps me going back. The S Meridian location has been their staple, they currently have an airport locale but I've not been to that one. They used to have one in Carmel and the (kind of) Nora area but those have closed. Like the NFL in the mid-1980's, Shapiro's mostly consists of elderly Jewish people. Nothing bad about that mind you, that's just the majority crowd. Now that they have free Wi Fi, it's a cool place to people watch, while enjoying some great food in plenty of portion. Nothing special about the interior or decor, it's a cafeteria but it's clean.
(5)
Pilar B.
My family has been eating at Shapiros for years. They have the juiciest corned beef in the city. It melts in your mouth. I am a true believer in the adage of "You get what you pay for!" and Shapiros does a great job of serving quality food.
(4)
Danielle P.
Between a 3 and 4. I like the food, and the baked goods are really fantastic. The prices are a little crazy though. 12 dollars for a Reuben? (Although a sandwich can maybe suffice for two people -- I usually go for a half sandwich and a cup of soup).
(3)
John Z.
Yeah. So... we all know about the corned beef by now, right? It's good alright. But has anyone ever paid attention to how expensive this place is? I had a decent corned beef sandwich on rye, with a slice of provolone, and a cup of chicken noodle soup. The bill? Sixteen dollars! Seriously??? When it costs that much at the airport, I just figured it was because it was *at the airport*... but no. It costs that much downtown too. Oh, and the chicken noodle soup? It looks like someone poured a can of peas into a pan of Mrs. Grass chicken soup. Never had chicken noodle soup that was all noodles and peas? Of course you haven't. It's terrible. Why would anyone do that? So, all that said, three starts seems generous, right? Well, the sandwich is pretty darn good. The mac and cheese is good (although a bit too creamy... yeah, it's possible), and the fried chicken is shockingly good (and a lot better deal than the $12 sandwich).
(3)
Lauren M.
This was my first time to Shapiro's Delicatessen. My friend and I ordered a pastrami sandwich with only cheese and my friend ordered stuffed cabbage rolls. The pastrami sandwich was very dry and flavorless and the cabbage rolls tasted like they were drenched in ketchup. We also ordered drinks, two desserts (key lime pie and red velvet cake), and one side each(one deviled egg and green beans). The green beans tasted like they came from a year-old can, but the deviled egg was actually good(the only good thing we ordered). The key lime pie had about a half pound of whipped cream on top, and when you finally got to the pie, it did not taste good. The red velvet cake was so dry, you had to drink water to get it down. The worst thing at Shapiro's was the bathroom. My friend and I went to the bathroom and in one stall there was a small child throwing up and in the second stall there was diarrhea on the floor around the toilet (picture is on yelp). This meal was definitely not worth the outrageous price of $56.
(1)
Rob M.
Fabulous deli sandwiches. Nearly indistinguishable from Katz's in NYC but at 1/2 the price. It is not inexpensive, but you do get a lot of food. I highly recommend the hot pastrami on rye. Parking is on site and free.
(5)
Tiffany C.
It's really just average. I don't want to sound like a snob, but my expectations weren't too high once I found out it was cafeteria style. I feel like if you're a deli and you offer all these different deli accompaniments like mac and cheese and green beans, they should at least taste fresh and match up at the very least 85% to your "star" meat sandwiches. Their sides are really very bland. It tastes a lot like hot lunch from the old days of elementary school, with your "fresh vegetables" looking more like wilted canned slop. That being said, the bread is really very good. I had (what I think was) rye, which had this really fragrant smell and crusty exterior with soft fluffy middle. It was cold, but it's to be expected, I suppose, since the bread was mostly meant to be servicing the sandwiches and not to be served primarily solo. I had an apricot rugalach as dessert, which was super tiny and decent but not very exciting.
(3)
Mak J.
So I have lived in Indiana for 25 long freaking years, and until recently, I had not done the whole Shaprio's thing. I've lived here a long time but I get out frequently and I have been to other Jewish owned delis before so I guess I just wasn't in any ass all hurry to get myself some pastrami on rye. This was a haunt the old man's really old lady, his grandma, when she was alive which seems odd to me, because from what I have heard she seems like lady who would have hated the Jews along with all the other non-Anglo-Saxens, but perceptions can be wrong about people. Anyway, all his grandma's old brand of crazy aside, this place is very nostalgic for him. It is his Mr. Gatti's. To me, it was a bit of an overpriced sandwich shop that has simply had a solid customer base for the last century, but you know, perceptions. It was fine and all, I like salted cured meats as much as the next herbivore; but I wouldn't have wanted to spend my own $16 on a sandwich and two somewhat mediocre sides. Guys, I don't know. Pogue's Run Grocer has a damn good Reuben with Boar's Head corn beef for like $7 with chips and a can of Blue Sky gingerale which is a far better deal in my opinion. I guess you sacrifice the ambiance, but do you, though? I kind of prefer the fun little ramshackle co-op on E 10th St to an environment that can best be described as MCL chic. I am leaning toward a meh rating but I will give them an A-Ok because they have staying power, so what do I know?
(3)
Amber B.
Amazing!!!! I need more of everything. Especially the stuffed cabbage. Great potato pancakes. Perfect corned beef!
(5)
Lauren R.
What can I say that hasn't already been said about this place? It has a throw back cafeteria style with few frills, but still gives you that homey feel. Take your time to really decide what you want, because once you get in line, you've got to shoot your answers back quickly. If you're an average type of eater, consider bringing a companion to share in the fabulous meaty goodness of the pastrami or Ruben sandwich. If you can't find a pal, a half sandwich should suit you just fine (just be sure it isn't one of the sandwiches you CAN'T make a half sandwich). The matzo ball soup (with chicken noodle) is DELICIOUS. i love it. I always get it! I'd say their cream pies rank slightly higher than their cakes, though both are superb choices. Beware of your hunger taking over your reasonable decision making skills and forking over a hefty amount of your bank account if you're not careful!
(4)
Gilford S.
Brilliant Jewish deli in the middle of the Midwest. Like Brooklyn. have a reuben or the cabbage rolls. Sheer brilliance.
(5)
Mae M.
BAKERY SIDE: Hands down the best place for cake, dessert bars, cookies, and pastries. This isn't a place for the calorie shy to eat. The baked goods have butter, a lot of it, and you can taste it in every delicious bite. My absolute favorite things to get are the creme brulee bars and the peanut butter cup cookies as big as your face. They make an incredible lemon bar, but sometimes it's a little too sweet for what I am craving. Also if you go close to closing, you sometimes can get free bagels! MEAL SIDE: I don't eat this very often. It's a little pricey for what you get. You walk through the cafeteria line and pick what you want. The sandwiches are decent and the dinners are good, but sometimes the vegetables are a little over cooked.
(5)
Grace B.
Pastrami-oh-my! I am a sucker for a good corned beef/pastrami and this is my go to spot of a killer rueben. They have an excellent deli spread, buffet and bakery. I simply put my to-go order in and is ready in 3 minutes. Portions are generous and I always have half a sandwich left for lunch the next day. The dessert selection gets me every time. Recently i get at least 2 lemon bars. One for now, one for later! I really find so much love for the cafeteria feel. You walk in and it just feels right and focus is definitely on the food. Parking lot is next door and super easy access.
(5)
Johnny H.
Fantastic Reuben. Average fried chicken, but they are moist. Pretty good potato salad. Desserts leave a little to be desired.
(4)
Adam B.
So I came at 8 a.m. before catching my flight back to Chicago. Way too much Pacers memorabilia hanging, but whatever... There are several counters that aren't exactly marked clearly, so I really had no idea where to go. For breakfast, I got an egg sandwich with American cheese and beef bacon on a poppy seed bagel. It cost six bucks...not cheap. But I did like the beef bacon, it was really smoky. The cheese was perfectly melted too. I also got a peppered beef sandwich with mustard on rye and enjoyed it very much. The rye bread was nice and thick, the mustard was spicy and strong, and there was plenty of pink, moist meat to wolf down. I also had a pecan bar for dessert, although I think $4.00 was a little too much. The prices aren't cheap and the service I would describe as so-so. But the quality of the food is really good and in that area of the country, you're not going to find a whole lot of good deli sandwiches so it's worth going back to. Probably closer to 3.5 stars.
(4)
Lisa N.
Way cool spot. We'd already had dinner but saw this while driving from the downtown and just had to stop. So we had a wonderful orange-cream cake. Would love to go back for lunch or dinner.
(4)
Tom W.
Who wouldn't like lunch at Shapiro's? Tasty pastrami piled high on fresh rye bread slathered in mustard and topped with Swiss. A 'can't miss' sandwich. The coconut pie was awesome as well. Easy parking and a service line that moves quickly makes the experience complete for those of us allergic to hassle.
(4)
James M.
Food 5/5 Value 4/5 Service 1/5 Atmosphere 3/5 Went for the corned beef and cheesecake. I had a free sandwich card...good only at the closed Carmel location. Bait and switch. Thanks for nothing. The food is worth the price. If you dont like classic deli food at its best, then go to McDonalds.
(3)
Suzanne I.
Best pastrami & corned beef hands down! Been going here since I was a little girl and have never had a bad experience at Shapiro's.
(5)
Jennifer L.
Delicious deviled eggs. Hands down my #1...right after my grandmas. This family knows how to get down deli style. Corned beef on rye with spicy mustard and swiss = my babe's go to. If you drink soda, kind of a bummer that they have the mixed coca cola machines (so basically everything tastes like you're drinking a suicide soda cocktail from the 3rd grade). Opt for sweet tea instead!
(5)
Theresa R.
This is the place to go if you want an Italian style sub Chicago style but with a Jewish flair. Generous slices of deli meat prepared with extra flair. I had the PLT a Pastrami Lettuce and Tomato. Best sandwich I have had in central Indiana. Generous cuts of pastrami grilled until the edges were crisp and the juices were flowing, nestled in between nice thick slices of onsite baked rye bread, a 1/2 inch slice of beefsteak tomato and the greenest romaine I've seen since my garden. The Reuben was also ordered and no complaints from that side of the table except that the sandwiches were so big we could not eat them all. Many other folks ordered other things like homemade sides of stuffed peppers, meatloaf, greens and so much more. Leave room for desert. The rhubarb pie is just as good as homemade- the crust crispy and melt in your mouth and the rhubarb good and zingy. We'll be coming back to try the other deserts, sandwiches and meals. Your go to place for great sandwiches and a bakery that rivals and stands above most.
(5)
Scott L.
One of America's Top Ten Delis specializing in Corned Beef, Pastrami, and Rueben sandwiches has to have good corned beef hash, right? Wrong. I love corned beef hash and I am always looking for it on breakfast menus. This is the worst I have ever had. It was corned beef mush. I wasn't even sure if it was cooked. Shapiro's needs to seriously consider revising their recipe.
(1)
Justin S.
Simple, but not boring. Pricey? No. What do most people pay for lunch 8 bucks? Spend a couple more and you have lunch, plus take home for another meal. I wouldn't call loving words from loyal customers, hype. It's a familiar, neighborhood feeling to have a dining option like this close to you. This is exactly the style of neighborhood restaurant we need all around the city. Suburban Indianapolis is missing great food like this. Is the food spectacular? Close. It is great. Portions, taste and friendly service are always available. We've always ordered something different when here. All the requisite beefy deli meats are here, along with matzo ball soup, stuffed cabbage, etc. We've tried most. 5 stars for all, except for the potato latkes'. They get 3 stars. Ask for a schmear next time on your brisket. Liver pate', plus beef and rye. Tasty, tasty, tasty. Take home a loaf of pumpernickel too. Great price.
(5)
Jocalyn E.
They should really consider a food truck during the weekday...especially up by hospital row on the north side. :-) quick, easy and totally affordable!
(5)
Rachel R.
My husband and a good friend of ours were on a road trip and decided to have a try at the deli (based on Food Network recommendations) and we were really pleased with the result. I split a reuben with our friend (only able to order the full sandwich) and my husband had the pastrami (1/2 sandwich). We each had a broccoli salad and a cup of fruit. The sandwich was phenomenal- they were very generous with the meat. The deli is set up like a cafeteria with tile floors and open seating. We went in around 4pm and didn't wait in line at all, but I could see how the line could get excessive. And, contrary to other reviews, this place is CHEAP! The three of us ate a hearty meal for under $30. Overall, a great place for a really fabulous sandwich!
(4)
Nic J.
We hadn't been here for awhile, and we decided to eat here before a Colts game. It was beyond packed. The line snaked through the whole place, so we decided on carry out. It was actually pretty fast, however I ordered peppered beef but got corned beef. Now, I love corned beef, but it wasn't what I ordered. That said, my sandwich was good and huge, as always. The mistake was probably due to being so busy, at least I hope so.
(3)
Dan S.
I've been to Shapiro's three times now and I am stunned by the mediocrity of this restaurant. This is not a deli in 2013 terms. This is a flash back to about 1955 - it was probably good then, but in 2013, there are so many better options. The food is not healthy. The food is not gourmet. It's old school all the way. It's overcooked, over salted, and overpriced. The restaurant decor is in severe need of updating. The bathrooms are filthy. I don't understand why this restaurant is so highly rated? Is this the best that Indy has to offer? Really? I think not. When you survey the average customers at this restaurant, it speaks volumes. I'll stop there. Check it out for yourself and you'll understand what I mean.
(1)
Abbey B.
To this day, my dad refuses to return to Shapiro's because they were "rude to him" over ten years ago. I remember it was lunch time, and him being peeved, but not much else. Since then, I don't agree with him not returning, but I definitely understand where he translated the staff's attitude as rudeness. Almost every time I've gone to Shapiro's, it has been very busy and the line doesn't stop for people who can't make up their minds. It's usually more laid back after obvious rush times. Maybe I'll take my dad back for a 3 pm late lunch. That being said, I've never had anything other than the corned beef and I love it so much, I don't think I ever will. The cheesecake is out of this world, thick, huge pieces that feel like clouds on the tongue. The macaroni and cheese is creamy and non-offensive. Every so often you'll get a crunchy bite from a rogue noodle that spent its time baking at the top of the pan. A corned beef sandwich, side of mac n' cheese, and piece of cheesecake usually runs me around $20. More than I usually spend on lunch, but more than I usually eat at lunch too. Shapiro's lunches are every now and then occasions and usually are excuses for celebrating something, or making myself feel better.
(4)
Luisanna R.
Wowza and wowza. It has been a long time since I have been to Shapiro's and most great places with time I feel tend to degrade. That is not the case here. It's more like a fine wine. Seems to only have gotten better with age. They have the most amazing light rye bread. I dislike Rye bread however I could eat Shapiro's rye all day. Just a quick suggestion if you are like me, you can order just half a sandwich. Even the Reuben. OH man I have had a love affair with Reuben sandwiches since culinary school and I have to say that the Reuben at Shapiro's is by far the superior Reuben in Indianapolis. They are open for dinner too. Did you know that? Why did I think they were only open for lunch. Also on Tuesdays they have half price sandwiches I believe so if you're turned off by the price maybe make a trip on a Tuesday. The food is definitely worth it. The potato salad was also very tasty and you might as well have some cake and eat it too. :)
(5)
Marie S.
We passed by here as we were making our way from Lexington, KY to Chicago and heard about this place from "The Best Thing I Ever Ate". Inititally we missed it off the highway, which is ridiculous because on our way around, there are blatant signs everywhere posting SHAPIRO'S PARKING HERE (Woops.) The place resembles a huge cafeteria, so if you're going for ambiance, this is definitely not the place. But if you're going for a quick bite to eat that hits the spot, this can be the place, if you get the right things. We tried the matzoball soup with chicken noodle, the reuben, a slice of key lime pie and boston cream pie. The matzoball soup was just OK. I've definitely tried better and wasn't even stoked enough to finish my second matzoball (which are definitely huge portions). The Reuben was GINORMOUS and we actually ended up splitting up between the three of us, but if you haven't eaten for like 2 days, this would probably be the sandwich for you. But what definitely made the trip here worth it was their PIE. Yes, the key lime pie was OFF THE HOOK! I wish i bought the whole pie...so if you go here, skip the soup, go for the sandwich and pie, you will definitely be in heaven! :)
(3)
Nikki B.
I love Shapiro's so much that I lost my mind for a few hours a couple years ago and took a New Yorker from the Bronx of the Jewish faith there for lunch. Then I panicked. This guys was raised on deli food, what am I thinking taking him to a Jewish deli in Indianapolis for Pete's sake?!! As we ordered our food, and he judged the situation, I was sweating, thinking, maybe it's just me, maybe I'm just so removed from New York these days (I'm originally from the state) that anything tastes better than nothing? We sat down to eat and he took a bite of his pastrami on rye. As we chewed in silence, he begins to tell me this story about being a young boy and riding his bike down to the local delicatessen on Sundays for his mother with his brother, and they would buy 3 loaves of rye bread for the week. He tells me how this bread was THE BEST bread ever, and he's never had bread taste so good ever since............until that day he sat eating the rye from Shapiro's. You can imagine my relief. And the elation I felt when he told me he would like nothing better than to take 2 loaves home with him on the plane. I mean, when your food can taste as good, if not better, than a childhood memory, you're doing something right. Go here, eat the food, love life for a while. Totally worth the money it costs.
(5)
Frank C.
A 4 hour drive was rewarded by The Best Pastrami I've ever devoured. After searching for "Unique to Indy" places on yelp, Shapiro's Delicatessen was in the center mass of my kosher deli loving crosshairs. I was not disappointed at all. My wife and I went in and ordered a pastrami on rye with mustard and swiss. We were in a hurry to get home to Nashville after a weekend wedding. 97.5 miles later we couldn't wait and had to unwrap our purchase. There was a moment of silence in the car. Followed by some imaginary, cheesy 80's pornish background music playing in my head. It was like seeing Bar Rafaeli in a two piece of Rye swimsuit and a mustard swiss Yamaka with an Uzi to tote!! Then my wife, who is not usually a fan of overloaded sandwiches, began to chomp away. Her reaction was equal to Meg Ryan's notorious "When Harry Met Sally" deli scene, and she wasn't faking it. She was inhaling the sandwich like Raoul Duke executing an 8 ball on the way to Vegas. At last it was my turn. At a undisclosed exit off of 65 S I took my first bite. Immediately I thought I should turn around and buy at least a ton of the pastrami so I could return home and sell it for 10x above street value. It was Kosher Cocaine.
(5)
Natasha J.
The non-deli food taste like it came from the freezer section. I had the fish...will never do it again, a coworker of mine got the spaghetti and it had a little sauce on it...never never ever again
(1)
Virginia L.
So good. I'm in love with their bagels. The restaurant is set up to be cafeteria style, which I like a lot - it just makes it low key, but serves up food that could be served at a restaurant with white tablecloths. I've also had their boxed lunches and deli trays catered at several meetings with great success.
(5)
Megan M.
Great food but terrible service. I am a fan of the renowned Reuben sandwich - it's piled high with corned beef, the perfect amount of cheese & 'kruat and grilled to just the right temperature. It really is an Indianapolis institution but beware the ~$15 price tag. You'll probably be shocked like I was. That said, I still think it's worth it. I often like to pair my sandwich with a potato pancake or the mac and cheese. The dessert selection is also worth noting! So let's cover the service. This is what takes a 5 star establishment and turns it into 3 stars. This establishment just doesn't employ nice people. In once of my first visits I mistakenly went through the cafeteria line with the intent of taking it to go. The staff rudely shamed me for going through the line. It's fine it that's how it works but just explain it and don't be a jerk - particularly when there is *no one* in line. This past weekend I sent in an order via their online submission. When I arrived at the pickup time they told me that their system was down. Not that big of a deal. I gave them my order, signed the credit card slip and waited. Starts to get busy and when other orders are ready they call the number and people grab them. When they call my number, I say "yeah that's me and say my order." The "lady" (and I use that term very loosely) insists that she needs to see my ticket. Never mind that *no one else* needed to show their ticket.
(3)
Nat C.
Shapiros is my favorite delly. It is my family's favorite delly and we have eaten there a hundred times. This goes back to when Max was in the house and the lad who now runs it was learning the business. The quality is the same, to his credit. You should know what to order in a Jewish delly. If you don't the experience is diminished. I think I had one rueben in my life. It messes with the pure flavors you should go for corned beef, spicy mustard and rye. Tongue is better. They have half sandwiches and cups of soup. This brings the cost in line and is enough food. Share the desert. I've been remiss in not having breakfast there for too long. Eggs, latke (potato pancake), lox (salmon) and bagel with cream cheese were the compulsory family choices. This place was my father-in-law's business lunch and breakfast joint. He taught me what to savor. Thanks Alfred.
(5)
Courtney B.
Definitely a fan! I was brought here by my librarian boss and I was not entirely sure what I was getting myself into. When I walked in, I was treated to a glimpse of an old fashioned diner straight out of a movie, with cafeteria style service. The first thing I noticed, of course, was the huge slice of red velvet cake just waiting to be placed on my tray. Next thing I noticed was that there was so much to choose from! So much so, that being overwhelmed like I was, I decided to split a Reuben with my boss....we had to arm wrestle over the slice of cake....but we ended up splitting that as well. I am getting lost in my head again...anywhoo...That was my first Reuben and it was was FABULOUS! I am glad we decided to split it because 1) it was quite large 2) it was pretty expensive. I will definitely be returning, but perhaps only sporadically, as it is a little pricey. Also, great diner coffee...and root beer...and old fashioned ginger ale.
(4)
Maggie M.
Overpriced.
(2)
shanna r.
My mouth is watering while I'm writing this review. Shapiro's is a must for anyone who lives in Indy or who is visiting. It's a very simple restaurant with great quality food. The sandwhiches are Huge! The meat is sliced right in front of you and piled high with the trimmings of your choice. I also recommend the mac & cheese. Don't leave off the dessert! It is worth extra calories. It's going to be hard to choose so if you are with a group get a couple of different ones and share.
(5)
Rachael W.
Bagels are phenomenal! Desserts are flippin delicious! The Reuben is amazing! Go with a friend and split everything, you will still be stuffed. I like going with a book and spending a few hours reading, nibbling, and watching the old people. Super busy during lunch, but surprisingly fast. It's a bit pricey; $12 for the Reuben. I can only eat half of the sandwich in one sitting so I look at it like 6 bucks for lunch and 6 bucks for dinner. The lox plate is really good. The salmon is plentiful, the bagels are chewy, and the capers are brine; overall scrumptious.
(5)
George M.
Up until the day after Thanksgiving I had not been to Shapiro's since 1996 when I moved away. It was on my to do list when I returned to the area for a family visit. Thinking about the corned beef on rye with yellow mustard and a pickle on the side had me salivating just thinking about it. Service was quick as always. The huge dessert arrangement all looks so tempting. Ordered corned beef on rye as stated above, along with mac and cheese and a potato pancake. All was as wonderful as I remembered. Each sandwich is large enough to share with another person, but it is best not to, so you can save the other half for later. My wife had a reuben which we both agree, we had never had better. Give this place a try and you will not regret it. And when you leave pick up a loaf of rye as it is probably going to be the best you have had.
(5)
Deborah H.
Good deli and you can get a 1/2 of a sandwich. The rye is wonderful-one of the best Jewish breads I have had.
(4)
Kay J.
The portions are HUGE! My husband had 3 eggs, potato, bacon and toast and that was a reasonable size portion. I had bagels and lox. There was plenty of capers, onions, lox and a large bagel. They toasted my bagel extra dark as requested. I needed more cream cream cheese and they gave it to me. Two breakfasts, a coffee and a juice came to $24. I don't know how people get their mouths around Shapiro's sandwiches.
(4)
Sara S.
Huge sandwiches - very good! Table of four, we had roast beef, corned beef, turkey, and pb&j; all amazing!
(3)
ari b.
without a doubt one of the five best delis in the nation... off the chain!!! I love and miss you Shapiro's... It's been 5 years since i've been there, but just thought about it after yelping the deepest deli in the very shallow s.f. bay area. The thing that sets Shapiro's in a class of it's own is it's rye bread... simply the best i've ever tasted anywhere ever... I lust after it. Dear shapiro's read this review and then take pity on this poor midwesterner and send me a loaf and a pound of corned beef.... seriously do it... i love you. ok those of you who complain about the price of a deli are of course missing the point. you pay for quality. i can't tell you how many time's i've spent 17 dollars on a blah entree at an upscale eatery... get over it... then maybe you'll get the point. cheesecake with mutantly large strawberries... also a miracle (you can send me some of that to ; )
(5)
Jon A.
Every city has one. Every city has that one place that's always been there, that everyone takes everyone else too. And, that could serve as the city's only eatery if either it were the apocalypse or the people had to just choose one. Shapiro's is that place in Indy. Our only "Jewish" Deli (garnering quotations because they deviate a little with their menu but they're the only place for my matzo fix). Having a $12 sandwich on the menu really isn't practical. I guess this is what happens when it's the ONLY pastrami joint in town. Really...the only one... (out of town readers...believe it; it -- the atrocity). Sure there are meat markets with pastrami or bagel shops or burger joints with pastrami as an add-on, but this is the only place that serves it up the way it's meant to be, and lo! it's $12. I won't do it. It goes against my morals. So... I quickly become a boy in a soup kitchen just outta Dachau and take my matzo ball and piddle paddle to my seat with my free water. Now...the only way I'd ever order that $12 sandie is if I'm with someone...then we'd split it; which brings up the fact that this sandie is so large there's no reason to have it by yourself unless you're taking it home. Shapiro...you've successfully grown to the airport & carmel...it's now time to start the only pastrami cart in town & serve $5 late night pastrami sandies, ok!? OK. In the end, I still frequent Shapiro's I take everyone there, too ;) And, I still am befuddled as to why every order at the counter place in this city that offers dessert...places dessert in the beginning of the line... Plenty of seating any major holiday or tour bus drop-off.
(3)
Nick C.
Wow! thats all i have to say about their sandwiches is WOW!!! i had the pastrami and it was soooooooooooo good. the meat was very tender and melt in your mouth good. i had mine on the rye bread and that was very good, but the only thing i did not like was how hard the crust was and that is the only bad thing. i do have to say that the sandwiches are very big and they will fill u up. this place was sooo good that i came back the next day to try their cake and was it worth it =. i had the carrot cake cheese cake where the cheese cake is in between the carrot cake. the cake was very good but the thing i noticed was the carrot cake was dry but that was taken care of the cream cheese frosting. over all this place was amazing, and if i an ever here again will come back to this place with out a doubt
(5)
Ben G.
After driving from Columbus OH, my girlfriend and I were looking forward to a good lunch in Indy. When we turned off the highway, we noticed that maybe Indianapolis was hit hard by the recession, because Shapiro's seemed to be in a pretty depressed part of town. It also seemed like Shapiro's was out of place, from a bygone era. The cafeteria was SO empty when we both arrived that I was immediately suspicious. How could such a huge place have been recommended by Road Food? My dreams of a Katz' like place outside of NY were quickly gone. We've had way better. That said, the food was average to mediocre. My corned beef was okay, nothing special. The portion was huge, but it was also expensive. The matzo ball soup was decent, but lacked any veggies and seemed to be coated with oil. My girlfriend had an average-good turkey sandwich, and I think we both ate pretty fast because the place was depressing, and we had to be in Chicago before late evening. The portions are big, as they should be. The rugelach that we ate on the road later was dry, not worth the price, and had a weird glaze on it that made it feel even more dry. All in all, I'd recommend Shapiro if there are no Jewish deli restaurants anywhere else in the whole state of Indiana, but that's as much praise as I can give it.
(2)
Elizabeth H.
I can't possibly say enough good things about Shapiro's. First of all, I literally would not exist without this amazing deli. No, really--my grandparents met at the downtown location in the 1940s! But they've also been there throughout my life. When my grandfather was in the hospital after a major heart attack, we would all go to Shapiro's after visiting hours. When I was too sick to make matzo balls for myself, Shapiro's was always there with them ready to pick up on my way home. When I had a bad breakup, their mac n' cheese was great to cry into. Also, they carry these amazing chocolate covered halvah bars that I can never find anywhere else. My one complaint? The Carmel location is *too* nice. Yeah, I said it. I miss the old 86th St location, across from St.V's, with it's bad fluorescent lighting, and just slightly grungy/sticky floor. so much more deli-esque. The Carmel location has flattering light, and clean floors, and comfortable booths--but those booths are awfully hard to push together when you and your closest 20 family members want to grab a corned beef on rye. There's really not for me to say about the food--it speaks for itself. All I can say is that it's so good I have dreams about it. Bottom line is you should definitely eat there.
(5)
Ethan H.
I should have seen the writing on the wall when the ruben I ordered was delivered in less than 3 minutes. THREE MINUTES!?! C'mon! The fires of hell couldn't toast a single slice in that long, much less made the whole rest of a sandwich to go with it. So yes, this was clearly a pre-made, assembly-line ruben sitting under a heat lamp and just waiting to be unceremoniously dumped onto a chipped (and possibly dirty) plate. The sandwich itself did nothing to assuage my skepticism. Dry corned beef and un-melted Swiss cheese scrunched between two flaccid slices of mediocre rye with a dash of overly-sweet 1000-island and a layer of transparent kraut. Yes Shapiro, you got the ingredient-list right. But I've got news for you: if you can't make a decent concoction out of things like corned-beef, sauerkraut and rye, you're not trying very hard. No better was the idiot-answer I got to my query. "Do you pre-make the rubens and just hand them out when they're ordered?", I asked. "No," she said. Me: "... because mine was ready less than three minutes after I ordered it?" "Oh," she said, clearly not knowing she was dealing with a Yiddish yelper, "that's easy because the corned-beef is pre-sliced and all we have to do is toast the bread." First of all, that just can't be true. Three minutes doesn't toast bread to the leathery crusts I had on my plate. And besides, I'm quite familiar with the not-so-subtle difference between toaster-crisp and heating-lamp dessicated. Moreover, it's NOT simply a matter of "just toasting the bread" ... at least no more than yogurt is a matter of "just letting milk go rancid." If all you did was toast the bread, it's no wonder that the cheese was far from melted, the sandwich itself was cold, and the corned-beef had to languish under a warming lamp since calf-hood. And all that for $10+? No thank you. And, oh yes, the parking lot on a Sunday morning was worse than Yogurt World's (in San Diego) on a Saturday night. It's often been said that "Asians are the new Jews." And I'm here to say that the observation applies equally well to their driving.
(2)
Randy M.
I walked - no, ran - from my hotel several blocks away to get here at 6:30am before my 9am flight. I just *had* to try this famous deli because, well, I probably will never come back to Indianapolis. I was the day's first customer, but the crew was ready and fixed up my corned beef hash and over-easy eggs to perfection. The two of us easily had enough food for breakfast on the plane, surely making the entire plane jealous by the intoxicating vapors. A gem of a diner-deli! But, a weird side note about local dining: you get taxed *twice* for restaurant food (a total of 20%)... and you thought San Francisco has high taxes. Yikes!
(5)
amy j.
Whenever I'm in Indy, Shapiro's is a must stop. Certainly nothing fancy at the downtown location but who needs fancy when the food is top notch. I love the chopped liver! One of their over-loaded sandwiches with a dill pickle and potato salad on the side and I'm in heaven. I've rarely varied from my usual but when I have it's been equally as tasty. Always fresh, always plentiful, always tasty.
(4)
John W.
I believe I saw a sign inside that said "real NYC bagels"...I wouldn't be so ambitious with the wording if I were them. They aren't terrible but I don't know if they would really be on par with NYC bagels. I haven't actually eaten a meal here since high school (late 80s) so I can't really comment on the sandwiches and all the other food other than the bagels. So the bagels were ok but I was surprised that the cream cheese was just a tub of Philadelphia cream cheese and the lox came from a package that was in the refrigerator. Upon looking at the food and the clientele, just as it is in a place like Skokie, this is food for old people...But here, not even necessarily old Jewish people (My guess is that between everyone there, we could have come up with maybe one Jewish person and I was with my girlfriend who is half Jewish) but it is open on Sunday which isn't that easy to find downtown. And aside from the bagels, this is more of a lunch place. All that being said, I am glad this place is there and I am sure I will go back when I am in Indy again. I need to try the latke and lunch type stuff next time.
(3)
Lisa G.
Awesome! The quality of the food was great, the service was outstanding! I tried the Reuben, and I was glad I did. My friends order some of the sides and raved about the stuffed cabbage and also the potato salad. The desserts looked great but I was so stuffed there was no where to put it. It gets really crowded but moves along very quickly. You order cafeteria style and then take a seat and they bring the hot sandwich to you. The food came out so fast I felt bad for not just standing there and waiting for it but they said that's how they keep it moving and it does seem to work.
(5)
Smiley B.
I have eaten at Shapiro's for quite a few years. Since I don't work in Indianapolis anymore I seldom get to eat there. We drove up to Indianapolis for the sole purpose to eat at Shapiro's. I remember the Reuben Sandwiches to be very generous and very tasty. Yes they did cost quite a lot for a sandwich, but I felt that it was worth it since it was a quality sandwich. Today I ordered the Reuben, some green beans and a piece of carrot cake. My friend had a turkey sandwich, a fried potato pancake and cheesecake. The reuben tasted okay, but the bread was soggy, and it seemed like they cut the amount of meat in half. It was mostly sour kraut and bread. This isn't the way they served their food 5 years ago. I was disappointed to say the least. The potato pancake my friend ordered was cold and had been fried earlier in the day. It was horrible. When I paid the tab, I was shocked to hear the cashier say $44.85! What? For two sandwiches??? The owners must be doing what a lot of places are these days. Cutting back on the product and raising the prices to make more money. I can honestly say that Shapiro's have gotten my last dollar. It used to be worth the extra money but it just isn't the same now. What a shame.
(2)
Lisa Q.
The reuben. It's delicious and big enough for 2. If you're ever in Indy, walk in to Shapiro's, grab a tray, get in line, order one of these up, and get ready to enjoy some pure unadulterated Jewish deli goodness. There's great people watching, the most scientifically advanced soda fountain man has conceived, and classic cafeteria style.
(4)
Food C.
Very, very, very overpriced. For what they charge, in other cities, my corned beef would be a lot bigger and a lot better. Find a picture of a Slyman's corned beef in Cleveland. No comparison. Shaprio's is the only game in town in Indy, but they'd get blown out in other cities. Shapiro's was much better in the early 90's, but they've been on a continual slide since then. Not too long ago, at their Carmel location (now closed), I was ordering a corned beef. The guy next to me in line asked "how much is that?" I said "12 bucks." Just then, my puny sandwich appeared on top of the display case. He then said "12 bucks for that?" He couldn't have been more right.
(2)
Marie C.
We went for a late lunch. I got a huge smoked turkey sandwich on an onion roll. It was tasty and fresh. The rest of the fam got a mix of pastrami sandwiches and some hot foods (I.e. potato cakes and meatloaf). We were all silent for the first few minutes, too busy enjoying the food. My fiance and I split a chocolate cake slice for desert and it was heavenly. Bottom line: Wonderful sandwiches, great hot (comfort) foods and the service was friendly. I would definitely make this place a favorite!
(4)
Casey R.
Came here for the first time this year on my birthday, WHY have I not been here sooner??? I instantly fell in love, great food, yes it's worth saying again, GREAT FOOD. I had a Brooklyn Style pastrami sandwich, it was very tasty, I've never been to Brookyn but I'll take their word for it! Oh and the fried potato cake is amazing, make sure you get that! A bit pricey, I'm not gonna lie, but as you're sitting there you can just feel the history and to me that is worth every penny! Win Win for me.
(4)
Panda P.
No offense Shapiro's, BUTTT your mac n cheese has no flavor or comparison to the PANDA's MAC N CHEESE... But the Salmon Salad was good, with some salt.
(2)
Kent L.
From the outside of the red brick Downtown location, it doesn't look like a Jewish delicatessen but go inside to this cafeteria-style layout, get a gander at the many tempting foods at the glass-enclosed counter displays and you know immediately that you're in for the real deal. I like my sandwiches either with rye bread or on onion rolls but the day I visited, it was pastrami on rye with mustard with a Dr. Brown's Cream Soda and it was just a perfect combination. Pastrami that's too lean is dry and lacks flavor, whereas too much fat makes the sandwich oily and Shapiro's pastrami strikes the perfect balance of meat-to-fat ratio. While Shapiro's does have a wide variety of dessert choices, who has room after one of their sandwiches? The corned beef also looked really good but that will have to wait for another trip. The menu prices were quite reasonable for both the quality and quantity of food, which would be several dollars more in places like NYC or L.A. delicatessen and since it looks like many Jewish delicatessens around the country are closing after many years in business, it becomes harder to find one to dine in. I would wholeheartedly return here.
(5)
Rebecca M.
Shapiro's Delicatessen: Corned Beef, Cabbage, and Cream Puffs Oi Vay! An INDY gem that's been around forever, Shapiro's is your one-stop-shop for good eats of gigantic proportion. Since we were wee little tots, my sis and I have been coming in for bakery runs with Nagyi (that means Grandma for all you non-Hungarians) and full on feasts. Although some things may be a little steep in price, whatever you get is sure to taste amazing and there will be enough of it to eat off of for the next two days...on the conservative side ;) The staff is always very friendly, and so are the fellow diners. IF YOU DINE HERE, WHICH YOU SHOULD, YOU MUST TRY: *CORNED BEEF AND CABBAGE *REUBEN ON RYE (the mustard is biiiiittttchiiiin and adds that extra OOMPH to the sammy) *BAKED CHICKEN *LATKA, aka potato pancake (GET APPLESAUCE WITH THESE!) *CARROT CAKE, CREAM PUFF, ECLAIR, PIE... the list goes on and on with the dessert, and dare I say you may even prefer these treats over any you get on holidays. There is no reason why you shouldn't be hopping in your car or on your bike THIS VERY MOMENT towards Shapiro's...it's easy to find and even easier to satisfy your stomach. This is a must-see for first-timers in Indy. Hell, it's a must see for townies. Shapiro's Delicatessen, you have bewitched me body & soul, and I love you.
(5)
Marc P.
You can't help but get caught up in the moment when you walk into Shapiros. Whether its Brother Carl yelling and joking with his thick accent at the customers in line, the cafeteria style decor or the smell of sweet pastrami - this place certainly has the character to match the reputation. I brought 4 friends from Australia to experience Shapiros and I have to say none of us were disappointed and all of of us were amazed. The Pastrami on Rye with swiss and mustard comes hot and heavy. It oozes with flavor and just a half is enough to fill the average man, topped off with a small bowl of chicken noodle soup and a potato pancake with apple sauce. Props to Brother Earl for his help and recommendations. When back in Indy I will certainly return!
(4)
Amy P.
We were visiting from out of state and heard this was the place to go for a tasty meat sandwich. We were definitely impressed with the amount of meat on the sandwiches, but the flavor was somewhat lacking. I think I'm just used to having more condiments on my sandwiches. These were pretty dry. My husband ordered the pastrami, and I ordered the corned beef so we could taste a little of both. I have definitely had better sandwiches, but I fell completely in LOVE with the latke!! I often think about it, and wish I could have it mail-ordered to California. I mean, I literally have daydreams about this puffy potato pancake, unlike anything I've ever had.
(4)
Candice G.
I love going to Shapiros! I almost always get the corned beef on rye because it's so incredible, but I have had the chili and meatloaf which were delicious too! And their baked goods are PHENOMENAL! I absolutely recommend a visit to Shapiros!
(5)
Scott M.
NYC-STYLE DELI, NYC-STYLE PRICES Great food, quick service, big institutional dining room, but expect to pay $20+ per person for a meal (sandwich and a side or two) and a soft drink... probably $40 for a hungry couple.
(4)
Tiffany H.
I've officially met the Ruben of my dreams. This sandwich, while a little pricey, was so tasty. The rye bread, meat, and cheese were all freshly sliced and you could tell. I will definitely be going back for more.
(4)
Ciara U.
I love Shapiros!!! Every time I visit, the staff is friendly and the food is delicious! If for some reason it's not they fix it without hesitation. The cheesecake is fantastic you must try it! They could use a small update though. They have had those tables and chairs for years!!!!
(5)
Patrick P.
Wear your stretchy pants! I took some clients here with my engineer and we had a yummy lunch. When in Rome - do as the Romans! Please note this is a cafeteria restaurant so you grab your tray, and pick or select your foods. That is why it is not 5 starts. This is not a Katz Deli in Columbus (as a recent review commented - Katzingers is a unique place all on its own) but... They have some pretty decent food if you know what to order. Decor: Cafeteria - it is either packed or empty. Tables litter the floor where you promptly park and eat your food. Food: Grab your tray, get your silverware, and select your desert. I picked up the Red Velvet Cake - The portion sizes are Fred Flinestone sized - I think I had 12 oz of cake. Sandwich - I ordered the Reuben. The corned beef was made onsite. The sandwich was grilled to order and brought to my table. My side was the Macaroni and Cheese and it was yummy too but the cheese was processed (nacho cheese sprinkled with real cheese) - it was good but my heart was crying for a difibulator. Cost: A little expensive but on par with other NY Style deli's Sandwich and Side was $14 (Sandiwich was a triple decker) Overall for the amount of food, tastiness, and speed - I give it a thumbs up - just order what they are know for at the restaurant. I am sure I will eat there again. Enjoy.
(4)
Jeff M.
"Cook good. Serve generously. Price modestly. People will come." Louis Shapiro's motto started a legacy back in 1905. Couldn't have said it better myself. A "can't miss" dining destination in Indianapolis, within the shadow of the Lucas Oil Stadium. Its the simple things that they do best. A couple of slices of the most perfect Rye bread toast, nutty and near-pepper tinged bites, pillowy and supple but not too soft. They do serve a nice breakfast, but it doesn't shine quite like the incredibly authentic and varied lunchtime cafeteria style buffet. The local flavor is just the icing on the cake.
(4)
Robert M.
I meet with the Indy BMW Club (BMW Motorcycles) for Saturday breakfast whenever I'm in Indianapolis. Great food and great staff. I'd like to go back for lunch sometime... that Reuben looks yummy.
(5)
Bob F.
Probably the last good deli in Indy. Great pastrami, brisket and Ruebens. Excellent breads and old school potato pancakes. Hot dishes like stuffed cabbage and meat loaf are good too. Not cheap but portions are large. Plenty of parking.
(4)
Francesca D.
I really don't even like Pastrami. I don't even like cured meats in general really, but Shapiro's Pastrami Sandwich on rye was one of my favorite sandwiches of all time. Totally simple, but really good quality. Also, I had an eclair, which was good, but I don't really like eclairs either...
(4)
Joe F.
Very good cafeteria style Jewish Deli. Downtown staff can be rough around the edges, if thats a concern go to the Carmel location. A bit pricey but items are homecooked high quality food. It's okay to share.
(4)
Catherine K.
There is a fine line between delicious and excessive, and Shapiro's staddles that line ... The Reuben. Wow. So Good. But they start out with desserts, sides, sandwiches ... we always end up with $30 of food and I always end up walking around the parking lot to let food settle before we go home. It's good. But it's expensive and a LOT of food. The line is usually out the door. If you know what you are in for, you'll be delighted. Smaller appetites, plan to split a sandwich or take home leftovers. It's a win-win.
(4)
Alexis H.
I have heard about this place for a loooong time. Just finally made it there yesterday and I gotta say, as with most delis with hype....it was just ok. I got a NY Reuben (coleslaw instead of sauerkraut, which I sometimes prefer) and yes, it was huge.....and unfortunately, yes, it also gave me wicked heartburn several hours later. The mac and cheese contained too many crunchy uncooked bits for my taste and if I'm paying $18.00 for lunch, I simply have a higher quality expectation. I might be willing to go back to try the peppered beef sometime, based solely on some other yelp reviewers but for me, I'm not rushing back :(
(3)
Celeste T.
The lox with the energy bar (a dark wheat bagel with seeds and fruit in it) is something I dream about and have EVERY TIME I travel to Indy. Highly recommend! Also, the flourless chocolate cake is amazing. Cafeteria style is admittedly a bit odd, but when you see the throughput Shapiro's has, it's pretty amazing that they have such consistently good quality food. High five you guys!
(5)
Luckie D.
Clean, fresh, tasty and served by efficient if not well intentioned staff. They are missing some notable items but you knew that from the sign above the door saying Shapiro's not Washington's !!!!
(3)
Andy H.
Very good food, and very expensive! I think they could shave a few dollars off the menu and still do very well.
(4)
Scott P.
Reuben. Brisket sandwich. German Potato salad. thats about all I've ordered (other than dessert) and it is always excellent. Of course there's not a dollar menu for the cheap, but the food is incredible.
(5)
Andy S.
This is a great place to get some great comfort food. Cafeteria style with another whole section for a bakery area with bagels and such. The cafeteria line is devilish with all the desserts first (cakes, pies, etc.). Then there are side dishes like coleslaw, broccoli salad (delicious), potato salad, etc. Had the corned beef sandwich which was delicious. Pretty good deal they had for the corned beef sandwich which included 2 sides for $11-$12 or so. Big sandwich. Also had the matzo ball soup which was delicious. Wish I could have tried all the other great looking food but I guess I will just have to come back at some point.
(4)
Susan F.
I love shapiro's. Love it. My most frequent order is a Reuben. It is the best thing there-I swear. I've also tried the stuffed cabbage (or peppers? Something like that), and it was very good! Still love my Reuben, tho. I tried the hot German potato salad today, and I loved it! It's different, and definitely had a vinegar taste to it, but I love vinegar. Delicious. I try to make it out of there without getting a pastry, but I fail, literally ever time. Today I had a pumpkin bar, and I actually didn't care for it too much. Not sure why; it just didn't float my boat! Side note: it's been a little bit since I was there. When you order a Reuben, they usually give you a plate (it's empty) so the cashier knows what you ordered, as the Reubens are made to order. However, today they had a Reuben ready. It wasn't as hot as normal. I HOPE this isn't going to be the new practice. It was lunch time, however, so that could have been the deal.
(5)
John R.
The Pastrami is always excellent, but I always feel like I am paying NYC prices. Not worth the money.
(2)
Michelle A.
I enjoyed the Reuben very much. I would have liked to try other things, but with all the goodies available, I can see where the price of dinner could have added up quickly! Might come back another time to check out some of the other dishes.
(4)
Joey ジョーイ K.
If you come to Indianapolis this is definitely one of the places you must try. It's honestly the best deli I have been to and the portions are perfect.
(4)
Renita M.
I had never been here before. I lived in Indiana from 1992 to 2003. I've been to Indy many times. I went to college 45 minutes from Indy, I've spent days and nights and driven all over looking for the Greyhound station, but I had never been to Shapiro's. Until I was in the area with some college friends, and we wanted a place to meet for brunch, and one who just loves this place suggested it. So here's the deets: This isn't a "brunch" place per se, it's not Le Peep or Patachou or Panera. It's an old-school cafeteria-style Jewish deli. They do have breakfast items, though. So grab your tray and go through the line, picking up little bowls of fruit, a scoop of mac and cheese or mysterious noodle casserole, order your sandwich or entree and pay the nice lady at the cash register. There's also two Coke freestyle machines to mix and match flavors in the enormous soda glasses. I went for a bowl of pineapple, a bowl of mac and cheese (a little bowl) and half a brisket sandwich with spicy mustard on rye. (And a pickle.) The sandwiches are enormous. My half-sandwich had enough meat on it for a whole one. The brisket was very tender and tasty, and it was a very straightforward sandwich--meat, mustard, bread. The end. The mac and cheese was... interesting. The noodles were super tender, the cheese sauce was sort of... custardy? and it was good but a little watery and unusual. I can't quite put my finger on it. No complaints on the fresh pineapple. Those three items plus a drink was about $15 so I wouldn't call it cheap, but it was reasonable. This is really no-frills, low-service, with plenty of room to spread out and enjoy your giant sandwiches, baked goods or tastey but strangely gloopy mac and cheese.
(4)
Sunah K.
You want a huge meat-filled sandwich and space to spread out? You'll find it here. You won'be be able to forget desserts, which are displayed upfront at the counter. Don't forget your soups and sides, tho! Admittedly, this is not my favorite sandwich place. I thought my reuben was a tad on the dry side and light on the spread, but the rye bread is great, as everyone agrees. Lentil soup very good. They also have 2 of those touch screen fountain drink dispensers! Get there by 11:30 to beat the lunch crowd downtown. And grab a to-go container byt the drink dispensers, you're probably gonna need it!
(3)
Keryl M.
We ate here while we were in Indy for DCI World Championships and were not disappointed! The Rueben was fantastic and so was the potato salad. Also loved the strawberry rhubarb pie! Will eat there again next year!
(4)
Tony B.
It's been 20 years since I've been back here. The rye bread is phenomenal as I remembered. The service was fast and very nice. The sauerkraut was excellent too. I am usually pretty generous with the star ratings but I found the sides needed some updating and all seemed a bit flat. Ill still come back if I traveling through ever again.
(3)
Ryan M.
Went to Shapiro's during the weekend of the final four game of UK vs Michigan. You have never seen so much blue in your life! The restaurant is somewhere between a cafeteria/bakery/New York style deli. Having so many deli-style sandwiches, I jumped on the chance to have a solid reuben. I was not disappointed. I prefer a bit more thousand island on my Reuben's than most, so I got a bit extra on the side. To quote the late Mitch Hedburg "like a cow with a cracker on either side." It was loaded with corned beef and sauerkraut (maybe enough for two sandwiches!!). Great flavor! On to the baked goods...and there were no shortage of them to pick from. I want to say I left with five or six different goods to share with the folks back home in Dayton. German chocolate cake, coconut cream cake, cream cheese carrot cake were all fantastic. Make sure you ask which are made in house (most of the cakes/pies are, the brownies/bars are not typically). If I go back, I will certainly be visiting.
(4)
Linda A.
Hubby and I shared their famous Reuben sandwich and it was everything our friends described, so delicious! Very glad we opted to share because it was HUGE! Some other reviews dinged this place for the price. Considering the size of the portions, I'd recommend sharing if at all possible. The sides we had were good but nothing to make a special trip to get. Dessert (marble cake)...moist, delicious and again, way too big for one to eat without a lot of regret! The place was clean and really spacious. We were there the day after the Indy 500 and were surprised that it was pretty empty. I'll bet it's more of a weekday or football weekend place. The staff got their job done but weren't particularly friendly. This is a place I'd visit again if we were close by.
(3)
Matthew P.
Comfort Food!!! I am originally southern and therefore I am always on the look out for some warm, plentiful, rich and lovingly made fare for the soul! Shapiros does not disappoint. The sandwiches are stacked high with fresh bread and the meat is sliced right in front of you. The meatloaf is, to borrow a term "magically delicious." I dont think there is a wrong choice for food here. I will say go with cakes and/or pies for dessert. The dessert bars are ok but they are shipped in. The other desserts are made on-site. Lets just say Im not finished working my way through the menu. Yum to the E!!!
(5)
Kait G.
Shapiros has been my annual stop on the visit to my folks. I have an unhealthy obsession with Matzo Ball Soup and theirs is pretty darned good. My Dad raves about the Reuben and the cheesecake so I indulged this time. I have to admit it was pretty good. The bread was that perfect combination of buttery, toasty and soft next to the steamed meat. Sauerkraut could have been a bit more sauery (word? I dunno!). The corned beef was steamed perfectly and ohhh that pickle was the perfect companion to the sandwich. The cheesecake is authentic, New York style decadent goodness. I buy it by the slice because I cannot be trusted with a whole cheesecake. Is there a cheesecake anonymous group I can join? My only gripe is Shapiros has become a popular tourist destination so the prices and lines reflect this. Back in the day, you could breeze in, grab your sammy and jet out the door for $7 now it's over $12.
(4)
Shoshana K.
Shapiros is great!! Come hungry, no, make that famished-the portions are huge!! If you are weary of other reviewers commenting on the price, I'd like to add my $0.02 on the matter: you get a lotta bang for your buck. I most always take a doggy bag of leftovers w me when I visit. If you're my 6'5 beautiful hunky better half, you'll be able to clean your plate. However the food coma after doing so will be strong so use some will power and save a lil for later! Shapiros is a jewish/kosher style deli (emphasis on the word 'style') - like Carnegie deli in NYC....kosher style because you can get things like a Reuben (absolutely delish) which has cheese-for all you goyim out there, milk and meat don't mix in strict kosher kitchens....this however does not detract fm Shapiros mouthwatering menu offerings! The desserts used to be different-not as sugary. They still look beautiful and I always put a plate of something on my tray but they have changed their recipes slightly and there is a strong sugary almost artificial taste in many of the desserts. They were already rich! Make em the old way, would you pretty please Shapiros?! One week I bought a challa here. It was huge! But sadly it was a very goy-ish challa. Too dry and no flavor/richness. Challa egg bread should be doughy and indulgent, as far as breads go. It made decent French toast bc of the dry factor and good bread crumbs.... My friend loves the matzoh ball soup. The potato pancakes are not latkes (shredded potatoes like hash browns but fried as pancakes) - these are more like mashed potato cakes deep fried. They're good tho! Rye bread is great here. German potato salad is good and do is the meatloaf!! Haven't tried the stuffed peps or cabbage yet but they always look awesome. The spinach is actually good, I like it better than the green beans. I really want to like the Mac and cheese but it's not my favorite, however I end up ordering it a lot of the time anyway! The top is broiled nicely usually, and I always ask for a scoop w some crusty top the layers underneath the crust are never really warm and gooey enough... Every time I done here I have to take a hiatus for a few months because of the volume and richness of food. It's worth it tho!! They have a parking lot which is great. They take all cards too. I haven't ever visited at lunchtime-I always end up arriving sometime between 6-8 in the evenings and there is never a line and tons of seating. You can get everything on the menu at lunch and dinner time (I think...) so don't waste your time waiting in line w the lunch crowd.....
(5)
Marcie M.
Wanted to give them 5 stars for the sheer abundance of items, and the whopping portions. Unfortunately, a good portion of my husband's corned beef was gristly. My smoked turkey sandwich was good, and both the rye and wheat breads were put of this world. Soup was loaded with noodles but no meat in my cup, but broth was flavorful. This place feels like a throwback to an earlier time, and it's certainly worth a visit.
(4)
Adam C.
I have eaten at many delis and this is near the best. In fact the rye bread here is the best. Everything is cafeteria style so they start you walking past amazing deserts. But it is the sandwiches and sides that make this place great. It is an expensive sandwhich but worth it. Enjoy
(5)
Albert M.
amazing deli! this is the best deli in the midwest...but i am biased..... i have been coming to shapiro's since i was 6. w it is time to reveal my basis of a bad, good, great, and incredible deli....the amazingness of a deli is based on the thickness of their rye bread. if your rye bread is puny and thin, it cannot hold on the "gargantuan amounts of meat" you put on the sandwich...its the bread falls apart as you eat the sandwich...that's not good...your rye bread should fall victim to eating...not to the volume or density of what it's holding therefore...shapiros is an incredible deli! the great deli's....katz, langers, and shapiro's have thick rye bread that holds up from start to finish of the corned beef or pastrami....the thicker the rye bread...the more i love the deli..... this place is amazing!!
(4)
Joshua C.
I have dined here for lunch on a few occasions and really enjoyed it. They have a good selection of foods for decent prices considering the area. I really enjoyed the Rueben. If you're in Indianapolis I would definitely recommend it.
(5)
Marina R.
The food is yummy but it didn't blow my mind. For the $35+ dollars I spent for two sandwiches and one drink I was expecting it to be better.
(2)
Rachel F.
This is a classic, New York-style Jewish deli. My college roommates and I come here all the time for the reuben sandwich, which is one of the best I've ever had. If you can appreciate a good corned beef/pastrami sandwich, this place is an absolute Indianapolis staple. The atmosphere reminds me of a cafeteria. Super casual, and it seems like all walks of life come to this place. Great for people watching. You literally are given a lunch tray and utensils, and slide your tray down the line. Desserts are first, and they really give you a huge variety of amazing looking pies and cakes... pretty much everything under the sun, and it's all made in house. The fact that desserts are positioned FIRST in the line says a lot about this place - they clearly have their priorities straight! :) Anyway, next are sandwiches and side items. The sandwiches are pretty pricey, but definitely worth it - however, a sandwich, side, and drink, costs just under $20. Worth the price, but something to keep in mind. I recommend the mac n' cheese with the reuben. My absolute favorite! The sandwiches are so big that you can save half and bring it home with you (don't worry, they have boxes for this exact purpose.) Do yourself a favor and check this place out! I gave it 4 stars because I love the food, but I'm not a huge fan of the pricey-ness and distance from where I live. Wish they had more locations!
(4)
James B.
tried the bagel, egg and cheese and was definitely impressed. I'm a long way from home, NY, but this tastes like a Northeasterners breakfast bagel sandwich...real fried egg, extra helping of cheese, and toasted bagel. Will go back again and again, perhaps this weekend!
(4)
Brittany L.
Someday, I am going to come here and eat dessert. JUST dessert. They all look fantastic. I'm going to buy a pile of deli meat and bring it home someday too. I mean, it's like 10 minutes from my house! So far though, all I have managed to do is down a half brisket sandwich (fantastic) with a side of potato pancakes and macaroni and cheese. The brisket was delicious and fresh, the bread was soft and wonderful, the potato pancake was flavorful but cold, dry, and tough. However... Their macaroni and cheese is the best in the world. It is. I fantasize about the macaroni and cheese here. They call it "deluxe". I wish I knew what they do to it. I take that back...judging by the texture and taste, I don't want to know at all. I cook well enough to know that the secret to something sinfully delicious is often a recipe that includes more butter and heavy cream than I use in a year. I've now gone back twice and each time have just ordered a side of that heavenly pasta. My lunch is under $3. I drink the free ice water and fill my cup a second time to take with me. As I leave, there's a little bounce in my step because I feel like I'm getting away with something. The macaroni and cheese is that good. The old guy next to me today looked at me, at my bowl of pasta, looked back at his tray full of food, then said, "That really is the best thing they have here," while gesturing back to my lonely bowl. The line moves quickly, there's plenty of parking, service is pretty friendly and very efficient. Yelp says this is a "family style" restaurant, but Shapiro's is a "cafeteria style" restaurant...you go through the line with a tray, take what you want, pay at the end of the line, then go find your table. Oh, and if you want a "big salad" a la Elaine on Seinfeld? Their salads are enormous, they put them in a big bowl, and they're all $7.50 or less.
(4)
Ken C.
Seems ok. My Reuben was average at best. But to be fair I'm not feeling the best today either which could cause part of the taste issue.
(4)
Ashley R.
Matza ball soup so good! The sandwiches are huge! The also have awesome desserts. Great Jewish deli. It is a cafeteria style though no servers. Great food!
(5)
Pam N.
Food was excellent and prices are very reasonable. This place has a cafeteria feel but very clean and plenty of seating. Don't miss the corned beef sandwich on rye and potato pancake. They have coke freestyle machine too which was a plus. Yum!!
(4)
Jill L.
Hot pastrami & swiss on Croissant - Meat was dry, croissant was yummy and fresh.
(3)
Millie H.
A fun place to step back in time. The food is impeccable. It's amazing how much product they put out and everything is awesome. I love the cafeteria style especially with kids! This is a fun place to check out
(4)
Boon K.
This is the meatiest reuben sandwich I have ever seen. It was really good and just what I wanted. The best part is they have a location at the airport too. The sandwiches are all meat very juicy. This place serve traditional simple american meal. Everything looks good but the dessert were not so great.
(4)
Garrett C.
Pretty good, but I've had a better reuben. Potato pancakes are interesting. They are the thickest I've ever seen (about an inch thick at the center. Tomatoes were excellent. Traditional kosher deli, cafeteria style. Big sandwiches, but a little too expensive relatively speaking. You'll get socked on the a la carte items. My opinion: good, but don't know if I would go out of my way. Good thing it's close to the interstate if you're just passing through.
(3)
Theresa F.
umm yummy. Portion sizes are HUGE. Be prepared to take some home. The leftovers are just as good by the way. So many different options, all the food is lined up, you grab a tray and have at it. Well except for the sandwiches which they make in front of you. The dessert is the first in line, a little weird. But it made me actually get a dessert, which I normally don't do when I go out to eat. If you're in Indianapolis this is a must for lunch.
(4)
Anders C.
I got the corned beef hash that people were hyping about in these reviews and I thought it was okay. The sandwich wasn't big but the price sure was. If anything, it reminded me of The Hat's pastrami dip (back in California) and how that would've only cost me a little more than half as much while getting 2-3x the portions. It was nice going there for the experience since I was recommended by a friend to try it out, but I'm never coming back.
(2)
Sharlene C.
i was recommended i stop by this kosher deli. it reminds me of katz's in ny. same swift cafeteria atmosphere with bustling plates. i got the reuben on shapiro's own rye. a heap of corned beef and sauerkraut. i had to get it to go. you have to box yourself. it made it back on my flight home to ny and still delish.
(4)
Douglas H.
This place is the closest you'll get to a NYC deli in the Midwest. So many choices. It is not the cheapest place in the world, but anything and everything is top notch. My favorite is the pastromi on rye.
(5)
Dana M.
Awesome Jewish deli in downtown Indianapolis. Love the Reuben sandwiches and cherry cheesecake.
(4)
Matt G.
What absolute goodness. No frills, maybe a bit rushed and rude and no pretense about the surroundings or what they do. I LOVE this place and still contend that their NY-style cheesecake is one of the best in the Midwest. The deli sandwiches are PILED high with meat and you always get a fresh pickle that is out of sight. Now, if you're looking for a "deal" you have come to the wrong place! I went in for my cheesecake fix and a coffee.... $8.50. Good thing I already had lunch. I would also recommend the stuffed cabbage, the rice salad and you must have some of the fresh rye bread. Remember, your eyes are likely bigger than your stomach.
(4)
Celia T.
I love country cooking!!! This place is not going to be your FruFru restaurant. It is a great casual place to pick up lunch. The carrot cake was good homemade style. We also had the meatloaf with the greens, corn and the chicken stew. Chicken stew is like chicken noodle soup concentrate - yummy comfort! The meatloaf was not the best, but pretty darn good! And that sauce with the meatloaf really made it better. The corn was ehh due to the boiling, however the corn tasted corn-y (haha-lame, I know). It didn't taste all frozen. The greens were yummy (I love collard greens!) Had me some unsweetened Iced tea and that was good and strong. You can't find this in LA!
(5)
Ian C.
Okay, maybe I did something wrong. All I've heard about Shapiro's over the years has been praise heaped upon praise, so I was in the neighborhood and thought I would try it out. I was shocked at what exactly they give you for twelve dollars - a pile of dry, flavorless roast beef and two slices of decent rye bread. No sides, no nothing (I'm sure a bit of horseradish to go with the sandwich would cost like four bucks, considering their price standards). I ended up feeling completely ripped off and and utterly mystified at the cult-like status of this place. Incredibly overpriced food, rude service, chintzy cafeteria-style digs? Are we that desperate for a good deli that people will line up for this crap? I say hell no. Go somewhere else and save your money.
(2)
Russell H.
Good deli food that is priced INSANELY high. Shapiro's was recommended to us by a family member... I really wish they would have shared the price point as well. Don't get me wrong; the food is good. We each had a Reuben, which is the Shapiro's specialty. The sandwiches were very big and quite tasty. We also ordered one small serving of mac n cheese (which was actually not very good) and one small side of cottage cheese, which we shared. So that is a grand total of 2 sandwiches, 2 side items and 2 drinks. I was a bit shocked when the price came out to over $40... Please understand that although the food is good, this isn't some nice casual dining establishment; its a cafeteria style restaurant where you order, stand in line, and then go pour your own drink. I don't mind dropping a little money on nice meal, but this place left me feeling like I got VERY poor value for my dollar. I can't bring myself to give it more than 2 stars; if the food had been priced a little better it probably would have earned 3 or possibly even 4 from me. I will absolutely positively never go back here; there are just too many nice places out there that cost about the same.
(2)
Pam C.
Still my favorite place to go when I'm in Indy. The BEST desserts ever. Also the best mac & cheese you have ever tasted. Do not let the cafeteria ambience fool you--this is excellent food, made fresh, from scratch. Also a great place to pick up a dessert to share with your office as they sell whole cakes and pies, too. Trust me, everyone will love this much more than the sheet cake from the grocery store!
(5)
James B.
Great food. Thanks Brian for keeping up the great quality.
(5)
Ann S.
I'm sure that like others, we went here because we saw Marc Summers recommend the Pepper Beef on Best Thing I Ever Ate. So we each got the Pepper Beef, a side of mac and cheese and a dessert. I got a slice of chocolate cream pie and he got a slice of carrot cheesecake. The pepper beef was good but if this is the best thing Marc ever ate, he needs to get out more. It's probably a nostalgia thing for him, for us it was just average. It's like any corned beef you get at any Jewish deli. The mac and cheese was dry, burnt, crunchy in spots and had this weird sweetness that I didn't care for; almost like they used condensed milk instead of regular. We both really liked our desserts. Though it's set up like a cafeteria, it's not cafeteria priced. We shelled out $43 for all of that and 2 cans of pop. Not a place we'd need to swing by again if we were in town.
(3)
David H.
I like it a lot. The food is expensive and some is not worth it. However some of the food is well worth it. The Reuben is wonderful. If you like a Reuben you have to go. They are big so expect to take half a sandwich home.
(3)
Benjamin H.
The one thing people always comment on: the price. Let us talk about the Reuben sandwich for a moment. Yes, you're paying $12, but in reality, you're receiving ..two.. sandwiches. Yes, I know some people can finish the whole thing, but really.. it is a shit-ton of food. I always take the second half home for dinner or lunch the next day and at $6 per meal, I don't find the sandwich to be overpriced at all. I'd also like to impart a bit of friendly advice -- (unfortunately this advice does not apply to the Reuben) -- You can order half sandwiches! Just the other day, I ordered half a corned beef on rye, with sauerkraut & mustard.. dynamite! The check (for two) on my last visit was $27 which I don't find to be particularly outrageous for what was ordered. I love the atmosphere, the food is comforting and the overall experience is always enjoyable.
(4)
MJ W.
This review is for the carry out. The bagels here are super! They are on par with Panera, but much less expensive. They also sell their fresh breads at the carry out counter. We bought a loaf of wheat, and we love it! It's more expensive than a loaf from the store, but it is fresh and it tastes great. Quick tip: THEY SERVE BREAKFAST! Turkey sausage and Turkey bacon of course. :)
(5)
Martin B.
I discovered Shapiro's around 1983 when working for ABC Sports doing the Indy 500. It is wonderful. Food is varied. It's all hot. Nice and big. Not intimate. Good size portions. If you want a nice big fun healthy meal. You must come here.
(4)
Theresa K.
I've experienced better- From them, I'm sure. The service was appalling. We were there pretty late, and I felt pretty bad for being there late, but we asked if it was okay (it was about half hour-40 minutes until close), and they said that was fine and we can take our time. My brother, boyfriend, anf sister in law and I arrived before my father and his girlfriend. We met them for dinner- he was in town from Clarksdale, MS, and he wanted to come here- That's completely fine. I hadn't been to Shaprios since I was younger, and we used to come here a lot. Yes- The sandwiches are $12- Some even more. The potato salad was pretty good, and the Mac N Cheese- deelish. I think we all ordered it. I think it might have been a bit too much. I did end up taking half of my sandwich home along with a pickle spear (I got two) and half of my potato salad. The manager was pretty nice for the most part, but the other people working seemed angry that we were there (we weren't even the only ones). The woman who rang us up actually made us feel bad. My dad (behind us) said he had it. We didn't know if she needed to see what we had. "What you drinking?" She yelled to everyone- No expression on her face. Never told us to go ahead, gave us direction, nothing. Had us standing there while she got drinks for the people behind us then barked at us that we were "free to go." I felt like I just got yelled at- like I had done something to get in trouble. The food was good (just ate my left overs for lunch today)- The service, though- Does not leave me wanting to come back again- Not to be treated like that.
(2)
Michael Z.
Being a homegrown Indiana boy, it hurts a little to give Shapiro's a 3-star rating. I've been to enough true deli's to know better. I go here all the time because it's a couple blocks away from where I work, and I have no problem with it when I don't have to pay. Don't expect the meat to blow you away. This is not Katz's. (That's just not nice... How could can anyone compete with patented steam tables???) They have fantastic rye bread, and the way the assemble their Reuben leave's nothing more to be desired. I digress... Don't balk at the first few things you see. They are, without a doubt, the best things on that cafeteria style line. I'm partial to the deviled eggs, broccoli salad and four bean salad. And, need I say more than "Devil's Food Cheesecake?" Another little hidden gem are the stuffed cabbage. Don't forget the Dr. Brown's cream soda, either.
(3)
Talmadge W.
I have to say I was very excited to eat here, but I was not impressed. My friend and I had a roast beef sandwich and a slice of carrot cake. The sandwich had too much meat on it which overpowered any of the condiments on the sandwhich were the standard ones. The bread was really just ok, and most certainly not fresh made. My general belief is that any type of resturant that has the name of the food they specialize pasted on their business name, it better be darn good. It appeared the roast beef sandwich was their signature dish and it did not deliver. The carrot cake was ok, but dried out as it had clearly sat out over night. The prices were also over the top for what you got. I would not come back to this place in the future.
(2)
Howard L.
In the shadows of the new Lucas Oil Stadium (new home of the Colts), is Shapiro's, a 100+ year old cafeteria style Jewish deli. We had brunch here with the son, and enjoyed some classics - smoked salmon lox on egg bagel and a reuben for the wife and I. You get a wide variety of fresh bagel choices for the lox. Son had a peppered beef sandwich, as they were out of smoked tongue. All were fresh and tasty, and I particularly enjoyed the rueben as the toast wasn't as oily and greasy as you often find off of other's grills. They bring your sandwich order to your table, and it's identified by the plate color provided to you. The main drawback, and I would say a 1 - 1.5 star deduct, is the value proposition. Sandwiches are quite pricy at about $11- $12 for each sandwich, and they aren't as large as you'll find at some places either. The main draws look to be the freshness and quality, and a bit of their history and tradition. There was a steady and large stream of customers, despite the prices. Their huge cafeteria looks like it could seat maybe 300. Adjacent parking lot was ample also. They also have a large bakery with a large selection of pastries and cakes. It was a nice visit, and also inspired me to bookmark, just for comparison's sake, one of our old Jewish Deli favorites that we haven't been to in 20 years - Kaufman's Deli in Skokie, IL. It's still there and still looks highly rated as well.
(4)
Steve M.
Lucky find thanks to my cousin in Kentucky. Working downtown and needed to escape my hotel. Had an awesome corned beef sandwich on thick cut fresh rye bread. Great rugelach too. Major yum. Loved it. Definitely New York authentic including the price. ;-)
(5)
Alex L.
An ode to this Jewish Deli, which serves a fantastic Rueben Sandwich: Indy and Shapiro, welcoming me with your open space Peaking the cafeteria line, my eyes lay rest: Coming up to the counter, the line seems to move at a fast pace Decisions, decisions: what can I eat that is the best?! The reueben catches my eye: so huge and dear Why is it over $12, that price instills fear! Unsure of its value, I cautiously order. When I get, my heart fills with cheer! Sourdough, ample meat, sweet and sour cabbage; I shed a tear. For this heart of sandwiches, so crisp and full of delight. Once I finish it, I take gleeful flight!
(4)
Clare L.
The desserts = AMAZING. If I was reviewing those alone, 5 stars. Everything else, not so much. I thought the quality of offerings on the line was even lower than what you could find at MCL. Nothing looked that appetizing and my spaghetti and meatballs that I decided on didn't have too much flavor. Would definitely stop in again to get a cookie or piece of cake, probably wouldn't eat food here again unless I was desperate.
(3)
Peter J.
This place harkens to a bygone era when people were doing hard work and needed to truly EAT to satisfy their hunger. Go big with the pastrami or switch it up with some of the daily specials. My eyes are always bigger than my stomach but it's a labor of love with this place. Be sure to check out the deli, jerky sticks are my favorite.
(5)
Hannah H.
I've lived in Indy my whole life, and finally decided it was time to try this legendary restaurant. I met a friend here for lunch a few months back and was so excited because of my love for Reubens. I went through the line and chose to get a reuben, mac n cheese, and a piece of rhubard pie. When I got to the checkout and was told it'd be $20 I was in shock, but I figured the reuben must be mind blowing so I didn't mind paying. I got to our table and started to dig in, expecting the best reuben I've ever had... only to be sadly disappointed. I understand that having such a famous restaurant can give you the liberty to charge a bit more, but I'm guessing you didn't get famous serving sandwiches like that. The bread was a bit soggy and the mac n cheese was cold. I REALLY wanted to be a fan of Shapiro's, and I feel like I'm a bad Hoosier for not... but for $20 I expected a lot more. I've been more impressed by the Reuben at Rosie's Place in Noblesville for about half the price. Excuse me while I go hide from the shame of this review.
(2)
Ayla W.
I'll start off by saying I'm going to give this place another chance eventually and so my stars will hopefully increase BUT as of right now. I'll stick with 3. I think the design of the place is awesome. Cafeteria like. Taking me back to high school. Everything seems fresh. Although it might not be. But you know when you go to some restaurants and you feel like wow the trucks freezer had its way on this food as it was being transferred to the restaurant. I don't get the same vibe here. However the food was not my cup of tea. From the way it was seasoned to the items on the list. We got a meal to split because I was a little taken back by the prices as well. It being in the top restaurants in Indy I shouldn't have been surprised but I still was because I didn't order crab legs or anything. So, all that to say. It's not making it to favorite restaurants list. But I'm going to give it another try in a month or so and ill give my update.
(3)
Sal W.
I've been coming here since I was a kid. Classic, delicious, kosher deli. The best Reuben in town and just amazing pastrami. The pies are amazing - it's always an impossible choice. I often buy a Boston Cream or Key Lime pie here if I need to bring dessert somewhere. Love the chicken dumpling soup and also the matzo ball soup. Not crazy about the mac and cheese here, but the veggies are good. A bit expensive, but quality food! Don't be scared off by the long lunch line- it moves quickly.
(5)
John E.
Greatest sandwiches in Indy, bar none! Cafeteria style restaurant that makes the fresh breads in house. The Reubens are unbelievable. The selection of deserts is ridiculous, and they are all delicious. If you haven't been go, if you have been, go back!
(5)
Greg M.
Love the corn beef sandwiches. Always good. 13 bucks but now they're charging you for horseradish when you take out?
(4)
Amanda T.
Don't miss this Reuben! It's corned beef perfection. Stuffed cabbage was good - the sauce was a tad too sweet, but we still demolished it. Mac n cheese is also killer!
(4)
Nicole L.
This place is my go to when I need brain food while spending a day studying at the law school. Their sandwiches are big and hearty, there are tons of options, and place itself is an institution. It looks like it has been utterly unchanged in the past 30 years. I like the tuna sandwich w chips myself. If you're looking for a solid lunch spot downtown, definitely give shapiros a try!
(5)
Tiffany B.
Since I'm a vegetarian, they didn't have a ton of options for me, so I'm gonna focus on what they did have that I was interested in and let me tell you: the desserts are friggin AH-mazing. I had a lemon cupcake, which had a custard filling--great, now I have a new sugary addiction to battle. I also tried a red velvet cake pop which fulfilled my sugary craving. There was such a wide selection of options--I've got a new secret/ not so secret dessert destination and I'm loving it.
(5)
Greg U.
Fashion Mall location for a quick bite. New to Indy area after living in Chicago and NYC metro areas. Cafeteria style dining. Insane pricing for ala carte sandwiches. $20 for two miniature half sammies, one bag of chips and one coke. Bread was the best part of the meal. Pastrami was nothing special. Turkey was average. The place was filthy too. Uncleaned tables and floors.
(2)
Aaron G.
Shapiro's is an Indy institution and the downtown location is the original. Great corned beef and other deli sandwiches. The rye bread is great. You also can't go wrong with a meal such as meatloaf or a stuffed cabbage roll. Desserts are also good and if you go Sunday morning the have noodle kugel! Soups are all good.
(5)
Peter D.
Easily the best deli I've been to outside of the East Coast. Amazing rye bread, unlike any I've had before, and very juicy corned beef. Possibly the best corned beef you can find in the country (and I've been to Katz's, David's Brisket House, Mill Basin Deli in New York, Attman's in Baltimore, Fourth Street Deli in Philly). Prices are okay but the sandwich is definitely worthy. I also tried the pastrami and found it to be very good, among the best I've had (better than Mill Basin, for what it's worth). I am absolutely coming back any time I travel to Indianapolis and would suggest you do the same.
(5)
Anna V.
O it is so good. Can't believe I haven't been sooner! Went for the corned beef and came out satisfied and with plenty of leftovers. The cabbage roll was amazing. Got the lemon meringue with the meringue piled high! Wish I could have tried everything because it all looked good! Especially that deviled egg. ... Guess I will have to wait till next time. Shapiros is definitely doing it right. I was expecting to wait since it's st paddy's and all but we were in and out in probably a half hour! High quality food with good service! Try it for yourself!
(5)
K L.
Looks like a cafeteria, smells like a cafeteria. It's authentic old world comfort food! I had the Reuben. And the corned beef was delicious. I'm on a quest for the perfect one;) This was good!
(4)
Scott M.
For a corned beef snob, Shapiro's is mediocre and middling. The corned beef is not special, not tender, not juicy. Reuben is ok but nothing that you couldn't reproduce at home with standard grocery store ingredients. It's one of those "regarded as best in town" things where it doesn't ACTUALLY mean that it's amazing. If you've been to any real deli outside Indy, you will be disappointed with Shapiro's. It's not a destination restaurant unless it's the first Reuben you've ever had ...and even then, I have a hard time believing you'll leave impressed. Toddler factor: Tons of room for high chair, pretty clean. We ordered him a grilled cheese that was mayyybe 3 stars if I'm rating generously. Lots of windows for him to look out and see cars driving by ... so that's a plus, I guess. ** Edit: My original review stated that they don't make their corned beef in house, my misinterpretation of their website text "comes from Vienna Beef in Chicago." I stand corrected! **
(3)
Grace L.
Fav place to eat in Indy. Had my first experience at the airport and continue to eat at the meridian location every chance I get. Classic Jewish deli and true quality food. My go-to is a pastrami on rye with yellow mustard. Have also tried the Reuben which is a crowd favorite and is fantastic as well. The chicken noodle soup is classic Jewish style, very light and simplistic but delicious. Pickles are to die for and come with the meal. Very pricey but worth every penny in my opinion.
(5)
Amy D.
Shapiro's is an Indianapolis Institution. I've been going to Shapiro's since I was a little kid. They have occasionally branched out with satellite locations (I think only the airport one is left?), but NONE of those compare to the Real Deal downtown. When my husband & I go, normally one of us will get a Reuben & the other will get a Pastrami/Swiss on rye. We then go halves'ies so that we get the best of both worlds. Although, each sandwich is big-enough that we should just split 1 sandwich & leave room for their yummy sides. Making that choice between corned beef & pastrami would be too hard, though. A trip to Shapiro's isn't complete without checking out their bakery on the way out the door. We never walk out without a couple of cookies, or some bagels, or whatever looks good that day.
(4)
Chrissy A.
This is a classic in Indianapolis. My husband gets the Rueben everytime but I love the tuna salad plate. The desserts are to die for. I love that you know what you are getting here is quality, homemade and good food everytime. You get what you pay for here. I love that I ate here as a child and am now 36 and can take my kids and they can eat here now. I am pretty sure it is decorated the same way too. No frills and that is fine with me.
(4)
Annissa M.
An Indy staple! An old, historic kosher deli, this place is the cafeteria nostalgic throwback perfect for lunch or dinner. The Reuben won't steer your wrong if you're into toothsome meaty goodness. The baked goods are a perfect take home treat. All the yes to carrot cake cheesecake.
(5)
Steve W.
There is a lot of hype in Indianapolis a bout shapiros. Hoosiers love this Jewish deli. I've been to the downtown location and the airport, and here is my take: Downtown: the line will be long at lunch. If you get a whole sandwich you are looking at $10-$15. Go for a half sandwich and a couple sides and you are in the same boat. Quality wise, the roast beef is delicious and I agree with Marc Summers that the peppered beef is the best thing I've ever had on sliced bread. Salads are fresh, as is the fruit. I can't speak for the desserts having never tried one myself, but they are huge and my colleagues enjoy them. airport: prices are even higher still. You are around $10 for a half sandwich. But, it is one of the best options in the Indy airport. And if you are there for breakfast they have some great options. Overall: Shapiros is good, and it's great is someone else is picking up the bill
(4)
John A.
How does anyone not like this place? The sandwiches and desserts are absolutely amazing. I literally stop by in Indianapolis just to pickup a Rueben Sandwich. The only thing that prevents me from giving them an outright 5 stars are the "sides". They are usually hit or miss and don't really standout.
(4)
Alex W.
An Indy institution where you can't go wrong with ANYTHING on the menu! My go-to is always a cheeseburger with lots of delicious cooked onions and 1-2 sides plus a slice of chocolate-on-chocolate cake, all for sharing! Lunchtime is always the busiest, however if you can wait until 1230-1p then the line isn't too shabby. Their best sides are the huge latkes [mom takes her part with applesauce], mac n cheese, and green beans. Recently they've added awesome Coke Freestyle machines to the mix. It's always a treat to hit up Shapiro's.
(5)
Tom S.
Stopped in Indianapolis for lunch. The deli was recommended. Portions are massive and the corned beef sandwich is amazing! A little pricy for lunch but it was great food!
(5)
Chris R.
Reuben sandwich was very good. The prices are a bit high in my opinion. Visited mid afternoon so was not that busy. Floors and bathrooms could have used s sweep/mop. Overall a nice lunch
(4)
Park R.
I don't know how else to say this but if you are in indianapolis this place is a must try the pastrami sandwich the mac and cheese is to die for the matzo ball soup and red velvet cake
(4)
Frank C.
Amazing pastrami Brooklyn Style!!!! Best sammy EVER!!!! Actually split half this with my buddy and he had the corn beef, another awesome sandwich, but the pastrami rules!!!! Had to have the deviled egg too! If your in Indy, you MUST go here!!!!
(5)
Eric V.
Came in to this Indianapolis cafeteria/deli for the Peppered Beef sandwich because somebody mentioned this sandwich on The Best Thing I Ever Ate. I was not disappointed. I had no idea that it was a cafeteria-style joint. I wasn't hungry enough to take advantage of all of the sides of bakery items that were calling out to me. Taunting me, actually. I just grabbed my sandwich to-go and headed back to my place. When I got home, I opened up the bag and the sandwich looked like most every other deli sandwich I've sampled across the country. A jawbone-testing serving of meat on rye with swiss cheese and mustard. Whatever. But when I sank my teeth into it, holy shit! That's a damn good sandwich! It's all about the meat with this sandwich, actually. The most tender meat I've ever eaten with perhaps the greatest tasting deli meat I've ever experienced. Five freakin' stars. The potato salad that accompanied by sandwich was as average as it gets. 3 stars. I look forward to going back to Shapiro's, taking a tray through the food line, and seeing what else the place has to offer. As far as delis go, I'll rate Shapiro's a solid five stars.
(4)
Christopher R.
Food with a sense of culture and a great fresh taste of food, just be careful things can get pricey on the line. Get CAKE..
(4)
Kevin C.
Great pastrami, what else can I say.
(4)
Greg K.
This is the original (updated) Jewish deli of Indy -& I have been coming for years. Pastrami & matzo ball soup is great. Rueben is classic. Usually a line but worth it. Fresh local beer if you want, too.
(5)
Michael K.
Not what I expected at all, but pleasantly surprised. I was thrown for a loop by the cafeteria style service, but the food was as good or better than most sit down service delis. Save room for dessert because they look fantastic! Not as modestly priced as they represent, but worth it.
(4)
Gene H.
It's been many years since I've been to Shapiro's but I remember the pastrami/corned beef being the best I'd ever had!!!
(5)
Yuleidy K.
My first experience with Shapiro's was two years ago as we drove through Indy. I can't comment on the food, because the employee in the food line was so rude to me that I told them I would not be purchasing food from them. Tonight, my husband and I found ourselves in Shapiro's again wanting to give it a second chance since everyone has a bad day every once in a while. Let's start with the good. Their corned beef was a good quality and I appreciate the fact that it is made in house. The rye bread was also delicious. I ordered a Ruben sandwich. When it came out, the sandwich was a good size, but the cheese on the sandwich was not melted and the corned beef wasn't hot. One of the best parts of a Ruben is the crunchy grilled and buttered rye bread, the hot corned beef and the gooey melted cheese. I very nicely asked the lady that brought it out to please take it back and grill it some more since the meat and cheese were cold. She was clearly annoyed at my request and said the best she could do was put it in the microwave. I'm sorry, but there's not reason for any restaurant to serve cold food, especially when you are paying over $13.00 for a sandwich alone. The matzo ball soup was tasteless and the latke wasn't anything to be excited about. My husband got a hot corned beef sandwich and his meat was cold as well. Corned beef and pastrami should be kept warm in a steamer. As far as a Jewish deli goes, it could never compare to any good deli in NY or any other prominent Jewish area. It was OK, nothing great. Please work on your employees. The first time we came to your restaurant they cost you money as their rudeness pushed us out of the door. Today was not much better. They act like they couldn't be bothered. Their attitude was very apparent. As we all know, having a good product is only half the equation. Customer service is the other half.
(2)
Lara P.
This deli has so much appeal and I don't think they're even trying to be appealing. The setup is cafeteria style: grab your tray, silverware, and dessert (yes...desserts are strategically placed FIRST) and head down the line. I had the corned beef which was piled high (just look at all the photos) and super tasty with swiss on top. Come hungry and you'll still probably want to grab a carryout box before taking your seat- portions are generous! The dining room probably hasn't been updated since the late 80's, and I think this adds to Shapiro's charm. Be sure to peruse the bakery section during your visit. I didn't save room this time but their cookies, cakes, and pastries looked amazing. Shapiro's is great for a casual but filling meal and the cafeteria-style dining make it a great place for larger groups too. If you live in Indy, don't make the same mistake I did and wait years to check this place out. I've been missing out!
(4)
Abdullah M.
So disappointed, this place advertised itself as a "kosher-style deli". Apparently kosher style is not actually kosher... I had been excited to try a well reviewed, well-regarded deli. Imagine my disappointment when the worker informed me that only the salami was actually kosher. If you're looking for kosher, this isn't the place for you. If those concerns aren't ones you share, then it looked like a decent place.
(1)
Scott H.
I can see and taste why this place is an Indy institution. It lives up to its name!!
(5)
Kara F.
I finally visited this Indy institution recently! I'm not a huge fan of Reubens or corned beef, their specialties, so I went with the roast turkey sandwich, which was really good. I also got a side of broccoli salad, which I liked a lot, and a latke (potato pancake). They had just run out of the latter when I was ordering, but an employee cheerfully informed me that a batch was on the way right out of the oven. He seemed personally invested in my latke experience and was very helpful as I tried to navigate Shapiro's for the first time. For dessert I had a brownie cookie (yes, a brownie cookie) purchased from another super nice staff member at the dessert counter. It wasn't as great as I hoped but good. I went after the lunch rush, so overall it was low key but a good experience. I'd love to go back and try more items!
(5)
Rhoda L.
This restaurant is always on the one. I am never disappointed on my choices. My mom when she was alive always came to Shapiro's. She liked her pickles peeled (lol). She was the Diva! I will always come back because they are dependable, delicious, affordable and an institution here in Indianapolis. LOVE YOU SHAPIRO'S!
(5)
Cheryl M.
Okay, I would agree that the place is cool and the food is good and I get that it's an Indianapolis staple but holy crap...the prices about threw me over!! 2 sandwiches, 1 deviled egg, 2 bags of chips, a side of mashed potatoes and a small salad with 3 drinks....$45+ later. Shapiro's I would love to love you more but I can't afford you! That's a hellish expensive lunch. For those of you that can afford it, eat away...the food options are numerous and I'm sure everything is just as tasty and delightful as what we had. Rock on Shapiro's! You're doing something right!
(3)
Ken K.
I'd go back to Indy just to have another pastrami/swiss on rye with spicy mustard. Hands down the best pastrami sandwich I've ever had. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. The bread was fantastic. The pastrami had the perfect amount of fat and was packed full of flavor. The only thing that kept me from eating this every day was the price. It was about $17 for the pastrami and a drink. Not sure when I'll ever be in Indy again, but might have to swing through just for another pastrami.
(5)
Noah B.
I was riding my bike around the city and came across this place having no idea what it was. After trying the Reuben and Mac and cheese for lunch I knew it had to be a well known hole in the wall. The food was great even though it's served cafeteria style and the atmosphere seemed weird at first glance. I would definitely recommend trying this place at least once!
(5)
Gretchen A.
5 stars for the Rueben sandwich! It is the definition of delicious. I just discovered the downtown location, but use to go to the airport location all the time. It was the highlight of my traveling. Only downside of this amazing sandwich is the price tag. Plan on spending $15-16 for the sandwich alone. Definitely worth it through!
(5)
Chris D.
In addition to being a deli, Shapiro's is a great bakery. For a relative's birthday, I placed an order for a chocolate pie. A day later, my sister called and added an apple pie to the order. The customer service was great and they had no problem adding to the order. Let's talk about the chocolate beast first. It was unlike any pie I had ever bought. It had to have been a foot high in the center (they had to pack it in a cake box). I was told the topping was a merangue. The concensus was that it tasted a bit more like marshmallow. Either way, it was delicious. The chocolate pudding was also great. A small slice was all any of us could handle but it more than satisfied. I didn't have a chance to try to apple (see above) but it looked and smelled delicious and got good reviews from those who did eat it. Don't mistake either of these pies for inexpensive. You pay for quality at Shapiro's. And quality we got - in spades. I highly recommend.
(5)
James C.
Like any warm blooded person in Indy, I've had, and loved, the corn beef sandwich. That sandwich, which I first had 22 years ago, keeps me going back. The S Meridian location has been their staple, they currently have an airport locale but I've not been to that one. They used to have one in Carmel and the (kind of) Nora area but those have closed. Like the NFL in the mid-1980's, Shapiro's mostly consists of elderly Jewish people. Nothing bad about that mind you, that's just the majority crowd. Now that they have free Wi Fi, it's a cool place to people watch, while enjoying some great food in plenty of portion. Nothing special about the interior or decor, it's a cafeteria but it's clean.
(5)
Pilar B.
My family has been eating at Shapiros for years. They have the juiciest corned beef in the city. It melts in your mouth. I am a true believer in the adage of "You get what you pay for!" and Shapiros does a great job of serving quality food.
(4)
Danielle P.
Between a 3 and 4. I like the food, and the baked goods are really fantastic. The prices are a little crazy though. 12 dollars for a Reuben? (Although a sandwich can maybe suffice for two people -- I usually go for a half sandwich and a cup of soup).
(3)
John Z.
Yeah. So... we all know about the corned beef by now, right? It's good alright. But has anyone ever paid attention to how expensive this place is? I had a decent corned beef sandwich on rye, with a slice of provolone, and a cup of chicken noodle soup. The bill? Sixteen dollars! Seriously??? When it costs that much at the airport, I just figured it was because it was *at the airport*... but no. It costs that much downtown too. Oh, and the chicken noodle soup? It looks like someone poured a can of peas into a pan of Mrs. Grass chicken soup. Never had chicken noodle soup that was all noodles and peas? Of course you haven't. It's terrible. Why would anyone do that? So, all that said, three starts seems generous, right? Well, the sandwich is pretty darn good. The mac and cheese is good (although a bit too creamy... yeah, it's possible), and the fried chicken is shockingly good (and a lot better deal than the $12 sandwich).
(3)
Smiley B.
I have eaten at Shapiro's for quite a few years. Since I don't work in Indianapolis anymore I seldom get to eat there. We drove up to Indianapolis for the sole purpose to eat at Shapiro's. I remember the Reuben Sandwiches to be very generous and very tasty. Yes they did cost quite a lot for a sandwich, but I felt that it was worth it since it was a quality sandwich. Today I ordered the Reuben, some green beans and a piece of carrot cake. My friend had a turkey sandwich, a fried potato pancake and cheesecake. The reuben tasted okay, but the bread was soggy, and it seemed like they cut the amount of meat in half. It was mostly sour kraut and bread. This isn't the way they served their food 5 years ago. I was disappointed to say the least. The potato pancake my friend ordered was cold and had been fried earlier in the day. It was horrible. When I paid the tab, I was shocked to hear the cashier say $44.85! What? For two sandwiches??? The owners must be doing what a lot of places are these days. Cutting back on the product and raising the prices to make more money. I can honestly say that Shapiro's have gotten my last dollar. It used to be worth the extra money but it just isn't the same now. What a shame.
(2)
Joey ジョーイ K.
If you come to Indianapolis this is definitely one of the places you must try. It's honestly the best deli I have been to and the portions are perfect.
(4)
Robert M.
I meet with the Indy BMW Club (BMW Motorcycles) for Saturday breakfast whenever I'm in Indianapolis. Great food and great staff. I'd like to go back for lunch sometime... that Reuben looks yummy.
(5)
Bob F.
Probably the last good deli in Indy. Great pastrami, brisket and Ruebens. Excellent breads and old school potato pancakes. Hot dishes like stuffed cabbage and meat loaf are good too. Not cheap but portions are large. Plenty of parking.
(4)
Francesca D.
I really don't even like Pastrami. I don't even like cured meats in general really, but Shapiro's Pastrami Sandwich on rye was one of my favorite sandwiches of all time. Totally simple, but really good quality. Also, I had an eclair, which was good, but I don't really like eclairs either...
(4)
Joe F.
Very good cafeteria style Jewish Deli. Downtown staff can be rough around the edges, if thats a concern go to the Carmel location. A bit pricey but items are homecooked high quality food. It's okay to share.
(4)
Celeste T.
The lox with the energy bar (a dark wheat bagel with seeds and fruit in it) is something I dream about and have EVERY TIME I travel to Indy. Highly recommend! Also, the flourless chocolate cake is amazing. Cafeteria style is admittedly a bit odd, but when you see the throughput Shapiro's has, it's pretty amazing that they have such consistently good quality food. High five you guys!
(5)
Luckie D.
Clean, fresh, tasty and served by efficient if not well intentioned staff. They are missing some notable items but you knew that from the sign above the door saying Shapiro's not Washington's !!!!
(3)
Andy H.
Very good food, and very expensive! I think they could shave a few dollars off the menu and still do very well.
(4)
Scott P.
Reuben. Brisket sandwich. German Potato salad. thats about all I've ordered (other than dessert) and it is always excellent. Of course there's not a dollar menu for the cheap, but the food is incredible.
(5)
Renita M.
I had never been here before. I lived in Indiana from 1992 to 2003. I've been to Indy many times. I went to college 45 minutes from Indy, I've spent days and nights and driven all over looking for the Greyhound station, but I had never been to Shapiro's. Until I was in the area with some college friends, and we wanted a place to meet for brunch, and one who just loves this place suggested it. So here's the deets: This isn't a "brunch" place per se, it's not Le Peep or Patachou or Panera. It's an old-school cafeteria-style Jewish deli. They do have breakfast items, though. So grab your tray and go through the line, picking up little bowls of fruit, a scoop of mac and cheese or mysterious noodle casserole, order your sandwich or entree and pay the nice lady at the cash register. There's also two Coke freestyle machines to mix and match flavors in the enormous soda glasses. I went for a bowl of pineapple, a bowl of mac and cheese (a little bowl) and half a brisket sandwich with spicy mustard on rye. (And a pickle.) The sandwiches are enormous. My half-sandwich had enough meat on it for a whole one. The brisket was very tender and tasty, and it was a very straightforward sandwich--meat, mustard, bread. The end. The mac and cheese was... interesting. The noodles were super tender, the cheese sauce was sort of... custardy? and it was good but a little watery and unusual. I can't quite put my finger on it. No complaints on the fresh pineapple. Those three items plus a drink was about $15 so I wouldn't call it cheap, but it was reasonable. This is really no-frills, low-service, with plenty of room to spread out and enjoy your giant sandwiches, baked goods or tastey but strangely gloopy mac and cheese.
(4)
Sunah K.
You want a huge meat-filled sandwich and space to spread out? You'll find it here. You won'be be able to forget desserts, which are displayed upfront at the counter. Don't forget your soups and sides, tho! Admittedly, this is not my favorite sandwich place. I thought my reuben was a tad on the dry side and light on the spread, but the rye bread is great, as everyone agrees. Lentil soup very good. They also have 2 of those touch screen fountain drink dispensers! Get there by 11:30 to beat the lunch crowd downtown. And grab a to-go container byt the drink dispensers, you're probably gonna need it!
(3)
Keryl M.
We ate here while we were in Indy for DCI World Championships and were not disappointed! The Rueben was fantastic and so was the potato salad. Also loved the strawberry rhubarb pie! Will eat there again next year!
(4)
Anders C.
I got the corned beef hash that people were hyping about in these reviews and I thought it was okay. The sandwich wasn't big but the price sure was. If anything, it reminded me of The Hat's pastrami dip (back in California) and how that would've only cost me a little more than half as much while getting 2-3x the portions. It was nice going there for the experience since I was recommended by a friend to try it out, but I'm never coming back.
(2)
Ryan M.
Went to Shapiro's during the weekend of the final four game of UK vs Michigan. You have never seen so much blue in your life! The restaurant is somewhere between a cafeteria/bakery/New York style deli. Having so many deli-style sandwiches, I jumped on the chance to have a solid reuben. I was not disappointed. I prefer a bit more thousand island on my Reuben's than most, so I got a bit extra on the side. To quote the late Mitch Hedburg "like a cow with a cracker on either side." It was loaded with corned beef and sauerkraut (maybe enough for two sandwiches!!). Great flavor! On to the baked goods...and there were no shortage of them to pick from. I want to say I left with five or six different goods to share with the folks back home in Dayton. German chocolate cake, coconut cream cake, cream cheese carrot cake were all fantastic. Make sure you ask which are made in house (most of the cakes/pies are, the brownies/bars are not typically). If I go back, I will certainly be visiting.
(4)
Linda A.
Hubby and I shared their famous Reuben sandwich and it was everything our friends described, so delicious! Very glad we opted to share because it was HUGE! Some other reviews dinged this place for the price. Considering the size of the portions, I'd recommend sharing if at all possible. The sides we had were good but nothing to make a special trip to get. Dessert (marble cake)...moist, delicious and again, way too big for one to eat without a lot of regret! The place was clean and really spacious. We were there the day after the Indy 500 and were surprised that it was pretty empty. I'll bet it's more of a weekday or football weekend place. The staff got their job done but weren't particularly friendly. This is a place I'd visit again if we were close by.
(3)
Catherine K.
There is a fine line between delicious and excessive, and Shapiro's staddles that line ... The Reuben. Wow. So Good. But they start out with desserts, sides, sandwiches ... we always end up with $30 of food and I always end up walking around the parking lot to let food settle before we go home. It's good. But it's expensive and a LOT of food. The line is usually out the door. If you know what you are in for, you'll be delighted. Smaller appetites, plan to split a sandwich or take home leftovers. It's a win-win.
(4)
Alexis H.
I have heard about this place for a loooong time. Just finally made it there yesterday and I gotta say, as with most delis with hype....it was just ok. I got a NY Reuben (coleslaw instead of sauerkraut, which I sometimes prefer) and yes, it was huge.....and unfortunately, yes, it also gave me wicked heartburn several hours later. The mac and cheese contained too many crunchy uncooked bits for my taste and if I'm paying $18.00 for lunch, I simply have a higher quality expectation. I might be willing to go back to try the peppered beef sometime, based solely on some other yelp reviewers but for me, I'm not rushing back :(
(3)
Shoshana K.
Shapiros is great!! Come hungry, no, make that famished-the portions are huge!! If you are weary of other reviewers commenting on the price, I'd like to add my $0.02 on the matter: you get a lotta bang for your buck. I most always take a doggy bag of leftovers w me when I visit. If you're my 6'5 beautiful hunky better half, you'll be able to clean your plate. However the food coma after doing so will be strong so use some will power and save a lil for later! Shapiros is a jewish/kosher style deli (emphasis on the word 'style') - like Carnegie deli in NYC....kosher style because you can get things like a Reuben (absolutely delish) which has cheese-for all you goyim out there, milk and meat don't mix in strict kosher kitchens....this however does not detract fm Shapiros mouthwatering menu offerings! The desserts used to be different-not as sugary. They still look beautiful and I always put a plate of something on my tray but they have changed their recipes slightly and there is a strong sugary almost artificial taste in many of the desserts. They were already rich! Make em the old way, would you pretty please Shapiros?! One week I bought a challa here. It was huge! But sadly it was a very goy-ish challa. Too dry and no flavor/richness. Challa egg bread should be doughy and indulgent, as far as breads go. It made decent French toast bc of the dry factor and good bread crumbs.... My friend loves the matzoh ball soup. The potato pancakes are not latkes (shredded potatoes like hash browns but fried as pancakes) - these are more like mashed potato cakes deep fried. They're good tho! Rye bread is great here. German potato salad is good and do is the meatloaf!! Haven't tried the stuffed peps or cabbage yet but they always look awesome. The spinach is actually good, I like it better than the green beans. I really want to like the Mac and cheese but it's not my favorite, however I end up ordering it a lot of the time anyway! The top is broiled nicely usually, and I always ask for a scoop w some crusty top the layers underneath the crust are never really warm and gooey enough... Every time I done here I have to take a hiatus for a few months because of the volume and richness of food. It's worth it tho!! They have a parking lot which is great. They take all cards too. I haven't ever visited at lunchtime-I always end up arriving sometime between 6-8 in the evenings and there is never a line and tons of seating. You can get everything on the menu at lunch and dinner time (I think...) so don't waste your time waiting in line w the lunch crowd.....
(5)
Marcie M.
Wanted to give them 5 stars for the sheer abundance of items, and the whopping portions. Unfortunately, a good portion of my husband's corned beef was gristly. My smoked turkey sandwich was good, and both the rye and wheat breads were put of this world. Soup was loaded with noodles but no meat in my cup, but broth was flavorful. This place feels like a throwback to an earlier time, and it's certainly worth a visit.
(4)
Adam C.
I have eaten at many delis and this is near the best. In fact the rye bread here is the best. Everything is cafeteria style so they start you walking past amazing deserts. But it is the sandwiches and sides that make this place great. It is an expensive sandwhich but worth it. Enjoy
(5)
Sue S.
Best turkey hash on the planet. Recently went here, missed breakfast cut-off, but 1/2 a pastrami sandwich was incredible and I savored every bite. Crowded when the Colts play home, so plan ahead.
(5)
Matt G.
What absolute goodness. No frills, maybe a bit rushed and rude and no pretense about the surroundings or what they do. I LOVE this place and still contend that their NY-style cheesecake is one of the best in the Midwest. The deli sandwiches are PILED high with meat and you always get a fresh pickle that is out of sight. Now, if you're looking for a "deal" you have come to the wrong place! I went in for my cheesecake fix and a coffee.... $8.50. Good thing I already had lunch. I would also recommend the stuffed cabbage, the rice salad and you must have some of the fresh rye bread. Remember, your eyes are likely bigger than your stomach.
(4)
Garrett C.
Pretty good, but I've had a better reuben. Potato pancakes are interesting. They are the thickest I've ever seen (about an inch thick at the center. Tomatoes were excellent. Traditional kosher deli, cafeteria style. Big sandwiches, but a little too expensive relatively speaking. You'll get socked on the a la carte items. My opinion: good, but don't know if I would go out of my way. Good thing it's close to the interstate if you're just passing through.
(3)
Douglas H.
This place is the closest you'll get to a NYC deli in the Midwest. So many choices. It is not the cheapest place in the world, but anything and everything is top notch. My favorite is the pastromi on rye.
(5)
Dana M.
Awesome Jewish deli in downtown Indianapolis. Love the Reuben sandwiches and cherry cheesecake.
(4)
Celia T.
I love country cooking!!! This place is not going to be your FruFru restaurant. It is a great casual place to pick up lunch. The carrot cake was good homemade style. We also had the meatloaf with the greens, corn and the chicken stew. Chicken stew is like chicken noodle soup concentrate - yummy comfort! The meatloaf was not the best, but pretty darn good! And that sauce with the meatloaf really made it better. The corn was ehh due to the boiling, however the corn tasted corn-y (haha-lame, I know). It didn't taste all frozen. The greens were yummy (I love collard greens!) Had me some unsweetened Iced tea and that was good and strong. You can't find this in LA!
(5)
Ian C.
Okay, maybe I did something wrong. All I've heard about Shapiro's over the years has been praise heaped upon praise, so I was in the neighborhood and thought I would try it out. I was shocked at what exactly they give you for twelve dollars - a pile of dry, flavorless roast beef and two slices of decent rye bread. No sides, no nothing (I'm sure a bit of horseradish to go with the sandwich would cost like four bucks, considering their price standards). I ended up feeling completely ripped off and and utterly mystified at the cult-like status of this place. Incredibly overpriced food, rude service, chintzy cafeteria-style digs? Are we that desperate for a good deli that people will line up for this crap? I say hell no. Go somewhere else and save your money.
(2)
Russell H.
Good deli food that is priced INSANELY high. Shapiro's was recommended to us by a family member... I really wish they would have shared the price point as well. Don't get me wrong; the food is good. We each had a Reuben, which is the Shapiro's specialty. The sandwiches were very big and quite tasty. We also ordered one small serving of mac n cheese (which was actually not very good) and one small side of cottage cheese, which we shared. So that is a grand total of 2 sandwiches, 2 side items and 2 drinks. I was a bit shocked when the price came out to over $40... Please understand that although the food is good, this isn't some nice casual dining establishment; its a cafeteria style restaurant where you order, stand in line, and then go pour your own drink. I don't mind dropping a little money on nice meal, but this place left me feeling like I got VERY poor value for my dollar. I can't bring myself to give it more than 2 stars; if the food had been priced a little better it probably would have earned 3 or possibly even 4 from me. I will absolutely positively never go back here; there are just too many nice places out there that cost about the same.
(2)
Pam C.
Still my favorite place to go when I'm in Indy. The BEST desserts ever. Also the best mac & cheese you have ever tasted. Do not let the cafeteria ambience fool you--this is excellent food, made fresh, from scratch. Also a great place to pick up a dessert to share with your office as they sell whole cakes and pies, too. Trust me, everyone will love this much more than the sheet cake from the grocery store!
(5)
James B.
Great food. Thanks Brian for keeping up the great quality.
(5)
Ann S.
I'm sure that like others, we went here because we saw Marc Summers recommend the Pepper Beef on Best Thing I Ever Ate. So we each got the Pepper Beef, a side of mac and cheese and a dessert. I got a slice of chocolate cream pie and he got a slice of carrot cheesecake. The pepper beef was good but if this is the best thing Marc ever ate, he needs to get out more. It's probably a nostalgia thing for him, for us it was just average. It's like any corned beef you get at any Jewish deli. The mac and cheese was dry, burnt, crunchy in spots and had this weird sweetness that I didn't care for; almost like they used condensed milk instead of regular. We both really liked our desserts. Though it's set up like a cafeteria, it's not cafeteria priced. We shelled out $43 for all of that and 2 cans of pop. Not a place we'd need to swing by again if we were in town.
(3)
David H.
I like it a lot. The food is expensive and some is not worth it. However some of the food is well worth it. The Reuben is wonderful. If you like a Reuben you have to go. They are big so expect to take half a sandwich home.
(3)
Benjamin H.
The one thing people always comment on: the price. Let us talk about the Reuben sandwich for a moment. Yes, you're paying $12, but in reality, you're receiving ..two.. sandwiches. Yes, I know some people can finish the whole thing, but really.. it is a shit-ton of food. I always take the second half home for dinner or lunch the next day and at $6 per meal, I don't find the sandwich to be overpriced at all. I'd also like to impart a bit of friendly advice -- (unfortunately this advice does not apply to the Reuben) -- You can order half sandwiches! Just the other day, I ordered half a corned beef on rye, with sauerkraut & mustard.. dynamite! The check (for two) on my last visit was $27 which I don't find to be particularly outrageous for what was ordered. I love the atmosphere, the food is comforting and the overall experience is always enjoyable.
(4)
MJ W.
This review is for the carry out. The bagels here are super! They are on par with Panera, but much less expensive. They also sell their fresh breads at the carry out counter. We bought a loaf of wheat, and we love it! It's more expensive than a loaf from the store, but it is fresh and it tastes great. Quick tip: THEY SERVE BREAKFAST! Turkey sausage and Turkey bacon of course. :)
(5)
Martin B.
I discovered Shapiro's around 1983 when working for ABC Sports doing the Indy 500. It is wonderful. Food is varied. It's all hot. Nice and big. Not intimate. Good size portions. If you want a nice big fun healthy meal. You must come here.
(4)
Theresa K.
I've experienced better- From them, I'm sure. The service was appalling. We were there pretty late, and I felt pretty bad for being there late, but we asked if it was okay (it was about half hour-40 minutes until close), and they said that was fine and we can take our time. My brother, boyfriend, anf sister in law and I arrived before my father and his girlfriend. We met them for dinner- he was in town from Clarksdale, MS, and he wanted to come here- That's completely fine. I hadn't been to Shaprios since I was younger, and we used to come here a lot. Yes- The sandwiches are $12- Some even more. The potato salad was pretty good, and the Mac N Cheese- deelish. I think we all ordered it. I think it might have been a bit too much. I did end up taking half of my sandwich home along with a pickle spear (I got two) and half of my potato salad. The manager was pretty nice for the most part, but the other people working seemed angry that we were there (we weren't even the only ones). The woman who rang us up actually made us feel bad. My dad (behind us) said he had it. We didn't know if she needed to see what we had. "What you drinking?" She yelled to everyone- No expression on her face. Never told us to go ahead, gave us direction, nothing. Had us standing there while she got drinks for the people behind us then barked at us that we were "free to go." I felt like I just got yelled at- like I had done something to get in trouble. The food was good (just ate my left overs for lunch today)- The service, though- Does not leave me wanting to come back again- Not to be treated like that.
(2)
Michael Z.
Being a homegrown Indiana boy, it hurts a little to give Shapiro's a 3-star rating. I've been to enough true deli's to know better. I go here all the time because it's a couple blocks away from where I work, and I have no problem with it when I don't have to pay. Don't expect the meat to blow you away. This is not Katz's. (That's just not nice... How could can anyone compete with patented steam tables???) They have fantastic rye bread, and the way the assemble their Reuben leave's nothing more to be desired. I digress... Don't balk at the first few things you see. They are, without a doubt, the best things on that cafeteria style line. I'm partial to the deviled eggs, broccoli salad and four bean salad. And, need I say more than "Devil's Food Cheesecake?" Another little hidden gem are the stuffed cabbage. Don't forget the Dr. Brown's cream soda, either.
(3)
Talmadge W.
I have to say I was very excited to eat here, but I was not impressed. My friend and I had a roast beef sandwich and a slice of carrot cake. The sandwich had too much meat on it which overpowered any of the condiments on the sandwhich were the standard ones. The bread was really just ok, and most certainly not fresh made. My general belief is that any type of resturant that has the name of the food they specialize pasted on their business name, it better be darn good. It appeared the roast beef sandwich was their signature dish and it did not deliver. The carrot cake was ok, but dried out as it had clearly sat out over night. The prices were also over the top for what you got. I would not come back to this place in the future.
(2)
Howard L.
In the shadows of the new Lucas Oil Stadium (new home of the Colts), is Shapiro's, a 100+ year old cafeteria style Jewish deli. We had brunch here with the son, and enjoyed some classics - smoked salmon lox on egg bagel and a reuben for the wife and I. You get a wide variety of fresh bagel choices for the lox. Son had a peppered beef sandwich, as they were out of smoked tongue. All were fresh and tasty, and I particularly enjoyed the rueben as the toast wasn't as oily and greasy as you often find off of other's grills. They bring your sandwich order to your table, and it's identified by the plate color provided to you. The main drawback, and I would say a 1 - 1.5 star deduct, is the value proposition. Sandwiches are quite pricy at about $11- $12 for each sandwich, and they aren't as large as you'll find at some places either. The main draws look to be the freshness and quality, and a bit of their history and tradition. There was a steady and large stream of customers, despite the prices. Their huge cafeteria looks like it could seat maybe 300. Adjacent parking lot was ample also. They also have a large bakery with a large selection of pastries and cakes. It was a nice visit, and also inspired me to bookmark, just for comparison's sake, one of our old Jewish Deli favorites that we haven't been to in 20 years - Kaufman's Deli in Skokie, IL. It's still there and still looks highly rated as well.
(4)
Frank C.
A 4 hour drive was rewarded by The Best Pastrami I've ever devoured. After searching for "Unique to Indy" places on yelp, Shapiro's Delicatessen was in the center mass of my kosher deli loving crosshairs. I was not disappointed at all. My wife and I went in and ordered a pastrami on rye with mustard and swiss. We were in a hurry to get home to Nashville after a weekend wedding. 97.5 miles later we couldn't wait and had to unwrap our purchase. There was a moment of silence in the car. Followed by some imaginary, cheesy 80's pornish background music playing in my head. It was like seeing Bar Rafaeli in a two piece of Rye swimsuit and a mustard swiss Yamaka with an Uzi to tote!! Then my wife, who is not usually a fan of overloaded sandwiches, began to chomp away. Her reaction was equal to Meg Ryan's notorious "When Harry Met Sally" deli scene, and she wasn't faking it. She was inhaling the sandwich like Raoul Duke executing an 8 ball on the way to Vegas. At last it was my turn. At a undisclosed exit off of 65 S I took my first bite. Immediately I thought I should turn around and buy at least a ton of the pastrami so I could return home and sell it for 10x above street value. It was Kosher Cocaine.
(5)
Natasha J.
The non-deli food taste like it came from the freezer section. I had the fish...will never do it again, a coworker of mine got the spaghetti and it had a little sauce on it...never never ever again
(1)
Virginia L.
So good. I'm in love with their bagels. The restaurant is set up to be cafeteria style, which I like a lot - it just makes it low key, but serves up food that could be served at a restaurant with white tablecloths. I've also had their boxed lunches and deli trays catered at several meetings with great success.
(5)
Megan M.
Great food but terrible service. I am a fan of the renowned Reuben sandwich - it's piled high with corned beef, the perfect amount of cheese & 'kruat and grilled to just the right temperature. It really is an Indianapolis institution but beware the ~$15 price tag. You'll probably be shocked like I was. That said, I still think it's worth it. I often like to pair my sandwich with a potato pancake or the mac and cheese. The dessert selection is also worth noting! So let's cover the service. This is what takes a 5 star establishment and turns it into 3 stars. This establishment just doesn't employ nice people. In once of my first visits I mistakenly went through the cafeteria line with the intent of taking it to go. The staff rudely shamed me for going through the line. It's fine it that's how it works but just explain it and don't be a jerk - particularly when there is *no one* in line. This past weekend I sent in an order via their online submission. When I arrived at the pickup time they told me that their system was down. Not that big of a deal. I gave them my order, signed the credit card slip and waited. Starts to get busy and when other orders are ready they call the number and people grab them. When they call my number, I say "yeah that's me and say my order." The "lady" (and I use that term very loosely) insists that she needs to see my ticket. Never mind that *no one else* needed to show their ticket.
(3)
Nat C.
Shapiros is my favorite delly. It is my family's favorite delly and we have eaten there a hundred times. This goes back to when Max was in the house and the lad who now runs it was learning the business. The quality is the same, to his credit. You should know what to order in a Jewish delly. If you don't the experience is diminished. I think I had one rueben in my life. It messes with the pure flavors you should go for corned beef, spicy mustard and rye. Tongue is better. They have half sandwiches and cups of soup. This brings the cost in line and is enough food. Share the desert. I've been remiss in not having breakfast there for too long. Eggs, latke (potato pancake), lox (salmon) and bagel with cream cheese were the compulsory family choices. This place was my father-in-law's business lunch and breakfast joint. He taught me what to savor. Thanks Alfred.
(5)
Courtney B.
Definitely a fan! I was brought here by my librarian boss and I was not entirely sure what I was getting myself into. When I walked in, I was treated to a glimpse of an old fashioned diner straight out of a movie, with cafeteria style service. The first thing I noticed, of course, was the huge slice of red velvet cake just waiting to be placed on my tray. Next thing I noticed was that there was so much to choose from! So much so, that being overwhelmed like I was, I decided to split a Reuben with my boss....we had to arm wrestle over the slice of cake....but we ended up splitting that as well. I am getting lost in my head again...anywhoo...That was my first Reuben and it was was FABULOUS! I am glad we decided to split it because 1) it was quite large 2) it was pretty expensive. I will definitely be returning, but perhaps only sporadically, as it is a little pricey. Also, great diner coffee...and root beer...and old fashioned ginger ale.
(4)
Maggie M.
Overpriced.
(2)
shanna r.
My mouth is watering while I'm writing this review. Shapiro's is a must for anyone who lives in Indy or who is visiting. It's a very simple restaurant with great quality food. The sandwhiches are Huge! The meat is sliced right in front of you and piled high with the trimmings of your choice. I also recommend the mac & cheese. Don't leave off the dessert! It is worth extra calories. It's going to be hard to choose so if you are with a group get a couple of different ones and share.
(5)
Rachael W.
Bagels are phenomenal! Desserts are flippin delicious! The Reuben is amazing! Go with a friend and split everything, you will still be stuffed. I like going with a book and spending a few hours reading, nibbling, and watching the old people. Super busy during lunch, but surprisingly fast. It's a bit pricey; $12 for the Reuben. I can only eat half of the sandwich in one sitting so I look at it like 6 bucks for lunch and 6 bucks for dinner. The lox plate is really good. The salmon is plentiful, the bagels are chewy, and the capers are brine; overall scrumptious.
(5)
George M.
Up until the day after Thanksgiving I had not been to Shapiro's since 1996 when I moved away. It was on my to do list when I returned to the area for a family visit. Thinking about the corned beef on rye with yellow mustard and a pickle on the side had me salivating just thinking about it. Service was quick as always. The huge dessert arrangement all looks so tempting. Ordered corned beef on rye as stated above, along with mac and cheese and a potato pancake. All was as wonderful as I remembered. Each sandwich is large enough to share with another person, but it is best not to, so you can save the other half for later. My wife had a reuben which we both agree, we had never had better. Give this place a try and you will not regret it. And when you leave pick up a loaf of rye as it is probably going to be the best you have had.
(5)
Deborah H.
Good deli and you can get a 1/2 of a sandwich. The rye is wonderful-one of the best Jewish breads I have had.
(4)
Kay J.
The portions are HUGE! My husband had 3 eggs, potato, bacon and toast and that was a reasonable size portion. I had bagels and lox. There was plenty of capers, onions, lox and a large bagel. They toasted my bagel extra dark as requested. I needed more cream cream cheese and they gave it to me. Two breakfasts, a coffee and a juice came to $24. I don't know how people get their mouths around Shapiro's sandwiches.
(4)
Sara S.
Huge sandwiches - very good! Table of four, we had roast beef, corned beef, turkey, and pb&j; all amazing!
(3)
ari b.
without a doubt one of the five best delis in the nation... off the chain!!! I love and miss you Shapiro's... It's been 5 years since i've been there, but just thought about it after yelping the deepest deli in the very shallow s.f. bay area. The thing that sets Shapiro's in a class of it's own is it's rye bread... simply the best i've ever tasted anywhere ever... I lust after it. Dear shapiro's read this review and then take pity on this poor midwesterner and send me a loaf and a pound of corned beef.... seriously do it... i love you. ok those of you who complain about the price of a deli are of course missing the point. you pay for quality. i can't tell you how many time's i've spent 17 dollars on a blah entree at an upscale eatery... get over it... then maybe you'll get the point. cheesecake with mutantly large strawberries... also a miracle (you can send me some of that to ; )
(5)
Jon A.
Every city has one. Every city has that one place that's always been there, that everyone takes everyone else too. And, that could serve as the city's only eatery if either it were the apocalypse or the people had to just choose one. Shapiro's is that place in Indy. Our only "Jewish" Deli (garnering quotations because they deviate a little with their menu but they're the only place for my matzo fix). Having a $12 sandwich on the menu really isn't practical. I guess this is what happens when it's the ONLY pastrami joint in town. Really...the only one... (out of town readers...believe it; it -- the atrocity). Sure there are meat markets with pastrami or bagel shops or burger joints with pastrami as an add-on, but this is the only place that serves it up the way it's meant to be, and lo! it's $12. I won't do it. It goes against my morals. So... I quickly become a boy in a soup kitchen just outta Dachau and take my matzo ball and piddle paddle to my seat with my free water. Now...the only way I'd ever order that $12 sandie is if I'm with someone...then we'd split it; which brings up the fact that this sandie is so large there's no reason to have it by yourself unless you're taking it home. Shapiro...you've successfully grown to the airport & carmel...it's now time to start the only pastrami cart in town & serve $5 late night pastrami sandies, ok!? OK. In the end, I still frequent Shapiro's I take everyone there, too ;) And, I still am befuddled as to why every order at the counter place in this city that offers dessert...places dessert in the beginning of the line... Plenty of seating any major holiday or tour bus drop-off.
(3)
Nick C.
Wow! thats all i have to say about their sandwiches is WOW!!! i had the pastrami and it was soooooooooooo good. the meat was very tender and melt in your mouth good. i had mine on the rye bread and that was very good, but the only thing i did not like was how hard the crust was and that is the only bad thing. i do have to say that the sandwiches are very big and they will fill u up. this place was sooo good that i came back the next day to try their cake and was it worth it =. i had the carrot cake cheese cake where the cheese cake is in between the carrot cake. the cake was very good but the thing i noticed was the carrot cake was dry but that was taken care of the cream cheese frosting. over all this place was amazing, and if i an ever here again will come back to this place with out a doubt
(5)
Ben G.
After driving from Columbus OH, my girlfriend and I were looking forward to a good lunch in Indy. When we turned off the highway, we noticed that maybe Indianapolis was hit hard by the recession, because Shapiro's seemed to be in a pretty depressed part of town. It also seemed like Shapiro's was out of place, from a bygone era. The cafeteria was SO empty when we both arrived that I was immediately suspicious. How could such a huge place have been recommended by Road Food? My dreams of a Katz' like place outside of NY were quickly gone. We've had way better. That said, the food was average to mediocre. My corned beef was okay, nothing special. The portion was huge, but it was also expensive. The matzo ball soup was decent, but lacked any veggies and seemed to be coated with oil. My girlfriend had an average-good turkey sandwich, and I think we both ate pretty fast because the place was depressing, and we had to be in Chicago before late evening. The portions are big, as they should be. The rugelach that we ate on the road later was dry, not worth the price, and had a weird glaze on it that made it feel even more dry. All in all, I'd recommend Shapiro if there are no Jewish deli restaurants anywhere else in the whole state of Indiana, but that's as much praise as I can give it.
(2)
Elizabeth H.
I can't possibly say enough good things about Shapiro's. First of all, I literally would not exist without this amazing deli. No, really--my grandparents met at the downtown location in the 1940s! But they've also been there throughout my life. When my grandfather was in the hospital after a major heart attack, we would all go to Shapiro's after visiting hours. When I was too sick to make matzo balls for myself, Shapiro's was always there with them ready to pick up on my way home. When I had a bad breakup, their mac n' cheese was great to cry into. Also, they carry these amazing chocolate covered halvah bars that I can never find anywhere else. My one complaint? The Carmel location is *too* nice. Yeah, I said it. I miss the old 86th St location, across from St.V's, with it's bad fluorescent lighting, and just slightly grungy/sticky floor. so much more deli-esque. The Carmel location has flattering light, and clean floors, and comfortable booths--but those booths are awfully hard to push together when you and your closest 20 family members want to grab a corned beef on rye. There's really not for me to say about the food--it speaks for itself. All I can say is that it's so good I have dreams about it. Bottom line is you should definitely eat there.
(5)
Ethan H.
I should have seen the writing on the wall when the ruben I ordered was delivered in less than 3 minutes. THREE MINUTES!?! C'mon! The fires of hell couldn't toast a single slice in that long, much less made the whole rest of a sandwich to go with it. So yes, this was clearly a pre-made, assembly-line ruben sitting under a heat lamp and just waiting to be unceremoniously dumped onto a chipped (and possibly dirty) plate. The sandwich itself did nothing to assuage my skepticism. Dry corned beef and un-melted Swiss cheese scrunched between two flaccid slices of mediocre rye with a dash of overly-sweet 1000-island and a layer of transparent kraut. Yes Shapiro, you got the ingredient-list right. But I've got news for you: if you can't make a decent concoction out of things like corned-beef, sauerkraut and rye, you're not trying very hard. No better was the idiot-answer I got to my query. "Do you pre-make the rubens and just hand them out when they're ordered?", I asked. "No," she said. Me: "... because mine was ready less than three minutes after I ordered it?" "Oh," she said, clearly not knowing she was dealing with a Yiddish yelper, "that's easy because the corned-beef is pre-sliced and all we have to do is toast the bread." First of all, that just can't be true. Three minutes doesn't toast bread to the leathery crusts I had on my plate. And besides, I'm quite familiar with the not-so-subtle difference between toaster-crisp and heating-lamp dessicated. Moreover, it's NOT simply a matter of "just toasting the bread" ... at least no more than yogurt is a matter of "just letting milk go rancid." If all you did was toast the bread, it's no wonder that the cheese was far from melted, the sandwich itself was cold, and the corned-beef had to languish under a warming lamp since calf-hood. And all that for $10+? No thank you. And, oh yes, the parking lot on a Sunday morning was worse than Yogurt World's (in San Diego) on a Saturday night. It's often been said that "Asians are the new Jews." And I'm here to say that the observation applies equally well to their driving.
(2)
Randy M.
I walked - no, ran - from my hotel several blocks away to get here at 6:30am before my 9am flight. I just *had* to try this famous deli because, well, I probably will never come back to Indianapolis. I was the day's first customer, but the crew was ready and fixed up my corned beef hash and over-easy eggs to perfection. The two of us easily had enough food for breakfast on the plane, surely making the entire plane jealous by the intoxicating vapors. A gem of a diner-deli! But, a weird side note about local dining: you get taxed *twice* for restaurant food (a total of 20%)... and you thought San Francisco has high taxes. Yikes!
(5)
amy j.
Whenever I'm in Indy, Shapiro's is a must stop. Certainly nothing fancy at the downtown location but who needs fancy when the food is top notch. I love the chopped liver! One of their over-loaded sandwiches with a dill pickle and potato salad on the side and I'm in heaven. I've rarely varied from my usual but when I have it's been equally as tasty. Always fresh, always plentiful, always tasty.
(4)
John W.
I believe I saw a sign inside that said "real NYC bagels"...I wouldn't be so ambitious with the wording if I were them. They aren't terrible but I don't know if they would really be on par with NYC bagels. I haven't actually eaten a meal here since high school (late 80s) so I can't really comment on the sandwiches and all the other food other than the bagels. So the bagels were ok but I was surprised that the cream cheese was just a tub of Philadelphia cream cheese and the lox came from a package that was in the refrigerator. Upon looking at the food and the clientele, just as it is in a place like Skokie, this is food for old people...But here, not even necessarily old Jewish people (My guess is that between everyone there, we could have come up with maybe one Jewish person and I was with my girlfriend who is half Jewish) but it is open on Sunday which isn't that easy to find downtown. And aside from the bagels, this is more of a lunch place. All that being said, I am glad this place is there and I am sure I will go back when I am in Indy again. I need to try the latke and lunch type stuff next time.
(3)
Lisa G.
Awesome! The quality of the food was great, the service was outstanding! I tried the Reuben, and I was glad I did. My friends order some of the sides and raved about the stuffed cabbage and also the potato salad. The desserts looked great but I was so stuffed there was no where to put it. It gets really crowded but moves along very quickly. You order cafeteria style and then take a seat and they bring the hot sandwich to you. The food came out so fast I felt bad for not just standing there and waiting for it but they said that's how they keep it moving and it does seem to work.
(5)
Theresa F.
umm yummy. Portion sizes are HUGE. Be prepared to take some home. The leftovers are just as good by the way. So many different options, all the food is lined up, you grab a tray and have at it. Well except for the sandwiches which they make in front of you. The dessert is the first in line, a little weird. But it made me actually get a dessert, which I normally don't do when I go out to eat. If you're in Indianapolis this is a must for lunch.
(4)
Sharlene C.
i was recommended i stop by this kosher deli. it reminds me of katz's in ny. same swift cafeteria atmosphere with bustling plates. i got the reuben on shapiro's own rye. a heap of corned beef and sauerkraut. i had to get it to go. you have to box yourself. it made it back on my flight home to ny and still delish.
(4)
Boon K.
This is the meatiest reuben sandwich I have ever seen. It was really good and just what I wanted. The best part is they have a location at the airport too. The sandwiches are all meat very juicy. This place serve traditional simple american meal. Everything looks good but the dessert were not so great.
(4)
Randy B.
Best corned beef in town! Very expensive for a sandwich, but it tastes excellent plus you'll only eat half anyway.
(4)
Bongiorno M.
If Cafeterias could rise above the stereotype of Marge with the ladle and the slop of the day is... Gruel 101 right!! Shapiro's is really a delicatessen pumped full of growth hormones and fed fresh home-made down home grub. The end result: A stud of a Jewish Deli. From the moment you walk in its glass doors and the aroma of yum & "yes this is just what I need" becomes you, it is evident you are in a landmark. To the left of this mammoth deli is the to-go section, offering treats and freshly sliced meats: whole pies, cheeses, etc, and the largest chunks of chocolate in cookies I've ever encountered. Along the middle is a mile long tray runner with steamy and chilled offerings to satisfy anyones knot in the belly. Sick with the corned beef and/or pastrami, followed up with a fascinatingly good key lime pie. To drink: unsweetened iced tea, spot on!! Enjoy, and to Langer's Deli in LA, here's looking at you kid =D
(5)
Matt K.
As about every reviewer has said thus far, Shapiro's is a real NY Jewish deli in Indianapolis. The atmosphere is a giant cafeteria complete with metal seats and fluorescent lighting. You wait in line just like you did back in middle school and the staff serves you with lightning efficiency (and I mean lightning...you better have your order ready when your turn comes up because they are really cooking...bad pun intended). In my experience the food is excellent. While the prices aren't outlandish, don't expect to pay the same you did back in middle school. For a sandwich and sides you are looking at somewhere around $15 a plate. This isn't an everyday place for me, but it's a nice place to grab a bite to eat on lazy Sunday afternoons.
(4)
Donovan M.
You get a ton of food....boy are the sandwiches big. I love Rueben's, and Shapiro's always wins best Rueben in Nuvo every year.....but I've had a lot better. I love Cafe Olivia's in City Market 100x more. Shapiro's, in a word, is overrated. Its just some old cafeteria that old people sit at for hours watching the news, the food is a 3/5 at absolute best, and its a little pricey. Sure, portions are big, but I don't want to spend $13 on a rueben.
(2)
Robert J.
Oh my goodness, this has now become a must have when I get to Indy, which is usually 1-2 times a year. I've never had a pastrami sandwich before, but after being talked into trying it, anything less than having it at this place is a letdown. It was truly delicious. The corned beef sandwich is by far the best I've ever had. Chicago has few, if any, options for these types of sandwiches. And the desserts are also off the hook. The lemon and carrot cakes are both outstanding. Crowd was pretty quiet, most likely due to a weekend the Colts were not in town. It is a cafeteria style and carryout can be long so be prepared time-wise. And for the money, you get a lot of meat. I'm hooked!!!!
(5)
Samantha A.
I could go for a sandwich from Shapiro's right now (at 5:43 am). I hear the call of corned beef right now...
(4)
Brent D.
Food good. No service. its cafe style. So there is no wait staff. Portions are huge. Sandwiches are huge a half will do ya. try it.
(3)
Josh O.
This was a tough one. Ive longed to find a really good corned beef sandwich.. Shapiros has it. After visiting the city and telling myself that id stop there everytime and not doing so, I must say im glad I finally made it in. What keeps me on edge is the pricing. Id love to have tried more but I get skeptical when a bare sandwich costs more than 10 bux. Onto the food, I got a corned beef sandwich with swiss and rye, potato salad and drink. Came out to just shy of $20. The potato salad reminded me of what my mom made on easter, good. The sandwich was really good. So good I wanted to take one to go. I managed to polish off the whole thing which was like a slab of brontosaurus between 2 crackers. Had they been a few bux cheaper I would have. The good thing for Shapiros, Ill be back but I will make sure my wallets prepared for a beating.
(4)
David D.
A mixed bag. I find that the cafeteria setup undercuts the deli-ness, but am told that this is a standard mid-western restaurant setup, so what the heck do I know? Great rye bread, decent brisket, awful 'eggs + (x)' breakfast, mediocre bagels, great desserts. And the best cannoli I've found in Indy, beats the pants off Constantino's in that department. The main area in which Shapiro's shines for me is the location relative to my home downtown. Being able to walk or bike down there on a snacks-ish Tuesday night for a cup of coffee and a dependably good slice of pie is like magic. Magic, I tell you!
(3)
Mike F.
Shapiro's is an Indianapolis tradition and I cannot believe that anyone could give it less than a 5-star review. I love everthing about Shapiros--especially the corned beer and the potato pancakes. All of Shapiro's breads are freshly baked as are their bagels. The meat is cut right before your eyes. The homemade pickles are an added bonus.
(5)
Chuck C.
The better of the two when it comes to food and the room, the Carmel Deli is to new and shiny for me. The food just taste better here. I don't mine the counter people's attitude here because you expect it at a Deli, Carmel is still to White bread for a real Deli. I do wish they had old dills, I realy crave them over the young one at Shapiro's. If you have ever eaten at a New York Deli you will know what I mean. Remember to eat well and live well and please no chains!
(4)
Ben A.
I love this place! My favorite is the New York style Rueben, but I usually order the Matza Ball soup too. If it weren't so expensive here I would go more often.
(5)
Wink B.
There are 2 places I stop on my way to Bloomington, regardless of the situation. This is one. Delicious deli-style food. Like everybody else says, they're right up there with the real thing in NYC. Go for the baked tongue sandwich and thank me later.
(5)
John G.
A classic place where you can't go wrong the next time you are craving great meats between two slices of amazing rye.
(5)
Jami D.
I would have given 3 stars, but I'll tell you about that later. Sandwiches were overpriced and under-tasty. Bread underwhelming, meat not very flavorful (even though they sure slopped enough on it) condiments lackluster. Sauerkraut only average. The desserts looked promising, but I didn't have one. Butter noodles were blah and a bit over-boiled to the point of mushy. mashed potatoes only okay. Service not helpful to first-timers, which I could easily overlook if the food knocked my socks off. Same goes for the atmosphere. If our bill was about half as much, I wouldn't really complain, but it is not worth what they charge. And about the loss of the third star: My boyfriend really wanted to take me there because he had fond memories of it when he was a kid. When he ate his food, he lost the excited sparkle in his eye. I tried to perk him up by trading meal choices halfway through (presuming my lackluster sandwich was better than his). It didn't help. Maybe it's a little subjective to remove the star, but if it ever happens to you, you will understand.
(2)
Leila T.
A real NY-style deli in downtown Indianapolis? That is how Shapiro's was billed to me when I went to Indy last week to witness the big Patriots-Colts match-up. I'm not sure I would say it is really NY-style. It is more cafeteria-style. A style I consider uniquely Midwestern, but maybe that is because my wonderful Midwestern gramma LOVED her some cafeterias. I'm sure other places can do cafeteria well too. Anyway. Back to Shapiro's. The main thing stopping this old-skool institution from claiming its rightful deli props is that it had exactly ONE smoked fish option. Yes, I had the nova lox in Indy. Yes, my relatives had no idea what nova lox was. Yes, I would have preferred a smoked whitefish option. No, the prepackaged Philly cream cheese bins that were served with the plate didn't inspire me. Let's just say that the nova lox plate was good. Possibly great by Indiana standards. But it was not NY-style deli worthy of accolades. On the other hand, I heard from my dining mates that the Reuben was stellar. My boyfriend even put it in his top 5 ever, and he has sampled a lot of Reubens in his day. The cafeteria-style cherry pie slice was tasty. I hear they make a good key lime pie as well, but it was a bit too covered in whipped cream for my taste, so I stuck with my favorite - cherry pie. Overall, it was an unexpected non-chain pre-game experience, that I would be happy to repeat next year if I make it to a game in the new stadium. Perhaps the start of a tradition?
(4)
Joseph Y.
There's several things to notice about Shapiro's when you first walk in. 1. It looks like a cafeteria. And they treat it like a cafeteria. Blue plates to mark where someone gets a sandwich. Elderly women in white outfits dishing out food. You get the idea. 2. It's clean. Unlike a cafeteria, the place is very clean, and the food is relatively organized. 3. Portions are large and tasty. Deviled Eggs,
(5)
Tom R.
Been here twice now as we travel through. f first was better than the last. Way too easy to eat to much. We also agree with other oats about the price. Sandwiches are good but not the best. Main reason for stopping is the cafeteria atmosphere.
(3)
Selwyn W.
Went back to Shapiro's twice last month. Just like i remembered and quite tasty. Nice staff, no pretensions, just great traditional deli faire.
(5)
Bill S.
I've heard this place called the best Jewish Deli in the Midwest. I don't know for sure if thats true, but it's pretty damn good.
(4)
Dawn B.
Pastrami & corned beef sandwiches are off the hook. Sandwiches are huge so easy to share. Coleslaw was a lot like KFC so would skip that next time.
(4)
Bruce K.
On a recent visit to Indianapolis, I was taken to Shapiro's, what with being a Jew and all. Well, when you're an LA Jew an Indiana deli doesn't really stand a chance when stacked against Langer's or Nate 'n' Al or Brent's. It's not really fair of me to judge too harshly, as I only had a side of mac and cheese and a piece of German chocolate cake, but the mac and cheese was pretty bad and what looked like whipped cream on the cake was, in fact, hard as a rock. I did like the cafeteria vibe. One of my dinner mates had a pastrami on rye and was not thrilled with it.
(2)
TOMMY o.
my Mother in Law said "how long has this been opened"? we said over 100 yrs, RIP, gawd i miss her
(5)
Todd R.
A Deli head and shoulders above the rest! Bean soup is spectacular. I don't even like corned beef, but I eat it here. Their reubens are spectacular! If you ever are in Indy during the weekday, stop by Shapiro's for lunch. PS: It is always crowded so bring some patience along with your appetite.
(5)
Mac M.
Discovered this place during a visit to the National FFA Convention. Great food -- the portions are huge -- it called sharing. The deserts are huge and taste great. Tea is great. Mataza Ball soup is good. Mac
(5)
Frank W.
New Yorkers may scoff, but this is a deli with a history and vibe to rival the great delis of NYC. Over 100 years old, so you know they must be doing something right, the downtown location has a lot of grit and character, and was recently rehabbed after a fire nearly destroyed the place. Corned Beef seems to be the most popular choice, but I love the brisket, or a brisket combination sandwich with either corned beef or pastrami. I also love the pickles and the key lime pie. Some of the hot food is also good, as are the other desserts. We take a sandwich to the 500 almost every year, and, man, you can't beat it. Eating in the original location is also fun and watching the old-timers enjoy themselves. The new suburban location is nice, and has better service quite honestly with the same quality of food, but without the history obviously.
(5)
Scott M.
Classic Indy establishment. You'll get sneered at by the staff, which is horrendous but efficient. The food is great though. You can't visit Indy without having lunch here.
(4)
Mark W.
Only deli in Indi
(4)
Richard H.
The sandwiches have always been tasty, and I even got somewhat decent fried chicken once -- but the other food tends to be extremely bland, and as everyone says, it is wildly overpriced. But obviously they are doing something right, because it is very popular, and people drive for miles to eat here.
(3)
Jonathon S.
Those who know a deli know Shaprio's. There's a reason it's a destination for so many foodies on the road. Have the corned beef on rye with just mustard and you'll be in heaven. Drink it with a Dr. Brown's. Also the soups are incredible. There aren't too many places with history like Shaprio's in Indianapolis, it's worth a trip.
(5)
Renee G.
Shapiro's is a good place to go for dessert rather than lunch or dinner, but then again I am not a big deli fan. The desserts are the best. Try their fruit tarts or their delicious lemon meringue pie. All of their desserts are as good as they look.
(3)
Robin P.
You gotta love Shapiro's. I grew up eating at this place...but now that I'm paying for my own sandwiches, I just can't fathom paying $10+ for a sandwich. Sure, they are good, but does anyone really want that much meat on a sandwich? And could they charge less to give you a sandwich that you can actually fit your mouth around? Don't get me wrong, the food is good - I especially like the chicken salad and the corned beef - all served on their crispy rye bread...I just don't know if it is good enough to pay $10+. Most recently I have been shying away from the cafeteria line and heading straight for the take-out area where they have some great sweets. Give the fruit-filled rugelach a try if you haven't already.
(3)
Kathryn G.
A real NY deli in the middle of Indiana? Believe it. Shapiro's is the real deal. I had half a pastrami sandwich, half reuben, broccoli salad and boston cream pie. (Yes, it was incredibly piggy of me, but I'd do it, again in a heartbeat.) It was the best reuben I'd ever had and will probably go on a mission of eating reubens at every deli I go to, just to see if anything else can compare to Shapiro's.
(4)
Debbie S.
I wanted to love this place - and I did love certain parts of it. The sandwiches were awesome - stacked high, fresh, the bread was really tasty. I loved the atmosphere of the cafeteria style and even the people behind the counter yelling at you for your order - sort of the the "soup nazi's" of Indy. You'd better know what to order and how to order it - PRONTO! I had the corned beef - 1/2 sandwich plus a nice big slice of butterscotch praline pie after fretting about my decision. There are so many desserts to choose from - AND they put the desserts FIRST in line so you can't possibly pass them up. My companion had a roast beef sandwich and two sides. We each had a drink. We were there on a Friday night and the line was long; our total bill was over $26.00! OMGosh! I just felt a lot of money for a couple of sandwiches - maybe they should include the sides?
(3)
Barry I.
This cafeteria has a nice selection of salads,soups,entrees,and desserts at reasonable prices,considering the generous portions.It has some nice traditionally Jewish dishes,even though this cafeteria is not kosher.I enjoyed their stuffed cabbage and potato pancakes very much.I didn't try their pastrami or corn beef sandwiches.I recommend this cafeteria near Union Station,but the Katz delicatessen in New York City has a more haimische atmosphere.
(4)
B R.
I'm surprised this place only has 3 Yelp reviews so far! It's been recommended to me by several long-time Indianapolis residents and it was packed when I went. It's a cafeteria-style deli with a large number of sandwiches and side dishes to choose from. They have pre-made salads, desserts, fruit, and a whole lot of rich and buttery cooked sides, like mac and cheese and fried latkes. Even so, you'd better be excited about meat to eat here, because that's mostly what they serve - the sandwiches are towering creations. I've heard their pastrami is excellent. They looked at me funny when I asked for lettuce and tomato on a turkey sandwich but hey, I'm from California, what can I say?
(3)
Indy B.
This deli would go out of business if it had any competition. The food borders on bad. The corned beef is awful, the bagels are so-so, the coffee is terrible. The eggs were just ok. I don't recall anything about it that I liked, other then some interesting bakery items, cookies, etc. that could have just as easily been purchased anywhere. We were very excited about Shapiro's but discovered that they're coasting along on a reputation that they just don't deserve anymore.
(2)
Tony B.
It's been 20 years since I've been back here. The rye bread is phenomenal as I remembered. The service was fast and very nice. The sauerkraut was excellent too. I am usually pretty generous with the star ratings but I found the sides needed some updating and all seemed a bit flat. Ill still come back if I traveling through ever again.
(3)
Albert M.
amazing deli! this is the best deli in the midwest...but i am biased..... i have been coming to shapiro's since i was 6. w it is time to reveal my basis of a bad, good, great, and incredible deli....the amazingness of a deli is based on the thickness of their rye bread. if your rye bread is puny and thin, it cannot hold on the "gargantuan amounts of meat" you put on the sandwich...its the bread falls apart as you eat the sandwich...that's not good...your rye bread should fall victim to eating...not to the volume or density of what it's holding therefore...shapiros is an incredible deli! the great deli's....katz, langers, and shapiro's have thick rye bread that holds up from start to finish of the corned beef or pastrami....the thicker the rye bread...the more i love the deli..... this place is amazing!!
(4)
Joshua C.
I have dined here for lunch on a few occasions and really enjoyed it. They have a good selection of foods for decent prices considering the area. I really enjoyed the Rueben. If you're in Indianapolis I would definitely recommend it.
(5)
Marina R.
The food is yummy but it didn't blow my mind. For the $35+ dollars I spent for two sandwiches and one drink I was expecting it to be better.
(2)
Rachel F.
This is a classic, New York-style Jewish deli. My college roommates and I come here all the time for the reuben sandwich, which is one of the best I've ever had. If you can appreciate a good corned beef/pastrami sandwich, this place is an absolute Indianapolis staple. The atmosphere reminds me of a cafeteria. Super casual, and it seems like all walks of life come to this place. Great for people watching. You literally are given a lunch tray and utensils, and slide your tray down the line. Desserts are first, and they really give you a huge variety of amazing looking pies and cakes... pretty much everything under the sun, and it's all made in house. The fact that desserts are positioned FIRST in the line says a lot about this place - they clearly have their priorities straight! :) Anyway, next are sandwiches and side items. The sandwiches are pretty pricey, but definitely worth it - however, a sandwich, side, and drink, costs just under $20. Worth the price, but something to keep in mind. I recommend the mac n' cheese with the reuben. My absolute favorite! The sandwiches are so big that you can save half and bring it home with you (don't worry, they have boxes for this exact purpose.) Do yourself a favor and check this place out! I gave it 4 stars because I love the food, but I'm not a huge fan of the pricey-ness and distance from where I live. Wish they had more locations!
(4)
James B.
tried the bagel, egg and cheese and was definitely impressed. I'm a long way from home, NY, but this tastes like a Northeasterners breakfast bagel sandwich...real fried egg, extra helping of cheese, and toasted bagel. Will go back again and again, perhaps this weekend!
(4)
Andy S.
This is a great place to get some great comfort food. Cafeteria style with another whole section for a bakery area with bagels and such. The cafeteria line is devilish with all the desserts first (cakes, pies, etc.). Then there are side dishes like coleslaw, broccoli salad (delicious), potato salad, etc. Had the corned beef sandwich which was delicious. Pretty good deal they had for the corned beef sandwich which included 2 sides for $11-$12 or so. Big sandwich. Also had the matzo ball soup which was delicious. Wish I could have tried all the other great looking food but I guess I will just have to come back at some point.
(4)
Susan F.
I love shapiro's. Love it. My most frequent order is a Reuben. It is the best thing there-I swear. I've also tried the stuffed cabbage (or peppers? Something like that), and it was very good! Still love my Reuben, tho. I tried the hot German potato salad today, and I loved it! It's different, and definitely had a vinegar taste to it, but I love vinegar. Delicious. I try to make it out of there without getting a pastry, but I fail, literally ever time. Today I had a pumpkin bar, and I actually didn't care for it too much. Not sure why; it just didn't float my boat! Side note: it's been a little bit since I was there. When you order a Reuben, they usually give you a plate (it's empty) so the cashier knows what you ordered, as the Reubens are made to order. However, today they had a Reuben ready. It wasn't as hot as normal. I HOPE this isn't going to be the new practice. It was lunch time, however, so that could have been the deal.
(5)
Matthew P.
Comfort Food!!! I am originally southern and therefore I am always on the look out for some warm, plentiful, rich and lovingly made fare for the soul! Shapiros does not disappoint. The sandwiches are stacked high with fresh bread and the meat is sliced right in front of you. The meatloaf is, to borrow a term "magically delicious." I dont think there is a wrong choice for food here. I will say go with cakes and/or pies for dessert. The dessert bars are ok but they are shipped in. The other desserts are made on-site. Lets just say Im not finished working my way through the menu. Yum to the E!!!
(5)
Kait G.
Shapiros has been my annual stop on the visit to my folks. I have an unhealthy obsession with Matzo Ball Soup and theirs is pretty darned good. My Dad raves about the Reuben and the cheesecake so I indulged this time. I have to admit it was pretty good. The bread was that perfect combination of buttery, toasty and soft next to the steamed meat. Sauerkraut could have been a bit more sauery (word? I dunno!). The corned beef was steamed perfectly and ohhh that pickle was the perfect companion to the sandwich. The cheesecake is authentic, New York style decadent goodness. I buy it by the slice because I cannot be trusted with a whole cheesecake. Is there a cheesecake anonymous group I can join? My only gripe is Shapiros has become a popular tourist destination so the prices and lines reflect this. Back in the day, you could breeze in, grab your sammy and jet out the door for $7 now it's over $12.
(4)
John R.
The Pastrami is always excellent, but I always feel like I am paying NYC prices. Not worth the money.
(2)
Brittany L.
Someday, I am going to come here and eat dessert. JUST dessert. They all look fantastic. I'm going to buy a pile of deli meat and bring it home someday too. I mean, it's like 10 minutes from my house! So far though, all I have managed to do is down a half brisket sandwich (fantastic) with a side of potato pancakes and macaroni and cheese. The brisket was delicious and fresh, the bread was soft and wonderful, the potato pancake was flavorful but cold, dry, and tough. However... Their macaroni and cheese is the best in the world. It is. I fantasize about the macaroni and cheese here. They call it "deluxe". I wish I knew what they do to it. I take that back...judging by the texture and taste, I don't want to know at all. I cook well enough to know that the secret to something sinfully delicious is often a recipe that includes more butter and heavy cream than I use in a year. I've now gone back twice and each time have just ordered a side of that heavenly pasta. My lunch is under $3. I drink the free ice water and fill my cup a second time to take with me. As I leave, there's a little bounce in my step because I feel like I'm getting away with something. The macaroni and cheese is that good. The old guy next to me today looked at me, at my bowl of pasta, looked back at his tray full of food, then said, "That really is the best thing they have here," while gesturing back to my lonely bowl. The line moves quickly, there's plenty of parking, service is pretty friendly and very efficient. Yelp says this is a "family style" restaurant, but Shapiro's is a "cafeteria style" restaurant...you go through the line with a tray, take what you want, pay at the end of the line, then go find your table. Oh, and if you want a "big salad" a la Elaine on Seinfeld? Their salads are enormous, they put them in a big bowl, and they're all $7.50 or less.
(4)
Ken C.
Seems ok. My Reuben was average at best. But to be fair I'm not feeling the best today either which could cause part of the taste issue.
(4)
Ashley R.
Matza ball soup so good! The sandwiches are huge! The also have awesome desserts. Great Jewish deli. It is a cafeteria style though no servers. Great food!
(5)
Pam N.
Food was excellent and prices are very reasonable. This place has a cafeteria feel but very clean and plenty of seating. Don't miss the corned beef sandwich on rye and potato pancake. They have coke freestyle machine too which was a plus. Yum!!
(4)
Jill L.
Hot pastrami & swiss on Croissant - Meat was dry, croissant was yummy and fresh.
(3)
Millie H.
A fun place to step back in time. The food is impeccable. It's amazing how much product they put out and everything is awesome. I love the cafeteria style especially with kids! This is a fun place to check out
(4)
Michelle A.
I enjoyed the Reuben very much. I would have liked to try other things, but with all the goodies available, I can see where the price of dinner could have added up quickly! Might come back another time to check out some of the other dishes.
(4)
Lauren M.
This was my first time to Shapiro's Delicatessen. My friend and I ordered a pastrami sandwich with only cheese and my friend ordered stuffed cabbage rolls. The pastrami sandwich was very dry and flavorless and the cabbage rolls tasted like they were drenched in ketchup. We also ordered drinks, two desserts (key lime pie and red velvet cake), and one side each(one deviled egg and green beans). The green beans tasted like they came from a year-old can, but the deviled egg was actually good(the only good thing we ordered). The key lime pie had about a half pound of whipped cream on top, and when you finally got to the pie, it did not taste good. The red velvet cake was so dry, you had to drink water to get it down. The worst thing at Shapiro's was the bathroom. My friend and I went to the bathroom and in one stall there was a small child throwing up and in the second stall there was diarrhea on the floor around the toilet (picture is on yelp). This meal was definitely not worth the outrageous price of $56.
(1)
Rob M.
Fabulous deli sandwiches. Nearly indistinguishable from Katz's in NYC but at 1/2 the price. It is not inexpensive, but you do get a lot of food. I highly recommend the hot pastrami on rye. Parking is on site and free.
(5)
Tiffany C.
It's really just average. I don't want to sound like a snob, but my expectations weren't too high once I found out it was cafeteria style. I feel like if you're a deli and you offer all these different deli accompaniments like mac and cheese and green beans, they should at least taste fresh and match up at the very least 85% to your "star" meat sandwiches. Their sides are really very bland. It tastes a lot like hot lunch from the old days of elementary school, with your "fresh vegetables" looking more like wilted canned slop. That being said, the bread is really very good. I had (what I think was) rye, which had this really fragrant smell and crusty exterior with soft fluffy middle. It was cold, but it's to be expected, I suppose, since the bread was mostly meant to be servicing the sandwiches and not to be served primarily solo. I had an apricot rugalach as dessert, which was super tiny and decent but not very exciting.
(3)
Mak J.
So I have lived in Indiana for 25 long freaking years, and until recently, I had not done the whole Shaprio's thing. I've lived here a long time but I get out frequently and I have been to other Jewish owned delis before so I guess I just wasn't in any ass all hurry to get myself some pastrami on rye. This was a haunt the old man's really old lady, his grandma, when she was alive which seems odd to me, because from what I have heard she seems like lady who would have hated the Jews along with all the other non-Anglo-Saxens, but perceptions can be wrong about people. Anyway, all his grandma's old brand of crazy aside, this place is very nostalgic for him. It is his Mr. Gatti's. To me, it was a bit of an overpriced sandwich shop that has simply had a solid customer base for the last century, but you know, perceptions. It was fine and all, I like salted cured meats as much as the next herbivore; but I wouldn't have wanted to spend my own $16 on a sandwich and two somewhat mediocre sides. Guys, I don't know. Pogue's Run Grocer has a damn good Reuben with Boar's Head corn beef for like $7 with chips and a can of Blue Sky gingerale which is a far better deal in my opinion. I guess you sacrifice the ambiance, but do you, though? I kind of prefer the fun little ramshackle co-op on E 10th St to an environment that can best be described as MCL chic. I am leaning toward a meh rating but I will give them an A-Ok because they have staying power, so what do I know?
(3)
Amber B.
Amazing!!!! I need more of everything. Especially the stuffed cabbage. Great potato pancakes. Perfect corned beef!
(5)
Lauren R.
What can I say that hasn't already been said about this place? It has a throw back cafeteria style with few frills, but still gives you that homey feel. Take your time to really decide what you want, because once you get in line, you've got to shoot your answers back quickly. If you're an average type of eater, consider bringing a companion to share in the fabulous meaty goodness of the pastrami or Ruben sandwich. If you can't find a pal, a half sandwich should suit you just fine (just be sure it isn't one of the sandwiches you CAN'T make a half sandwich). The matzo ball soup (with chicken noodle) is DELICIOUS. i love it. I always get it! I'd say their cream pies rank slightly higher than their cakes, though both are superb choices. Beware of your hunger taking over your reasonable decision making skills and forking over a hefty amount of your bank account if you're not careful!
(4)
Gilford S.
Brilliant Jewish deli in the middle of the Midwest. Like Brooklyn. have a reuben or the cabbage rolls. Sheer brilliance.
(5)
Mae M.
BAKERY SIDE: Hands down the best place for cake, dessert bars, cookies, and pastries. This isn't a place for the calorie shy to eat. The baked goods have butter, a lot of it, and you can taste it in every delicious bite. My absolute favorite things to get are the creme brulee bars and the peanut butter cup cookies as big as your face. They make an incredible lemon bar, but sometimes it's a little too sweet for what I am craving. Also if you go close to closing, you sometimes can get free bagels! MEAL SIDE: I don't eat this very often. It's a little pricey for what you get. You walk through the cafeteria line and pick what you want. The sandwiches are decent and the dinners are good, but sometimes the vegetables are a little over cooked.
(5)
Grace B.
Pastrami-oh-my! I am a sucker for a good corned beef/pastrami and this is my go to spot of a killer rueben. They have an excellent deli spread, buffet and bakery. I simply put my to-go order in and is ready in 3 minutes. Portions are generous and I always have half a sandwich left for lunch the next day. The dessert selection gets me every time. Recently i get at least 2 lemon bars. One for now, one for later! I really find so much love for the cafeteria feel. You walk in and it just feels right and focus is definitely on the food. Parking lot is next door and super easy access.
(5)
Johnny H.
Fantastic Reuben. Average fried chicken, but they are moist. Pretty good potato salad. Desserts leave a little to be desired.
(4)
Adam B.
So I came at 8 a.m. before catching my flight back to Chicago. Way too much Pacers memorabilia hanging, but whatever... There are several counters that aren't exactly marked clearly, so I really had no idea where to go. For breakfast, I got an egg sandwich with American cheese and beef bacon on a poppy seed bagel. It cost six bucks...not cheap. But I did like the beef bacon, it was really smoky. The cheese was perfectly melted too. I also got a peppered beef sandwich with mustard on rye and enjoyed it very much. The rye bread was nice and thick, the mustard was spicy and strong, and there was plenty of pink, moist meat to wolf down. I also had a pecan bar for dessert, although I think $4.00 was a little too much. The prices aren't cheap and the service I would describe as so-so. But the quality of the food is really good and in that area of the country, you're not going to find a whole lot of good deli sandwiches so it's worth going back to. Probably closer to 3.5 stars.
(4)
Lisa N.
Way cool spot. We'd already had dinner but saw this while driving from the downtown and just had to stop. So we had a wonderful orange-cream cake. Would love to go back for lunch or dinner.
(4)
Tom W.
Who wouldn't like lunch at Shapiro's? Tasty pastrami piled high on fresh rye bread slathered in mustard and topped with Swiss. A 'can't miss' sandwich. The coconut pie was awesome as well. Easy parking and a service line that moves quickly makes the experience complete for those of us allergic to hassle.
(4)
James M.
Food 5/5 Value 4/5 Service 1/5 Atmosphere 3/5 Went for the corned beef and cheesecake. I had a free sandwich card...good only at the closed Carmel location. Bait and switch. Thanks for nothing. The food is worth the price. If you dont like classic deli food at its best, then go to McDonalds.
(3)
Suzanne I.
Best pastrami & corned beef hands down! Been going here since I was a little girl and have never had a bad experience at Shapiro's.
(5)
Jennifer L.
Delicious deviled eggs. Hands down my #1...right after my grandmas. This family knows how to get down deli style. Corned beef on rye with spicy mustard and swiss = my babe's go to. If you drink soda, kind of a bummer that they have the mixed coca cola machines (so basically everything tastes like you're drinking a suicide soda cocktail from the 3rd grade). Opt for sweet tea instead!
(5)
Theresa R.
This is the place to go if you want an Italian style sub Chicago style but with a Jewish flair. Generous slices of deli meat prepared with extra flair. I had the PLT a Pastrami Lettuce and Tomato. Best sandwich I have had in central Indiana. Generous cuts of pastrami grilled until the edges were crisp and the juices were flowing, nestled in between nice thick slices of onsite baked rye bread, a 1/2 inch slice of beefsteak tomato and the greenest romaine I've seen since my garden. The Reuben was also ordered and no complaints from that side of the table except that the sandwiches were so big we could not eat them all. Many other folks ordered other things like homemade sides of stuffed peppers, meatloaf, greens and so much more. Leave room for desert. The rhubarb pie is just as good as homemade- the crust crispy and melt in your mouth and the rhubarb good and zingy. We'll be coming back to try the other deserts, sandwiches and meals. Your go to place for great sandwiches and a bakery that rivals and stands above most.
(5)
Scott L.
One of America's Top Ten Delis specializing in Corned Beef, Pastrami, and Rueben sandwiches has to have good corned beef hash, right? Wrong. I love corned beef hash and I am always looking for it on breakfast menus. This is the worst I have ever had. It was corned beef mush. I wasn't even sure if it was cooked. Shapiro's needs to seriously consider revising their recipe.
(1)
Justin S.
Simple, but not boring. Pricey? No. What do most people pay for lunch 8 bucks? Spend a couple more and you have lunch, plus take home for another meal. I wouldn't call loving words from loyal customers, hype. It's a familiar, neighborhood feeling to have a dining option like this close to you. This is exactly the style of neighborhood restaurant we need all around the city. Suburban Indianapolis is missing great food like this. Is the food spectacular? Close. It is great. Portions, taste and friendly service are always available. We've always ordered something different when here. All the requisite beefy deli meats are here, along with matzo ball soup, stuffed cabbage, etc. We've tried most. 5 stars for all, except for the potato latkes'. They get 3 stars. Ask for a schmear next time on your brisket. Liver pate', plus beef and rye. Tasty, tasty, tasty. Take home a loaf of pumpernickel too. Great price.
(5)
Jocalyn E.
They should really consider a food truck during the weekday...especially up by hospital row on the north side. :-) quick, easy and totally affordable!
(5)
Rachel R.
My husband and a good friend of ours were on a road trip and decided to have a try at the deli (based on Food Network recommendations) and we were really pleased with the result. I split a reuben with our friend (only able to order the full sandwich) and my husband had the pastrami (1/2 sandwich). We each had a broccoli salad and a cup of fruit. The sandwich was phenomenal- they were very generous with the meat. The deli is set up like a cafeteria with tile floors and open seating. We went in around 4pm and didn't wait in line at all, but I could see how the line could get excessive. And, contrary to other reviews, this place is CHEAP! The three of us ate a hearty meal for under $30. Overall, a great place for a really fabulous sandwich!
(4)
Nic J.
We hadn't been here for awhile, and we decided to eat here before a Colts game. It was beyond packed. The line snaked through the whole place, so we decided on carry out. It was actually pretty fast, however I ordered peppered beef but got corned beef. Now, I love corned beef, but it wasn't what I ordered. That said, my sandwich was good and huge, as always. The mistake was probably due to being so busy, at least I hope so.
(3)
Dan S.
I've been to Shapiro's three times now and I am stunned by the mediocrity of this restaurant. This is not a deli in 2013 terms. This is a flash back to about 1955 - it was probably good then, but in 2013, there are so many better options. The food is not healthy. The food is not gourmet. It's old school all the way. It's overcooked, over salted, and overpriced. The restaurant decor is in severe need of updating. The bathrooms are filthy. I don't understand why this restaurant is so highly rated? Is this the best that Indy has to offer? Really? I think not. When you survey the average customers at this restaurant, it speaks volumes. I'll stop there. Check it out for yourself and you'll understand what I mean.
(1)
Abbey B.
To this day, my dad refuses to return to Shapiro's because they were "rude to him" over ten years ago. I remember it was lunch time, and him being peeved, but not much else. Since then, I don't agree with him not returning, but I definitely understand where he translated the staff's attitude as rudeness. Almost every time I've gone to Shapiro's, it has been very busy and the line doesn't stop for people who can't make up their minds. It's usually more laid back after obvious rush times. Maybe I'll take my dad back for a 3 pm late lunch. That being said, I've never had anything other than the corned beef and I love it so much, I don't think I ever will. The cheesecake is out of this world, thick, huge pieces that feel like clouds on the tongue. The macaroni and cheese is creamy and non-offensive. Every so often you'll get a crunchy bite from a rogue noodle that spent its time baking at the top of the pan. A corned beef sandwich, side of mac n' cheese, and piece of cheesecake usually runs me around $20. More than I usually spend on lunch, but more than I usually eat at lunch too. Shapiro's lunches are every now and then occasions and usually are excuses for celebrating something, or making myself feel better.
(4)
Luisanna R.
Wowza and wowza. It has been a long time since I have been to Shapiro's and most great places with time I feel tend to degrade. That is not the case here. It's more like a fine wine. Seems to only have gotten better with age. They have the most amazing light rye bread. I dislike Rye bread however I could eat Shapiro's rye all day. Just a quick suggestion if you are like me, you can order just half a sandwich. Even the Reuben. OH man I have had a love affair with Reuben sandwiches since culinary school and I have to say that the Reuben at Shapiro's is by far the superior Reuben in Indianapolis. They are open for dinner too. Did you know that? Why did I think they were only open for lunch. Also on Tuesdays they have half price sandwiches I believe so if you're turned off by the price maybe make a trip on a Tuesday. The food is definitely worth it. The potato salad was also very tasty and you might as well have some cake and eat it too. :)
(5)
Marie S.
We passed by here as we were making our way from Lexington, KY to Chicago and heard about this place from "The Best Thing I Ever Ate". Inititally we missed it off the highway, which is ridiculous because on our way around, there are blatant signs everywhere posting SHAPIRO'S PARKING HERE (Woops.) The place resembles a huge cafeteria, so if you're going for ambiance, this is definitely not the place. But if you're going for a quick bite to eat that hits the spot, this can be the place, if you get the right things. We tried the matzoball soup with chicken noodle, the reuben, a slice of key lime pie and boston cream pie. The matzoball soup was just OK. I've definitely tried better and wasn't even stoked enough to finish my second matzoball (which are definitely huge portions). The Reuben was GINORMOUS and we actually ended up splitting up between the three of us, but if you haven't eaten for like 2 days, this would probably be the sandwich for you. But what definitely made the trip here worth it was their PIE. Yes, the key lime pie was OFF THE HOOK! I wish i bought the whole pie...so if you go here, skip the soup, go for the sandwich and pie, you will definitely be in heaven! :)
(3)
Nikki B.
I love Shapiro's so much that I lost my mind for a few hours a couple years ago and took a New Yorker from the Bronx of the Jewish faith there for lunch. Then I panicked. This guys was raised on deli food, what am I thinking taking him to a Jewish deli in Indianapolis for Pete's sake?!! As we ordered our food, and he judged the situation, I was sweating, thinking, maybe it's just me, maybe I'm just so removed from New York these days (I'm originally from the state) that anything tastes better than nothing? We sat down to eat and he took a bite of his pastrami on rye. As we chewed in silence, he begins to tell me this story about being a young boy and riding his bike down to the local delicatessen on Sundays for his mother with his brother, and they would buy 3 loaves of rye bread for the week. He tells me how this bread was THE BEST bread ever, and he's never had bread taste so good ever since............until that day he sat eating the rye from Shapiro's. You can imagine my relief. And the elation I felt when he told me he would like nothing better than to take 2 loaves home with him on the plane. I mean, when your food can taste as good, if not better, than a childhood memory, you're doing something right. Go here, eat the food, love life for a while. Totally worth the money it costs.
(5)
Lisa Q.
The reuben. It's delicious and big enough for 2. If you're ever in Indy, walk in to Shapiro's, grab a tray, get in line, order one of these up, and get ready to enjoy some pure unadulterated Jewish deli goodness. There's great people watching, the most scientifically advanced soda fountain man has conceived, and classic cafeteria style.
(4)
Food C.
Very, very, very overpriced. For what they charge, in other cities, my corned beef would be a lot bigger and a lot better. Find a picture of a Slyman's corned beef in Cleveland. No comparison. Shaprio's is the only game in town in Indy, but they'd get blown out in other cities. Shapiro's was much better in the early 90's, but they've been on a continual slide since then. Not too long ago, at their Carmel location (now closed), I was ordering a corned beef. The guy next to me in line asked "how much is that?" I said "12 bucks." Just then, my puny sandwich appeared on top of the display case. He then said "12 bucks for that?" He couldn't have been more right.
(2)
Marie C.
We went for a late lunch. I got a huge smoked turkey sandwich on an onion roll. It was tasty and fresh. The rest of the fam got a mix of pastrami sandwiches and some hot foods (I.e. potato cakes and meatloaf). We were all silent for the first few minutes, too busy enjoying the food. My fiance and I split a chocolate cake slice for desert and it was heavenly. Bottom line: Wonderful sandwiches, great hot (comfort) foods and the service was friendly. I would definitely make this place a favorite!
(4)
Casey R.
Came here for the first time this year on my birthday, WHY have I not been here sooner??? I instantly fell in love, great food, yes it's worth saying again, GREAT FOOD. I had a Brooklyn Style pastrami sandwich, it was very tasty, I've never been to Brookyn but I'll take their word for it! Oh and the fried potato cake is amazing, make sure you get that! A bit pricey, I'm not gonna lie, but as you're sitting there you can just feel the history and to me that is worth every penny! Win Win for me.
(4)
Panda P.
No offense Shapiro's, BUTTT your mac n cheese has no flavor or comparison to the PANDA's MAC N CHEESE... But the Salmon Salad was good, with some salt.
(2)
Kent L.
From the outside of the red brick Downtown location, it doesn't look like a Jewish delicatessen but go inside to this cafeteria-style layout, get a gander at the many tempting foods at the glass-enclosed counter displays and you know immediately that you're in for the real deal. I like my sandwiches either with rye bread or on onion rolls but the day I visited, it was pastrami on rye with mustard with a Dr. Brown's Cream Soda and it was just a perfect combination. Pastrami that's too lean is dry and lacks flavor, whereas too much fat makes the sandwich oily and Shapiro's pastrami strikes the perfect balance of meat-to-fat ratio. While Shapiro's does have a wide variety of dessert choices, who has room after one of their sandwiches? The corned beef also looked really good but that will have to wait for another trip. The menu prices were quite reasonable for both the quality and quantity of food, which would be several dollars more in places like NYC or L.A. delicatessen and since it looks like many Jewish delicatessens around the country are closing after many years in business, it becomes harder to find one to dine in. I would wholeheartedly return here.
(5)
Rebecca M.
Shapiro's Delicatessen: Corned Beef, Cabbage, and Cream Puffs Oi Vay! An INDY gem that's been around forever, Shapiro's is your one-stop-shop for good eats of gigantic proportion. Since we were wee little tots, my sis and I have been coming in for bakery runs with Nagyi (that means Grandma for all you non-Hungarians) and full on feasts. Although some things may be a little steep in price, whatever you get is sure to taste amazing and there will be enough of it to eat off of for the next two days...on the conservative side ;) The staff is always very friendly, and so are the fellow diners. IF YOU DINE HERE, WHICH YOU SHOULD, YOU MUST TRY: *CORNED BEEF AND CABBAGE *REUBEN ON RYE (the mustard is biiiiittttchiiiin and adds that extra OOMPH to the sammy) *BAKED CHICKEN *LATKA, aka potato pancake (GET APPLESAUCE WITH THESE!) *CARROT CAKE, CREAM PUFF, ECLAIR, PIE... the list goes on and on with the dessert, and dare I say you may even prefer these treats over any you get on holidays. There is no reason why you shouldn't be hopping in your car or on your bike THIS VERY MOMENT towards Shapiro's...it's easy to find and even easier to satisfy your stomach. This is a must-see for first-timers in Indy. Hell, it's a must see for townies. Shapiro's Delicatessen, you have bewitched me body & soul, and I love you.
(5)
Marc P.
You can't help but get caught up in the moment when you walk into Shapiros. Whether its Brother Carl yelling and joking with his thick accent at the customers in line, the cafeteria style decor or the smell of sweet pastrami - this place certainly has the character to match the reputation. I brought 4 friends from Australia to experience Shapiros and I have to say none of us were disappointed and all of of us were amazed. The Pastrami on Rye with swiss and mustard comes hot and heavy. It oozes with flavor and just a half is enough to fill the average man, topped off with a small bowl of chicken noodle soup and a potato pancake with apple sauce. Props to Brother Earl for his help and recommendations. When back in Indy I will certainly return!
(4)
Amy P.
We were visiting from out of state and heard this was the place to go for a tasty meat sandwich. We were definitely impressed with the amount of meat on the sandwiches, but the flavor was somewhat lacking. I think I'm just used to having more condiments on my sandwiches. These were pretty dry. My husband ordered the pastrami, and I ordered the corned beef so we could taste a little of both. I have definitely had better sandwiches, but I fell completely in LOVE with the latke!! I often think about it, and wish I could have it mail-ordered to California. I mean, I literally have daydreams about this puffy potato pancake, unlike anything I've ever had.
(4)
Candice G.
I love going to Shapiros! I almost always get the corned beef on rye because it's so incredible, but I have had the chili and meatloaf which were delicious too! And their baked goods are PHENOMENAL! I absolutely recommend a visit to Shapiros!
(5)
Scott M.
NYC-STYLE DELI, NYC-STYLE PRICES Great food, quick service, big institutional dining room, but expect to pay $20+ per person for a meal (sandwich and a side or two) and a soft drink... probably $40 for a hungry couple.
(4)
Tiffany H.
I've officially met the Ruben of my dreams. This sandwich, while a little pricey, was so tasty. The rye bread, meat, and cheese were all freshly sliced and you could tell. I will definitely be going back for more.
(4)
Ciara U.
I love Shapiros!!! Every time I visit, the staff is friendly and the food is delicious! If for some reason it's not they fix it without hesitation. The cheesecake is fantastic you must try it! They could use a small update though. They have had those tables and chairs for years!!!!
(5)
Patrick P.
Wear your stretchy pants! I took some clients here with my engineer and we had a yummy lunch. When in Rome - do as the Romans! Please note this is a cafeteria restaurant so you grab your tray, and pick or select your foods. That is why it is not 5 starts. This is not a Katz Deli in Columbus (as a recent review commented - Katzingers is a unique place all on its own) but... They have some pretty decent food if you know what to order. Decor: Cafeteria - it is either packed or empty. Tables litter the floor where you promptly park and eat your food. Food: Grab your tray, get your silverware, and select your desert. I picked up the Red Velvet Cake - The portion sizes are Fred Flinestone sized - I think I had 12 oz of cake. Sandwich - I ordered the Reuben. The corned beef was made onsite. The sandwich was grilled to order and brought to my table. My side was the Macaroni and Cheese and it was yummy too but the cheese was processed (nacho cheese sprinkled with real cheese) - it was good but my heart was crying for a difibulator. Cost: A little expensive but on par with other NY Style deli's Sandwich and Side was $14 (Sandiwich was a triple decker) Overall for the amount of food, tastiness, and speed - I give it a thumbs up - just order what they are know for at the restaurant. I am sure I will eat there again. Enjoy.
(4)
Jeff M.
"Cook good. Serve generously. Price modestly. People will come." Louis Shapiro's motto started a legacy back in 1905. Couldn't have said it better myself. A "can't miss" dining destination in Indianapolis, within the shadow of the Lucas Oil Stadium. Its the simple things that they do best. A couple of slices of the most perfect Rye bread toast, nutty and near-pepper tinged bites, pillowy and supple but not too soft. They do serve a nice breakfast, but it doesn't shine quite like the incredibly authentic and varied lunchtime cafeteria style buffet. The local flavor is just the icing on the cake.
(4)
Alan K.
I had Shapiro's Reuben sandwich which consists of corned beef, sauerkraut, cheese, and some sort of dressing. It was pretty good sandwiched in between the house rye bread. I also had a craving for some matzo ball soup which was also pretty tasty at this place. They give you the option of having just broth with the matzo ball or with chicken noodle soup. Then, when perusing through their menu, I stumbled upon some cabbage borscht. Silly me thinking that this would be some Russian borscht soup, but this borscht was made with cabbage and tomatoes. Anyhow, I would recommending trying their Reuben sandwich and their matzo ball soup. If you are indecisive, they have so many things to choose from in their menu, but if you are still stuck, get in line and you can see what you are ordering as it is cafeteria style. Their menu is somewhat confusing. FYI, you can actually select a half sandwich but also, you can also opt for a half sandwich and a half soup at a combo price.
(4)
Amy L.
Amazing food and service. Cafeteria style service and dining. The corned beef on rye is amazing and a staple in a Jewish deli. Highly recommend. Be prepared for leftovers to go as the portions are HUGE~!~ The potato latkes are awesome. Get some sour cream and apple sauce as you are going through the line to complete the experience. The desserts are amazing and beautiful to boot. The strawberry cheesecake, the carrot cake cheesecake, and the devils food cheesecake with chocolate cake are the hits. A small detail that I love is that they have to go boxes and bags out for people to get as they need them and you dont have to ask staff to take the time to get you one. The staff here are outstanding PERIOD. You will find no better. Everyone is always friendly and are glad to see you when you come into the place. A+++++++++
(5)
Travel S.
WOW!!! What a place to get desserts! I've never ate here but I have bought quiet a few strawberry cheesecakes for people who absolutely drool over these amazing cakes! They are priced pretty high - $47.00Strawberry Cheesecake ... But TRUST me it's worth it for whomever its for! The last few times I went there a gentleman named Russell has helped me and he's excellent! I buy a lot of desserts, cookies, cakes, cupcakes for people every week and I've never received the amount of positive feedback from any other dessert like I have with the Strawberry Cheesecake! Three words. Go Buy One
(5)
Hayat C.
I'm a little disappointed this time coming back putting them down to 3 stars unfortunately I found a eggshell in my deviled egg and it was pretty crunchy and I couldn't catch the eggshell because by the time that I felt the crunch it was already in the back part of my mouth. The stuffed cabbage was absolutely delicious but I would not eat it every day or every week or every month maybe once every six months it is pretty sweet. The spinach was perfect the broccoli salad was really good, but they need to make sure that there is an even portion of grapes in every serving . The matza ball soup was stupendous with noodles , and last but not least the key lime pie in my opinion was a big disappointment but not a complete disappointment it reminded me of a thicker version of Yoplait key lime pie yogurt.
(3)
Gillian S.
This place is legit. I am spoiled as it is so close to my home. I've been here too many times to count but today was different. This time, I came in to grab breakfast. Did you know they serve breakfast? I mean I came here seeking my carb fix with one of there crunchy, chewy bagels but to my surprise they have a full breakfast menu! After a quick look I decided upon the eggs and corned beef hash option. I mean this is a Kosher deli and I know from experience that I love their corned beef. Just as I suspected they make their corned beef hash in house and man is it good! It's full of real ground corned beef, big chunks of potatoes with a great onion, garlic, pepper flavor too. My only regret is that I wish I'd had known about this option years ago! I have to note that my breakfast option was in the $6 range and I only ate half. I consider it one of best breakfast deals in the city!
(5)
Wang C.
Superb NY Rueben, even if it is really overpriced. The coconut cream pies really good. Only negatives- the woman at the cash register keeps yelling at people if they walk to where the desserts are; maybe you shouldn't have them first. There is also a funky smell when u first walk in. And unfortunately they don't check their bathrooms that often, because someone dropped a Tom Brady, and it was terrible.
(5)
Chad M.
One of the best fresh made to order deli sandwiches you can get! Very large portions if ordered that way, but also expensive for a sandwich, but you get what you pay for. Be careful because eating here can become addictive, and its not cheap. Restaurant itself is large and roomy, plenty of seats, self serve soda pop, nothing fancy, just a clean deli.
(4)
Amber E.
THE BEST place in Indy for a deli sandwich (duh no brainer) the corned beef is heavenly. If you have a sweet tooth this is the place to go for that also. I wouldn't recommend the macaroni though. The menu states it's famous but I don't see how...almost flavorless to me and it's dry. Edit- tried the Mac n Cheese again, the batch I had before must have just been a bad batch. Excellent this time!
(5)
May B.
We stopped in here during our trip down to the final four and thought this might be a good place to grab an early dinner, and what do you know, with paid parking, we got $10 off our meal. Score! This place has great deli meats of the pastrami and corned beef type (along with others, but those are my favorite). Cafeteria style, grab a tray, pick some desserts, then get to the carving section and you can see them carve the meat and put your sandwich together - which is great because it means the meat is hot and is juicy just cut. I tried the reuben, which was pretty tasty. I actually really like the patrami sandwich my husband got as well. Just loads of meat - I really could have been happy with just half a sandwich, but had to finish it because it tasted so good. We also tried the mac and cheese, pretty good, but nothing special, it was a little different, mac and cheese on bottom, thick layer of cheese, mac and cheese on top. We also had the key lime pie which was good, but not tart which was disappointing as I like to pucker when I eat key lime pie. My friend had the strawberry shortcake, which was more like poundcake but really good. The place was a bit pricey for a "sandwich place", but since I ate enough food for two people, that might be the reason - I'd share a sandwich if I find myself back there in the future. From what I can tell, a staple of the Indy area, so definitely worth trying out if you're visiting!
(4)
Anna L.
Stopped by Shapiro's on my way through Indianapolis. With the extensive amount of reviews, I wanted to give this place a try-- who knows when I'll be back in Indianapolis! The place was easy to find with ample parking. I ordered half of a tuna sandwich, cole slaw, and a bowl of fruits. The sandwich was all right-- the food here is a little too pricey if you ask me. The cole slaw eventually got tossed since it was a bit too sour for my liking... The fruits did not taste fresh. The restaurant is large with tons of seating! I was confused with the service as to whether i just leave my food and dishes when I was done or if I had to clean and place them myself? I saw a man pushing around a cart for dishes but he simply walked right passed me as I approached him. Okay... Probably would not come back since it was too pricey and a little too loud.
(2)
Brittany S.
A verbal snapshot of the things that instantly come to mind when I think of Shapiro's Delicatessen: Indy classic Corned beef sandwich Cabbage rolls Buttery noodles and matzo ball soup Enough sweets to leave ya drooling in line and out the door Grab with caution, prices can add up quickly if you're not watching your math The "MCL crowd" ... and me. quick service no frills comfort food at its finest great for groups Again, the cabbage rolls...
(5)
Laura G.
Great choice in town for a no frills meal. We had the pastrami on rye. No, it's not Katz' but it's darn close. Moist and tasty. Large portion and easily shared. We will be back!!!
(5)
Sadie R.
This place. Jeez Louise. It's awesome. Not only is this place such an incredible place to fill your belly, it's part of Indy's culture. I suggest Brooklyn Pastrami on marble rye with provolone and potato salad. If you like potato salad, you HAVE to get it. The best.
(5)
Chris G.
Well it only took 11 years of living here to make my first visit but no longer. Went to Shapiro's on a recent weekend with my Dad and son prior to an Indians game - overall a pretty simple location to get to with ample parking. Not a large crowd at 430PM on a Saturday - turned out the Jehovah's Witnesses convention let out at 5PM that day and it took us an hour and 10 minutes to get to flipping VICTORY FIELD afterwards but that's a different story... Overall it is cafeteria style as others mentioned - you get your tray and utensils, start with desserts (cleverly positioned at the FRONT of the line), and work your way to the main courses and the cashier. I'm a Reuben fiend, so went with that and some German potato salad. Dad and son both had the pastrami sandwiches, son had mac/cheese. The Reuben was good but the pastrami was out of this world good. I wish I had ordered that. The sandwich bread was ridiculously good. The German potato salad was different than what I'd had in the past and was more mustard based in flavor. The mac/cheese was just OK. Son and I split some chocolate cake for dessert which was very good. A bit more expensive for the sandwiches but the other items on the menu seemed OK price-wise. Sticker shock is probably common here. I like that there are a lot of other comfort food choices (stuffed cabbage!) and choices of everything in general to choose from. There is enough variety to lessen the dent in the wallet opposed to the sandwiches. The atmosphere is a lot more laid back than I expected...it reminded me a lot of going to Tony Packo's for lunch in Toledo Ohio (for those familiar) but on a much smaller scale and not as expensive. The only complaint is everything menu-wise is at the middle of the serving line...I knew what I wanted this time around but reading a printed menu isn't the same as seeing what you're getting. The seating along that serving line railing would be annoying from the newbies like me straining their necks to review the day's offerings. I will be back at some point in the future to try other items.
(4)
Andrew D.
It hurts so badddd to not give this place five stars because the Reuben is the best reubeun I have ever and will have. I love this place just simple amazing delicious food. My one star take away is only based that I felt it was way to much for my cheap ass but that's it really one of my favorite places in my beautiful home of Indy.
(4)
Brian W.
I've only had the LOX and bagel platter here. Each time I am in Indianapolis I have the same thing. It might be a bit expensive but damn it's good. As for extra cream cheese when you order it. I am not sure why they skimp on that when everything else is so plentiful.
(4)
Peter P.
This is like a little slice of New York in downtown Indianapolis. It's similar to the kosher delis that you find all over the Big Apple. Grab a tray, and walk though the line cafeteria-style. My weakness is pastrami on rye and Shapiro's has a nice (and massive) one. It's a little pricey, but think of it as 2 meals instead of 1 as you will surely be taking some home (get your own carry-out boxes and paper bags from the drink/flatware station).
(4)
Derrick M.
Wow - please don't shoot me! 2 *'s is probably a death sentence here in Indy. Going for the giant reuben and such similar fare? GO! Be prepared to pay for it though - I wouldn't call this place a "good value." This review is for the "other" hot food that is not the deli sandwiches they are famous for: The first time I went here I got the baked chicken and it was bone dry. The second time I went I was not particularly hungry so I thought I would try their soup. I ordered Chicken and Rice soup - which I have had at other eateries before and it was rich and delicious (kind of like lemon rice minus the lemon if you've had your share of Indiana's Greek family restaurants - I'm lookin' at you every restaurant in Lake County!). Well. Their chicken rice soup is cold, refrigerated white rice which they then pour their hot, plain broth over. FYI: I'm sure this is a shocker but this results in a lukewarm broth with rice soup. No chunks of chicken, no vegetables, nuttin'. Oh, and the bill for my friend's sandwich, my bowl o' broth, and two soft drinks? Approximately $20 w/ tax. :-(
(2)
Andrew M.
Shapiro's is a downtown Indy landmark. Their deli sandwiches are top notch, especially the Reuben (it's huge!!). Their coffee is decent, and they have one of the Coke custom drink machines. The desserts are also amazing - fresh pies! Bring your appetite, and I would suggest Shapiro's for lunch rather than breakfast. They can also cater, although it isn't as good a value as other local chains, in my opinion.
(4)
Sheila M.
Reuben sandwich here: absolutely yummy! Shapiro's has always been the best Kosher-style deli I have ever eaten. Some people complain about the cost, but I have always thought it was well worth it!
(5)
Dan P.
Feelin a little Jewish in Indy today....nice lean Corn Beef on bakery fresh Hard Rye bread a little Swiss cheese, yellow mustard,horse radish a potato pancake with sour cream and a bowl of borsch cabbage soup to top it all off.
(5)
Mark B.
One of the best deli's west of New York. I try and stop in every time I come through Indy. This stop was on Saturday. I missed there unbelievable good pea soup only served on Thursday but had their veggie soup instead. Top notch. I have never ever had a bad meal here. This trip was beef brisket and deviled eggs starting off with veggie soup. Try it you will not be disappointed !
(5)
Dirk W.
This place is so good I considered converting to Judaism, but I was so full I didn't have the energy to google how. Their pastrami is their signature sandwich, and it's freaking good. Yes, it is a bit expensive, but DAMN what a sandwich. Make sure you get it with everything on it, the coleslaw ties the whole thing together.
(5)
Wendy D.
loved the pastrami and the sandwiches are huge... the mac and cheese yummy! I cannot say the prices were that bad as it was the only meal I had while I was there that was under $20
(5)
Chris S.
Delis like Shapiro's are tough to come by now-a-days. In fact, they're rare. I've been fortunate enough in my travels to visit most of the best delis in North America. Those who appreciate a good pastrami/corned beef, etc, know that there's a few that are tough to beat: Brent's and Cantor's in Katz in NY, Harold's in New Jersey, Caplansky's in Toronto and Schwartz's in Montreal top that list. When it comes to the above mentioned sandwiches Shapiro's can hang. They're not as memorable as the others, but darn close. In the state in Indiana and the entire Great Lakes Region, on the other hand, Shapiro's takes the trophy. There's no better sandwiches, period. If I'm going to be extremely critical, it's the bread that sets the others aside from Shapiro's. These other places have rye bread that is incredible. It's so good you ask for extra slices and spread butter on them. Shapiro's rye tasted a few days old and the marble rye was so thick (and hard) you couldn't bite through it. World class delis wouldn't let that be served. Aside from this, the corned beef and pastrami are top-notch, some of the best sandwiches in the US/Canada. The peppered beef, on the other hand, which I was told was a must, didn't impress. I couldn't taste the meat, just a massive amount of salt. (Maybe that's what this is. I've never ordered it before.) Meanwhile, the turkey sandwiches are packed with enough turkey to feed a horse and should be on the must eat list. The other food, however, is average. Come here for the sandwiches, rather than much of the rest which is cafeteria style and held in warming pots. The deli is what put this place on the map and the food from that side of the business belongs on your plate. Stick to the sandwiches and you'll be thrilled. The baked goods rock, too. They bake the pies, cookies, pastries, etc, on site, and you can taste the homemade flare with every bite. The challenging part is the sandwiches are so large, there's not going to be room for the cakes, pies, etc. Take it to go.
(4)
Anthony A.
The best reason for me to go to Indianapolis. If you have ever had a bad Ruben sandwich or not experienced a perfect potato pancake, try these out. This sandwich...will change your life.
(5)
Dave H.
This is our go to stop when we fly into Indianapolis. This time we were not hungry enought to go through the cafeteria line and get one of those huge pastrami sandwishes. What to do? We chose the carry out line instead. Got the awesome pastrami, sliced so very thin, to go. Loaded up on bagels that were also awesome the next day with cream cheese. Bought some chicken soup for some sick familiy members which was well received. Although it was Christmas Eve, the store was very well staffed and they all worked together to move the line quickly.
(4)
William B.
Shapiros seems to be slipping . Several times we've come here for brkfst and they are always out of corn Beef hash...best hash ever but they never make enough..no longer serving french toast for breakfast Either...very frustrating. .
(2)
Todd H.
Interesting place with lots of choices. I had the meatloaf and Mac and cheese. The Mac was wonderful but the meatloaf was just meh. The coconut cream pie tasted completely processed. I couldn't eat more than one bite. Not sure I would go back
(2)
Steve M.
Lucky find thanks to my cousin in Kentucky. Working downtown and needed to escape my hotel. Had an awesome corned beef sandwich on thick cut fresh rye bread. Great rugelach too. Major yum. Loved it. Definitely New York authentic including the price. ;-)
(5)
Alex L.
An ode to this Jewish Deli, which serves a fantastic Rueben Sandwich: Indy and Shapiro, welcoming me with your open space Peaking the cafeteria line, my eyes lay rest: Coming up to the counter, the line seems to move at a fast pace Decisions, decisions: what can I eat that is the best?! The reueben catches my eye: so huge and dear Why is it over $12, that price instills fear! Unsure of its value, I cautiously order. When I get, my heart fills with cheer! Sourdough, ample meat, sweet and sour cabbage; I shed a tear. For this heart of sandwiches, so crisp and full of delight. Once I finish it, I take gleeful flight!
(4)
Clare L.
The desserts = AMAZING. If I was reviewing those alone, 5 stars. Everything else, not so much. I thought the quality of offerings on the line was even lower than what you could find at MCL. Nothing looked that appetizing and my spaghetti and meatballs that I decided on didn't have too much flavor. Would definitely stop in again to get a cookie or piece of cake, probably wouldn't eat food here again unless I was desperate.
(3)
Peter J.
This place harkens to a bygone era when people were doing hard work and needed to truly EAT to satisfy their hunger. Go big with the pastrami or switch it up with some of the daily specials. My eyes are always bigger than my stomach but it's a labor of love with this place. Be sure to check out the deli, jerky sticks are my favorite.
(5)
Hannah H.
I've lived in Indy my whole life, and finally decided it was time to try this legendary restaurant. I met a friend here for lunch a few months back and was so excited because of my love for Reubens. I went through the line and chose to get a reuben, mac n cheese, and a piece of rhubard pie. When I got to the checkout and was told it'd be $20 I was in shock, but I figured the reuben must be mind blowing so I didn't mind paying. I got to our table and started to dig in, expecting the best reuben I've ever had... only to be sadly disappointed. I understand that having such a famous restaurant can give you the liberty to charge a bit more, but I'm guessing you didn't get famous serving sandwiches like that. The bread was a bit soggy and the mac n cheese was cold. I REALLY wanted to be a fan of Shapiro's, and I feel like I'm a bad Hoosier for not... but for $20 I expected a lot more. I've been more impressed by the Reuben at Rosie's Place in Noblesville for about half the price. Excuse me while I go hide from the shame of this review.
(2)
Ayla W.
I'll start off by saying I'm going to give this place another chance eventually and so my stars will hopefully increase BUT as of right now. I'll stick with 3. I think the design of the place is awesome. Cafeteria like. Taking me back to high school. Everything seems fresh. Although it might not be. But you know when you go to some restaurants and you feel like wow the trucks freezer had its way on this food as it was being transferred to the restaurant. I don't get the same vibe here. However the food was not my cup of tea. From the way it was seasoned to the items on the list. We got a meal to split because I was a little taken back by the prices as well. It being in the top restaurants in Indy I shouldn't have been surprised but I still was because I didn't order crab legs or anything. So, all that to say. It's not making it to favorite restaurants list. But I'm going to give it another try in a month or so and ill give my update.
(3)
Sal W.
I've been coming here since I was a kid. Classic, delicious, kosher deli. The best Reuben in town and just amazing pastrami. The pies are amazing - it's always an impossible choice. I often buy a Boston Cream or Key Lime pie here if I need to bring dessert somewhere. Love the chicken dumpling soup and also the matzo ball soup. Not crazy about the mac and cheese here, but the veggies are good. A bit expensive, but quality food! Don't be scared off by the long lunch line- it moves quickly.
(5)
John E.
Greatest sandwiches in Indy, bar none! Cafeteria style restaurant that makes the fresh breads in house. The Reubens are unbelievable. The selection of deserts is ridiculous, and they are all delicious. If you haven't been go, if you have been, go back!
(5)
Greg M.
Love the corn beef sandwiches. Always good. 13 bucks but now they're charging you for horseradish when you take out?
(4)
Amanda T.
Don't miss this Reuben! It's corned beef perfection. Stuffed cabbage was good - the sauce was a tad too sweet, but we still demolished it. Mac n cheese is also killer!
(4)
Nicole L.
This place is my go to when I need brain food while spending a day studying at the law school. Their sandwiches are big and hearty, there are tons of options, and place itself is an institution. It looks like it has been utterly unchanged in the past 30 years. I like the tuna sandwich w chips myself. If you're looking for a solid lunch spot downtown, definitely give shapiros a try!
(5)
Tiffany B.
Since I'm a vegetarian, they didn't have a ton of options for me, so I'm gonna focus on what they did have that I was interested in and let me tell you: the desserts are friggin AH-mazing. I had a lemon cupcake, which had a custard filling--great, now I have a new sugary addiction to battle. I also tried a red velvet cake pop which fulfilled my sugary craving. There was such a wide selection of options--I've got a new secret/ not so secret dessert destination and I'm loving it.
(5)
Greg U.
Fashion Mall location for a quick bite. New to Indy area after living in Chicago and NYC metro areas. Cafeteria style dining. Insane pricing for ala carte sandwiches. $20 for two miniature half sammies, one bag of chips and one coke. Bread was the best part of the meal. Pastrami was nothing special. Turkey was average. The place was filthy too. Uncleaned tables and floors.
(2)
Matt W.
I attend college at Ivy-Tech, and end up having a 3 hour lay over between classes. I decided I would look for a decent place to have lunch, and being downtown there are a lot of great restaurants to choose from. I've been to cafeteria like places before such as MCL and Grey's, so I knew the whole grab your tray and stand in line deal. The people behind the counter giving the food were nice, but the lady at the register wasn't very friendly. She wasn't very sociable, had a blank expression on her face, and overall didn't seem like she wanted to be there. I got a sandwich, bowl of mac n cheese, and a drink. My total came up to a little over $17, which I feel personally is outrageous. The roast beef sandwich was OK, the beef was a little under seasoned for my personal preference. The bread was nice and fresh, and the swiss cheese was what you would expect from any deli. They gave what would seem like a generous portion of roast beef, but the actual bread was a little smaller in size then what you would buy at the grocery store, so it gave the illusion that there was more there then there really was. The building is pretty large, but it really needs some TLC and a face lift. The tables were old, and the chair I sat in was wobbly. There menu board looked tacky because when they raised prices they just painted over the old price and wrote the new price over the paint, and it looked like each price change was done by someone different because the paint, handwriting, and overall appearance were inconsistent. With how expensive the food is, and how run down the inside is, it feels like the owners aren't putting anything back into their business, which is a shame because Shapiro's has been an Indy favorite for years. It feels like their reputation may blind some customers into thinking the place is better then it actually is.
(2)
Scotty Z.
Searching for the perfect corned beef & rye? Not anymore. Shapiro's, the only real Jewish deli in 100+ miles, is second to none, and an Indianapolis staple to which many residents and visitors alike flock. Plenty of parking makes it great for lunch, and relatively recently extended hours (8:00 PM, I believe) makes it practical for dinner, too (though they do have north side and airport locations as well). Cafeteria-style seating makes for an easy visit, sans the usual pretentious downtown overhead. The corned beef is possibly the best I've had to date, situated in between two thick slices of home-baked rye bread. Be prepared to choose mustard or mayo when asked; the folks are friendly, but efficient. Two downsides for me: 1) the sandwiches will set you back a bit more -- the corned beef upwards of $10 or $11. And, 2) the desserts are the first thing you pass in the cafeteria line. But -- if you have an endless wallet, metabolism, or both, then #1 and #2, respectively, don't matter as much, and it's definitely nothing that should prevent at least one visit per person.
(4)
Carina A.
Borscht that is the ultimate food of life! A pastrami Reuben that could renew your faith in anything! Everything here is comfort food....downright dangerous! Thank goodness I don't live closer...I'd be as round as a bowling ball! If you've never been here, come on an empty stomach: it will change your life and rock your world!
(5)
Lindy E.
Outside of the east coast and possibly Chicago, this genuine Jewish deli has it all. Pastrami, Corned beef, baked chicken, soups, stuffed cabbage, strawberry pie, and rye bread are all mouthwatering. It's all good. Gets very busy during the work week but the line moves quickly. Get ready for a bit of the Seinfeld "Soup Nazi" treatment when you order as they try real hard to keep the cafeteria line moving along. Kid of amusing but you have to be ready for it. Prices are a bit high but worth the trip every now and then. One note, on two occassions we've eaten in the dining room of the north location in Carmel. Both times, the waitresses were cat fighting with each other, creating an uncomfortable experience. Will only be doing take out at the Carmel store in the future.
(3)
Jenna M.
I've been here twice at lunch with completely different experiences...once the line was almost to the door....and a person in the group I was in got yelled at by two older gentlemen for saving a large table for our 8+ person group. The second was this past week - we must have just timed it right because there was no line at all and there were LOTS of tables. On the two visits, I had a corned beef sandwich, a pastrami sandwich and dessert (both times). The sandwiches were quite yummy - the meat was tender, the bread (rye) was almost a little too soft and mushy for my sandwich, but the flavor was nice. The cheeses or mustards all added to the flavor of the sandwich - so overall I was pretty happy with my meal. The desserts were just ok. The first one had been out and uncovered fortoo long because the whipped topping was a little crunchy...the second time I had chocolate cream pie - good, but not great. Will I head back? Sure...but I'm also not completely on the bandwagon yet...
(3)
Joel H.
Melt in your mouth corned beef. Love the matza ball soup. The rye is fresh. It is great to find old school cafeteria done very well
(5)
Christopher S.
went here while flying into indianapolis. place is great went at about 1pm so it was quiet. Ample parking behind/side of building. set up like a cafeteria. Had a rueben sandwich was great on homemade bread not too much thousand island dressing. it was a large sandwich and you get what you pay for.
(5)
Laura C.
I love you, Shapiro's! Truly a Jewish deli, except for all the Christians who come after church (I am one...). So delicious!
(4)
Edward M.
Grew up dining at some of the great Brooklyn and Manhattan delis. This place is right up there with them. The service is cafeteria style and even the long lines go quickly. The food is not for the faint of heat, with generous portions on everything. Reubens, Pastrami on rye, sides, etc., were all excellent. Perhaps not the healthiest eating but certainly delicious. Walking distance from the Colts stadium. Nice to go to with a small, intimate group willing to order different items and share.
(5)
Mali J.
During a recent site visit when my stomach reminded me that it was now lunch time, I found myself near downtown Indianapolis. After an intense morning, I really wanted some place where I could grab a good, nutritious energizing lunch to complete the day. I thought of Shapiro's, the little kosher deli whose reputation precedes it. How could I miss? I didn't have much time, wanted something really good, in a clean environment. Knowing it was tucked away somewhere close, but not all that easy to find, I wound around downtown Indy's south side before finally stumbling upon the iconic restaurant. I parked the car and proceeded to go inside. This was a bustling place! The line was long, but seemed to move along quickly, apparently filled with many repeat customers. Realizing I didn't have much time, I proceeded to the carry out line and perused the overhead menu. When it was my turn, the smiling clerk looked at me anxiously as if to say "okay spit it out - I don't have all day!" I managed to communicate that I thought I wanted pastrami. "Bread?" "Uh - rye", I answered. "Anything on it?" "Yes, spicy mustard, please." "What else?" (Translation: "hurry up so I can get to the next customer that does know what they want!") "That's all, thanks." I felt rushed. My impression was that you'd better know what you want before you get to the front of the line! Unsure of where to stand after placing my order, I found myself being eased to first one side of the line, then the other as more customers jockeyed for position at the front. Finally I heard a server squawk "Pastrami on rye with brown!" Aha - that must be mine. As I reached for it, the clerk announced, unapologetically, "$11.06!" I thought she must have made a mistake! I hadn't ordered a drink or any sides at all. She just looked at me. I was NOT prepared to cough up $11.06 for a single sandwich without beverage, chips or anything! Unsure if I even had that much cash, I began to panic when I found that this line is for cash only! Bad word! If you don't have cash, you're up that proverbial creek! After several seconds that felt like an eternity, I did manage to scratch up the required sum! I'll admit the sandwich was delicious, and almost too generous! Pastrami was piled so high even the biggest mouth would have trouble negotiating that width! I would have been much happier with a sandwich half that size - and half the price! It could easily have been shared with another person, but since I was dining alone and did not want to carry anything home, $11.06 for a sandwich was just a bit much for me - complimentary dill spears notwithstanding. The service is fast, the portions very generous. There is apparently a loyal client base that keeps the place crowded - especially during lunch hour. This is not what I would call a relaxing atmosphere, but the environment is clean with no frills - if you're expecting cloth linens and candlelight, go somewhere else. Prices are a bit steep, but the food is decidedly good. If you're sharing with a dining mate, it's well worth the money. Go Kosher.
(5)
JR J.
If you live in Indianapolis you need to go to Shapiro's. Amazing large sandwiches with fresh ingredients. The rye bread is amazing, either the reuben or the pastrami is fantastic. And that is just the sandwich carry out. Then there is the cafeteria, where you can get everything from there great sandwiches to spinach and potato cakes. Its a great meal but make sure you take some money because it's going to cost you.
(4)
Trevor T.
Had lunch here. This is a true Jewish deli gem in Indianapolis. When you start the journey at Shapiro's, you pick up a cafeteria tray, choose your silverware, pick up a napkin and then choose your dessert. Yep, you read that right...dessert comes first at this place. And it's no wonder because the regular food is so filling that if you didn't pick your dessert first, you wouldn't pick it last. My lunch tray held the following: 1) Lemon meringue pie (with a radioactive yellow filling and 6-in of meringue) 2) Rueben sandwich - piled high on delicious rye bread and served with 1000 island and cheese 3) Potato salad - just cause 4) Mac & Cheese - homemade ooey goodness 5) Diet coke Try this place. I'm sure you'll like it.
(3)
Valerie S.
Home run, out of the park! It's not much to look at, but the deli food ranks way up there. Pastrami, corn beef, chopped liver, meat wrapped in cabbage. It's all the comfort foods from my youth all served in a line in front of me. And the bread is that crusty, crunchy crust with the soft center. I could eat there for weeks straight if I only lived in Indy.
(5)
Adam R.
Although this was one of my quickest trips to Shapiro's, I was still quit happy with the trip. My cousin & I were driving back to Chicago. From the moment we started the trip at 7:30 am, there was never a doubt in my mind we wouldn't be stopping at Shapiro's. Once there I ordered a simple Corn Beef on Rye to go with Dijon mustrard on the side. A little down the road, the sandwhich was unwrapped, and demolished! The bread was fresh and the meat was cut so nice & then. I wish I had there excellent potatoe pancake. Truth be told, an old favorite of mine was the red jello. Although the price for the Jello had risen a little too high for me.
(4)
Michael R.
This is a gem of a deli in downtown Indianapolis. The food is EXCELLENT!!!!!!!!! I had the corn beef sandwich with a stuffed pepper YUMMMY! I didnt have any dessert ,but I seen them and they look really good. If your in Indianapolis you have to check this place out for lunch. ITS A CANT MISS I'LL BET EVERYTHING ON MENU IS GREAT!
(4)
Matt L.
Oh Shapiro's, how I miss you. I don't travel out to Indy anymore, and as a result, must make do with the deli's in my hometown. You would think, hey man, you live in Philadelphia, it's a big East Coast city. I thought that was the "deli part" of the country. you'd be wrong. In all the 50 states there is no operation quite like you. the way they stick the desserts up front to trick your eyes into thinking your belly can fit them. The potato pancakes, the way you get empty plates redeemable later for hot, delicious ruban sandwiches. someday I hope to be out in Indianapolis again, but if business doesn't take me there, perhaps i'll break down and fly out just for teh sandwhich.
(5)
Mike H.
Went to Shapiros with a fellow deli connoisseur friend for lunch last weekend. Looking at the place I thought we had finally discovered a great place to eat in Indy. Oh if it were only true. He had a Ruben and I had a roast beef sand. Frankly neither were that great, and certainly not in any way shape or form worth the $39 that lunch cost us. Looking at the pre-existing reviews, a lot of the five-star reviews for this place seem to come from locals. I'm skeptical that any of them have ever eaten in a good NYC deli.
(2)
Jean P.
This was my first deli cafeteria experience (I know), and I must admit that this was probably a good one to get my feet wet. I started going through the line, doing well, and then I got to the entree/sandwich part. Completely overwhelmed and froze. I'm sure if it was busier, I would have gotten harassed, but luckily, it wasn't, and the guy behind the counter was nice enough to snag me a sample of their rueben, which I happily ordered. This was my first rueben sandwich (yes, I'm sheltered), so I ordered it with "less of that mustard or sauce or whatever". The guy probably thought I was an idiot. My husband later explained that it was thousand island, and he ate my sauerkraut which was just a little much for me. I don't think I'm a fan of sauerkraut in general. Anyway, the meat and bread were good, so I'd probably just hook myself up with a corned beef sandwich or something completely different next time. The green beans were good. The key lime pie, once I got past the ridiculous amount of whipped cream, was delish - especially the crust! I did think they were quite pricey. Is that normal for the area or for this kind of dining experience?
(3)
D T.
Great NY style deli.
(4)
Brenda T.
Hands-down, the BEST reuben I've ever had. Period. End of story.
(5)
bob b.
top of the heap airport food. I sometimes choose a longer flight to Indy over a shorter flight to St Louis- when traveling on business- so I can get a sandwich at Shapiros in the airport. I get one when I land and another to carry on. I visited Mannys last night at Midway Chicago. Good food, but better at Shapiro's
(5)
Scott J.
I used to love this place, but after 4 bad experiences in a row, I've thrown in the towel. The people working the line are rude. Frankly, I question their cleanliness. I've seen one woman in particular cough right on the food line. That was the nail in the coffin for me. If you're willing to do that with customers standing in front of you, what are you doing when I'm not around? I'd still go there for bagels, but as far as the food line is concerned - I'm out. Management - clean up your act and get some new people working there. Your standards are slipping.
(1)
Keith M.
This is my first time writing a review. This place has to be the most overpriced place i've ever seen for food that was so far below average. I ordered a roast beef sandwich and it came on regular white loaf bread. There wasn't really any toppings to choose from. I asked for mayo and the guy working harassed me about it in a joking manner. The sandwich was $11 which is just outrageous for what I received. That price didn't include any side items or a drink. This is the first and last time I'll be coming here.
(1)
Cara R.
Shapiro's is an Indianapolis institution. I am ruined forever on reubens because the Shapiro reuben is so good. I refuse to eat this sandwich at any other establishment. Many people complain about the pound of corned beef you get with the reuben here, but seriously, if you wanted a wimp sandwich, head to Arby's down the street. Usually, I'll get the reuben with a couple of sides and I'm set for lunch AND dinner. In addition to the deli sandwiches piled high with meat on homemade breads, Shapiro's offers daily specials like meatloaf (which I adore, it's the ultimate comfort food) and roasted half-chickens. The cold sides I like to get are the broccoli/grape salad, deviled eggs and potato salad. The hot sides that are good are steamed salty spinach and macaroni & cheese. If you have a sweet tooth, they also have a great selection of cakes and tarts. There is no other place like Shapiro's in Indy and possibly the entire midwest.
(5)
Curley L.
OMG!! The Ruben is out of sight. Friend had the pastrami and I had a nibble, same sensation...off the charts! Save room for the homemade pie ( rhubarb). A must if you are in Indy.
(5)
Jeffrey L.
I visit Indy about once a year and go to Shapiro's at least once each visit. It is a classic cafeteria-style Jewish deli. Portions are large, variety is extensive. Probably hasn't changed much in 50 years... which in this case is a good thing.
(4)
David S.
Food is good. Bathrooms could be a bit cleaner.
(4)
Chad B.
The only deli I have ever been to that compared to the Stage Deli in New York City. Yeah, it's a little pricey. I usually get a corned beef sandwich, german potato salad, and a drink. It runs me about $14. I know that going in, so it doesn't bother me. I heard that they have built one of these in the new Indianapolis airport. I'll know in 2 weekends because I am flying out of there. Another perk is that this is right next to Lucas Oil Stadium. I would suggest going here for lunch prior to a Colts game or anything being held here. It is closer than Circle Center. EDIT: They DID put a Shapiros' in one of the concourses at the Indianapolis Airport. I am pretty sure Its Concourse A. SO Good!!!!
(5)
Adam L.
Shapiro's is an Indianapolis legend. I work with the major television sports networks, and the talent always asks for sandwiches from Shapiros. As for me, I get the corned beef on rye with yellow mustard, cottage cheese, potato salad, and a slice of pie. Worth every single penny.
(5)
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Address :808 S Meridian St
Indianapolis, IN, 46225
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
Matt W.
I attend college at Ivy-Tech, and end up having a 3 hour lay over between classes. I decided I would look for a decent place to have lunch, and being downtown there are a lot of great restaurants to choose from. I've been to cafeteria like places before such as MCL and Grey's, so I knew the whole grab your tray and stand in line deal. The people behind the counter giving the food were nice, but the lady at the register wasn't very friendly. She wasn't very sociable, had a blank expression on her face, and overall didn't seem like she wanted to be there. I got a sandwich, bowl of mac n cheese, and a drink. My total came up to a little over $17, which I feel personally is outrageous. The roast beef sandwich was OK, the beef was a little under seasoned for my personal preference. The bread was nice and fresh, and the swiss cheese was what you would expect from any deli. They gave what would seem like a generous portion of roast beef, but the actual bread was a little smaller in size then what you would buy at the grocery store, so it gave the illusion that there was more there then there really was. The building is pretty large, but it really needs some TLC and a face lift. The tables were old, and the chair I sat in was wobbly. There menu board looked tacky because when they raised prices they just painted over the old price and wrote the new price over the paint, and it looked like each price change was done by someone different because the paint, handwriting, and overall appearance were inconsistent. With how expensive the food is, and how run down the inside is, it feels like the owners aren't putting anything back into their business, which is a shame because Shapiro's has been an Indy favorite for years. It feels like their reputation may blind some customers into thinking the place is better then it actually is.
(2)Scotty Z.
Searching for the perfect corned beef & rye? Not anymore. Shapiro's, the only real Jewish deli in 100+ miles, is second to none, and an Indianapolis staple to which many residents and visitors alike flock. Plenty of parking makes it great for lunch, and relatively recently extended hours (8:00 PM, I believe) makes it practical for dinner, too (though they do have north side and airport locations as well). Cafeteria-style seating makes for an easy visit, sans the usual pretentious downtown overhead. The corned beef is possibly the best I've had to date, situated in between two thick slices of home-baked rye bread. Be prepared to choose mustard or mayo when asked; the folks are friendly, but efficient. Two downsides for me: 1) the sandwiches will set you back a bit more -- the corned beef upwards of $10 or $11. And, 2) the desserts are the first thing you pass in the cafeteria line. But -- if you have an endless wallet, metabolism, or both, then #1 and #2, respectively, don't matter as much, and it's definitely nothing that should prevent at least one visit per person.
(4)Carina A.
Borscht that is the ultimate food of life! A pastrami Reuben that could renew your faith in anything! Everything here is comfort food....downright dangerous! Thank goodness I don't live closer...I'd be as round as a bowling ball! If you've never been here, come on an empty stomach: it will change your life and rock your world!
(5)Lindy E.
Outside of the east coast and possibly Chicago, this genuine Jewish deli has it all. Pastrami, Corned beef, baked chicken, soups, stuffed cabbage, strawberry pie, and rye bread are all mouthwatering. It's all good. Gets very busy during the work week but the line moves quickly. Get ready for a bit of the Seinfeld "Soup Nazi" treatment when you order as they try real hard to keep the cafeteria line moving along. Kid of amusing but you have to be ready for it. Prices are a bit high but worth the trip every now and then. One note, on two occassions we've eaten in the dining room of the north location in Carmel. Both times, the waitresses were cat fighting with each other, creating an uncomfortable experience. Will only be doing take out at the Carmel store in the future.
(3)Jenna M.
I've been here twice at lunch with completely different experiences...once the line was almost to the door....and a person in the group I was in got yelled at by two older gentlemen for saving a large table for our 8+ person group. The second was this past week - we must have just timed it right because there was no line at all and there were LOTS of tables. On the two visits, I had a corned beef sandwich, a pastrami sandwich and dessert (both times). The sandwiches were quite yummy - the meat was tender, the bread (rye) was almost a little too soft and mushy for my sandwich, but the flavor was nice. The cheeses or mustards all added to the flavor of the sandwich - so overall I was pretty happy with my meal. The desserts were just ok. The first one had been out and uncovered fortoo long because the whipped topping was a little crunchy...the second time I had chocolate cream pie - good, but not great. Will I head back? Sure...but I'm also not completely on the bandwagon yet...
(3)Joel H.
Melt in your mouth corned beef. Love the matza ball soup. The rye is fresh. It is great to find old school cafeteria done very well
(5)Christopher S.
went here while flying into indianapolis. place is great went at about 1pm so it was quiet. Ample parking behind/side of building. set up like a cafeteria. Had a rueben sandwich was great on homemade bread not too much thousand island dressing. it was a large sandwich and you get what you pay for.
(5)Laura C.
I love you, Shapiro's! Truly a Jewish deli, except for all the Christians who come after church (I am one...). So delicious!
(4)Edward M.
Grew up dining at some of the great Brooklyn and Manhattan delis. This place is right up there with them. The service is cafeteria style and even the long lines go quickly. The food is not for the faint of heat, with generous portions on everything. Reubens, Pastrami on rye, sides, etc., were all excellent. Perhaps not the healthiest eating but certainly delicious. Walking distance from the Colts stadium. Nice to go to with a small, intimate group willing to order different items and share.
(5)Mali J.
During a recent site visit when my stomach reminded me that it was now lunch time, I found myself near downtown Indianapolis. After an intense morning, I really wanted some place where I could grab a good, nutritious energizing lunch to complete the day. I thought of Shapiro's, the little kosher deli whose reputation precedes it. How could I miss? I didn't have much time, wanted something really good, in a clean environment. Knowing it was tucked away somewhere close, but not all that easy to find, I wound around downtown Indy's south side before finally stumbling upon the iconic restaurant. I parked the car and proceeded to go inside. This was a bustling place! The line was long, but seemed to move along quickly, apparently filled with many repeat customers. Realizing I didn't have much time, I proceeded to the carry out line and perused the overhead menu. When it was my turn, the smiling clerk looked at me anxiously as if to say "okay spit it out - I don't have all day!" I managed to communicate that I thought I wanted pastrami. "Bread?" "Uh - rye", I answered. "Anything on it?" "Yes, spicy mustard, please." "What else?" (Translation: "hurry up so I can get to the next customer that does know what they want!") "That's all, thanks." I felt rushed. My impression was that you'd better know what you want before you get to the front of the line! Unsure of where to stand after placing my order, I found myself being eased to first one side of the line, then the other as more customers jockeyed for position at the front. Finally I heard a server squawk "Pastrami on rye with brown!" Aha - that must be mine. As I reached for it, the clerk announced, unapologetically, "$11.06!" I thought she must have made a mistake! I hadn't ordered a drink or any sides at all. She just looked at me. I was NOT prepared to cough up $11.06 for a single sandwich without beverage, chips or anything! Unsure if I even had that much cash, I began to panic when I found that this line is for cash only! Bad word! If you don't have cash, you're up that proverbial creek! After several seconds that felt like an eternity, I did manage to scratch up the required sum! I'll admit the sandwich was delicious, and almost too generous! Pastrami was piled so high even the biggest mouth would have trouble negotiating that width! I would have been much happier with a sandwich half that size - and half the price! It could easily have been shared with another person, but since I was dining alone and did not want to carry anything home, $11.06 for a sandwich was just a bit much for me - complimentary dill spears notwithstanding. The service is fast, the portions very generous. There is apparently a loyal client base that keeps the place crowded - especially during lunch hour. This is not what I would call a relaxing atmosphere, but the environment is clean with no frills - if you're expecting cloth linens and candlelight, go somewhere else. Prices are a bit steep, but the food is decidedly good. If you're sharing with a dining mate, it's well worth the money. Go Kosher.
(5)JR J.
If you live in Indianapolis you need to go to Shapiro's. Amazing large sandwiches with fresh ingredients. The rye bread is amazing, either the reuben or the pastrami is fantastic. And that is just the sandwich carry out. Then there is the cafeteria, where you can get everything from there great sandwiches to spinach and potato cakes. Its a great meal but make sure you take some money because it's going to cost you.
(4)Trevor T.
Had lunch here. This is a true Jewish deli gem in Indianapolis. When you start the journey at Shapiro's, you pick up a cafeteria tray, choose your silverware, pick up a napkin and then choose your dessert. Yep, you read that right...dessert comes first at this place. And it's no wonder because the regular food is so filling that if you didn't pick your dessert first, you wouldn't pick it last. My lunch tray held the following: 1) Lemon meringue pie (with a radioactive yellow filling and 6-in of meringue) 2) Rueben sandwich - piled high on delicious rye bread and served with 1000 island and cheese 3) Potato salad - just cause 4) Mac & Cheese - homemade ooey goodness 5) Diet coke Try this place. I'm sure you'll like it.
(3)Valerie S.
Home run, out of the park! It's not much to look at, but the deli food ranks way up there. Pastrami, corn beef, chopped liver, meat wrapped in cabbage. It's all the comfort foods from my youth all served in a line in front of me. And the bread is that crusty, crunchy crust with the soft center. I could eat there for weeks straight if I only lived in Indy.
(5)Adam R.
Although this was one of my quickest trips to Shapiro's, I was still quit happy with the trip. My cousin & I were driving back to Chicago. From the moment we started the trip at 7:30 am, there was never a doubt in my mind we wouldn't be stopping at Shapiro's. Once there I ordered a simple Corn Beef on Rye to go with Dijon mustrard on the side. A little down the road, the sandwhich was unwrapped, and demolished! The bread was fresh and the meat was cut so nice & then. I wish I had there excellent potatoe pancake. Truth be told, an old favorite of mine was the red jello. Although the price for the Jello had risen a little too high for me.
(4)Michael R.
This is a gem of a deli in downtown Indianapolis. The food is EXCELLENT!!!!!!!!! I had the corn beef sandwich with a stuffed pepper YUMMMY! I didnt have any dessert ,but I seen them and they look really good. If your in Indianapolis you have to check this place out for lunch. ITS A CANT MISS I'LL BET EVERYTHING ON MENU IS GREAT!
(4)Matt L.
Oh Shapiro's, how I miss you. I don't travel out to Indy anymore, and as a result, must make do with the deli's in my hometown. You would think, hey man, you live in Philadelphia, it's a big East Coast city. I thought that was the "deli part" of the country. you'd be wrong. In all the 50 states there is no operation quite like you. the way they stick the desserts up front to trick your eyes into thinking your belly can fit them. The potato pancakes, the way you get empty plates redeemable later for hot, delicious ruban sandwiches. someday I hope to be out in Indianapolis again, but if business doesn't take me there, perhaps i'll break down and fly out just for teh sandwhich.
(5)Sue S.
Best turkey hash on the planet. Recently went here, missed breakfast cut-off, but 1/2 a pastrami sandwich was incredible and I savored every bite. Crowded when the Colts play home, so plan ahead.
(5)Mike H.
Went to Shapiros with a fellow deli connoisseur friend for lunch last weekend. Looking at the place I thought we had finally discovered a great place to eat in Indy. Oh if it were only true. He had a Ruben and I had a roast beef sand. Frankly neither were that great, and certainly not in any way shape or form worth the $39 that lunch cost us. Looking at the pre-existing reviews, a lot of the five-star reviews for this place seem to come from locals. I'm skeptical that any of them have ever eaten in a good NYC deli.
(2)Jean P.
This was my first deli cafeteria experience (I know), and I must admit that this was probably a good one to get my feet wet. I started going through the line, doing well, and then I got to the entree/sandwich part. Completely overwhelmed and froze. I'm sure if it was busier, I would have gotten harassed, but luckily, it wasn't, and the guy behind the counter was nice enough to snag me a sample of their rueben, which I happily ordered. This was my first rueben sandwich (yes, I'm sheltered), so I ordered it with "less of that mustard or sauce or whatever". The guy probably thought I was an idiot. My husband later explained that it was thousand island, and he ate my sauerkraut which was just a little much for me. I don't think I'm a fan of sauerkraut in general. Anyway, the meat and bread were good, so I'd probably just hook myself up with a corned beef sandwich or something completely different next time. The green beans were good. The key lime pie, once I got past the ridiculous amount of whipped cream, was delish - especially the crust! I did think they were quite pricey. Is that normal for the area or for this kind of dining experience?
(3)D T.
Great NY style deli.
(4)Brenda T.
Hands-down, the BEST reuben I've ever had. Period. End of story.
(5)bob b.
top of the heap airport food. I sometimes choose a longer flight to Indy over a shorter flight to St Louis- when traveling on business- so I can get a sandwich at Shapiros in the airport. I get one when I land and another to carry on. I visited Mannys last night at Midway Chicago. Good food, but better at Shapiro's
(5)Scott J.
I used to love this place, but after 4 bad experiences in a row, I've thrown in the towel. The people working the line are rude. Frankly, I question their cleanliness. I've seen one woman in particular cough right on the food line. That was the nail in the coffin for me. If you're willing to do that with customers standing in front of you, what are you doing when I'm not around? I'd still go there for bagels, but as far as the food line is concerned - I'm out. Management - clean up your act and get some new people working there. Your standards are slipping.
(1)Keith M.
This is my first time writing a review. This place has to be the most overpriced place i've ever seen for food that was so far below average. I ordered a roast beef sandwich and it came on regular white loaf bread. There wasn't really any toppings to choose from. I asked for mayo and the guy working harassed me about it in a joking manner. The sandwich was $11 which is just outrageous for what I received. That price didn't include any side items or a drink. This is the first and last time I'll be coming here.
(1)Cara R.
Shapiro's is an Indianapolis institution. I am ruined forever on reubens because the Shapiro reuben is so good. I refuse to eat this sandwich at any other establishment. Many people complain about the pound of corned beef you get with the reuben here, but seriously, if you wanted a wimp sandwich, head to Arby's down the street. Usually, I'll get the reuben with a couple of sides and I'm set for lunch AND dinner. In addition to the deli sandwiches piled high with meat on homemade breads, Shapiro's offers daily specials like meatloaf (which I adore, it's the ultimate comfort food) and roasted half-chickens. The cold sides I like to get are the broccoli/grape salad, deviled eggs and potato salad. The hot sides that are good are steamed salty spinach and macaroni & cheese. If you have a sweet tooth, they also have a great selection of cakes and tarts. There is no other place like Shapiro's in Indy and possibly the entire midwest.
(5)Curley L.
OMG!! The Ruben is out of sight. Friend had the pastrami and I had a nibble, same sensation...off the charts! Save room for the homemade pie ( rhubarb). A must if you are in Indy.
(5)Jeffrey L.
I visit Indy about once a year and go to Shapiro's at least once each visit. It is a classic cafeteria-style Jewish deli. Portions are large, variety is extensive. Probably hasn't changed much in 50 years... which in this case is a good thing.
(4)David S.
Food is good. Bathrooms could be a bit cleaner.
(4)Chad B.
The only deli I have ever been to that compared to the Stage Deli in New York City. Yeah, it's a little pricey. I usually get a corned beef sandwich, german potato salad, and a drink. It runs me about $14. I know that going in, so it doesn't bother me. I heard that they have built one of these in the new Indianapolis airport. I'll know in 2 weekends because I am flying out of there. Another perk is that this is right next to Lucas Oil Stadium. I would suggest going here for lunch prior to a Colts game or anything being held here. It is closer than Circle Center. EDIT: They DID put a Shapiros' in one of the concourses at the Indianapolis Airport. I am pretty sure Its Concourse A. SO Good!!!!
(5)Alan K.
I had Shapiro's Reuben sandwich which consists of corned beef, sauerkraut, cheese, and some sort of dressing. It was pretty good sandwiched in between the house rye bread. I also had a craving for some matzo ball soup which was also pretty tasty at this place. They give you the option of having just broth with the matzo ball or with chicken noodle soup. Then, when perusing through their menu, I stumbled upon some cabbage borscht. Silly me thinking that this would be some Russian borscht soup, but this borscht was made with cabbage and tomatoes. Anyhow, I would recommending trying their Reuben sandwich and their matzo ball soup. If you are indecisive, they have so many things to choose from in their menu, but if you are still stuck, get in line and you can see what you are ordering as it is cafeteria style. Their menu is somewhat confusing. FYI, you can actually select a half sandwich but also, you can also opt for a half sandwich and a half soup at a combo price.
(4)Amy L.
Amazing food and service. Cafeteria style service and dining. The corned beef on rye is amazing and a staple in a Jewish deli. Highly recommend. Be prepared for leftovers to go as the portions are HUGE~!~ The potato latkes are awesome. Get some sour cream and apple sauce as you are going through the line to complete the experience. The desserts are amazing and beautiful to boot. The strawberry cheesecake, the carrot cake cheesecake, and the devils food cheesecake with chocolate cake are the hits. A small detail that I love is that they have to go boxes and bags out for people to get as they need them and you dont have to ask staff to take the time to get you one. The staff here are outstanding PERIOD. You will find no better. Everyone is always friendly and are glad to see you when you come into the place. A+++++++++
(5)Travel S.
WOW!!! What a place to get desserts! I've never ate here but I have bought quiet a few strawberry cheesecakes for people who absolutely drool over these amazing cakes! They are priced pretty high - $47.00Strawberry Cheesecake ... But TRUST me it's worth it for whomever its for! The last few times I went there a gentleman named Russell has helped me and he's excellent! I buy a lot of desserts, cookies, cakes, cupcakes for people every week and I've never received the amount of positive feedback from any other dessert like I have with the Strawberry Cheesecake! Three words. Go Buy One
(5)Hayat C.
I'm a little disappointed this time coming back putting them down to 3 stars unfortunately I found a eggshell in my deviled egg and it was pretty crunchy and I couldn't catch the eggshell because by the time that I felt the crunch it was already in the back part of my mouth. The stuffed cabbage was absolutely delicious but I would not eat it every day or every week or every month maybe once every six months it is pretty sweet. The spinach was perfect the broccoli salad was really good, but they need to make sure that there is an even portion of grapes in every serving . The matza ball soup was stupendous with noodles , and last but not least the key lime pie in my opinion was a big disappointment but not a complete disappointment it reminded me of a thicker version of Yoplait key lime pie yogurt.
(3)Adam L.
Shapiro's is an Indianapolis legend. I work with the major television sports networks, and the talent always asks for sandwiches from Shapiros. As for me, I get the corned beef on rye with yellow mustard, cottage cheese, potato salad, and a slice of pie. Worth every single penny.
(5)Randy B.
Best corned beef in town! Very expensive for a sandwich, but it tastes excellent plus you'll only eat half anyway.
(4)Bongiorno M.
If Cafeterias could rise above the stereotype of Marge with the ladle and the slop of the day is... Gruel 101 right!! Shapiro's is really a delicatessen pumped full of growth hormones and fed fresh home-made down home grub. The end result: A stud of a Jewish Deli. From the moment you walk in its glass doors and the aroma of yum & "yes this is just what I need" becomes you, it is evident you are in a landmark. To the left of this mammoth deli is the to-go section, offering treats and freshly sliced meats: whole pies, cheeses, etc, and the largest chunks of chocolate in cookies I've ever encountered. Along the middle is a mile long tray runner with steamy and chilled offerings to satisfy anyones knot in the belly. Sick with the corned beef and/or pastrami, followed up with a fascinatingly good key lime pie. To drink: unsweetened iced tea, spot on!! Enjoy, and to Langer's Deli in LA, here's looking at you kid =D
(5)Matt K.
As about every reviewer has said thus far, Shapiro's is a real NY Jewish deli in Indianapolis. The atmosphere is a giant cafeteria complete with metal seats and fluorescent lighting. You wait in line just like you did back in middle school and the staff serves you with lightning efficiency (and I mean lightning...you better have your order ready when your turn comes up because they are really cooking...bad pun intended). In my experience the food is excellent. While the prices aren't outlandish, don't expect to pay the same you did back in middle school. For a sandwich and sides you are looking at somewhere around $15 a plate. This isn't an everyday place for me, but it's a nice place to grab a bite to eat on lazy Sunday afternoons.
(4)Donovan M.
You get a ton of food....boy are the sandwiches big. I love Rueben's, and Shapiro's always wins best Rueben in Nuvo every year.....but I've had a lot better. I love Cafe Olivia's in City Market 100x more. Shapiro's, in a word, is overrated. Its just some old cafeteria that old people sit at for hours watching the news, the food is a 3/5 at absolute best, and its a little pricey. Sure, portions are big, but I don't want to spend $13 on a rueben.
(2)Robert J.
Oh my goodness, this has now become a must have when I get to Indy, which is usually 1-2 times a year. I've never had a pastrami sandwich before, but after being talked into trying it, anything less than having it at this place is a letdown. It was truly delicious. The corned beef sandwich is by far the best I've ever had. Chicago has few, if any, options for these types of sandwiches. And the desserts are also off the hook. The lemon and carrot cakes are both outstanding. Crowd was pretty quiet, most likely due to a weekend the Colts were not in town. It is a cafeteria style and carryout can be long so be prepared time-wise. And for the money, you get a lot of meat. I'm hooked!!!!
(5)Samantha A.
I could go for a sandwich from Shapiro's right now (at 5:43 am). I hear the call of corned beef right now...
(4)Brent D.
Food good. No service. its cafe style. So there is no wait staff. Portions are huge. Sandwiches are huge a half will do ya. try it.
(3)Josh O.
This was a tough one. Ive longed to find a really good corned beef sandwich.. Shapiros has it. After visiting the city and telling myself that id stop there everytime and not doing so, I must say im glad I finally made it in. What keeps me on edge is the pricing. Id love to have tried more but I get skeptical when a bare sandwich costs more than 10 bux. Onto the food, I got a corned beef sandwich with swiss and rye, potato salad and drink. Came out to just shy of $20. The potato salad reminded me of what my mom made on easter, good. The sandwich was really good. So good I wanted to take one to go. I managed to polish off the whole thing which was like a slab of brontosaurus between 2 crackers. Had they been a few bux cheaper I would have. The good thing for Shapiros, Ill be back but I will make sure my wallets prepared for a beating.
(4)David D.
A mixed bag. I find that the cafeteria setup undercuts the deli-ness, but am told that this is a standard mid-western restaurant setup, so what the heck do I know? Great rye bread, decent brisket, awful 'eggs + (x)' breakfast, mediocre bagels, great desserts. And the best cannoli I've found in Indy, beats the pants off Constantino's in that department. The main area in which Shapiro's shines for me is the location relative to my home downtown. Being able to walk or bike down there on a snacks-ish Tuesday night for a cup of coffee and a dependably good slice of pie is like magic. Magic, I tell you!
(3)Mike F.
Shapiro's is an Indianapolis tradition and I cannot believe that anyone could give it less than a 5-star review. I love everthing about Shapiros--especially the corned beer and the potato pancakes. All of Shapiro's breads are freshly baked as are their bagels. The meat is cut right before your eyes. The homemade pickles are an added bonus.
(5)Chuck C.
The better of the two when it comes to food and the room, the Carmel Deli is to new and shiny for me. The food just taste better here. I don't mine the counter people's attitude here because you expect it at a Deli, Carmel is still to White bread for a real Deli. I do wish they had old dills, I realy crave them over the young one at Shapiro's. If you have ever eaten at a New York Deli you will know what I mean. Remember to eat well and live well and please no chains!
(4)Ben A.
I love this place! My favorite is the New York style Rueben, but I usually order the Matza Ball soup too. If it weren't so expensive here I would go more often.
(5)Wink B.
There are 2 places I stop on my way to Bloomington, regardless of the situation. This is one. Delicious deli-style food. Like everybody else says, they're right up there with the real thing in NYC. Go for the baked tongue sandwich and thank me later.
(5)John G.
A classic place where you can't go wrong the next time you are craving great meats between two slices of amazing rye.
(5)Jami D.
I would have given 3 stars, but I'll tell you about that later. Sandwiches were overpriced and under-tasty. Bread underwhelming, meat not very flavorful (even though they sure slopped enough on it) condiments lackluster. Sauerkraut only average. The desserts looked promising, but I didn't have one. Butter noodles were blah and a bit over-boiled to the point of mushy. mashed potatoes only okay. Service not helpful to first-timers, which I could easily overlook if the food knocked my socks off. Same goes for the atmosphere. If our bill was about half as much, I wouldn't really complain, but it is not worth what they charge. And about the loss of the third star: My boyfriend really wanted to take me there because he had fond memories of it when he was a kid. When he ate his food, he lost the excited sparkle in his eye. I tried to perk him up by trading meal choices halfway through (presuming my lackluster sandwich was better than his). It didn't help. Maybe it's a little subjective to remove the star, but if it ever happens to you, you will understand.
(2)Leila T.
A real NY-style deli in downtown Indianapolis? That is how Shapiro's was billed to me when I went to Indy last week to witness the big Patriots-Colts match-up. I'm not sure I would say it is really NY-style. It is more cafeteria-style. A style I consider uniquely Midwestern, but maybe that is because my wonderful Midwestern gramma LOVED her some cafeterias. I'm sure other places can do cafeteria well too. Anyway. Back to Shapiro's. The main thing stopping this old-skool institution from claiming its rightful deli props is that it had exactly ONE smoked fish option. Yes, I had the nova lox in Indy. Yes, my relatives had no idea what nova lox was. Yes, I would have preferred a smoked whitefish option. No, the prepackaged Philly cream cheese bins that were served with the plate didn't inspire me. Let's just say that the nova lox plate was good. Possibly great by Indiana standards. But it was not NY-style deli worthy of accolades. On the other hand, I heard from my dining mates that the Reuben was stellar. My boyfriend even put it in his top 5 ever, and he has sampled a lot of Reubens in his day. The cafeteria-style cherry pie slice was tasty. I hear they make a good key lime pie as well, but it was a bit too covered in whipped cream for my taste, so I stuck with my favorite - cherry pie. Overall, it was an unexpected non-chain pre-game experience, that I would be happy to repeat next year if I make it to a game in the new stadium. Perhaps the start of a tradition?
(4)Joseph Y.
There's several things to notice about Shapiro's when you first walk in. 1. It looks like a cafeteria. And they treat it like a cafeteria. Blue plates to mark where someone gets a sandwich. Elderly women in white outfits dishing out food. You get the idea. 2. It's clean. Unlike a cafeteria, the place is very clean, and the food is relatively organized. 3. Portions are large and tasty. Deviled Eggs,
(5)Tom R.
Been here twice now as we travel through. f first was better than the last. Way too easy to eat to much. We also agree with other oats about the price. Sandwiches are good but not the best. Main reason for stopping is the cafeteria atmosphere.
(3)Gillian S.
This place is legit. I am spoiled as it is so close to my home. I've been here too many times to count but today was different. This time, I came in to grab breakfast. Did you know they serve breakfast? I mean I came here seeking my carb fix with one of there crunchy, chewy bagels but to my surprise they have a full breakfast menu! After a quick look I decided upon the eggs and corned beef hash option. I mean this is a Kosher deli and I know from experience that I love their corned beef. Just as I suspected they make their corned beef hash in house and man is it good! It's full of real ground corned beef, big chunks of potatoes with a great onion, garlic, pepper flavor too. My only regret is that I wish I'd had known about this option years ago! I have to note that my breakfast option was in the $6 range and I only ate half. I consider it one of best breakfast deals in the city!
(5)Wang C.
Superb NY Rueben, even if it is really overpriced. The coconut cream pies really good. Only negatives- the woman at the cash register keeps yelling at people if they walk to where the desserts are; maybe you shouldn't have them first. There is also a funky smell when u first walk in. And unfortunately they don't check their bathrooms that often, because someone dropped a Tom Brady, and it was terrible.
(5)Chad M.
One of the best fresh made to order deli sandwiches you can get! Very large portions if ordered that way, but also expensive for a sandwich, but you get what you pay for. Be careful because eating here can become addictive, and its not cheap. Restaurant itself is large and roomy, plenty of seats, self serve soda pop, nothing fancy, just a clean deli.
(4)Amber E.
THE BEST place in Indy for a deli sandwich (duh no brainer) the corned beef is heavenly. If you have a sweet tooth this is the place to go for that also. I wouldn't recommend the macaroni though. The menu states it's famous but I don't see how...almost flavorless to me and it's dry. Edit- tried the Mac n Cheese again, the batch I had before must have just been a bad batch. Excellent this time!
(5)May B.
We stopped in here during our trip down to the final four and thought this might be a good place to grab an early dinner, and what do you know, with paid parking, we got $10 off our meal. Score! This place has great deli meats of the pastrami and corned beef type (along with others, but those are my favorite). Cafeteria style, grab a tray, pick some desserts, then get to the carving section and you can see them carve the meat and put your sandwich together - which is great because it means the meat is hot and is juicy just cut. I tried the reuben, which was pretty tasty. I actually really like the patrami sandwich my husband got as well. Just loads of meat - I really could have been happy with just half a sandwich, but had to finish it because it tasted so good. We also tried the mac and cheese, pretty good, but nothing special, it was a little different, mac and cheese on bottom, thick layer of cheese, mac and cheese on top. We also had the key lime pie which was good, but not tart which was disappointing as I like to pucker when I eat key lime pie. My friend had the strawberry shortcake, which was more like poundcake but really good. The place was a bit pricey for a "sandwich place", but since I ate enough food for two people, that might be the reason - I'd share a sandwich if I find myself back there in the future. From what I can tell, a staple of the Indy area, so definitely worth trying out if you're visiting!
(4)Anna L.
Stopped by Shapiro's on my way through Indianapolis. With the extensive amount of reviews, I wanted to give this place a try-- who knows when I'll be back in Indianapolis! The place was easy to find with ample parking. I ordered half of a tuna sandwich, cole slaw, and a bowl of fruits. The sandwich was all right-- the food here is a little too pricey if you ask me. The cole slaw eventually got tossed since it was a bit too sour for my liking... The fruits did not taste fresh. The restaurant is large with tons of seating! I was confused with the service as to whether i just leave my food and dishes when I was done or if I had to clean and place them myself? I saw a man pushing around a cart for dishes but he simply walked right passed me as I approached him. Okay... Probably would not come back since it was too pricey and a little too loud.
(2)Brittany S.
A verbal snapshot of the things that instantly come to mind when I think of Shapiro's Delicatessen: Indy classic Corned beef sandwich Cabbage rolls Buttery noodles and matzo ball soup Enough sweets to leave ya drooling in line and out the door Grab with caution, prices can add up quickly if you're not watching your math The "MCL crowd" ... and me. quick service no frills comfort food at its finest great for groups Again, the cabbage rolls...
(5)Laura G.
Great choice in town for a no frills meal. We had the pastrami on rye. No, it's not Katz' but it's darn close. Moist and tasty. Large portion and easily shared. We will be back!!!
(5)Sadie R.
This place. Jeez Louise. It's awesome. Not only is this place such an incredible place to fill your belly, it's part of Indy's culture. I suggest Brooklyn Pastrami on marble rye with provolone and potato salad. If you like potato salad, you HAVE to get it. The best.
(5)Chris G.
Well it only took 11 years of living here to make my first visit but no longer. Went to Shapiro's on a recent weekend with my Dad and son prior to an Indians game - overall a pretty simple location to get to with ample parking. Not a large crowd at 430PM on a Saturday - turned out the Jehovah's Witnesses convention let out at 5PM that day and it took us an hour and 10 minutes to get to flipping VICTORY FIELD afterwards but that's a different story... Overall it is cafeteria style as others mentioned - you get your tray and utensils, start with desserts (cleverly positioned at the FRONT of the line), and work your way to the main courses and the cashier. I'm a Reuben fiend, so went with that and some German potato salad. Dad and son both had the pastrami sandwiches, son had mac/cheese. The Reuben was good but the pastrami was out of this world good. I wish I had ordered that. The sandwich bread was ridiculously good. The German potato salad was different than what I'd had in the past and was more mustard based in flavor. The mac/cheese was just OK. Son and I split some chocolate cake for dessert which was very good. A bit more expensive for the sandwiches but the other items on the menu seemed OK price-wise. Sticker shock is probably common here. I like that there are a lot of other comfort food choices (stuffed cabbage!) and choices of everything in general to choose from. There is enough variety to lessen the dent in the wallet opposed to the sandwiches. The atmosphere is a lot more laid back than I expected...it reminded me a lot of going to Tony Packo's for lunch in Toledo Ohio (for those familiar) but on a much smaller scale and not as expensive. The only complaint is everything menu-wise is at the middle of the serving line...I knew what I wanted this time around but reading a printed menu isn't the same as seeing what you're getting. The seating along that serving line railing would be annoying from the newbies like me straining their necks to review the day's offerings. I will be back at some point in the future to try other items.
(4)Andrew D.
It hurts so badddd to not give this place five stars because the Reuben is the best reubeun I have ever and will have. I love this place just simple amazing delicious food. My one star take away is only based that I felt it was way to much for my cheap ass but that's it really one of my favorite places in my beautiful home of Indy.
(4)Brian W.
I've only had the LOX and bagel platter here. Each time I am in Indianapolis I have the same thing. It might be a bit expensive but damn it's good. As for extra cream cheese when you order it. I am not sure why they skimp on that when everything else is so plentiful.
(4)Peter P.
This is like a little slice of New York in downtown Indianapolis. It's similar to the kosher delis that you find all over the Big Apple. Grab a tray, and walk though the line cafeteria-style. My weakness is pastrami on rye and Shapiro's has a nice (and massive) one. It's a little pricey, but think of it as 2 meals instead of 1 as you will surely be taking some home (get your own carry-out boxes and paper bags from the drink/flatware station).
(4)Derrick M.
Wow - please don't shoot me! 2 *'s is probably a death sentence here in Indy. Going for the giant reuben and such similar fare? GO! Be prepared to pay for it though - I wouldn't call this place a "good value." This review is for the "other" hot food that is not the deli sandwiches they are famous for: The first time I went here I got the baked chicken and it was bone dry. The second time I went I was not particularly hungry so I thought I would try their soup. I ordered Chicken and Rice soup - which I have had at other eateries before and it was rich and delicious (kind of like lemon rice minus the lemon if you've had your share of Indiana's Greek family restaurants - I'm lookin' at you every restaurant in Lake County!). Well. Their chicken rice soup is cold, refrigerated white rice which they then pour their hot, plain broth over. FYI: I'm sure this is a shocker but this results in a lukewarm broth with rice soup. No chunks of chicken, no vegetables, nuttin'. Oh, and the bill for my friend's sandwich, my bowl o' broth, and two soft drinks? Approximately $20 w/ tax. :-(
(2)Andrew M.
Shapiro's is a downtown Indy landmark. Their deli sandwiches are top notch, especially the Reuben (it's huge!!). Their coffee is decent, and they have one of the Coke custom drink machines. The desserts are also amazing - fresh pies! Bring your appetite, and I would suggest Shapiro's for lunch rather than breakfast. They can also cater, although it isn't as good a value as other local chains, in my opinion.
(4)Sheila M.
Reuben sandwich here: absolutely yummy! Shapiro's has always been the best Kosher-style deli I have ever eaten. Some people complain about the cost, but I have always thought it was well worth it!
(5)Dan P.
Feelin a little Jewish in Indy today....nice lean Corn Beef on bakery fresh Hard Rye bread a little Swiss cheese, yellow mustard,horse radish a potato pancake with sour cream and a bowl of borsch cabbage soup to top it all off.
(5)Mark B.
One of the best deli's west of New York. I try and stop in every time I come through Indy. This stop was on Saturday. I missed there unbelievable good pea soup only served on Thursday but had their veggie soup instead. Top notch. I have never ever had a bad meal here. This trip was beef brisket and deviled eggs starting off with veggie soup. Try it you will not be disappointed !
(5)Dirk W.
This place is so good I considered converting to Judaism, but I was so full I didn't have the energy to google how. Their pastrami is their signature sandwich, and it's freaking good. Yes, it is a bit expensive, but DAMN what a sandwich. Make sure you get it with everything on it, the coleslaw ties the whole thing together.
(5)Wendy D.
loved the pastrami and the sandwiches are huge... the mac and cheese yummy! I cannot say the prices were that bad as it was the only meal I had while I was there that was under $20
(5)Chris S.
Delis like Shapiro's are tough to come by now-a-days. In fact, they're rare. I've been fortunate enough in my travels to visit most of the best delis in North America. Those who appreciate a good pastrami/corned beef, etc, know that there's a few that are tough to beat: Brent's and Cantor's in Katz in NY, Harold's in New Jersey, Caplansky's in Toronto and Schwartz's in Montreal top that list. When it comes to the above mentioned sandwiches Shapiro's can hang. They're not as memorable as the others, but darn close. In the state in Indiana and the entire Great Lakes Region, on the other hand, Shapiro's takes the trophy. There's no better sandwiches, period. If I'm going to be extremely critical, it's the bread that sets the others aside from Shapiro's. These other places have rye bread that is incredible. It's so good you ask for extra slices and spread butter on them. Shapiro's rye tasted a few days old and the marble rye was so thick (and hard) you couldn't bite through it. World class delis wouldn't let that be served. Aside from this, the corned beef and pastrami are top-notch, some of the best sandwiches in the US/Canada. The peppered beef, on the other hand, which I was told was a must, didn't impress. I couldn't taste the meat, just a massive amount of salt. (Maybe that's what this is. I've never ordered it before.) Meanwhile, the turkey sandwiches are packed with enough turkey to feed a horse and should be on the must eat list. The other food, however, is average. Come here for the sandwiches, rather than much of the rest which is cafeteria style and held in warming pots. The deli is what put this place on the map and the food from that side of the business belongs on your plate. Stick to the sandwiches and you'll be thrilled. The baked goods rock, too. They bake the pies, cookies, pastries, etc, on site, and you can taste the homemade flare with every bite. The challenging part is the sandwiches are so large, there's not going to be room for the cakes, pies, etc. Take it to go.
(4)Anthony A.
The best reason for me to go to Indianapolis. If you have ever had a bad Ruben sandwich or not experienced a perfect potato pancake, try these out. This sandwich...will change your life.
(5)Dave H.
This is our go to stop when we fly into Indianapolis. This time we were not hungry enought to go through the cafeteria line and get one of those huge pastrami sandwishes. What to do? We chose the carry out line instead. Got the awesome pastrami, sliced so very thin, to go. Loaded up on bagels that were also awesome the next day with cream cheese. Bought some chicken soup for some sick familiy members which was well received. Although it was Christmas Eve, the store was very well staffed and they all worked together to move the line quickly.
(4)William B.
Shapiros seems to be slipping . Several times we've come here for brkfst and they are always out of corn Beef hash...best hash ever but they never make enough..no longer serving french toast for breakfast Either...very frustrating. .
(2)Todd H.
Interesting place with lots of choices. I had the meatloaf and Mac and cheese. The Mac was wonderful but the meatloaf was just meh. The coconut cream pie tasted completely processed. I couldn't eat more than one bite. Not sure I would go back
(2)Selwyn W.
Went back to Shapiro's twice last month. Just like i remembered and quite tasty. Nice staff, no pretensions, just great traditional deli faire.
(5)Bill S.
I've heard this place called the best Jewish Deli in the Midwest. I don't know for sure if thats true, but it's pretty damn good.
(4)Dawn B.
Pastrami & corned beef sandwiches are off the hook. Sandwiches are huge so easy to share. Coleslaw was a lot like KFC so would skip that next time.
(4)Bruce K.
On a recent visit to Indianapolis, I was taken to Shapiro's, what with being a Jew and all. Well, when you're an LA Jew an Indiana deli doesn't really stand a chance when stacked against Langer's or Nate 'n' Al or Brent's. It's not really fair of me to judge too harshly, as I only had a side of mac and cheese and a piece of German chocolate cake, but the mac and cheese was pretty bad and what looked like whipped cream on the cake was, in fact, hard as a rock. I did like the cafeteria vibe. One of my dinner mates had a pastrami on rye and was not thrilled with it.
(2)TOMMY o.
my Mother in Law said "how long has this been opened"? we said over 100 yrs, RIP, gawd i miss her
(5)Todd R.
A Deli head and shoulders above the rest! Bean soup is spectacular. I don't even like corned beef, but I eat it here. Their reubens are spectacular! If you ever are in Indy during the weekday, stop by Shapiro's for lunch. PS: It is always crowded so bring some patience along with your appetite.
(5)Mac M.
Discovered this place during a visit to the National FFA Convention. Great food -- the portions are huge -- it called sharing. The deserts are huge and taste great. Tea is great. Mataza Ball soup is good. Mac
(5)Frank W.
New Yorkers may scoff, but this is a deli with a history and vibe to rival the great delis of NYC. Over 100 years old, so you know they must be doing something right, the downtown location has a lot of grit and character, and was recently rehabbed after a fire nearly destroyed the place. Corned Beef seems to be the most popular choice, but I love the brisket, or a brisket combination sandwich with either corned beef or pastrami. I also love the pickles and the key lime pie. Some of the hot food is also good, as are the other desserts. We take a sandwich to the 500 almost every year, and, man, you can't beat it. Eating in the original location is also fun and watching the old-timers enjoy themselves. The new suburban location is nice, and has better service quite honestly with the same quality of food, but without the history obviously.
(5)Scott M.
Classic Indy establishment. You'll get sneered at by the staff, which is horrendous but efficient. The food is great though. You can't visit Indy without having lunch here.
(4)Mark W.
Only deli in Indi
(4)Richard H.
The sandwiches have always been tasty, and I even got somewhat decent fried chicken once -- but the other food tends to be extremely bland, and as everyone says, it is wildly overpriced. But obviously they are doing something right, because it is very popular, and people drive for miles to eat here.
(3)Jonathon S.
Those who know a deli know Shaprio's. There's a reason it's a destination for so many foodies on the road. Have the corned beef on rye with just mustard and you'll be in heaven. Drink it with a Dr. Brown's. Also the soups are incredible. There aren't too many places with history like Shaprio's in Indianapolis, it's worth a trip.
(5)Renee G.
Shapiro's is a good place to go for dessert rather than lunch or dinner, but then again I am not a big deli fan. The desserts are the best. Try their fruit tarts or their delicious lemon meringue pie. All of their desserts are as good as they look.
(3)Robin P.
You gotta love Shapiro's. I grew up eating at this place...but now that I'm paying for my own sandwiches, I just can't fathom paying $10+ for a sandwich. Sure, they are good, but does anyone really want that much meat on a sandwich? And could they charge less to give you a sandwich that you can actually fit your mouth around? Don't get me wrong, the food is good - I especially like the chicken salad and the corned beef - all served on their crispy rye bread...I just don't know if it is good enough to pay $10+. Most recently I have been shying away from the cafeteria line and heading straight for the take-out area where they have some great sweets. Give the fruit-filled rugelach a try if you haven't already.
(3)Kathryn G.
A real NY deli in the middle of Indiana? Believe it. Shapiro's is the real deal. I had half a pastrami sandwich, half reuben, broccoli salad and boston cream pie. (Yes, it was incredibly piggy of me, but I'd do it, again in a heartbeat.) It was the best reuben I'd ever had and will probably go on a mission of eating reubens at every deli I go to, just to see if anything else can compare to Shapiro's.
(4)Debbie S.
I wanted to love this place - and I did love certain parts of it. The sandwiches were awesome - stacked high, fresh, the bread was really tasty. I loved the atmosphere of the cafeteria style and even the people behind the counter yelling at you for your order - sort of the the "soup nazi's" of Indy. You'd better know what to order and how to order it - PRONTO! I had the corned beef - 1/2 sandwich plus a nice big slice of butterscotch praline pie after fretting about my decision. There are so many desserts to choose from - AND they put the desserts FIRST in line so you can't possibly pass them up. My companion had a roast beef sandwich and two sides. We each had a drink. We were there on a Friday night and the line was long; our total bill was over $26.00! OMGosh! I just felt a lot of money for a couple of sandwiches - maybe they should include the sides?
(3)Barry I.
This cafeteria has a nice selection of salads,soups,entrees,and desserts at reasonable prices,considering the generous portions.It has some nice traditionally Jewish dishes,even though this cafeteria is not kosher.I enjoyed their stuffed cabbage and potato pancakes very much.I didn't try their pastrami or corn beef sandwiches.I recommend this cafeteria near Union Station,but the Katz delicatessen in New York City has a more haimische atmosphere.
(4)B R.
I'm surprised this place only has 3 Yelp reviews so far! It's been recommended to me by several long-time Indianapolis residents and it was packed when I went. It's a cafeteria-style deli with a large number of sandwiches and side dishes to choose from. They have pre-made salads, desserts, fruit, and a whole lot of rich and buttery cooked sides, like mac and cheese and fried latkes. Even so, you'd better be excited about meat to eat here, because that's mostly what they serve - the sandwiches are towering creations. I've heard their pastrami is excellent. They looked at me funny when I asked for lettuce and tomato on a turkey sandwich but hey, I'm from California, what can I say?
(3)Indy B.
This deli would go out of business if it had any competition. The food borders on bad. The corned beef is awful, the bagels are so-so, the coffee is terrible. The eggs were just ok. I don't recall anything about it that I liked, other then some interesting bakery items, cookies, etc. that could have just as easily been purchased anywhere. We were very excited about Shapiro's but discovered that they're coasting along on a reputation that they just don't deserve anymore.
(2)Aaron G.
Shapiro's is an Indy institution and the downtown location is the original. Great corned beef and other deli sandwiches. The rye bread is great. You also can't go wrong with a meal such as meatloaf or a stuffed cabbage roll. Desserts are also good and if you go Sunday morning the have noodle kugel! Soups are all good.
(5)Peter D.
Easily the best deli I've been to outside of the East Coast. Amazing rye bread, unlike any I've had before, and very juicy corned beef. Possibly the best corned beef you can find in the country (and I've been to Katz's, David's Brisket House, Mill Basin Deli in New York, Attman's in Baltimore, Fourth Street Deli in Philly). Prices are okay but the sandwich is definitely worthy. I also tried the pastrami and found it to be very good, among the best I've had (better than Mill Basin, for what it's worth). I am absolutely coming back any time I travel to Indianapolis and would suggest you do the same.
(5)Anna V.
O it is so good. Can't believe I haven't been sooner! Went for the corned beef and came out satisfied and with plenty of leftovers. The cabbage roll was amazing. Got the lemon meringue with the meringue piled high! Wish I could have tried everything because it all looked good! Especially that deviled egg. ... Guess I will have to wait till next time. Shapiros is definitely doing it right. I was expecting to wait since it's st paddy's and all but we were in and out in probably a half hour! High quality food with good service! Try it for yourself!
(5)K L.
Looks like a cafeteria, smells like a cafeteria. It's authentic old world comfort food! I had the Reuben. And the corned beef was delicious. I'm on a quest for the perfect one;) This was good!
(4)Scott M.
For a corned beef snob, Shapiro's is mediocre and middling. The corned beef is not special, not tender, not juicy. Reuben is ok but nothing that you couldn't reproduce at home with standard grocery store ingredients. It's one of those "regarded as best in town" things where it doesn't ACTUALLY mean that it's amazing. If you've been to any real deli outside Indy, you will be disappointed with Shapiro's. It's not a destination restaurant unless it's the first Reuben you've ever had ...and even then, I have a hard time believing you'll leave impressed. Toddler factor: Tons of room for high chair, pretty clean. We ordered him a grilled cheese that was mayyybe 3 stars if I'm rating generously. Lots of windows for him to look out and see cars driving by ... so that's a plus, I guess. ** Edit: My original review stated that they don't make their corned beef in house, my misinterpretation of their website text "comes from Vienna Beef in Chicago." I stand corrected! **
(3)Grace L.
Fav place to eat in Indy. Had my first experience at the airport and continue to eat at the meridian location every chance I get. Classic Jewish deli and true quality food. My go-to is a pastrami on rye with yellow mustard. Have also tried the Reuben which is a crowd favorite and is fantastic as well. The chicken noodle soup is classic Jewish style, very light and simplistic but delicious. Pickles are to die for and come with the meal. Very pricey but worth every penny in my opinion.
(5)Amy D.
Shapiro's is an Indianapolis Institution. I've been going to Shapiro's since I was a little kid. They have occasionally branched out with satellite locations (I think only the airport one is left?), but NONE of those compare to the Real Deal downtown. When my husband & I go, normally one of us will get a Reuben & the other will get a Pastrami/Swiss on rye. We then go halves'ies so that we get the best of both worlds. Although, each sandwich is big-enough that we should just split 1 sandwich & leave room for their yummy sides. Making that choice between corned beef & pastrami would be too hard, though. A trip to Shapiro's isn't complete without checking out their bakery on the way out the door. We never walk out without a couple of cookies, or some bagels, or whatever looks good that day.
(4)Chrissy A.
This is a classic in Indianapolis. My husband gets the Rueben everytime but I love the tuna salad plate. The desserts are to die for. I love that you know what you are getting here is quality, homemade and good food everytime. You get what you pay for here. I love that I ate here as a child and am now 36 and can take my kids and they can eat here now. I am pretty sure it is decorated the same way too. No frills and that is fine with me.
(4)Annissa M.
An Indy staple! An old, historic kosher deli, this place is the cafeteria nostalgic throwback perfect for lunch or dinner. The Reuben won't steer your wrong if you're into toothsome meaty goodness. The baked goods are a perfect take home treat. All the yes to carrot cake cheesecake.
(5)Steve W.
There is a lot of hype in Indianapolis a bout shapiros. Hoosiers love this Jewish deli. I've been to the downtown location and the airport, and here is my take: Downtown: the line will be long at lunch. If you get a whole sandwich you are looking at $10-$15. Go for a half sandwich and a couple sides and you are in the same boat. Quality wise, the roast beef is delicious and I agree with Marc Summers that the peppered beef is the best thing I've ever had on sliced bread. Salads are fresh, as is the fruit. I can't speak for the desserts having never tried one myself, but they are huge and my colleagues enjoy them. airport: prices are even higher still. You are around $10 for a half sandwich. But, it is one of the best options in the Indy airport. And if you are there for breakfast they have some great options. Overall: Shapiros is good, and it's great is someone else is picking up the bill
(4)John A.
How does anyone not like this place? The sandwiches and desserts are absolutely amazing. I literally stop by in Indianapolis just to pickup a Rueben Sandwich. The only thing that prevents me from giving them an outright 5 stars are the "sides". They are usually hit or miss and don't really standout.
(4)Alex W.
An Indy institution where you can't go wrong with ANYTHING on the menu! My go-to is always a cheeseburger with lots of delicious cooked onions and 1-2 sides plus a slice of chocolate-on-chocolate cake, all for sharing! Lunchtime is always the busiest, however if you can wait until 1230-1p then the line isn't too shabby. Their best sides are the huge latkes [mom takes her part with applesauce], mac n cheese, and green beans. Recently they've added awesome Coke Freestyle machines to the mix. It's always a treat to hit up Shapiro's.
(5)Tom S.
Stopped in Indianapolis for lunch. The deli was recommended. Portions are massive and the corned beef sandwich is amazing! A little pricy for lunch but it was great food!
(5)Chris R.
Reuben sandwich was very good. The prices are a bit high in my opinion. Visited mid afternoon so was not that busy. Floors and bathrooms could have used s sweep/mop. Overall a nice lunch
(4)Park R.
I don't know how else to say this but if you are in indianapolis this place is a must try the pastrami sandwich the mac and cheese is to die for the matzo ball soup and red velvet cake
(4)Frank C.
Amazing pastrami Brooklyn Style!!!! Best sammy EVER!!!! Actually split half this with my buddy and he had the corn beef, another awesome sandwich, but the pastrami rules!!!! Had to have the deviled egg too! If your in Indy, you MUST go here!!!!
(5)Eric V.
Came in to this Indianapolis cafeteria/deli for the Peppered Beef sandwich because somebody mentioned this sandwich on The Best Thing I Ever Ate. I was not disappointed. I had no idea that it was a cafeteria-style joint. I wasn't hungry enough to take advantage of all of the sides of bakery items that were calling out to me. Taunting me, actually. I just grabbed my sandwich to-go and headed back to my place. When I got home, I opened up the bag and the sandwich looked like most every other deli sandwich I've sampled across the country. A jawbone-testing serving of meat on rye with swiss cheese and mustard. Whatever. But when I sank my teeth into it, holy shit! That's a damn good sandwich! It's all about the meat with this sandwich, actually. The most tender meat I've ever eaten with perhaps the greatest tasting deli meat I've ever experienced. Five freakin' stars. The potato salad that accompanied by sandwich was as average as it gets. 3 stars. I look forward to going back to Shapiro's, taking a tray through the food line, and seeing what else the place has to offer. As far as delis go, I'll rate Shapiro's a solid five stars.
(4)Christopher R.
Food with a sense of culture and a great fresh taste of food, just be careful things can get pricey on the line. Get CAKE..
(4)Kevin C.
Great pastrami, what else can I say.
(4)Greg K.
This is the original (updated) Jewish deli of Indy -& I have been coming for years. Pastrami & matzo ball soup is great. Rueben is classic. Usually a line but worth it. Fresh local beer if you want, too.
(5)Michael K.
Not what I expected at all, but pleasantly surprised. I was thrown for a loop by the cafeteria style service, but the food was as good or better than most sit down service delis. Save room for dessert because they look fantastic! Not as modestly priced as they represent, but worth it.
(4)Gene H.
It's been many years since I've been to Shapiro's but I remember the pastrami/corned beef being the best I'd ever had!!!
(5)Yuleidy K.
My first experience with Shapiro's was two years ago as we drove through Indy. I can't comment on the food, because the employee in the food line was so rude to me that I told them I would not be purchasing food from them. Tonight, my husband and I found ourselves in Shapiro's again wanting to give it a second chance since everyone has a bad day every once in a while. Let's start with the good. Their corned beef was a good quality and I appreciate the fact that it is made in house. The rye bread was also delicious. I ordered a Ruben sandwich. When it came out, the sandwich was a good size, but the cheese on the sandwich was not melted and the corned beef wasn't hot. One of the best parts of a Ruben is the crunchy grilled and buttered rye bread, the hot corned beef and the gooey melted cheese. I very nicely asked the lady that brought it out to please take it back and grill it some more since the meat and cheese were cold. She was clearly annoyed at my request and said the best she could do was put it in the microwave. I'm sorry, but there's not reason for any restaurant to serve cold food, especially when you are paying over $13.00 for a sandwich alone. The matzo ball soup was tasteless and the latke wasn't anything to be excited about. My husband got a hot corned beef sandwich and his meat was cold as well. Corned beef and pastrami should be kept warm in a steamer. As far as a Jewish deli goes, it could never compare to any good deli in NY or any other prominent Jewish area. It was OK, nothing great. Please work on your employees. The first time we came to your restaurant they cost you money as their rudeness pushed us out of the door. Today was not much better. They act like they couldn't be bothered. Their attitude was very apparent. As we all know, having a good product is only half the equation. Customer service is the other half.
(2)Lara P.
This deli has so much appeal and I don't think they're even trying to be appealing. The setup is cafeteria style: grab your tray, silverware, and dessert (yes...desserts are strategically placed FIRST) and head down the line. I had the corned beef which was piled high (just look at all the photos) and super tasty with swiss on top. Come hungry and you'll still probably want to grab a carryout box before taking your seat- portions are generous! The dining room probably hasn't been updated since the late 80's, and I think this adds to Shapiro's charm. Be sure to peruse the bakery section during your visit. I didn't save room this time but their cookies, cakes, and pastries looked amazing. Shapiro's is great for a casual but filling meal and the cafeteria-style dining make it a great place for larger groups too. If you live in Indy, don't make the same mistake I did and wait years to check this place out. I've been missing out!
(4)Abdullah M.
So disappointed, this place advertised itself as a "kosher-style deli". Apparently kosher style is not actually kosher... I had been excited to try a well reviewed, well-regarded deli. Imagine my disappointment when the worker informed me that only the salami was actually kosher. If you're looking for kosher, this isn't the place for you. If those concerns aren't ones you share, then it looked like a decent place.
(1)Scott H.
I can see and taste why this place is an Indy institution. It lives up to its name!!
(5)Kara F.
I finally visited this Indy institution recently! I'm not a huge fan of Reubens or corned beef, their specialties, so I went with the roast turkey sandwich, which was really good. I also got a side of broccoli salad, which I liked a lot, and a latke (potato pancake). They had just run out of the latter when I was ordering, but an employee cheerfully informed me that a batch was on the way right out of the oven. He seemed personally invested in my latke experience and was very helpful as I tried to navigate Shapiro's for the first time. For dessert I had a brownie cookie (yes, a brownie cookie) purchased from another super nice staff member at the dessert counter. It wasn't as great as I hoped but good. I went after the lunch rush, so overall it was low key but a good experience. I'd love to go back and try more items!
(5)Rhoda L.
This restaurant is always on the one. I am never disappointed on my choices. My mom when she was alive always came to Shapiro's. She liked her pickles peeled (lol). She was the Diva! I will always come back because they are dependable, delicious, affordable and an institution here in Indianapolis. LOVE YOU SHAPIRO'S!
(5)Cheryl M.
Okay, I would agree that the place is cool and the food is good and I get that it's an Indianapolis staple but holy crap...the prices about threw me over!! 2 sandwiches, 1 deviled egg, 2 bags of chips, a side of mashed potatoes and a small salad with 3 drinks....$45+ later. Shapiro's I would love to love you more but I can't afford you! That's a hellish expensive lunch. For those of you that can afford it, eat away...the food options are numerous and I'm sure everything is just as tasty and delightful as what we had. Rock on Shapiro's! You're doing something right!
(3)Ken K.
I'd go back to Indy just to have another pastrami/swiss on rye with spicy mustard. Hands down the best pastrami sandwich I've ever had. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. The bread was fantastic. The pastrami had the perfect amount of fat and was packed full of flavor. The only thing that kept me from eating this every day was the price. It was about $17 for the pastrami and a drink. Not sure when I'll ever be in Indy again, but might have to swing through just for another pastrami.
(5)Noah B.
I was riding my bike around the city and came across this place having no idea what it was. After trying the Reuben and Mac and cheese for lunch I knew it had to be a well known hole in the wall. The food was great even though it's served cafeteria style and the atmosphere seemed weird at first glance. I would definitely recommend trying this place at least once!
(5)Gretchen A.
5 stars for the Rueben sandwich! It is the definition of delicious. I just discovered the downtown location, but use to go to the airport location all the time. It was the highlight of my traveling. Only downside of this amazing sandwich is the price tag. Plan on spending $15-16 for the sandwich alone. Definitely worth it through!
(5)Chris D.
In addition to being a deli, Shapiro's is a great bakery. For a relative's birthday, I placed an order for a chocolate pie. A day later, my sister called and added an apple pie to the order. The customer service was great and they had no problem adding to the order. Let's talk about the chocolate beast first. It was unlike any pie I had ever bought. It had to have been a foot high in the center (they had to pack it in a cake box). I was told the topping was a merangue. The concensus was that it tasted a bit more like marshmallow. Either way, it was delicious. The chocolate pudding was also great. A small slice was all any of us could handle but it more than satisfied. I didn't have a chance to try to apple (see above) but it looked and smelled delicious and got good reviews from those who did eat it. Don't mistake either of these pies for inexpensive. You pay for quality at Shapiro's. And quality we got - in spades. I highly recommend.
(5)James C.
Like any warm blooded person in Indy, I've had, and loved, the corn beef sandwich. That sandwich, which I first had 22 years ago, keeps me going back. The S Meridian location has been their staple, they currently have an airport locale but I've not been to that one. They used to have one in Carmel and the (kind of) Nora area but those have closed. Like the NFL in the mid-1980's, Shapiro's mostly consists of elderly Jewish people. Nothing bad about that mind you, that's just the majority crowd. Now that they have free Wi Fi, it's a cool place to people watch, while enjoying some great food in plenty of portion. Nothing special about the interior or decor, it's a cafeteria but it's clean.
(5)Pilar B.
My family has been eating at Shapiros for years. They have the juiciest corned beef in the city. It melts in your mouth. I am a true believer in the adage of "You get what you pay for!" and Shapiros does a great job of serving quality food.
(4)Danielle P.
Between a 3 and 4. I like the food, and the baked goods are really fantastic. The prices are a little crazy though. 12 dollars for a Reuben? (Although a sandwich can maybe suffice for two people -- I usually go for a half sandwich and a cup of soup).
(3)John Z.
Yeah. So... we all know about the corned beef by now, right? It's good alright. But has anyone ever paid attention to how expensive this place is? I had a decent corned beef sandwich on rye, with a slice of provolone, and a cup of chicken noodle soup. The bill? Sixteen dollars! Seriously??? When it costs that much at the airport, I just figured it was because it was *at the airport*... but no. It costs that much downtown too. Oh, and the chicken noodle soup? It looks like someone poured a can of peas into a pan of Mrs. Grass chicken soup. Never had chicken noodle soup that was all noodles and peas? Of course you haven't. It's terrible. Why would anyone do that? So, all that said, three starts seems generous, right? Well, the sandwich is pretty darn good. The mac and cheese is good (although a bit too creamy... yeah, it's possible), and the fried chicken is shockingly good (and a lot better deal than the $12 sandwich).
(3)Lauren M.
This was my first time to Shapiro's Delicatessen. My friend and I ordered a pastrami sandwich with only cheese and my friend ordered stuffed cabbage rolls. The pastrami sandwich was very dry and flavorless and the cabbage rolls tasted like they were drenched in ketchup. We also ordered drinks, two desserts (key lime pie and red velvet cake), and one side each(one deviled egg and green beans). The green beans tasted like they came from a year-old can, but the deviled egg was actually good(the only good thing we ordered). The key lime pie had about a half pound of whipped cream on top, and when you finally got to the pie, it did not taste good. The red velvet cake was so dry, you had to drink water to get it down. The worst thing at Shapiro's was the bathroom. My friend and I went to the bathroom and in one stall there was a small child throwing up and in the second stall there was diarrhea on the floor around the toilet (picture is on yelp). This meal was definitely not worth the outrageous price of $56.
(1)Rob M.
Fabulous deli sandwiches. Nearly indistinguishable from Katz's in NYC but at 1/2 the price. It is not inexpensive, but you do get a lot of food. I highly recommend the hot pastrami on rye. Parking is on site and free.
(5)Tiffany C.
It's really just average. I don't want to sound like a snob, but my expectations weren't too high once I found out it was cafeteria style. I feel like if you're a deli and you offer all these different deli accompaniments like mac and cheese and green beans, they should at least taste fresh and match up at the very least 85% to your "star" meat sandwiches. Their sides are really very bland. It tastes a lot like hot lunch from the old days of elementary school, with your "fresh vegetables" looking more like wilted canned slop. That being said, the bread is really very good. I had (what I think was) rye, which had this really fragrant smell and crusty exterior with soft fluffy middle. It was cold, but it's to be expected, I suppose, since the bread was mostly meant to be servicing the sandwiches and not to be served primarily solo. I had an apricot rugalach as dessert, which was super tiny and decent but not very exciting.
(3)Mak J.
So I have lived in Indiana for 25 long freaking years, and until recently, I had not done the whole Shaprio's thing. I've lived here a long time but I get out frequently and I have been to other Jewish owned delis before so I guess I just wasn't in any ass all hurry to get myself some pastrami on rye. This was a haunt the old man's really old lady, his grandma, when she was alive which seems odd to me, because from what I have heard she seems like lady who would have hated the Jews along with all the other non-Anglo-Saxens, but perceptions can be wrong about people. Anyway, all his grandma's old brand of crazy aside, this place is very nostalgic for him. It is his Mr. Gatti's. To me, it was a bit of an overpriced sandwich shop that has simply had a solid customer base for the last century, but you know, perceptions. It was fine and all, I like salted cured meats as much as the next herbivore; but I wouldn't have wanted to spend my own $16 on a sandwich and two somewhat mediocre sides. Guys, I don't know. Pogue's Run Grocer has a damn good Reuben with Boar's Head corn beef for like $7 with chips and a can of Blue Sky gingerale which is a far better deal in my opinion. I guess you sacrifice the ambiance, but do you, though? I kind of prefer the fun little ramshackle co-op on E 10th St to an environment that can best be described as MCL chic. I am leaning toward a meh rating but I will give them an A-Ok because they have staying power, so what do I know?
(3)Amber B.
Amazing!!!! I need more of everything. Especially the stuffed cabbage. Great potato pancakes. Perfect corned beef!
(5)Lauren R.
What can I say that hasn't already been said about this place? It has a throw back cafeteria style with few frills, but still gives you that homey feel. Take your time to really decide what you want, because once you get in line, you've got to shoot your answers back quickly. If you're an average type of eater, consider bringing a companion to share in the fabulous meaty goodness of the pastrami or Ruben sandwich. If you can't find a pal, a half sandwich should suit you just fine (just be sure it isn't one of the sandwiches you CAN'T make a half sandwich). The matzo ball soup (with chicken noodle) is DELICIOUS. i love it. I always get it! I'd say their cream pies rank slightly higher than their cakes, though both are superb choices. Beware of your hunger taking over your reasonable decision making skills and forking over a hefty amount of your bank account if you're not careful!
(4)Gilford S.
Brilliant Jewish deli in the middle of the Midwest. Like Brooklyn. have a reuben or the cabbage rolls. Sheer brilliance.
(5)Mae M.
BAKERY SIDE: Hands down the best place for cake, dessert bars, cookies, and pastries. This isn't a place for the calorie shy to eat. The baked goods have butter, a lot of it, and you can taste it in every delicious bite. My absolute favorite things to get are the creme brulee bars and the peanut butter cup cookies as big as your face. They make an incredible lemon bar, but sometimes it's a little too sweet for what I am craving. Also if you go close to closing, you sometimes can get free bagels! MEAL SIDE: I don't eat this very often. It's a little pricey for what you get. You walk through the cafeteria line and pick what you want. The sandwiches are decent and the dinners are good, but sometimes the vegetables are a little over cooked.
(5)Grace B.
Pastrami-oh-my! I am a sucker for a good corned beef/pastrami and this is my go to spot of a killer rueben. They have an excellent deli spread, buffet and bakery. I simply put my to-go order in and is ready in 3 minutes. Portions are generous and I always have half a sandwich left for lunch the next day. The dessert selection gets me every time. Recently i get at least 2 lemon bars. One for now, one for later! I really find so much love for the cafeteria feel. You walk in and it just feels right and focus is definitely on the food. Parking lot is next door and super easy access.
(5)Johnny H.
Fantastic Reuben. Average fried chicken, but they are moist. Pretty good potato salad. Desserts leave a little to be desired.
(4)Adam B.
So I came at 8 a.m. before catching my flight back to Chicago. Way too much Pacers memorabilia hanging, but whatever... There are several counters that aren't exactly marked clearly, so I really had no idea where to go. For breakfast, I got an egg sandwich with American cheese and beef bacon on a poppy seed bagel. It cost six bucks...not cheap. But I did like the beef bacon, it was really smoky. The cheese was perfectly melted too. I also got a peppered beef sandwich with mustard on rye and enjoyed it very much. The rye bread was nice and thick, the mustard was spicy and strong, and there was plenty of pink, moist meat to wolf down. I also had a pecan bar for dessert, although I think $4.00 was a little too much. The prices aren't cheap and the service I would describe as so-so. But the quality of the food is really good and in that area of the country, you're not going to find a whole lot of good deli sandwiches so it's worth going back to. Probably closer to 3.5 stars.
(4)Lisa N.
Way cool spot. We'd already had dinner but saw this while driving from the downtown and just had to stop. So we had a wonderful orange-cream cake. Would love to go back for lunch or dinner.
(4)Tom W.
Who wouldn't like lunch at Shapiro's? Tasty pastrami piled high on fresh rye bread slathered in mustard and topped with Swiss. A 'can't miss' sandwich. The coconut pie was awesome as well. Easy parking and a service line that moves quickly makes the experience complete for those of us allergic to hassle.
(4)James M.
Food 5/5 Value 4/5 Service 1/5 Atmosphere 3/5 Went for the corned beef and cheesecake. I had a free sandwich card...good only at the closed Carmel location. Bait and switch. Thanks for nothing. The food is worth the price. If you dont like classic deli food at its best, then go to McDonalds.
(3)Suzanne I.
Best pastrami & corned beef hands down! Been going here since I was a little girl and have never had a bad experience at Shapiro's.
(5)Jennifer L.
Delicious deviled eggs. Hands down my #1...right after my grandmas. This family knows how to get down deli style. Corned beef on rye with spicy mustard and swiss = my babe's go to. If you drink soda, kind of a bummer that they have the mixed coca cola machines (so basically everything tastes like you're drinking a suicide soda cocktail from the 3rd grade). Opt for sweet tea instead!
(5)Theresa R.
This is the place to go if you want an Italian style sub Chicago style but with a Jewish flair. Generous slices of deli meat prepared with extra flair. I had the PLT a Pastrami Lettuce and Tomato. Best sandwich I have had in central Indiana. Generous cuts of pastrami grilled until the edges were crisp and the juices were flowing, nestled in between nice thick slices of onsite baked rye bread, a 1/2 inch slice of beefsteak tomato and the greenest romaine I've seen since my garden. The Reuben was also ordered and no complaints from that side of the table except that the sandwiches were so big we could not eat them all. Many other folks ordered other things like homemade sides of stuffed peppers, meatloaf, greens and so much more. Leave room for desert. The rhubarb pie is just as good as homemade- the crust crispy and melt in your mouth and the rhubarb good and zingy. We'll be coming back to try the other deserts, sandwiches and meals. Your go to place for great sandwiches and a bakery that rivals and stands above most.
(5)Scott L.
One of America's Top Ten Delis specializing in Corned Beef, Pastrami, and Rueben sandwiches has to have good corned beef hash, right? Wrong. I love corned beef hash and I am always looking for it on breakfast menus. This is the worst I have ever had. It was corned beef mush. I wasn't even sure if it was cooked. Shapiro's needs to seriously consider revising their recipe.
(1)Justin S.
Simple, but not boring. Pricey? No. What do most people pay for lunch 8 bucks? Spend a couple more and you have lunch, plus take home for another meal. I wouldn't call loving words from loyal customers, hype. It's a familiar, neighborhood feeling to have a dining option like this close to you. This is exactly the style of neighborhood restaurant we need all around the city. Suburban Indianapolis is missing great food like this. Is the food spectacular? Close. It is great. Portions, taste and friendly service are always available. We've always ordered something different when here. All the requisite beefy deli meats are here, along with matzo ball soup, stuffed cabbage, etc. We've tried most. 5 stars for all, except for the potato latkes'. They get 3 stars. Ask for a schmear next time on your brisket. Liver pate', plus beef and rye. Tasty, tasty, tasty. Take home a loaf of pumpernickel too. Great price.
(5)Jocalyn E.
They should really consider a food truck during the weekday...especially up by hospital row on the north side. :-) quick, easy and totally affordable!
(5)Rachel R.
My husband and a good friend of ours were on a road trip and decided to have a try at the deli (based on Food Network recommendations) and we were really pleased with the result. I split a reuben with our friend (only able to order the full sandwich) and my husband had the pastrami (1/2 sandwich). We each had a broccoli salad and a cup of fruit. The sandwich was phenomenal- they were very generous with the meat. The deli is set up like a cafeteria with tile floors and open seating. We went in around 4pm and didn't wait in line at all, but I could see how the line could get excessive. And, contrary to other reviews, this place is CHEAP! The three of us ate a hearty meal for under $30. Overall, a great place for a really fabulous sandwich!
(4)Nic J.
We hadn't been here for awhile, and we decided to eat here before a Colts game. It was beyond packed. The line snaked through the whole place, so we decided on carry out. It was actually pretty fast, however I ordered peppered beef but got corned beef. Now, I love corned beef, but it wasn't what I ordered. That said, my sandwich was good and huge, as always. The mistake was probably due to being so busy, at least I hope so.
(3)Dan S.
I've been to Shapiro's three times now and I am stunned by the mediocrity of this restaurant. This is not a deli in 2013 terms. This is a flash back to about 1955 - it was probably good then, but in 2013, there are so many better options. The food is not healthy. The food is not gourmet. It's old school all the way. It's overcooked, over salted, and overpriced. The restaurant decor is in severe need of updating. The bathrooms are filthy. I don't understand why this restaurant is so highly rated? Is this the best that Indy has to offer? Really? I think not. When you survey the average customers at this restaurant, it speaks volumes. I'll stop there. Check it out for yourself and you'll understand what I mean.
(1)Abbey B.
To this day, my dad refuses to return to Shapiro's because they were "rude to him" over ten years ago. I remember it was lunch time, and him being peeved, but not much else. Since then, I don't agree with him not returning, but I definitely understand where he translated the staff's attitude as rudeness. Almost every time I've gone to Shapiro's, it has been very busy and the line doesn't stop for people who can't make up their minds. It's usually more laid back after obvious rush times. Maybe I'll take my dad back for a 3 pm late lunch. That being said, I've never had anything other than the corned beef and I love it so much, I don't think I ever will. The cheesecake is out of this world, thick, huge pieces that feel like clouds on the tongue. The macaroni and cheese is creamy and non-offensive. Every so often you'll get a crunchy bite from a rogue noodle that spent its time baking at the top of the pan. A corned beef sandwich, side of mac n' cheese, and piece of cheesecake usually runs me around $20. More than I usually spend on lunch, but more than I usually eat at lunch too. Shapiro's lunches are every now and then occasions and usually are excuses for celebrating something, or making myself feel better.
(4)Luisanna R.
Wowza and wowza. It has been a long time since I have been to Shapiro's and most great places with time I feel tend to degrade. That is not the case here. It's more like a fine wine. Seems to only have gotten better with age. They have the most amazing light rye bread. I dislike Rye bread however I could eat Shapiro's rye all day. Just a quick suggestion if you are like me, you can order just half a sandwich. Even the Reuben. OH man I have had a love affair with Reuben sandwiches since culinary school and I have to say that the Reuben at Shapiro's is by far the superior Reuben in Indianapolis. They are open for dinner too. Did you know that? Why did I think they were only open for lunch. Also on Tuesdays they have half price sandwiches I believe so if you're turned off by the price maybe make a trip on a Tuesday. The food is definitely worth it. The potato salad was also very tasty and you might as well have some cake and eat it too. :)
(5)Marie S.
We passed by here as we were making our way from Lexington, KY to Chicago and heard about this place from "The Best Thing I Ever Ate". Inititally we missed it off the highway, which is ridiculous because on our way around, there are blatant signs everywhere posting SHAPIRO'S PARKING HERE (Woops.) The place resembles a huge cafeteria, so if you're going for ambiance, this is definitely not the place. But if you're going for a quick bite to eat that hits the spot, this can be the place, if you get the right things. We tried the matzoball soup with chicken noodle, the reuben, a slice of key lime pie and boston cream pie. The matzoball soup was just OK. I've definitely tried better and wasn't even stoked enough to finish my second matzoball (which are definitely huge portions). The Reuben was GINORMOUS and we actually ended up splitting up between the three of us, but if you haven't eaten for like 2 days, this would probably be the sandwich for you. But what definitely made the trip here worth it was their PIE. Yes, the key lime pie was OFF THE HOOK! I wish i bought the whole pie...so if you go here, skip the soup, go for the sandwich and pie, you will definitely be in heaven! :)
(3)Nikki B.
I love Shapiro's so much that I lost my mind for a few hours a couple years ago and took a New Yorker from the Bronx of the Jewish faith there for lunch. Then I panicked. This guys was raised on deli food, what am I thinking taking him to a Jewish deli in Indianapolis for Pete's sake?!! As we ordered our food, and he judged the situation, I was sweating, thinking, maybe it's just me, maybe I'm just so removed from New York these days (I'm originally from the state) that anything tastes better than nothing? We sat down to eat and he took a bite of his pastrami on rye. As we chewed in silence, he begins to tell me this story about being a young boy and riding his bike down to the local delicatessen on Sundays for his mother with his brother, and they would buy 3 loaves of rye bread for the week. He tells me how this bread was THE BEST bread ever, and he's never had bread taste so good ever since............until that day he sat eating the rye from Shapiro's. You can imagine my relief. And the elation I felt when he told me he would like nothing better than to take 2 loaves home with him on the plane. I mean, when your food can taste as good, if not better, than a childhood memory, you're doing something right. Go here, eat the food, love life for a while. Totally worth the money it costs.
(5)Frank C.
A 4 hour drive was rewarded by The Best Pastrami I've ever devoured. After searching for "Unique to Indy" places on yelp, Shapiro's Delicatessen was in the center mass of my kosher deli loving crosshairs. I was not disappointed at all. My wife and I went in and ordered a pastrami on rye with mustard and swiss. We were in a hurry to get home to Nashville after a weekend wedding. 97.5 miles later we couldn't wait and had to unwrap our purchase. There was a moment of silence in the car. Followed by some imaginary, cheesy 80's pornish background music playing in my head. It was like seeing Bar Rafaeli in a two piece of Rye swimsuit and a mustard swiss Yamaka with an Uzi to tote!! Then my wife, who is not usually a fan of overloaded sandwiches, began to chomp away. Her reaction was equal to Meg Ryan's notorious "When Harry Met Sally" deli scene, and she wasn't faking it. She was inhaling the sandwich like Raoul Duke executing an 8 ball on the way to Vegas. At last it was my turn. At a undisclosed exit off of 65 S I took my first bite. Immediately I thought I should turn around and buy at least a ton of the pastrami so I could return home and sell it for 10x above street value. It was Kosher Cocaine.
(5)Natasha J.
The non-deli food taste like it came from the freezer section. I had the fish...will never do it again, a coworker of mine got the spaghetti and it had a little sauce on it...never never ever again
(1)Virginia L.
So good. I'm in love with their bagels. The restaurant is set up to be cafeteria style, which I like a lot - it just makes it low key, but serves up food that could be served at a restaurant with white tablecloths. I've also had their boxed lunches and deli trays catered at several meetings with great success.
(5)Megan M.
Great food but terrible service. I am a fan of the renowned Reuben sandwich - it's piled high with corned beef, the perfect amount of cheese & 'kruat and grilled to just the right temperature. It really is an Indianapolis institution but beware the ~$15 price tag. You'll probably be shocked like I was. That said, I still think it's worth it. I often like to pair my sandwich with a potato pancake or the mac and cheese. The dessert selection is also worth noting! So let's cover the service. This is what takes a 5 star establishment and turns it into 3 stars. This establishment just doesn't employ nice people. In once of my first visits I mistakenly went through the cafeteria line with the intent of taking it to go. The staff rudely shamed me for going through the line. It's fine it that's how it works but just explain it and don't be a jerk - particularly when there is *no one* in line. This past weekend I sent in an order via their online submission. When I arrived at the pickup time they told me that their system was down. Not that big of a deal. I gave them my order, signed the credit card slip and waited. Starts to get busy and when other orders are ready they call the number and people grab them. When they call my number, I say "yeah that's me and say my order." The "lady" (and I use that term very loosely) insists that she needs to see my ticket. Never mind that *no one else* needed to show their ticket.
(3)Nat C.
Shapiros is my favorite delly. It is my family's favorite delly and we have eaten there a hundred times. This goes back to when Max was in the house and the lad who now runs it was learning the business. The quality is the same, to his credit. You should know what to order in a Jewish delly. If you don't the experience is diminished. I think I had one rueben in my life. It messes with the pure flavors you should go for corned beef, spicy mustard and rye. Tongue is better. They have half sandwiches and cups of soup. This brings the cost in line and is enough food. Share the desert. I've been remiss in not having breakfast there for too long. Eggs, latke (potato pancake), lox (salmon) and bagel with cream cheese were the compulsory family choices. This place was my father-in-law's business lunch and breakfast joint. He taught me what to savor. Thanks Alfred.
(5)Courtney B.
Definitely a fan! I was brought here by my librarian boss and I was not entirely sure what I was getting myself into. When I walked in, I was treated to a glimpse of an old fashioned diner straight out of a movie, with cafeteria style service. The first thing I noticed, of course, was the huge slice of red velvet cake just waiting to be placed on my tray. Next thing I noticed was that there was so much to choose from! So much so, that being overwhelmed like I was, I decided to split a Reuben with my boss....we had to arm wrestle over the slice of cake....but we ended up splitting that as well. I am getting lost in my head again...anywhoo...That was my first Reuben and it was was FABULOUS! I am glad we decided to split it because 1) it was quite large 2) it was pretty expensive. I will definitely be returning, but perhaps only sporadically, as it is a little pricey. Also, great diner coffee...and root beer...and old fashioned ginger ale.
(4)Maggie M.
Overpriced.
(2)shanna r.
My mouth is watering while I'm writing this review. Shapiro's is a must for anyone who lives in Indy or who is visiting. It's a very simple restaurant with great quality food. The sandwhiches are Huge! The meat is sliced right in front of you and piled high with the trimmings of your choice. I also recommend the mac & cheese. Don't leave off the dessert! It is worth extra calories. It's going to be hard to choose so if you are with a group get a couple of different ones and share.
(5)Rachael W.
Bagels are phenomenal! Desserts are flippin delicious! The Reuben is amazing! Go with a friend and split everything, you will still be stuffed. I like going with a book and spending a few hours reading, nibbling, and watching the old people. Super busy during lunch, but surprisingly fast. It's a bit pricey; $12 for the Reuben. I can only eat half of the sandwich in one sitting so I look at it like 6 bucks for lunch and 6 bucks for dinner. The lox plate is really good. The salmon is plentiful, the bagels are chewy, and the capers are brine; overall scrumptious.
(5)George M.
Up until the day after Thanksgiving I had not been to Shapiro's since 1996 when I moved away. It was on my to do list when I returned to the area for a family visit. Thinking about the corned beef on rye with yellow mustard and a pickle on the side had me salivating just thinking about it. Service was quick as always. The huge dessert arrangement all looks so tempting. Ordered corned beef on rye as stated above, along with mac and cheese and a potato pancake. All was as wonderful as I remembered. Each sandwich is large enough to share with another person, but it is best not to, so you can save the other half for later. My wife had a reuben which we both agree, we had never had better. Give this place a try and you will not regret it. And when you leave pick up a loaf of rye as it is probably going to be the best you have had.
(5)Deborah H.
Good deli and you can get a 1/2 of a sandwich. The rye is wonderful-one of the best Jewish breads I have had.
(4)Kay J.
The portions are HUGE! My husband had 3 eggs, potato, bacon and toast and that was a reasonable size portion. I had bagels and lox. There was plenty of capers, onions, lox and a large bagel. They toasted my bagel extra dark as requested. I needed more cream cream cheese and they gave it to me. Two breakfasts, a coffee and a juice came to $24. I don't know how people get their mouths around Shapiro's sandwiches.
(4)Sara S.
Huge sandwiches - very good! Table of four, we had roast beef, corned beef, turkey, and pb&j; all amazing!
(3)ari b.
without a doubt one of the five best delis in the nation... off the chain!!! I love and miss you Shapiro's... It's been 5 years since i've been there, but just thought about it after yelping the deepest deli in the very shallow s.f. bay area. The thing that sets Shapiro's in a class of it's own is it's rye bread... simply the best i've ever tasted anywhere ever... I lust after it. Dear shapiro's read this review and then take pity on this poor midwesterner and send me a loaf and a pound of corned beef.... seriously do it... i love you. ok those of you who complain about the price of a deli are of course missing the point. you pay for quality. i can't tell you how many time's i've spent 17 dollars on a blah entree at an upscale eatery... get over it... then maybe you'll get the point. cheesecake with mutantly large strawberries... also a miracle (you can send me some of that to ; )
(5)Jon A.
Every city has one. Every city has that one place that's always been there, that everyone takes everyone else too. And, that could serve as the city's only eatery if either it were the apocalypse or the people had to just choose one. Shapiro's is that place in Indy. Our only "Jewish" Deli (garnering quotations because they deviate a little with their menu but they're the only place for my matzo fix). Having a $12 sandwich on the menu really isn't practical. I guess this is what happens when it's the ONLY pastrami joint in town. Really...the only one... (out of town readers...believe it; it -- the atrocity). Sure there are meat markets with pastrami or bagel shops or burger joints with pastrami as an add-on, but this is the only place that serves it up the way it's meant to be, and lo! it's $12. I won't do it. It goes against my morals. So... I quickly become a boy in a soup kitchen just outta Dachau and take my matzo ball and piddle paddle to my seat with my free water. Now...the only way I'd ever order that $12 sandie is if I'm with someone...then we'd split it; which brings up the fact that this sandie is so large there's no reason to have it by yourself unless you're taking it home. Shapiro...you've successfully grown to the airport & carmel...it's now time to start the only pastrami cart in town & serve $5 late night pastrami sandies, ok!? OK. In the end, I still frequent Shapiro's I take everyone there, too ;) And, I still am befuddled as to why every order at the counter place in this city that offers dessert...places dessert in the beginning of the line... Plenty of seating any major holiday or tour bus drop-off.
(3)Nick C.
Wow! thats all i have to say about their sandwiches is WOW!!! i had the pastrami and it was soooooooooooo good. the meat was very tender and melt in your mouth good. i had mine on the rye bread and that was very good, but the only thing i did not like was how hard the crust was and that is the only bad thing. i do have to say that the sandwiches are very big and they will fill u up. this place was sooo good that i came back the next day to try their cake and was it worth it =. i had the carrot cake cheese cake where the cheese cake is in between the carrot cake. the cake was very good but the thing i noticed was the carrot cake was dry but that was taken care of the cream cheese frosting. over all this place was amazing, and if i an ever here again will come back to this place with out a doubt
(5)Ben G.
After driving from Columbus OH, my girlfriend and I were looking forward to a good lunch in Indy. When we turned off the highway, we noticed that maybe Indianapolis was hit hard by the recession, because Shapiro's seemed to be in a pretty depressed part of town. It also seemed like Shapiro's was out of place, from a bygone era. The cafeteria was SO empty when we both arrived that I was immediately suspicious. How could such a huge place have been recommended by Road Food? My dreams of a Katz' like place outside of NY were quickly gone. We've had way better. That said, the food was average to mediocre. My corned beef was okay, nothing special. The portion was huge, but it was also expensive. The matzo ball soup was decent, but lacked any veggies and seemed to be coated with oil. My girlfriend had an average-good turkey sandwich, and I think we both ate pretty fast because the place was depressing, and we had to be in Chicago before late evening. The portions are big, as they should be. The rugelach that we ate on the road later was dry, not worth the price, and had a weird glaze on it that made it feel even more dry. All in all, I'd recommend Shapiro if there are no Jewish deli restaurants anywhere else in the whole state of Indiana, but that's as much praise as I can give it.
(2)Elizabeth H.
I can't possibly say enough good things about Shapiro's. First of all, I literally would not exist without this amazing deli. No, really--my grandparents met at the downtown location in the 1940s! But they've also been there throughout my life. When my grandfather was in the hospital after a major heart attack, we would all go to Shapiro's after visiting hours. When I was too sick to make matzo balls for myself, Shapiro's was always there with them ready to pick up on my way home. When I had a bad breakup, their mac n' cheese was great to cry into. Also, they carry these amazing chocolate covered halvah bars that I can never find anywhere else. My one complaint? The Carmel location is *too* nice. Yeah, I said it. I miss the old 86th St location, across from St.V's, with it's bad fluorescent lighting, and just slightly grungy/sticky floor. so much more deli-esque. The Carmel location has flattering light, and clean floors, and comfortable booths--but those booths are awfully hard to push together when you and your closest 20 family members want to grab a corned beef on rye. There's really not for me to say about the food--it speaks for itself. All I can say is that it's so good I have dreams about it. Bottom line is you should definitely eat there.
(5)Ethan H.
I should have seen the writing on the wall when the ruben I ordered was delivered in less than 3 minutes. THREE MINUTES!?! C'mon! The fires of hell couldn't toast a single slice in that long, much less made the whole rest of a sandwich to go with it. So yes, this was clearly a pre-made, assembly-line ruben sitting under a heat lamp and just waiting to be unceremoniously dumped onto a chipped (and possibly dirty) plate. The sandwich itself did nothing to assuage my skepticism. Dry corned beef and un-melted Swiss cheese scrunched between two flaccid slices of mediocre rye with a dash of overly-sweet 1000-island and a layer of transparent kraut. Yes Shapiro, you got the ingredient-list right. But I've got news for you: if you can't make a decent concoction out of things like corned-beef, sauerkraut and rye, you're not trying very hard. No better was the idiot-answer I got to my query. "Do you pre-make the rubens and just hand them out when they're ordered?", I asked. "No," she said. Me: "... because mine was ready less than three minutes after I ordered it?" "Oh," she said, clearly not knowing she was dealing with a Yiddish yelper, "that's easy because the corned-beef is pre-sliced and all we have to do is toast the bread." First of all, that just can't be true. Three minutes doesn't toast bread to the leathery crusts I had on my plate. And besides, I'm quite familiar with the not-so-subtle difference between toaster-crisp and heating-lamp dessicated. Moreover, it's NOT simply a matter of "just toasting the bread" ... at least no more than yogurt is a matter of "just letting milk go rancid." If all you did was toast the bread, it's no wonder that the cheese was far from melted, the sandwich itself was cold, and the corned-beef had to languish under a warming lamp since calf-hood. And all that for $10+? No thank you. And, oh yes, the parking lot on a Sunday morning was worse than Yogurt World's (in San Diego) on a Saturday night. It's often been said that "Asians are the new Jews." And I'm here to say that the observation applies equally well to their driving.
(2)Randy M.
I walked - no, ran - from my hotel several blocks away to get here at 6:30am before my 9am flight. I just *had* to try this famous deli because, well, I probably will never come back to Indianapolis. I was the day's first customer, but the crew was ready and fixed up my corned beef hash and over-easy eggs to perfection. The two of us easily had enough food for breakfast on the plane, surely making the entire plane jealous by the intoxicating vapors. A gem of a diner-deli! But, a weird side note about local dining: you get taxed *twice* for restaurant food (a total of 20%)... and you thought San Francisco has high taxes. Yikes!
(5)amy j.
Whenever I'm in Indy, Shapiro's is a must stop. Certainly nothing fancy at the downtown location but who needs fancy when the food is top notch. I love the chopped liver! One of their over-loaded sandwiches with a dill pickle and potato salad on the side and I'm in heaven. I've rarely varied from my usual but when I have it's been equally as tasty. Always fresh, always plentiful, always tasty.
(4)John W.
I believe I saw a sign inside that said "real NYC bagels"...I wouldn't be so ambitious with the wording if I were them. They aren't terrible but I don't know if they would really be on par with NYC bagels. I haven't actually eaten a meal here since high school (late 80s) so I can't really comment on the sandwiches and all the other food other than the bagels. So the bagels were ok but I was surprised that the cream cheese was just a tub of Philadelphia cream cheese and the lox came from a package that was in the refrigerator. Upon looking at the food and the clientele, just as it is in a place like Skokie, this is food for old people...But here, not even necessarily old Jewish people (My guess is that between everyone there, we could have come up with maybe one Jewish person and I was with my girlfriend who is half Jewish) but it is open on Sunday which isn't that easy to find downtown. And aside from the bagels, this is more of a lunch place. All that being said, I am glad this place is there and I am sure I will go back when I am in Indy again. I need to try the latke and lunch type stuff next time.
(3)Lisa G.
Awesome! The quality of the food was great, the service was outstanding! I tried the Reuben, and I was glad I did. My friends order some of the sides and raved about the stuffed cabbage and also the potato salad. The desserts looked great but I was so stuffed there was no where to put it. It gets really crowded but moves along very quickly. You order cafeteria style and then take a seat and they bring the hot sandwich to you. The food came out so fast I felt bad for not just standing there and waiting for it but they said that's how they keep it moving and it does seem to work.
(5)Smiley B.
I have eaten at Shapiro's for quite a few years. Since I don't work in Indianapolis anymore I seldom get to eat there. We drove up to Indianapolis for the sole purpose to eat at Shapiro's. I remember the Reuben Sandwiches to be very generous and very tasty. Yes they did cost quite a lot for a sandwich, but I felt that it was worth it since it was a quality sandwich. Today I ordered the Reuben, some green beans and a piece of carrot cake. My friend had a turkey sandwich, a fried potato pancake and cheesecake. The reuben tasted okay, but the bread was soggy, and it seemed like they cut the amount of meat in half. It was mostly sour kraut and bread. This isn't the way they served their food 5 years ago. I was disappointed to say the least. The potato pancake my friend ordered was cold and had been fried earlier in the day. It was horrible. When I paid the tab, I was shocked to hear the cashier say $44.85! What? For two sandwiches??? The owners must be doing what a lot of places are these days. Cutting back on the product and raising the prices to make more money. I can honestly say that Shapiro's have gotten my last dollar. It used to be worth the extra money but it just isn't the same now. What a shame.
(2)Lisa Q.
The reuben. It's delicious and big enough for 2. If you're ever in Indy, walk in to Shapiro's, grab a tray, get in line, order one of these up, and get ready to enjoy some pure unadulterated Jewish deli goodness. There's great people watching, the most scientifically advanced soda fountain man has conceived, and classic cafeteria style.
(4)Food C.
Very, very, very overpriced. For what they charge, in other cities, my corned beef would be a lot bigger and a lot better. Find a picture of a Slyman's corned beef in Cleveland. No comparison. Shaprio's is the only game in town in Indy, but they'd get blown out in other cities. Shapiro's was much better in the early 90's, but they've been on a continual slide since then. Not too long ago, at their Carmel location (now closed), I was ordering a corned beef. The guy next to me in line asked "how much is that?" I said "12 bucks." Just then, my puny sandwich appeared on top of the display case. He then said "12 bucks for that?" He couldn't have been more right.
(2)Marie C.
We went for a late lunch. I got a huge smoked turkey sandwich on an onion roll. It was tasty and fresh. The rest of the fam got a mix of pastrami sandwiches and some hot foods (I.e. potato cakes and meatloaf). We were all silent for the first few minutes, too busy enjoying the food. My fiance and I split a chocolate cake slice for desert and it was heavenly. Bottom line: Wonderful sandwiches, great hot (comfort) foods and the service was friendly. I would definitely make this place a favorite!
(4)Casey R.
Came here for the first time this year on my birthday, WHY have I not been here sooner??? I instantly fell in love, great food, yes it's worth saying again, GREAT FOOD. I had a Brooklyn Style pastrami sandwich, it was very tasty, I've never been to Brookyn but I'll take their word for it! Oh and the fried potato cake is amazing, make sure you get that! A bit pricey, I'm not gonna lie, but as you're sitting there you can just feel the history and to me that is worth every penny! Win Win for me.
(4)Panda P.
No offense Shapiro's, BUTTT your mac n cheese has no flavor or comparison to the PANDA's MAC N CHEESE... But the Salmon Salad was good, with some salt.
(2)Kent L.
From the outside of the red brick Downtown location, it doesn't look like a Jewish delicatessen but go inside to this cafeteria-style layout, get a gander at the many tempting foods at the glass-enclosed counter displays and you know immediately that you're in for the real deal. I like my sandwiches either with rye bread or on onion rolls but the day I visited, it was pastrami on rye with mustard with a Dr. Brown's Cream Soda and it was just a perfect combination. Pastrami that's too lean is dry and lacks flavor, whereas too much fat makes the sandwich oily and Shapiro's pastrami strikes the perfect balance of meat-to-fat ratio. While Shapiro's does have a wide variety of dessert choices, who has room after one of their sandwiches? The corned beef also looked really good but that will have to wait for another trip. The menu prices were quite reasonable for both the quality and quantity of food, which would be several dollars more in places like NYC or L.A. delicatessen and since it looks like many Jewish delicatessens around the country are closing after many years in business, it becomes harder to find one to dine in. I would wholeheartedly return here.
(5)Rebecca M.
Shapiro's Delicatessen: Corned Beef, Cabbage, and Cream Puffs Oi Vay! An INDY gem that's been around forever, Shapiro's is your one-stop-shop for good eats of gigantic proportion. Since we were wee little tots, my sis and I have been coming in for bakery runs with Nagyi (that means Grandma for all you non-Hungarians) and full on feasts. Although some things may be a little steep in price, whatever you get is sure to taste amazing and there will be enough of it to eat off of for the next two days...on the conservative side ;) The staff is always very friendly, and so are the fellow diners. IF YOU DINE HERE, WHICH YOU SHOULD, YOU MUST TRY: *CORNED BEEF AND CABBAGE *REUBEN ON RYE (the mustard is biiiiittttchiiiin and adds that extra OOMPH to the sammy) *BAKED CHICKEN *LATKA, aka potato pancake (GET APPLESAUCE WITH THESE!) *CARROT CAKE, CREAM PUFF, ECLAIR, PIE... the list goes on and on with the dessert, and dare I say you may even prefer these treats over any you get on holidays. There is no reason why you shouldn't be hopping in your car or on your bike THIS VERY MOMENT towards Shapiro's...it's easy to find and even easier to satisfy your stomach. This is a must-see for first-timers in Indy. Hell, it's a must see for townies. Shapiro's Delicatessen, you have bewitched me body & soul, and I love you.
(5)Marc P.
You can't help but get caught up in the moment when you walk into Shapiros. Whether its Brother Carl yelling and joking with his thick accent at the customers in line, the cafeteria style decor or the smell of sweet pastrami - this place certainly has the character to match the reputation. I brought 4 friends from Australia to experience Shapiros and I have to say none of us were disappointed and all of of us were amazed. The Pastrami on Rye with swiss and mustard comes hot and heavy. It oozes with flavor and just a half is enough to fill the average man, topped off with a small bowl of chicken noodle soup and a potato pancake with apple sauce. Props to Brother Earl for his help and recommendations. When back in Indy I will certainly return!
(4)Amy P.
We were visiting from out of state and heard this was the place to go for a tasty meat sandwich. We were definitely impressed with the amount of meat on the sandwiches, but the flavor was somewhat lacking. I think I'm just used to having more condiments on my sandwiches. These were pretty dry. My husband ordered the pastrami, and I ordered the corned beef so we could taste a little of both. I have definitely had better sandwiches, but I fell completely in LOVE with the latke!! I often think about it, and wish I could have it mail-ordered to California. I mean, I literally have daydreams about this puffy potato pancake, unlike anything I've ever had.
(4)Candice G.
I love going to Shapiros! I almost always get the corned beef on rye because it's so incredible, but I have had the chili and meatloaf which were delicious too! And their baked goods are PHENOMENAL! I absolutely recommend a visit to Shapiros!
(5)Scott M.
NYC-STYLE DELI, NYC-STYLE PRICES Great food, quick service, big institutional dining room, but expect to pay $20+ per person for a meal (sandwich and a side or two) and a soft drink... probably $40 for a hungry couple.
(4)Tiffany H.
I've officially met the Ruben of my dreams. This sandwich, while a little pricey, was so tasty. The rye bread, meat, and cheese were all freshly sliced and you could tell. I will definitely be going back for more.
(4)Ciara U.
I love Shapiros!!! Every time I visit, the staff is friendly and the food is delicious! If for some reason it's not they fix it without hesitation. The cheesecake is fantastic you must try it! They could use a small update though. They have had those tables and chairs for years!!!!
(5)Patrick P.
Wear your stretchy pants! I took some clients here with my engineer and we had a yummy lunch. When in Rome - do as the Romans! Please note this is a cafeteria restaurant so you grab your tray, and pick or select your foods. That is why it is not 5 starts. This is not a Katz Deli in Columbus (as a recent review commented - Katzingers is a unique place all on its own) but... They have some pretty decent food if you know what to order. Decor: Cafeteria - it is either packed or empty. Tables litter the floor where you promptly park and eat your food. Food: Grab your tray, get your silverware, and select your desert. I picked up the Red Velvet Cake - The portion sizes are Fred Flinestone sized - I think I had 12 oz of cake. Sandwich - I ordered the Reuben. The corned beef was made onsite. The sandwich was grilled to order and brought to my table. My side was the Macaroni and Cheese and it was yummy too but the cheese was processed (nacho cheese sprinkled with real cheese) - it was good but my heart was crying for a difibulator. Cost: A little expensive but on par with other NY Style deli's Sandwich and Side was $14 (Sandiwich was a triple decker) Overall for the amount of food, tastiness, and speed - I give it a thumbs up - just order what they are know for at the restaurant. I am sure I will eat there again. Enjoy.
(4)Jeff M.
"Cook good. Serve generously. Price modestly. People will come." Louis Shapiro's motto started a legacy back in 1905. Couldn't have said it better myself. A "can't miss" dining destination in Indianapolis, within the shadow of the Lucas Oil Stadium. Its the simple things that they do best. A couple of slices of the most perfect Rye bread toast, nutty and near-pepper tinged bites, pillowy and supple but not too soft. They do serve a nice breakfast, but it doesn't shine quite like the incredibly authentic and varied lunchtime cafeteria style buffet. The local flavor is just the icing on the cake.
(4)Robert M.
I meet with the Indy BMW Club (BMW Motorcycles) for Saturday breakfast whenever I'm in Indianapolis. Great food and great staff. I'd like to go back for lunch sometime... that Reuben looks yummy.
(5)Bob F.
Probably the last good deli in Indy. Great pastrami, brisket and Ruebens. Excellent breads and old school potato pancakes. Hot dishes like stuffed cabbage and meat loaf are good too. Not cheap but portions are large. Plenty of parking.
(4)Francesca D.
I really don't even like Pastrami. I don't even like cured meats in general really, but Shapiro's Pastrami Sandwich on rye was one of my favorite sandwiches of all time. Totally simple, but really good quality. Also, I had an eclair, which was good, but I don't really like eclairs either...
(4)Joe F.
Very good cafeteria style Jewish Deli. Downtown staff can be rough around the edges, if thats a concern go to the Carmel location. A bit pricey but items are homecooked high quality food. It's okay to share.
(4)Catherine K.
There is a fine line between delicious and excessive, and Shapiro's staddles that line ... The Reuben. Wow. So Good. But they start out with desserts, sides, sandwiches ... we always end up with $30 of food and I always end up walking around the parking lot to let food settle before we go home. It's good. But it's expensive and a LOT of food. The line is usually out the door. If you know what you are in for, you'll be delighted. Smaller appetites, plan to split a sandwich or take home leftovers. It's a win-win.
(4)Alexis H.
I have heard about this place for a loooong time. Just finally made it there yesterday and I gotta say, as with most delis with hype....it was just ok. I got a NY Reuben (coleslaw instead of sauerkraut, which I sometimes prefer) and yes, it was huge.....and unfortunately, yes, it also gave me wicked heartburn several hours later. The mac and cheese contained too many crunchy uncooked bits for my taste and if I'm paying $18.00 for lunch, I simply have a higher quality expectation. I might be willing to go back to try the peppered beef sometime, based solely on some other yelp reviewers but for me, I'm not rushing back :(
(3)Celeste T.
The lox with the energy bar (a dark wheat bagel with seeds and fruit in it) is something I dream about and have EVERY TIME I travel to Indy. Highly recommend! Also, the flourless chocolate cake is amazing. Cafeteria style is admittedly a bit odd, but when you see the throughput Shapiro's has, it's pretty amazing that they have such consistently good quality food. High five you guys!
(5)Luckie D.
Clean, fresh, tasty and served by efficient if not well intentioned staff. They are missing some notable items but you knew that from the sign above the door saying Shapiro's not Washington's !!!!
(3)Andy H.
Very good food, and very expensive! I think they could shave a few dollars off the menu and still do very well.
(4)Scott P.
Reuben. Brisket sandwich. German Potato salad. thats about all I've ordered (other than dessert) and it is always excellent. Of course there's not a dollar menu for the cheap, but the food is incredible.
(5)Andy S.
This is a great place to get some great comfort food. Cafeteria style with another whole section for a bakery area with bagels and such. The cafeteria line is devilish with all the desserts first (cakes, pies, etc.). Then there are side dishes like coleslaw, broccoli salad (delicious), potato salad, etc. Had the corned beef sandwich which was delicious. Pretty good deal they had for the corned beef sandwich which included 2 sides for $11-$12 or so. Big sandwich. Also had the matzo ball soup which was delicious. Wish I could have tried all the other great looking food but I guess I will just have to come back at some point.
(4)Susan F.
I love shapiro's. Love it. My most frequent order is a Reuben. It is the best thing there-I swear. I've also tried the stuffed cabbage (or peppers? Something like that), and it was very good! Still love my Reuben, tho. I tried the hot German potato salad today, and I loved it! It's different, and definitely had a vinegar taste to it, but I love vinegar. Delicious. I try to make it out of there without getting a pastry, but I fail, literally ever time. Today I had a pumpkin bar, and I actually didn't care for it too much. Not sure why; it just didn't float my boat! Side note: it's been a little bit since I was there. When you order a Reuben, they usually give you a plate (it's empty) so the cashier knows what you ordered, as the Reubens are made to order. However, today they had a Reuben ready. It wasn't as hot as normal. I HOPE this isn't going to be the new practice. It was lunch time, however, so that could have been the deal.
(5)John R.
The Pastrami is always excellent, but I always feel like I am paying NYC prices. Not worth the money.
(2)Michelle A.
I enjoyed the Reuben very much. I would have liked to try other things, but with all the goodies available, I can see where the price of dinner could have added up quickly! Might come back another time to check out some of the other dishes.
(4)Joey ジョーイ K.
If you come to Indianapolis this is definitely one of the places you must try. It's honestly the best deli I have been to and the portions are perfect.
(4)Renita M.
I had never been here before. I lived in Indiana from 1992 to 2003. I've been to Indy many times. I went to college 45 minutes from Indy, I've spent days and nights and driven all over looking for the Greyhound station, but I had never been to Shapiro's. Until I was in the area with some college friends, and we wanted a place to meet for brunch, and one who just loves this place suggested it. So here's the deets: This isn't a "brunch" place per se, it's not Le Peep or Patachou or Panera. It's an old-school cafeteria-style Jewish deli. They do have breakfast items, though. So grab your tray and go through the line, picking up little bowls of fruit, a scoop of mac and cheese or mysterious noodle casserole, order your sandwich or entree and pay the nice lady at the cash register. There's also two Coke freestyle machines to mix and match flavors in the enormous soda glasses. I went for a bowl of pineapple, a bowl of mac and cheese (a little bowl) and half a brisket sandwich with spicy mustard on rye. (And a pickle.) The sandwiches are enormous. My half-sandwich had enough meat on it for a whole one. The brisket was very tender and tasty, and it was a very straightforward sandwich--meat, mustard, bread. The end. The mac and cheese was... interesting. The noodles were super tender, the cheese sauce was sort of... custardy? and it was good but a little watery and unusual. I can't quite put my finger on it. No complaints on the fresh pineapple. Those three items plus a drink was about $15 so I wouldn't call it cheap, but it was reasonable. This is really no-frills, low-service, with plenty of room to spread out and enjoy your giant sandwiches, baked goods or tastey but strangely gloopy mac and cheese.
(4)Sunah K.
You want a huge meat-filled sandwich and space to spread out? You'll find it here. You won'be be able to forget desserts, which are displayed upfront at the counter. Don't forget your soups and sides, tho! Admittedly, this is not my favorite sandwich place. I thought my reuben was a tad on the dry side and light on the spread, but the rye bread is great, as everyone agrees. Lentil soup very good. They also have 2 of those touch screen fountain drink dispensers! Get there by 11:30 to beat the lunch crowd downtown. And grab a to-go container byt the drink dispensers, you're probably gonna need it!
(3)Keryl M.
We ate here while we were in Indy for DCI World Championships and were not disappointed! The Rueben was fantastic and so was the potato salad. Also loved the strawberry rhubarb pie! Will eat there again next year!
(4)Tony B.
It's been 20 years since I've been back here. The rye bread is phenomenal as I remembered. The service was fast and very nice. The sauerkraut was excellent too. I am usually pretty generous with the star ratings but I found the sides needed some updating and all seemed a bit flat. Ill still come back if I traveling through ever again.
(3)Ryan M.
Went to Shapiro's during the weekend of the final four game of UK vs Michigan. You have never seen so much blue in your life! The restaurant is somewhere between a cafeteria/bakery/New York style deli. Having so many deli-style sandwiches, I jumped on the chance to have a solid reuben. I was not disappointed. I prefer a bit more thousand island on my Reuben's than most, so I got a bit extra on the side. To quote the late Mitch Hedburg "like a cow with a cracker on either side." It was loaded with corned beef and sauerkraut (maybe enough for two sandwiches!!). Great flavor! On to the baked goods...and there were no shortage of them to pick from. I want to say I left with five or six different goods to share with the folks back home in Dayton. German chocolate cake, coconut cream cake, cream cheese carrot cake were all fantastic. Make sure you ask which are made in house (most of the cakes/pies are, the brownies/bars are not typically). If I go back, I will certainly be visiting.
(4)Linda A.
Hubby and I shared their famous Reuben sandwich and it was everything our friends described, so delicious! Very glad we opted to share because it was HUGE! Some other reviews dinged this place for the price. Considering the size of the portions, I'd recommend sharing if at all possible. The sides we had were good but nothing to make a special trip to get. Dessert (marble cake)...moist, delicious and again, way too big for one to eat without a lot of regret! The place was clean and really spacious. We were there the day after the Indy 500 and were surprised that it was pretty empty. I'll bet it's more of a weekday or football weekend place. The staff got their job done but weren't particularly friendly. This is a place I'd visit again if we were close by.
(3)Matthew P.
Comfort Food!!! I am originally southern and therefore I am always on the look out for some warm, plentiful, rich and lovingly made fare for the soul! Shapiros does not disappoint. The sandwiches are stacked high with fresh bread and the meat is sliced right in front of you. The meatloaf is, to borrow a term "magically delicious." I dont think there is a wrong choice for food here. I will say go with cakes and/or pies for dessert. The dessert bars are ok but they are shipped in. The other desserts are made on-site. Lets just say Im not finished working my way through the menu. Yum to the E!!!
(5)Kait G.
Shapiros has been my annual stop on the visit to my folks. I have an unhealthy obsession with Matzo Ball Soup and theirs is pretty darned good. My Dad raves about the Reuben and the cheesecake so I indulged this time. I have to admit it was pretty good. The bread was that perfect combination of buttery, toasty and soft next to the steamed meat. Sauerkraut could have been a bit more sauery (word? I dunno!). The corned beef was steamed perfectly and ohhh that pickle was the perfect companion to the sandwich. The cheesecake is authentic, New York style decadent goodness. I buy it by the slice because I cannot be trusted with a whole cheesecake. Is there a cheesecake anonymous group I can join? My only gripe is Shapiros has become a popular tourist destination so the prices and lines reflect this. Back in the day, you could breeze in, grab your sammy and jet out the door for $7 now it's over $12.
(4)Shoshana K.
Shapiros is great!! Come hungry, no, make that famished-the portions are huge!! If you are weary of other reviewers commenting on the price, I'd like to add my $0.02 on the matter: you get a lotta bang for your buck. I most always take a doggy bag of leftovers w me when I visit. If you're my 6'5 beautiful hunky better half, you'll be able to clean your plate. However the food coma after doing so will be strong so use some will power and save a lil for later! Shapiros is a jewish/kosher style deli (emphasis on the word 'style') - like Carnegie deli in NYC....kosher style because you can get things like a Reuben (absolutely delish) which has cheese-for all you goyim out there, milk and meat don't mix in strict kosher kitchens....this however does not detract fm Shapiros mouthwatering menu offerings! The desserts used to be different-not as sugary. They still look beautiful and I always put a plate of something on my tray but they have changed their recipes slightly and there is a strong sugary almost artificial taste in many of the desserts. They were already rich! Make em the old way, would you pretty please Shapiros?! One week I bought a challa here. It was huge! But sadly it was a very goy-ish challa. Too dry and no flavor/richness. Challa egg bread should be doughy and indulgent, as far as breads go. It made decent French toast bc of the dry factor and good bread crumbs.... My friend loves the matzoh ball soup. The potato pancakes are not latkes (shredded potatoes like hash browns but fried as pancakes) - these are more like mashed potato cakes deep fried. They're good tho! Rye bread is great here. German potato salad is good and do is the meatloaf!! Haven't tried the stuffed peps or cabbage yet but they always look awesome. The spinach is actually good, I like it better than the green beans. I really want to like the Mac and cheese but it's not my favorite, however I end up ordering it a lot of the time anyway! The top is broiled nicely usually, and I always ask for a scoop w some crusty top the layers underneath the crust are never really warm and gooey enough... Every time I done here I have to take a hiatus for a few months because of the volume and richness of food. It's worth it tho!! They have a parking lot which is great. They take all cards too. I haven't ever visited at lunchtime-I always end up arriving sometime between 6-8 in the evenings and there is never a line and tons of seating. You can get everything on the menu at lunch and dinner time (I think...) so don't waste your time waiting in line w the lunch crowd.....
(5)Marcie M.
Wanted to give them 5 stars for the sheer abundance of items, and the whopping portions. Unfortunately, a good portion of my husband's corned beef was gristly. My smoked turkey sandwich was good, and both the rye and wheat breads were put of this world. Soup was loaded with noodles but no meat in my cup, but broth was flavorful. This place feels like a throwback to an earlier time, and it's certainly worth a visit.
(4)Adam C.
I have eaten at many delis and this is near the best. In fact the rye bread here is the best. Everything is cafeteria style so they start you walking past amazing deserts. But it is the sandwiches and sides that make this place great. It is an expensive sandwhich but worth it. Enjoy
(5)Albert M.
amazing deli! this is the best deli in the midwest...but i am biased..... i have been coming to shapiro's since i was 6. w it is time to reveal my basis of a bad, good, great, and incredible deli....the amazingness of a deli is based on the thickness of their rye bread. if your rye bread is puny and thin, it cannot hold on the "gargantuan amounts of meat" you put on the sandwich...its the bread falls apart as you eat the sandwich...that's not good...your rye bread should fall victim to eating...not to the volume or density of what it's holding therefore...shapiros is an incredible deli! the great deli's....katz, langers, and shapiro's have thick rye bread that holds up from start to finish of the corned beef or pastrami....the thicker the rye bread...the more i love the deli..... this place is amazing!!
(4)Joshua C.
I have dined here for lunch on a few occasions and really enjoyed it. They have a good selection of foods for decent prices considering the area. I really enjoyed the Rueben. If you're in Indianapolis I would definitely recommend it.
(5)Marina R.
The food is yummy but it didn't blow my mind. For the $35+ dollars I spent for two sandwiches and one drink I was expecting it to be better.
(2)Rachel F.
This is a classic, New York-style Jewish deli. My college roommates and I come here all the time for the reuben sandwich, which is one of the best I've ever had. If you can appreciate a good corned beef/pastrami sandwich, this place is an absolute Indianapolis staple. The atmosphere reminds me of a cafeteria. Super casual, and it seems like all walks of life come to this place. Great for people watching. You literally are given a lunch tray and utensils, and slide your tray down the line. Desserts are first, and they really give you a huge variety of amazing looking pies and cakes... pretty much everything under the sun, and it's all made in house. The fact that desserts are positioned FIRST in the line says a lot about this place - they clearly have their priorities straight! :) Anyway, next are sandwiches and side items. The sandwiches are pretty pricey, but definitely worth it - however, a sandwich, side, and drink, costs just under $20. Worth the price, but something to keep in mind. I recommend the mac n' cheese with the reuben. My absolute favorite! The sandwiches are so big that you can save half and bring it home with you (don't worry, they have boxes for this exact purpose.) Do yourself a favor and check this place out! I gave it 4 stars because I love the food, but I'm not a huge fan of the pricey-ness and distance from where I live. Wish they had more locations!
(4)James B.
tried the bagel, egg and cheese and was definitely impressed. I'm a long way from home, NY, but this tastes like a Northeasterners breakfast bagel sandwich...real fried egg, extra helping of cheese, and toasted bagel. Will go back again and again, perhaps this weekend!
(4)Brittany L.
Someday, I am going to come here and eat dessert. JUST dessert. They all look fantastic. I'm going to buy a pile of deli meat and bring it home someday too. I mean, it's like 10 minutes from my house! So far though, all I have managed to do is down a half brisket sandwich (fantastic) with a side of potato pancakes and macaroni and cheese. The brisket was delicious and fresh, the bread was soft and wonderful, the potato pancake was flavorful but cold, dry, and tough. However... Their macaroni and cheese is the best in the world. It is. I fantasize about the macaroni and cheese here. They call it "deluxe". I wish I knew what they do to it. I take that back...judging by the texture and taste, I don't want to know at all. I cook well enough to know that the secret to something sinfully delicious is often a recipe that includes more butter and heavy cream than I use in a year. I've now gone back twice and each time have just ordered a side of that heavenly pasta. My lunch is under $3. I drink the free ice water and fill my cup a second time to take with me. As I leave, there's a little bounce in my step because I feel like I'm getting away with something. The macaroni and cheese is that good. The old guy next to me today looked at me, at my bowl of pasta, looked back at his tray full of food, then said, "That really is the best thing they have here," while gesturing back to my lonely bowl. The line moves quickly, there's plenty of parking, service is pretty friendly and very efficient. Yelp says this is a "family style" restaurant, but Shapiro's is a "cafeteria style" restaurant...you go through the line with a tray, take what you want, pay at the end of the line, then go find your table. Oh, and if you want a "big salad" a la Elaine on Seinfeld? Their salads are enormous, they put them in a big bowl, and they're all $7.50 or less.
(4)Ken C.
Seems ok. My Reuben was average at best. But to be fair I'm not feeling the best today either which could cause part of the taste issue.
(4)Ashley R.
Matza ball soup so good! The sandwiches are huge! The also have awesome desserts. Great Jewish deli. It is a cafeteria style though no servers. Great food!
(5)Pam N.
Food was excellent and prices are very reasonable. This place has a cafeteria feel but very clean and plenty of seating. Don't miss the corned beef sandwich on rye and potato pancake. They have coke freestyle machine too which was a plus. Yum!!
(4)Jill L.
Hot pastrami & swiss on Croissant - Meat was dry, croissant was yummy and fresh.
(3)Millie H.
A fun place to step back in time. The food is impeccable. It's amazing how much product they put out and everything is awesome. I love the cafeteria style especially with kids! This is a fun place to check out
(4)Boon K.
This is the meatiest reuben sandwich I have ever seen. It was really good and just what I wanted. The best part is they have a location at the airport too. The sandwiches are all meat very juicy. This place serve traditional simple american meal. Everything looks good but the dessert were not so great.
(4)Garrett C.
Pretty good, but I've had a better reuben. Potato pancakes are interesting. They are the thickest I've ever seen (about an inch thick at the center. Tomatoes were excellent. Traditional kosher deli, cafeteria style. Big sandwiches, but a little too expensive relatively speaking. You'll get socked on the a la carte items. My opinion: good, but don't know if I would go out of my way. Good thing it's close to the interstate if you're just passing through.
(3)Theresa F.
umm yummy. Portion sizes are HUGE. Be prepared to take some home. The leftovers are just as good by the way. So many different options, all the food is lined up, you grab a tray and have at it. Well except for the sandwiches which they make in front of you. The dessert is the first in line, a little weird. But it made me actually get a dessert, which I normally don't do when I go out to eat. If you're in Indianapolis this is a must for lunch.
(4)Anders C.
I got the corned beef hash that people were hyping about in these reviews and I thought it was okay. The sandwich wasn't big but the price sure was. If anything, it reminded me of The Hat's pastrami dip (back in California) and how that would've only cost me a little more than half as much while getting 2-3x the portions. It was nice going there for the experience since I was recommended by a friend to try it out, but I'm never coming back.
(2)Sharlene C.
i was recommended i stop by this kosher deli. it reminds me of katz's in ny. same swift cafeteria atmosphere with bustling plates. i got the reuben on shapiro's own rye. a heap of corned beef and sauerkraut. i had to get it to go. you have to box yourself. it made it back on my flight home to ny and still delish.
(4)Douglas H.
This place is the closest you'll get to a NYC deli in the Midwest. So many choices. It is not the cheapest place in the world, but anything and everything is top notch. My favorite is the pastromi on rye.
(5)Dana M.
Awesome Jewish deli in downtown Indianapolis. Love the Reuben sandwiches and cherry cheesecake.
(4)Matt G.
What absolute goodness. No frills, maybe a bit rushed and rude and no pretense about the surroundings or what they do. I LOVE this place and still contend that their NY-style cheesecake is one of the best in the Midwest. The deli sandwiches are PILED high with meat and you always get a fresh pickle that is out of sight. Now, if you're looking for a "deal" you have come to the wrong place! I went in for my cheesecake fix and a coffee.... $8.50. Good thing I already had lunch. I would also recommend the stuffed cabbage, the rice salad and you must have some of the fresh rye bread. Remember, your eyes are likely bigger than your stomach.
(4)Celia T.
I love country cooking!!! This place is not going to be your FruFru restaurant. It is a great casual place to pick up lunch. The carrot cake was good homemade style. We also had the meatloaf with the greens, corn and the chicken stew. Chicken stew is like chicken noodle soup concentrate - yummy comfort! The meatloaf was not the best, but pretty darn good! And that sauce with the meatloaf really made it better. The corn was ehh due to the boiling, however the corn tasted corn-y (haha-lame, I know). It didn't taste all frozen. The greens were yummy (I love collard greens!) Had me some unsweetened Iced tea and that was good and strong. You can't find this in LA!
(5)Ian C.
Okay, maybe I did something wrong. All I've heard about Shapiro's over the years has been praise heaped upon praise, so I was in the neighborhood and thought I would try it out. I was shocked at what exactly they give you for twelve dollars - a pile of dry, flavorless roast beef and two slices of decent rye bread. No sides, no nothing (I'm sure a bit of horseradish to go with the sandwich would cost like four bucks, considering their price standards). I ended up feeling completely ripped off and and utterly mystified at the cult-like status of this place. Incredibly overpriced food, rude service, chintzy cafeteria-style digs? Are we that desperate for a good deli that people will line up for this crap? I say hell no. Go somewhere else and save your money.
(2)Russell H.
Good deli food that is priced INSANELY high. Shapiro's was recommended to us by a family member... I really wish they would have shared the price point as well. Don't get me wrong; the food is good. We each had a Reuben, which is the Shapiro's specialty. The sandwiches were very big and quite tasty. We also ordered one small serving of mac n cheese (which was actually not very good) and one small side of cottage cheese, which we shared. So that is a grand total of 2 sandwiches, 2 side items and 2 drinks. I was a bit shocked when the price came out to over $40... Please understand that although the food is good, this isn't some nice casual dining establishment; its a cafeteria style restaurant where you order, stand in line, and then go pour your own drink. I don't mind dropping a little money on nice meal, but this place left me feeling like I got VERY poor value for my dollar. I can't bring myself to give it more than 2 stars; if the food had been priced a little better it probably would have earned 3 or possibly even 4 from me. I will absolutely positively never go back here; there are just too many nice places out there that cost about the same.
(2)Pam C.
Still my favorite place to go when I'm in Indy. The BEST desserts ever. Also the best mac & cheese you have ever tasted. Do not let the cafeteria ambience fool you--this is excellent food, made fresh, from scratch. Also a great place to pick up a dessert to share with your office as they sell whole cakes and pies, too. Trust me, everyone will love this much more than the sheet cake from the grocery store!
(5)James B.
Great food. Thanks Brian for keeping up the great quality.
(5)Ann S.
I'm sure that like others, we went here because we saw Marc Summers recommend the Pepper Beef on Best Thing I Ever Ate. So we each got the Pepper Beef, a side of mac and cheese and a dessert. I got a slice of chocolate cream pie and he got a slice of carrot cheesecake. The pepper beef was good but if this is the best thing Marc ever ate, he needs to get out more. It's probably a nostalgia thing for him, for us it was just average. It's like any corned beef you get at any Jewish deli. The mac and cheese was dry, burnt, crunchy in spots and had this weird sweetness that I didn't care for; almost like they used condensed milk instead of regular. We both really liked our desserts. Though it's set up like a cafeteria, it's not cafeteria priced. We shelled out $43 for all of that and 2 cans of pop. Not a place we'd need to swing by again if we were in town.
(3)David H.
I like it a lot. The food is expensive and some is not worth it. However some of the food is well worth it. The Reuben is wonderful. If you like a Reuben you have to go. They are big so expect to take half a sandwich home.
(3)Benjamin H.
The one thing people always comment on: the price. Let us talk about the Reuben sandwich for a moment. Yes, you're paying $12, but in reality, you're receiving ..two.. sandwiches. Yes, I know some people can finish the whole thing, but really.. it is a shit-ton of food. I always take the second half home for dinner or lunch the next day and at $6 per meal, I don't find the sandwich to be overpriced at all. I'd also like to impart a bit of friendly advice -- (unfortunately this advice does not apply to the Reuben) -- You can order half sandwiches! Just the other day, I ordered half a corned beef on rye, with sauerkraut & mustard.. dynamite! The check (for two) on my last visit was $27 which I don't find to be particularly outrageous for what was ordered. I love the atmosphere, the food is comforting and the overall experience is always enjoyable.
(4)MJ W.
This review is for the carry out. The bagels here are super! They are on par with Panera, but much less expensive. They also sell their fresh breads at the carry out counter. We bought a loaf of wheat, and we love it! It's more expensive than a loaf from the store, but it is fresh and it tastes great. Quick tip: THEY SERVE BREAKFAST! Turkey sausage and Turkey bacon of course. :)
(5)Martin B.
I discovered Shapiro's around 1983 when working for ABC Sports doing the Indy 500. It is wonderful. Food is varied. It's all hot. Nice and big. Not intimate. Good size portions. If you want a nice big fun healthy meal. You must come here.
(4)Theresa K.
I've experienced better- From them, I'm sure. The service was appalling. We were there pretty late, and I felt pretty bad for being there late, but we asked if it was okay (it was about half hour-40 minutes until close), and they said that was fine and we can take our time. My brother, boyfriend, anf sister in law and I arrived before my father and his girlfriend. We met them for dinner- he was in town from Clarksdale, MS, and he wanted to come here- That's completely fine. I hadn't been to Shaprios since I was younger, and we used to come here a lot. Yes- The sandwiches are $12- Some even more. The potato salad was pretty good, and the Mac N Cheese- deelish. I think we all ordered it. I think it might have been a bit too much. I did end up taking half of my sandwich home along with a pickle spear (I got two) and half of my potato salad. The manager was pretty nice for the most part, but the other people working seemed angry that we were there (we weren't even the only ones). The woman who rang us up actually made us feel bad. My dad (behind us) said he had it. We didn't know if she needed to see what we had. "What you drinking?" She yelled to everyone- No expression on her face. Never told us to go ahead, gave us direction, nothing. Had us standing there while she got drinks for the people behind us then barked at us that we were "free to go." I felt like I just got yelled at- like I had done something to get in trouble. The food was good (just ate my left overs for lunch today)- The service, though- Does not leave me wanting to come back again- Not to be treated like that.
(2)Michael Z.
Being a homegrown Indiana boy, it hurts a little to give Shapiro's a 3-star rating. I've been to enough true deli's to know better. I go here all the time because it's a couple blocks away from where I work, and I have no problem with it when I don't have to pay. Don't expect the meat to blow you away. This is not Katz's. (That's just not nice... How could can anyone compete with patented steam tables???) They have fantastic rye bread, and the way the assemble their Reuben leave's nothing more to be desired. I digress... Don't balk at the first few things you see. They are, without a doubt, the best things on that cafeteria style line. I'm partial to the deviled eggs, broccoli salad and four bean salad. And, need I say more than "Devil's Food Cheesecake?" Another little hidden gem are the stuffed cabbage. Don't forget the Dr. Brown's cream soda, either.
(3)Talmadge W.
I have to say I was very excited to eat here, but I was not impressed. My friend and I had a roast beef sandwich and a slice of carrot cake. The sandwich had too much meat on it which overpowered any of the condiments on the sandwhich were the standard ones. The bread was really just ok, and most certainly not fresh made. My general belief is that any type of resturant that has the name of the food they specialize pasted on their business name, it better be darn good. It appeared the roast beef sandwich was their signature dish and it did not deliver. The carrot cake was ok, but dried out as it had clearly sat out over night. The prices were also over the top for what you got. I would not come back to this place in the future.
(2)Howard L.
In the shadows of the new Lucas Oil Stadium (new home of the Colts), is Shapiro's, a 100+ year old cafeteria style Jewish deli. We had brunch here with the son, and enjoyed some classics - smoked salmon lox on egg bagel and a reuben for the wife and I. You get a wide variety of fresh bagel choices for the lox. Son had a peppered beef sandwich, as they were out of smoked tongue. All were fresh and tasty, and I particularly enjoyed the rueben as the toast wasn't as oily and greasy as you often find off of other's grills. They bring your sandwich order to your table, and it's identified by the plate color provided to you. The main drawback, and I would say a 1 - 1.5 star deduct, is the value proposition. Sandwiches are quite pricy at about $11- $12 for each sandwich, and they aren't as large as you'll find at some places either. The main draws look to be the freshness and quality, and a bit of their history and tradition. There was a steady and large stream of customers, despite the prices. Their huge cafeteria looks like it could seat maybe 300. Adjacent parking lot was ample also. They also have a large bakery with a large selection of pastries and cakes. It was a nice visit, and also inspired me to bookmark, just for comparison's sake, one of our old Jewish Deli favorites that we haven't been to in 20 years - Kaufman's Deli in Skokie, IL. It's still there and still looks highly rated as well.
(4)Steve M.
Lucky find thanks to my cousin in Kentucky. Working downtown and needed to escape my hotel. Had an awesome corned beef sandwich on thick cut fresh rye bread. Great rugelach too. Major yum. Loved it. Definitely New York authentic including the price. ;-)
(5)Alex L.
An ode to this Jewish Deli, which serves a fantastic Rueben Sandwich: Indy and Shapiro, welcoming me with your open space Peaking the cafeteria line, my eyes lay rest: Coming up to the counter, the line seems to move at a fast pace Decisions, decisions: what can I eat that is the best?! The reueben catches my eye: so huge and dear Why is it over $12, that price instills fear! Unsure of its value, I cautiously order. When I get, my heart fills with cheer! Sourdough, ample meat, sweet and sour cabbage; I shed a tear. For this heart of sandwiches, so crisp and full of delight. Once I finish it, I take gleeful flight!
(4)Clare L.
The desserts = AMAZING. If I was reviewing those alone, 5 stars. Everything else, not so much. I thought the quality of offerings on the line was even lower than what you could find at MCL. Nothing looked that appetizing and my spaghetti and meatballs that I decided on didn't have too much flavor. Would definitely stop in again to get a cookie or piece of cake, probably wouldn't eat food here again unless I was desperate.
(3)Peter J.
This place harkens to a bygone era when people were doing hard work and needed to truly EAT to satisfy their hunger. Go big with the pastrami or switch it up with some of the daily specials. My eyes are always bigger than my stomach but it's a labor of love with this place. Be sure to check out the deli, jerky sticks are my favorite.
(5)Hannah H.
I've lived in Indy my whole life, and finally decided it was time to try this legendary restaurant. I met a friend here for lunch a few months back and was so excited because of my love for Reubens. I went through the line and chose to get a reuben, mac n cheese, and a piece of rhubard pie. When I got to the checkout and was told it'd be $20 I was in shock, but I figured the reuben must be mind blowing so I didn't mind paying. I got to our table and started to dig in, expecting the best reuben I've ever had... only to be sadly disappointed. I understand that having such a famous restaurant can give you the liberty to charge a bit more, but I'm guessing you didn't get famous serving sandwiches like that. The bread was a bit soggy and the mac n cheese was cold. I REALLY wanted to be a fan of Shapiro's, and I feel like I'm a bad Hoosier for not... but for $20 I expected a lot more. I've been more impressed by the Reuben at Rosie's Place in Noblesville for about half the price. Excuse me while I go hide from the shame of this review.
(2)Ayla W.
I'll start off by saying I'm going to give this place another chance eventually and so my stars will hopefully increase BUT as of right now. I'll stick with 3. I think the design of the place is awesome. Cafeteria like. Taking me back to high school. Everything seems fresh. Although it might not be. But you know when you go to some restaurants and you feel like wow the trucks freezer had its way on this food as it was being transferred to the restaurant. I don't get the same vibe here. However the food was not my cup of tea. From the way it was seasoned to the items on the list. We got a meal to split because I was a little taken back by the prices as well. It being in the top restaurants in Indy I shouldn't have been surprised but I still was because I didn't order crab legs or anything. So, all that to say. It's not making it to favorite restaurants list. But I'm going to give it another try in a month or so and ill give my update.
(3)Sal W.
I've been coming here since I was a kid. Classic, delicious, kosher deli. The best Reuben in town and just amazing pastrami. The pies are amazing - it's always an impossible choice. I often buy a Boston Cream or Key Lime pie here if I need to bring dessert somewhere. Love the chicken dumpling soup and also the matzo ball soup. Not crazy about the mac and cheese here, but the veggies are good. A bit expensive, but quality food! Don't be scared off by the long lunch line- it moves quickly.
(5)John E.
Greatest sandwiches in Indy, bar none! Cafeteria style restaurant that makes the fresh breads in house. The Reubens are unbelievable. The selection of deserts is ridiculous, and they are all delicious. If you haven't been go, if you have been, go back!
(5)Greg M.
Love the corn beef sandwiches. Always good. 13 bucks but now they're charging you for horseradish when you take out?
(4)Amanda T.
Don't miss this Reuben! It's corned beef perfection. Stuffed cabbage was good - the sauce was a tad too sweet, but we still demolished it. Mac n cheese is also killer!
(4)Nicole L.
This place is my go to when I need brain food while spending a day studying at the law school. Their sandwiches are big and hearty, there are tons of options, and place itself is an institution. It looks like it has been utterly unchanged in the past 30 years. I like the tuna sandwich w chips myself. If you're looking for a solid lunch spot downtown, definitely give shapiros a try!
(5)Tiffany B.
Since I'm a vegetarian, they didn't have a ton of options for me, so I'm gonna focus on what they did have that I was interested in and let me tell you: the desserts are friggin AH-mazing. I had a lemon cupcake, which had a custard filling--great, now I have a new sugary addiction to battle. I also tried a red velvet cake pop which fulfilled my sugary craving. There was such a wide selection of options--I've got a new secret/ not so secret dessert destination and I'm loving it.
(5)Greg U.
Fashion Mall location for a quick bite. New to Indy area after living in Chicago and NYC metro areas. Cafeteria style dining. Insane pricing for ala carte sandwiches. $20 for two miniature half sammies, one bag of chips and one coke. Bread was the best part of the meal. Pastrami was nothing special. Turkey was average. The place was filthy too. Uncleaned tables and floors.
(2)Aaron G.
Shapiro's is an Indy institution and the downtown location is the original. Great corned beef and other deli sandwiches. The rye bread is great. You also can't go wrong with a meal such as meatloaf or a stuffed cabbage roll. Desserts are also good and if you go Sunday morning the have noodle kugel! Soups are all good.
(5)Peter D.
Easily the best deli I've been to outside of the East Coast. Amazing rye bread, unlike any I've had before, and very juicy corned beef. Possibly the best corned beef you can find in the country (and I've been to Katz's, David's Brisket House, Mill Basin Deli in New York, Attman's in Baltimore, Fourth Street Deli in Philly). Prices are okay but the sandwich is definitely worthy. I also tried the pastrami and found it to be very good, among the best I've had (better than Mill Basin, for what it's worth). I am absolutely coming back any time I travel to Indianapolis and would suggest you do the same.
(5)Anna V.
O it is so good. Can't believe I haven't been sooner! Went for the corned beef and came out satisfied and with plenty of leftovers. The cabbage roll was amazing. Got the lemon meringue with the meringue piled high! Wish I could have tried everything because it all looked good! Especially that deviled egg. ... Guess I will have to wait till next time. Shapiros is definitely doing it right. I was expecting to wait since it's st paddy's and all but we were in and out in probably a half hour! High quality food with good service! Try it for yourself!
(5)K L.
Looks like a cafeteria, smells like a cafeteria. It's authentic old world comfort food! I had the Reuben. And the corned beef was delicious. I'm on a quest for the perfect one;) This was good!
(4)Scott M.
For a corned beef snob, Shapiro's is mediocre and middling. The corned beef is not special, not tender, not juicy. Reuben is ok but nothing that you couldn't reproduce at home with standard grocery store ingredients. It's one of those "regarded as best in town" things where it doesn't ACTUALLY mean that it's amazing. If you've been to any real deli outside Indy, you will be disappointed with Shapiro's. It's not a destination restaurant unless it's the first Reuben you've ever had ...and even then, I have a hard time believing you'll leave impressed. Toddler factor: Tons of room for high chair, pretty clean. We ordered him a grilled cheese that was mayyybe 3 stars if I'm rating generously. Lots of windows for him to look out and see cars driving by ... so that's a plus, I guess. ** Edit: My original review stated that they don't make their corned beef in house, my misinterpretation of their website text "comes from Vienna Beef in Chicago." I stand corrected! **
(3)Grace L.
Fav place to eat in Indy. Had my first experience at the airport and continue to eat at the meridian location every chance I get. Classic Jewish deli and true quality food. My go-to is a pastrami on rye with yellow mustard. Have also tried the Reuben which is a crowd favorite and is fantastic as well. The chicken noodle soup is classic Jewish style, very light and simplistic but delicious. Pickles are to die for and come with the meal. Very pricey but worth every penny in my opinion.
(5)Amy D.
Shapiro's is an Indianapolis Institution. I've been going to Shapiro's since I was a little kid. They have occasionally branched out with satellite locations (I think only the airport one is left?), but NONE of those compare to the Real Deal downtown. When my husband & I go, normally one of us will get a Reuben & the other will get a Pastrami/Swiss on rye. We then go halves'ies so that we get the best of both worlds. Although, each sandwich is big-enough that we should just split 1 sandwich & leave room for their yummy sides. Making that choice between corned beef & pastrami would be too hard, though. A trip to Shapiro's isn't complete without checking out their bakery on the way out the door. We never walk out without a couple of cookies, or some bagels, or whatever looks good that day.
(4)Chrissy A.
This is a classic in Indianapolis. My husband gets the Rueben everytime but I love the tuna salad plate. The desserts are to die for. I love that you know what you are getting here is quality, homemade and good food everytime. You get what you pay for here. I love that I ate here as a child and am now 36 and can take my kids and they can eat here now. I am pretty sure it is decorated the same way too. No frills and that is fine with me.
(4)Annissa M.
An Indy staple! An old, historic kosher deli, this place is the cafeteria nostalgic throwback perfect for lunch or dinner. The Reuben won't steer your wrong if you're into toothsome meaty goodness. The baked goods are a perfect take home treat. All the yes to carrot cake cheesecake.
(5)Steve W.
There is a lot of hype in Indianapolis a bout shapiros. Hoosiers love this Jewish deli. I've been to the downtown location and the airport, and here is my take: Downtown: the line will be long at lunch. If you get a whole sandwich you are looking at $10-$15. Go for a half sandwich and a couple sides and you are in the same boat. Quality wise, the roast beef is delicious and I agree with Marc Summers that the peppered beef is the best thing I've ever had on sliced bread. Salads are fresh, as is the fruit. I can't speak for the desserts having never tried one myself, but they are huge and my colleagues enjoy them. airport: prices are even higher still. You are around $10 for a half sandwich. But, it is one of the best options in the Indy airport. And if you are there for breakfast they have some great options. Overall: Shapiros is good, and it's great is someone else is picking up the bill
(4)John A.
How does anyone not like this place? The sandwiches and desserts are absolutely amazing. I literally stop by in Indianapolis just to pickup a Rueben Sandwich. The only thing that prevents me from giving them an outright 5 stars are the "sides". They are usually hit or miss and don't really standout.
(4)Alex W.
An Indy institution where you can't go wrong with ANYTHING on the menu! My go-to is always a cheeseburger with lots of delicious cooked onions and 1-2 sides plus a slice of chocolate-on-chocolate cake, all for sharing! Lunchtime is always the busiest, however if you can wait until 1230-1p then the line isn't too shabby. Their best sides are the huge latkes [mom takes her part with applesauce], mac n cheese, and green beans. Recently they've added awesome Coke Freestyle machines to the mix. It's always a treat to hit up Shapiro's.
(5)Tom S.
Stopped in Indianapolis for lunch. The deli was recommended. Portions are massive and the corned beef sandwich is amazing! A little pricy for lunch but it was great food!
(5)Chris R.
Reuben sandwich was very good. The prices are a bit high in my opinion. Visited mid afternoon so was not that busy. Floors and bathrooms could have used s sweep/mop. Overall a nice lunch
(4)Park R.
I don't know how else to say this but if you are in indianapolis this place is a must try the pastrami sandwich the mac and cheese is to die for the matzo ball soup and red velvet cake
(4)Frank C.
Amazing pastrami Brooklyn Style!!!! Best sammy EVER!!!! Actually split half this with my buddy and he had the corn beef, another awesome sandwich, but the pastrami rules!!!! Had to have the deviled egg too! If your in Indy, you MUST go here!!!!
(5)Eric V.
Came in to this Indianapolis cafeteria/deli for the Peppered Beef sandwich because somebody mentioned this sandwich on The Best Thing I Ever Ate. I was not disappointed. I had no idea that it was a cafeteria-style joint. I wasn't hungry enough to take advantage of all of the sides of bakery items that were calling out to me. Taunting me, actually. I just grabbed my sandwich to-go and headed back to my place. When I got home, I opened up the bag and the sandwich looked like most every other deli sandwich I've sampled across the country. A jawbone-testing serving of meat on rye with swiss cheese and mustard. Whatever. But when I sank my teeth into it, holy shit! That's a damn good sandwich! It's all about the meat with this sandwich, actually. The most tender meat I've ever eaten with perhaps the greatest tasting deli meat I've ever experienced. Five freakin' stars. The potato salad that accompanied by sandwich was as average as it gets. 3 stars. I look forward to going back to Shapiro's, taking a tray through the food line, and seeing what else the place has to offer. As far as delis go, I'll rate Shapiro's a solid five stars.
(4)Christopher R.
Food with a sense of culture and a great fresh taste of food, just be careful things can get pricey on the line. Get CAKE..
(4)Kevin C.
Great pastrami, what else can I say.
(4)Greg K.
This is the original (updated) Jewish deli of Indy -& I have been coming for years. Pastrami & matzo ball soup is great. Rueben is classic. Usually a line but worth it. Fresh local beer if you want, too.
(5)Michael K.
Not what I expected at all, but pleasantly surprised. I was thrown for a loop by the cafeteria style service, but the food was as good or better than most sit down service delis. Save room for dessert because they look fantastic! Not as modestly priced as they represent, but worth it.
(4)Gene H.
It's been many years since I've been to Shapiro's but I remember the pastrami/corned beef being the best I'd ever had!!!
(5)Yuleidy K.
My first experience with Shapiro's was two years ago as we drove through Indy. I can't comment on the food, because the employee in the food line was so rude to me that I told them I would not be purchasing food from them. Tonight, my husband and I found ourselves in Shapiro's again wanting to give it a second chance since everyone has a bad day every once in a while. Let's start with the good. Their corned beef was a good quality and I appreciate the fact that it is made in house. The rye bread was also delicious. I ordered a Ruben sandwich. When it came out, the sandwich was a good size, but the cheese on the sandwich was not melted and the corned beef wasn't hot. One of the best parts of a Ruben is the crunchy grilled and buttered rye bread, the hot corned beef and the gooey melted cheese. I very nicely asked the lady that brought it out to please take it back and grill it some more since the meat and cheese were cold. She was clearly annoyed at my request and said the best she could do was put it in the microwave. I'm sorry, but there's not reason for any restaurant to serve cold food, especially when you are paying over $13.00 for a sandwich alone. The matzo ball soup was tasteless and the latke wasn't anything to be excited about. My husband got a hot corned beef sandwich and his meat was cold as well. Corned beef and pastrami should be kept warm in a steamer. As far as a Jewish deli goes, it could never compare to any good deli in NY or any other prominent Jewish area. It was OK, nothing great. Please work on your employees. The first time we came to your restaurant they cost you money as their rudeness pushed us out of the door. Today was not much better. They act like they couldn't be bothered. Their attitude was very apparent. As we all know, having a good product is only half the equation. Customer service is the other half.
(2)Lara P.
This deli has so much appeal and I don't think they're even trying to be appealing. The setup is cafeteria style: grab your tray, silverware, and dessert (yes...desserts are strategically placed FIRST) and head down the line. I had the corned beef which was piled high (just look at all the photos) and super tasty with swiss on top. Come hungry and you'll still probably want to grab a carryout box before taking your seat- portions are generous! The dining room probably hasn't been updated since the late 80's, and I think this adds to Shapiro's charm. Be sure to peruse the bakery section during your visit. I didn't save room this time but their cookies, cakes, and pastries looked amazing. Shapiro's is great for a casual but filling meal and the cafeteria-style dining make it a great place for larger groups too. If you live in Indy, don't make the same mistake I did and wait years to check this place out. I've been missing out!
(4)Abdullah M.
So disappointed, this place advertised itself as a "kosher-style deli". Apparently kosher style is not actually kosher... I had been excited to try a well reviewed, well-regarded deli. Imagine my disappointment when the worker informed me that only the salami was actually kosher. If you're looking for kosher, this isn't the place for you. If those concerns aren't ones you share, then it looked like a decent place.
(1)Scott H.
I can see and taste why this place is an Indy institution. It lives up to its name!!
(5)Kara F.
I finally visited this Indy institution recently! I'm not a huge fan of Reubens or corned beef, their specialties, so I went with the roast turkey sandwich, which was really good. I also got a side of broccoli salad, which I liked a lot, and a latke (potato pancake). They had just run out of the latter when I was ordering, but an employee cheerfully informed me that a batch was on the way right out of the oven. He seemed personally invested in my latke experience and was very helpful as I tried to navigate Shapiro's for the first time. For dessert I had a brownie cookie (yes, a brownie cookie) purchased from another super nice staff member at the dessert counter. It wasn't as great as I hoped but good. I went after the lunch rush, so overall it was low key but a good experience. I'd love to go back and try more items!
(5)Rhoda L.
This restaurant is always on the one. I am never disappointed on my choices. My mom when she was alive always came to Shapiro's. She liked her pickles peeled (lol). She was the Diva! I will always come back because they are dependable, delicious, affordable and an institution here in Indianapolis. LOVE YOU SHAPIRO'S!
(5)Cheryl M.
Okay, I would agree that the place is cool and the food is good and I get that it's an Indianapolis staple but holy crap...the prices about threw me over!! 2 sandwiches, 1 deviled egg, 2 bags of chips, a side of mashed potatoes and a small salad with 3 drinks....$45+ later. Shapiro's I would love to love you more but I can't afford you! That's a hellish expensive lunch. For those of you that can afford it, eat away...the food options are numerous and I'm sure everything is just as tasty and delightful as what we had. Rock on Shapiro's! You're doing something right!
(3)Ken K.
I'd go back to Indy just to have another pastrami/swiss on rye with spicy mustard. Hands down the best pastrami sandwich I've ever had. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. The bread was fantastic. The pastrami had the perfect amount of fat and was packed full of flavor. The only thing that kept me from eating this every day was the price. It was about $17 for the pastrami and a drink. Not sure when I'll ever be in Indy again, but might have to swing through just for another pastrami.
(5)Noah B.
I was riding my bike around the city and came across this place having no idea what it was. After trying the Reuben and Mac and cheese for lunch I knew it had to be a well known hole in the wall. The food was great even though it's served cafeteria style and the atmosphere seemed weird at first glance. I would definitely recommend trying this place at least once!
(5)Gretchen A.
5 stars for the Rueben sandwich! It is the definition of delicious. I just discovered the downtown location, but use to go to the airport location all the time. It was the highlight of my traveling. Only downside of this amazing sandwich is the price tag. Plan on spending $15-16 for the sandwich alone. Definitely worth it through!
(5)Chris D.
In addition to being a deli, Shapiro's is a great bakery. For a relative's birthday, I placed an order for a chocolate pie. A day later, my sister called and added an apple pie to the order. The customer service was great and they had no problem adding to the order. Let's talk about the chocolate beast first. It was unlike any pie I had ever bought. It had to have been a foot high in the center (they had to pack it in a cake box). I was told the topping was a merangue. The concensus was that it tasted a bit more like marshmallow. Either way, it was delicious. The chocolate pudding was also great. A small slice was all any of us could handle but it more than satisfied. I didn't have a chance to try to apple (see above) but it looked and smelled delicious and got good reviews from those who did eat it. Don't mistake either of these pies for inexpensive. You pay for quality at Shapiro's. And quality we got - in spades. I highly recommend.
(5)James C.
Like any warm blooded person in Indy, I've had, and loved, the corn beef sandwich. That sandwich, which I first had 22 years ago, keeps me going back. The S Meridian location has been their staple, they currently have an airport locale but I've not been to that one. They used to have one in Carmel and the (kind of) Nora area but those have closed. Like the NFL in the mid-1980's, Shapiro's mostly consists of elderly Jewish people. Nothing bad about that mind you, that's just the majority crowd. Now that they have free Wi Fi, it's a cool place to people watch, while enjoying some great food in plenty of portion. Nothing special about the interior or decor, it's a cafeteria but it's clean.
(5)Pilar B.
My family has been eating at Shapiros for years. They have the juiciest corned beef in the city. It melts in your mouth. I am a true believer in the adage of "You get what you pay for!" and Shapiros does a great job of serving quality food.
(4)Danielle P.
Between a 3 and 4. I like the food, and the baked goods are really fantastic. The prices are a little crazy though. 12 dollars for a Reuben? (Although a sandwich can maybe suffice for two people -- I usually go for a half sandwich and a cup of soup).
(3)John Z.
Yeah. So... we all know about the corned beef by now, right? It's good alright. But has anyone ever paid attention to how expensive this place is? I had a decent corned beef sandwich on rye, with a slice of provolone, and a cup of chicken noodle soup. The bill? Sixteen dollars! Seriously??? When it costs that much at the airport, I just figured it was because it was *at the airport*... but no. It costs that much downtown too. Oh, and the chicken noodle soup? It looks like someone poured a can of peas into a pan of Mrs. Grass chicken soup. Never had chicken noodle soup that was all noodles and peas? Of course you haven't. It's terrible. Why would anyone do that? So, all that said, three starts seems generous, right? Well, the sandwich is pretty darn good. The mac and cheese is good (although a bit too creamy... yeah, it's possible), and the fried chicken is shockingly good (and a lot better deal than the $12 sandwich).
(3)Smiley B.
I have eaten at Shapiro's for quite a few years. Since I don't work in Indianapolis anymore I seldom get to eat there. We drove up to Indianapolis for the sole purpose to eat at Shapiro's. I remember the Reuben Sandwiches to be very generous and very tasty. Yes they did cost quite a lot for a sandwich, but I felt that it was worth it since it was a quality sandwich. Today I ordered the Reuben, some green beans and a piece of carrot cake. My friend had a turkey sandwich, a fried potato pancake and cheesecake. The reuben tasted okay, but the bread was soggy, and it seemed like they cut the amount of meat in half. It was mostly sour kraut and bread. This isn't the way they served their food 5 years ago. I was disappointed to say the least. The potato pancake my friend ordered was cold and had been fried earlier in the day. It was horrible. When I paid the tab, I was shocked to hear the cashier say $44.85! What? For two sandwiches??? The owners must be doing what a lot of places are these days. Cutting back on the product and raising the prices to make more money. I can honestly say that Shapiro's have gotten my last dollar. It used to be worth the extra money but it just isn't the same now. What a shame.
(2)Joey ジョーイ K.
If you come to Indianapolis this is definitely one of the places you must try. It's honestly the best deli I have been to and the portions are perfect.
(4)Robert M.
I meet with the Indy BMW Club (BMW Motorcycles) for Saturday breakfast whenever I'm in Indianapolis. Great food and great staff. I'd like to go back for lunch sometime... that Reuben looks yummy.
(5)Bob F.
Probably the last good deli in Indy. Great pastrami, brisket and Ruebens. Excellent breads and old school potato pancakes. Hot dishes like stuffed cabbage and meat loaf are good too. Not cheap but portions are large. Plenty of parking.
(4)Francesca D.
I really don't even like Pastrami. I don't even like cured meats in general really, but Shapiro's Pastrami Sandwich on rye was one of my favorite sandwiches of all time. Totally simple, but really good quality. Also, I had an eclair, which was good, but I don't really like eclairs either...
(4)Joe F.
Very good cafeteria style Jewish Deli. Downtown staff can be rough around the edges, if thats a concern go to the Carmel location. A bit pricey but items are homecooked high quality food. It's okay to share.
(4)Celeste T.
The lox with the energy bar (a dark wheat bagel with seeds and fruit in it) is something I dream about and have EVERY TIME I travel to Indy. Highly recommend! Also, the flourless chocolate cake is amazing. Cafeteria style is admittedly a bit odd, but when you see the throughput Shapiro's has, it's pretty amazing that they have such consistently good quality food. High five you guys!
(5)Luckie D.
Clean, fresh, tasty and served by efficient if not well intentioned staff. They are missing some notable items but you knew that from the sign above the door saying Shapiro's not Washington's !!!!
(3)Andy H.
Very good food, and very expensive! I think they could shave a few dollars off the menu and still do very well.
(4)Scott P.
Reuben. Brisket sandwich. German Potato salad. thats about all I've ordered (other than dessert) and it is always excellent. Of course there's not a dollar menu for the cheap, but the food is incredible.
(5)Renita M.
I had never been here before. I lived in Indiana from 1992 to 2003. I've been to Indy many times. I went to college 45 minutes from Indy, I've spent days and nights and driven all over looking for the Greyhound station, but I had never been to Shapiro's. Until I was in the area with some college friends, and we wanted a place to meet for brunch, and one who just loves this place suggested it. So here's the deets: This isn't a "brunch" place per se, it's not Le Peep or Patachou or Panera. It's an old-school cafeteria-style Jewish deli. They do have breakfast items, though. So grab your tray and go through the line, picking up little bowls of fruit, a scoop of mac and cheese or mysterious noodle casserole, order your sandwich or entree and pay the nice lady at the cash register. There's also two Coke freestyle machines to mix and match flavors in the enormous soda glasses. I went for a bowl of pineapple, a bowl of mac and cheese (a little bowl) and half a brisket sandwich with spicy mustard on rye. (And a pickle.) The sandwiches are enormous. My half-sandwich had enough meat on it for a whole one. The brisket was very tender and tasty, and it was a very straightforward sandwich--meat, mustard, bread. The end. The mac and cheese was... interesting. The noodles were super tender, the cheese sauce was sort of... custardy? and it was good but a little watery and unusual. I can't quite put my finger on it. No complaints on the fresh pineapple. Those three items plus a drink was about $15 so I wouldn't call it cheap, but it was reasonable. This is really no-frills, low-service, with plenty of room to spread out and enjoy your giant sandwiches, baked goods or tastey but strangely gloopy mac and cheese.
(4)Sunah K.
You want a huge meat-filled sandwich and space to spread out? You'll find it here. You won'be be able to forget desserts, which are displayed upfront at the counter. Don't forget your soups and sides, tho! Admittedly, this is not my favorite sandwich place. I thought my reuben was a tad on the dry side and light on the spread, but the rye bread is great, as everyone agrees. Lentil soup very good. They also have 2 of those touch screen fountain drink dispensers! Get there by 11:30 to beat the lunch crowd downtown. And grab a to-go container byt the drink dispensers, you're probably gonna need it!
(3)Keryl M.
We ate here while we were in Indy for DCI World Championships and were not disappointed! The Rueben was fantastic and so was the potato salad. Also loved the strawberry rhubarb pie! Will eat there again next year!
(4)Anders C.
I got the corned beef hash that people were hyping about in these reviews and I thought it was okay. The sandwich wasn't big but the price sure was. If anything, it reminded me of The Hat's pastrami dip (back in California) and how that would've only cost me a little more than half as much while getting 2-3x the portions. It was nice going there for the experience since I was recommended by a friend to try it out, but I'm never coming back.
(2)Ryan M.
Went to Shapiro's during the weekend of the final four game of UK vs Michigan. You have never seen so much blue in your life! The restaurant is somewhere between a cafeteria/bakery/New York style deli. Having so many deli-style sandwiches, I jumped on the chance to have a solid reuben. I was not disappointed. I prefer a bit more thousand island on my Reuben's than most, so I got a bit extra on the side. To quote the late Mitch Hedburg "like a cow with a cracker on either side." It was loaded with corned beef and sauerkraut (maybe enough for two sandwiches!!). Great flavor! On to the baked goods...and there were no shortage of them to pick from. I want to say I left with five or six different goods to share with the folks back home in Dayton. German chocolate cake, coconut cream cake, cream cheese carrot cake were all fantastic. Make sure you ask which are made in house (most of the cakes/pies are, the brownies/bars are not typically). If I go back, I will certainly be visiting.
(4)Linda A.
Hubby and I shared their famous Reuben sandwich and it was everything our friends described, so delicious! Very glad we opted to share because it was HUGE! Some other reviews dinged this place for the price. Considering the size of the portions, I'd recommend sharing if at all possible. The sides we had were good but nothing to make a special trip to get. Dessert (marble cake)...moist, delicious and again, way too big for one to eat without a lot of regret! The place was clean and really spacious. We were there the day after the Indy 500 and were surprised that it was pretty empty. I'll bet it's more of a weekday or football weekend place. The staff got their job done but weren't particularly friendly. This is a place I'd visit again if we were close by.
(3)Catherine K.
There is a fine line between delicious and excessive, and Shapiro's staddles that line ... The Reuben. Wow. So Good. But they start out with desserts, sides, sandwiches ... we always end up with $30 of food and I always end up walking around the parking lot to let food settle before we go home. It's good. But it's expensive and a LOT of food. The line is usually out the door. If you know what you are in for, you'll be delighted. Smaller appetites, plan to split a sandwich or take home leftovers. It's a win-win.
(4)Alexis H.
I have heard about this place for a loooong time. Just finally made it there yesterday and I gotta say, as with most delis with hype....it was just ok. I got a NY Reuben (coleslaw instead of sauerkraut, which I sometimes prefer) and yes, it was huge.....and unfortunately, yes, it also gave me wicked heartburn several hours later. The mac and cheese contained too many crunchy uncooked bits for my taste and if I'm paying $18.00 for lunch, I simply have a higher quality expectation. I might be willing to go back to try the peppered beef sometime, based solely on some other yelp reviewers but for me, I'm not rushing back :(
(3)Shoshana K.
Shapiros is great!! Come hungry, no, make that famished-the portions are huge!! If you are weary of other reviewers commenting on the price, I'd like to add my $0.02 on the matter: you get a lotta bang for your buck. I most always take a doggy bag of leftovers w me when I visit. If you're my 6'5 beautiful hunky better half, you'll be able to clean your plate. However the food coma after doing so will be strong so use some will power and save a lil for later! Shapiros is a jewish/kosher style deli (emphasis on the word 'style') - like Carnegie deli in NYC....kosher style because you can get things like a Reuben (absolutely delish) which has cheese-for all you goyim out there, milk and meat don't mix in strict kosher kitchens....this however does not detract fm Shapiros mouthwatering menu offerings! The desserts used to be different-not as sugary. They still look beautiful and I always put a plate of something on my tray but they have changed their recipes slightly and there is a strong sugary almost artificial taste in many of the desserts. They were already rich! Make em the old way, would you pretty please Shapiros?! One week I bought a challa here. It was huge! But sadly it was a very goy-ish challa. Too dry and no flavor/richness. Challa egg bread should be doughy and indulgent, as far as breads go. It made decent French toast bc of the dry factor and good bread crumbs.... My friend loves the matzoh ball soup. The potato pancakes are not latkes (shredded potatoes like hash browns but fried as pancakes) - these are more like mashed potato cakes deep fried. They're good tho! Rye bread is great here. German potato salad is good and do is the meatloaf!! Haven't tried the stuffed peps or cabbage yet but they always look awesome. The spinach is actually good, I like it better than the green beans. I really want to like the Mac and cheese but it's not my favorite, however I end up ordering it a lot of the time anyway! The top is broiled nicely usually, and I always ask for a scoop w some crusty top the layers underneath the crust are never really warm and gooey enough... Every time I done here I have to take a hiatus for a few months because of the volume and richness of food. It's worth it tho!! They have a parking lot which is great. They take all cards too. I haven't ever visited at lunchtime-I always end up arriving sometime between 6-8 in the evenings and there is never a line and tons of seating. You can get everything on the menu at lunch and dinner time (I think...) so don't waste your time waiting in line w the lunch crowd.....
(5)Marcie M.
Wanted to give them 5 stars for the sheer abundance of items, and the whopping portions. Unfortunately, a good portion of my husband's corned beef was gristly. My smoked turkey sandwich was good, and both the rye and wheat breads were put of this world. Soup was loaded with noodles but no meat in my cup, but broth was flavorful. This place feels like a throwback to an earlier time, and it's certainly worth a visit.
(4)Adam C.
I have eaten at many delis and this is near the best. In fact the rye bread here is the best. Everything is cafeteria style so they start you walking past amazing deserts. But it is the sandwiches and sides that make this place great. It is an expensive sandwhich but worth it. Enjoy
(5)Sue S.
Best turkey hash on the planet. Recently went here, missed breakfast cut-off, but 1/2 a pastrami sandwich was incredible and I savored every bite. Crowded when the Colts play home, so plan ahead.
(5)Matt G.
What absolute goodness. No frills, maybe a bit rushed and rude and no pretense about the surroundings or what they do. I LOVE this place and still contend that their NY-style cheesecake is one of the best in the Midwest. The deli sandwiches are PILED high with meat and you always get a fresh pickle that is out of sight. Now, if you're looking for a "deal" you have come to the wrong place! I went in for my cheesecake fix and a coffee.... $8.50. Good thing I already had lunch. I would also recommend the stuffed cabbage, the rice salad and you must have some of the fresh rye bread. Remember, your eyes are likely bigger than your stomach.
(4)Garrett C.
Pretty good, but I've had a better reuben. Potato pancakes are interesting. They are the thickest I've ever seen (about an inch thick at the center. Tomatoes were excellent. Traditional kosher deli, cafeteria style. Big sandwiches, but a little too expensive relatively speaking. You'll get socked on the a la carte items. My opinion: good, but don't know if I would go out of my way. Good thing it's close to the interstate if you're just passing through.
(3)Douglas H.
This place is the closest you'll get to a NYC deli in the Midwest. So many choices. It is not the cheapest place in the world, but anything and everything is top notch. My favorite is the pastromi on rye.
(5)Dana M.
Awesome Jewish deli in downtown Indianapolis. Love the Reuben sandwiches and cherry cheesecake.
(4)Celia T.
I love country cooking!!! This place is not going to be your FruFru restaurant. It is a great casual place to pick up lunch. The carrot cake was good homemade style. We also had the meatloaf with the greens, corn and the chicken stew. Chicken stew is like chicken noodle soup concentrate - yummy comfort! The meatloaf was not the best, but pretty darn good! And that sauce with the meatloaf really made it better. The corn was ehh due to the boiling, however the corn tasted corn-y (haha-lame, I know). It didn't taste all frozen. The greens were yummy (I love collard greens!) Had me some unsweetened Iced tea and that was good and strong. You can't find this in LA!
(5)Ian C.
Okay, maybe I did something wrong. All I've heard about Shapiro's over the years has been praise heaped upon praise, so I was in the neighborhood and thought I would try it out. I was shocked at what exactly they give you for twelve dollars - a pile of dry, flavorless roast beef and two slices of decent rye bread. No sides, no nothing (I'm sure a bit of horseradish to go with the sandwich would cost like four bucks, considering their price standards). I ended up feeling completely ripped off and and utterly mystified at the cult-like status of this place. Incredibly overpriced food, rude service, chintzy cafeteria-style digs? Are we that desperate for a good deli that people will line up for this crap? I say hell no. Go somewhere else and save your money.
(2)Russell H.
Good deli food that is priced INSANELY high. Shapiro's was recommended to us by a family member... I really wish they would have shared the price point as well. Don't get me wrong; the food is good. We each had a Reuben, which is the Shapiro's specialty. The sandwiches were very big and quite tasty. We also ordered one small serving of mac n cheese (which was actually not very good) and one small side of cottage cheese, which we shared. So that is a grand total of 2 sandwiches, 2 side items and 2 drinks. I was a bit shocked when the price came out to over $40... Please understand that although the food is good, this isn't some nice casual dining establishment; its a cafeteria style restaurant where you order, stand in line, and then go pour your own drink. I don't mind dropping a little money on nice meal, but this place left me feeling like I got VERY poor value for my dollar. I can't bring myself to give it more than 2 stars; if the food had been priced a little better it probably would have earned 3 or possibly even 4 from me. I will absolutely positively never go back here; there are just too many nice places out there that cost about the same.
(2)Pam C.
Still my favorite place to go when I'm in Indy. The BEST desserts ever. Also the best mac & cheese you have ever tasted. Do not let the cafeteria ambience fool you--this is excellent food, made fresh, from scratch. Also a great place to pick up a dessert to share with your office as they sell whole cakes and pies, too. Trust me, everyone will love this much more than the sheet cake from the grocery store!
(5)James B.
Great food. Thanks Brian for keeping up the great quality.
(5)Ann S.
I'm sure that like others, we went here because we saw Marc Summers recommend the Pepper Beef on Best Thing I Ever Ate. So we each got the Pepper Beef, a side of mac and cheese and a dessert. I got a slice of chocolate cream pie and he got a slice of carrot cheesecake. The pepper beef was good but if this is the best thing Marc ever ate, he needs to get out more. It's probably a nostalgia thing for him, for us it was just average. It's like any corned beef you get at any Jewish deli. The mac and cheese was dry, burnt, crunchy in spots and had this weird sweetness that I didn't care for; almost like they used condensed milk instead of regular. We both really liked our desserts. Though it's set up like a cafeteria, it's not cafeteria priced. We shelled out $43 for all of that and 2 cans of pop. Not a place we'd need to swing by again if we were in town.
(3)David H.
I like it a lot. The food is expensive and some is not worth it. However some of the food is well worth it. The Reuben is wonderful. If you like a Reuben you have to go. They are big so expect to take half a sandwich home.
(3)Benjamin H.
The one thing people always comment on: the price. Let us talk about the Reuben sandwich for a moment. Yes, you're paying $12, but in reality, you're receiving ..two.. sandwiches. Yes, I know some people can finish the whole thing, but really.. it is a shit-ton of food. I always take the second half home for dinner or lunch the next day and at $6 per meal, I don't find the sandwich to be overpriced at all. I'd also like to impart a bit of friendly advice -- (unfortunately this advice does not apply to the Reuben) -- You can order half sandwiches! Just the other day, I ordered half a corned beef on rye, with sauerkraut & mustard.. dynamite! The check (for two) on my last visit was $27 which I don't find to be particularly outrageous for what was ordered. I love the atmosphere, the food is comforting and the overall experience is always enjoyable.
(4)MJ W.
This review is for the carry out. The bagels here are super! They are on par with Panera, but much less expensive. They also sell their fresh breads at the carry out counter. We bought a loaf of wheat, and we love it! It's more expensive than a loaf from the store, but it is fresh and it tastes great. Quick tip: THEY SERVE BREAKFAST! Turkey sausage and Turkey bacon of course. :)
(5)Martin B.
I discovered Shapiro's around 1983 when working for ABC Sports doing the Indy 500. It is wonderful. Food is varied. It's all hot. Nice and big. Not intimate. Good size portions. If you want a nice big fun healthy meal. You must come here.
(4)Theresa K.
I've experienced better- From them, I'm sure. The service was appalling. We were there pretty late, and I felt pretty bad for being there late, but we asked if it was okay (it was about half hour-40 minutes until close), and they said that was fine and we can take our time. My brother, boyfriend, anf sister in law and I arrived before my father and his girlfriend. We met them for dinner- he was in town from Clarksdale, MS, and he wanted to come here- That's completely fine. I hadn't been to Shaprios since I was younger, and we used to come here a lot. Yes- The sandwiches are $12- Some even more. The potato salad was pretty good, and the Mac N Cheese- deelish. I think we all ordered it. I think it might have been a bit too much. I did end up taking half of my sandwich home along with a pickle spear (I got two) and half of my potato salad. The manager was pretty nice for the most part, but the other people working seemed angry that we were there (we weren't even the only ones). The woman who rang us up actually made us feel bad. My dad (behind us) said he had it. We didn't know if she needed to see what we had. "What you drinking?" She yelled to everyone- No expression on her face. Never told us to go ahead, gave us direction, nothing. Had us standing there while she got drinks for the people behind us then barked at us that we were "free to go." I felt like I just got yelled at- like I had done something to get in trouble. The food was good (just ate my left overs for lunch today)- The service, though- Does not leave me wanting to come back again- Not to be treated like that.
(2)Michael Z.
Being a homegrown Indiana boy, it hurts a little to give Shapiro's a 3-star rating. I've been to enough true deli's to know better. I go here all the time because it's a couple blocks away from where I work, and I have no problem with it when I don't have to pay. Don't expect the meat to blow you away. This is not Katz's. (That's just not nice... How could can anyone compete with patented steam tables???) They have fantastic rye bread, and the way the assemble their Reuben leave's nothing more to be desired. I digress... Don't balk at the first few things you see. They are, without a doubt, the best things on that cafeteria style line. I'm partial to the deviled eggs, broccoli salad and four bean salad. And, need I say more than "Devil's Food Cheesecake?" Another little hidden gem are the stuffed cabbage. Don't forget the Dr. Brown's cream soda, either.
(3)Talmadge W.
I have to say I was very excited to eat here, but I was not impressed. My friend and I had a roast beef sandwich and a slice of carrot cake. The sandwich had too much meat on it which overpowered any of the condiments on the sandwhich were the standard ones. The bread was really just ok, and most certainly not fresh made. My general belief is that any type of resturant that has the name of the food they specialize pasted on their business name, it better be darn good. It appeared the roast beef sandwich was their signature dish and it did not deliver. The carrot cake was ok, but dried out as it had clearly sat out over night. The prices were also over the top for what you got. I would not come back to this place in the future.
(2)Howard L.
In the shadows of the new Lucas Oil Stadium (new home of the Colts), is Shapiro's, a 100+ year old cafeteria style Jewish deli. We had brunch here with the son, and enjoyed some classics - smoked salmon lox on egg bagel and a reuben for the wife and I. You get a wide variety of fresh bagel choices for the lox. Son had a peppered beef sandwich, as they were out of smoked tongue. All were fresh and tasty, and I particularly enjoyed the rueben as the toast wasn't as oily and greasy as you often find off of other's grills. They bring your sandwich order to your table, and it's identified by the plate color provided to you. The main drawback, and I would say a 1 - 1.5 star deduct, is the value proposition. Sandwiches are quite pricy at about $11- $12 for each sandwich, and they aren't as large as you'll find at some places either. The main draws look to be the freshness and quality, and a bit of their history and tradition. There was a steady and large stream of customers, despite the prices. Their huge cafeteria looks like it could seat maybe 300. Adjacent parking lot was ample also. They also have a large bakery with a large selection of pastries and cakes. It was a nice visit, and also inspired me to bookmark, just for comparison's sake, one of our old Jewish Deli favorites that we haven't been to in 20 years - Kaufman's Deli in Skokie, IL. It's still there and still looks highly rated as well.
(4)Frank C.
A 4 hour drive was rewarded by The Best Pastrami I've ever devoured. After searching for "Unique to Indy" places on yelp, Shapiro's Delicatessen was in the center mass of my kosher deli loving crosshairs. I was not disappointed at all. My wife and I went in and ordered a pastrami on rye with mustard and swiss. We were in a hurry to get home to Nashville after a weekend wedding. 97.5 miles later we couldn't wait and had to unwrap our purchase. There was a moment of silence in the car. Followed by some imaginary, cheesy 80's pornish background music playing in my head. It was like seeing Bar Rafaeli in a two piece of Rye swimsuit and a mustard swiss Yamaka with an Uzi to tote!! Then my wife, who is not usually a fan of overloaded sandwiches, began to chomp away. Her reaction was equal to Meg Ryan's notorious "When Harry Met Sally" deli scene, and she wasn't faking it. She was inhaling the sandwich like Raoul Duke executing an 8 ball on the way to Vegas. At last it was my turn. At a undisclosed exit off of 65 S I took my first bite. Immediately I thought I should turn around and buy at least a ton of the pastrami so I could return home and sell it for 10x above street value. It was Kosher Cocaine.
(5)Natasha J.
The non-deli food taste like it came from the freezer section. I had the fish...will never do it again, a coworker of mine got the spaghetti and it had a little sauce on it...never never ever again
(1)Virginia L.
So good. I'm in love with their bagels. The restaurant is set up to be cafeteria style, which I like a lot - it just makes it low key, but serves up food that could be served at a restaurant with white tablecloths. I've also had their boxed lunches and deli trays catered at several meetings with great success.
(5)Megan M.
Great food but terrible service. I am a fan of the renowned Reuben sandwich - it's piled high with corned beef, the perfect amount of cheese & 'kruat and grilled to just the right temperature. It really is an Indianapolis institution but beware the ~$15 price tag. You'll probably be shocked like I was. That said, I still think it's worth it. I often like to pair my sandwich with a potato pancake or the mac and cheese. The dessert selection is also worth noting! So let's cover the service. This is what takes a 5 star establishment and turns it into 3 stars. This establishment just doesn't employ nice people. In once of my first visits I mistakenly went through the cafeteria line with the intent of taking it to go. The staff rudely shamed me for going through the line. It's fine it that's how it works but just explain it and don't be a jerk - particularly when there is *no one* in line. This past weekend I sent in an order via their online submission. When I arrived at the pickup time they told me that their system was down. Not that big of a deal. I gave them my order, signed the credit card slip and waited. Starts to get busy and when other orders are ready they call the number and people grab them. When they call my number, I say "yeah that's me and say my order." The "lady" (and I use that term very loosely) insists that she needs to see my ticket. Never mind that *no one else* needed to show their ticket.
(3)Nat C.
Shapiros is my favorite delly. It is my family's favorite delly and we have eaten there a hundred times. This goes back to when Max was in the house and the lad who now runs it was learning the business. The quality is the same, to his credit. You should know what to order in a Jewish delly. If you don't the experience is diminished. I think I had one rueben in my life. It messes with the pure flavors you should go for corned beef, spicy mustard and rye. Tongue is better. They have half sandwiches and cups of soup. This brings the cost in line and is enough food. Share the desert. I've been remiss in not having breakfast there for too long. Eggs, latke (potato pancake), lox (salmon) and bagel with cream cheese were the compulsory family choices. This place was my father-in-law's business lunch and breakfast joint. He taught me what to savor. Thanks Alfred.
(5)Courtney B.
Definitely a fan! I was brought here by my librarian boss and I was not entirely sure what I was getting myself into. When I walked in, I was treated to a glimpse of an old fashioned diner straight out of a movie, with cafeteria style service. The first thing I noticed, of course, was the huge slice of red velvet cake just waiting to be placed on my tray. Next thing I noticed was that there was so much to choose from! So much so, that being overwhelmed like I was, I decided to split a Reuben with my boss....we had to arm wrestle over the slice of cake....but we ended up splitting that as well. I am getting lost in my head again...anywhoo...That was my first Reuben and it was was FABULOUS! I am glad we decided to split it because 1) it was quite large 2) it was pretty expensive. I will definitely be returning, but perhaps only sporadically, as it is a little pricey. Also, great diner coffee...and root beer...and old fashioned ginger ale.
(4)Maggie M.
Overpriced.
(2)shanna r.
My mouth is watering while I'm writing this review. Shapiro's is a must for anyone who lives in Indy or who is visiting. It's a very simple restaurant with great quality food. The sandwhiches are Huge! The meat is sliced right in front of you and piled high with the trimmings of your choice. I also recommend the mac & cheese. Don't leave off the dessert! It is worth extra calories. It's going to be hard to choose so if you are with a group get a couple of different ones and share.
(5)Rachael W.
Bagels are phenomenal! Desserts are flippin delicious! The Reuben is amazing! Go with a friend and split everything, you will still be stuffed. I like going with a book and spending a few hours reading, nibbling, and watching the old people. Super busy during lunch, but surprisingly fast. It's a bit pricey; $12 for the Reuben. I can only eat half of the sandwich in one sitting so I look at it like 6 bucks for lunch and 6 bucks for dinner. The lox plate is really good. The salmon is plentiful, the bagels are chewy, and the capers are brine; overall scrumptious.
(5)George M.
Up until the day after Thanksgiving I had not been to Shapiro's since 1996 when I moved away. It was on my to do list when I returned to the area for a family visit. Thinking about the corned beef on rye with yellow mustard and a pickle on the side had me salivating just thinking about it. Service was quick as always. The huge dessert arrangement all looks so tempting. Ordered corned beef on rye as stated above, along with mac and cheese and a potato pancake. All was as wonderful as I remembered. Each sandwich is large enough to share with another person, but it is best not to, so you can save the other half for later. My wife had a reuben which we both agree, we had never had better. Give this place a try and you will not regret it. And when you leave pick up a loaf of rye as it is probably going to be the best you have had.
(5)Deborah H.
Good deli and you can get a 1/2 of a sandwich. The rye is wonderful-one of the best Jewish breads I have had.
(4)Kay J.
The portions are HUGE! My husband had 3 eggs, potato, bacon and toast and that was a reasonable size portion. I had bagels and lox. There was plenty of capers, onions, lox and a large bagel. They toasted my bagel extra dark as requested. I needed more cream cream cheese and they gave it to me. Two breakfasts, a coffee and a juice came to $24. I don't know how people get their mouths around Shapiro's sandwiches.
(4)Sara S.
Huge sandwiches - very good! Table of four, we had roast beef, corned beef, turkey, and pb&j; all amazing!
(3)ari b.
without a doubt one of the five best delis in the nation... off the chain!!! I love and miss you Shapiro's... It's been 5 years since i've been there, but just thought about it after yelping the deepest deli in the very shallow s.f. bay area. The thing that sets Shapiro's in a class of it's own is it's rye bread... simply the best i've ever tasted anywhere ever... I lust after it. Dear shapiro's read this review and then take pity on this poor midwesterner and send me a loaf and a pound of corned beef.... seriously do it... i love you. ok those of you who complain about the price of a deli are of course missing the point. you pay for quality. i can't tell you how many time's i've spent 17 dollars on a blah entree at an upscale eatery... get over it... then maybe you'll get the point. cheesecake with mutantly large strawberries... also a miracle (you can send me some of that to ; )
(5)Jon A.
Every city has one. Every city has that one place that's always been there, that everyone takes everyone else too. And, that could serve as the city's only eatery if either it were the apocalypse or the people had to just choose one. Shapiro's is that place in Indy. Our only "Jewish" Deli (garnering quotations because they deviate a little with their menu but they're the only place for my matzo fix). Having a $12 sandwich on the menu really isn't practical. I guess this is what happens when it's the ONLY pastrami joint in town. Really...the only one... (out of town readers...believe it; it -- the atrocity). Sure there are meat markets with pastrami or bagel shops or burger joints with pastrami as an add-on, but this is the only place that serves it up the way it's meant to be, and lo! it's $12. I won't do it. It goes against my morals. So... I quickly become a boy in a soup kitchen just outta Dachau and take my matzo ball and piddle paddle to my seat with my free water. Now...the only way I'd ever order that $12 sandie is if I'm with someone...then we'd split it; which brings up the fact that this sandie is so large there's no reason to have it by yourself unless you're taking it home. Shapiro...you've successfully grown to the airport & carmel...it's now time to start the only pastrami cart in town & serve $5 late night pastrami sandies, ok!? OK. In the end, I still frequent Shapiro's I take everyone there, too ;) And, I still am befuddled as to why every order at the counter place in this city that offers dessert...places dessert in the beginning of the line... Plenty of seating any major holiday or tour bus drop-off.
(3)Nick C.
Wow! thats all i have to say about their sandwiches is WOW!!! i had the pastrami and it was soooooooooooo good. the meat was very tender and melt in your mouth good. i had mine on the rye bread and that was very good, but the only thing i did not like was how hard the crust was and that is the only bad thing. i do have to say that the sandwiches are very big and they will fill u up. this place was sooo good that i came back the next day to try their cake and was it worth it =. i had the carrot cake cheese cake where the cheese cake is in between the carrot cake. the cake was very good but the thing i noticed was the carrot cake was dry but that was taken care of the cream cheese frosting. over all this place was amazing, and if i an ever here again will come back to this place with out a doubt
(5)Ben G.
After driving from Columbus OH, my girlfriend and I were looking forward to a good lunch in Indy. When we turned off the highway, we noticed that maybe Indianapolis was hit hard by the recession, because Shapiro's seemed to be in a pretty depressed part of town. It also seemed like Shapiro's was out of place, from a bygone era. The cafeteria was SO empty when we both arrived that I was immediately suspicious. How could such a huge place have been recommended by Road Food? My dreams of a Katz' like place outside of NY were quickly gone. We've had way better. That said, the food was average to mediocre. My corned beef was okay, nothing special. The portion was huge, but it was also expensive. The matzo ball soup was decent, but lacked any veggies and seemed to be coated with oil. My girlfriend had an average-good turkey sandwich, and I think we both ate pretty fast because the place was depressing, and we had to be in Chicago before late evening. The portions are big, as they should be. The rugelach that we ate on the road later was dry, not worth the price, and had a weird glaze on it that made it feel even more dry. All in all, I'd recommend Shapiro if there are no Jewish deli restaurants anywhere else in the whole state of Indiana, but that's as much praise as I can give it.
(2)Elizabeth H.
I can't possibly say enough good things about Shapiro's. First of all, I literally would not exist without this amazing deli. No, really--my grandparents met at the downtown location in the 1940s! But they've also been there throughout my life. When my grandfather was in the hospital after a major heart attack, we would all go to Shapiro's after visiting hours. When I was too sick to make matzo balls for myself, Shapiro's was always there with them ready to pick up on my way home. When I had a bad breakup, their mac n' cheese was great to cry into. Also, they carry these amazing chocolate covered halvah bars that I can never find anywhere else. My one complaint? The Carmel location is *too* nice. Yeah, I said it. I miss the old 86th St location, across from St.V's, with it's bad fluorescent lighting, and just slightly grungy/sticky floor. so much more deli-esque. The Carmel location has flattering light, and clean floors, and comfortable booths--but those booths are awfully hard to push together when you and your closest 20 family members want to grab a corned beef on rye. There's really not for me to say about the food--it speaks for itself. All I can say is that it's so good I have dreams about it. Bottom line is you should definitely eat there.
(5)Ethan H.
I should have seen the writing on the wall when the ruben I ordered was delivered in less than 3 minutes. THREE MINUTES!?! C'mon! The fires of hell couldn't toast a single slice in that long, much less made the whole rest of a sandwich to go with it. So yes, this was clearly a pre-made, assembly-line ruben sitting under a heat lamp and just waiting to be unceremoniously dumped onto a chipped (and possibly dirty) plate. The sandwich itself did nothing to assuage my skepticism. Dry corned beef and un-melted Swiss cheese scrunched between two flaccid slices of mediocre rye with a dash of overly-sweet 1000-island and a layer of transparent kraut. Yes Shapiro, you got the ingredient-list right. But I've got news for you: if you can't make a decent concoction out of things like corned-beef, sauerkraut and rye, you're not trying very hard. No better was the idiot-answer I got to my query. "Do you pre-make the rubens and just hand them out when they're ordered?", I asked. "No," she said. Me: "... because mine was ready less than three minutes after I ordered it?" "Oh," she said, clearly not knowing she was dealing with a Yiddish yelper, "that's easy because the corned-beef is pre-sliced and all we have to do is toast the bread." First of all, that just can't be true. Three minutes doesn't toast bread to the leathery crusts I had on my plate. And besides, I'm quite familiar with the not-so-subtle difference between toaster-crisp and heating-lamp dessicated. Moreover, it's NOT simply a matter of "just toasting the bread" ... at least no more than yogurt is a matter of "just letting milk go rancid." If all you did was toast the bread, it's no wonder that the cheese was far from melted, the sandwich itself was cold, and the corned-beef had to languish under a warming lamp since calf-hood. And all that for $10+? No thank you. And, oh yes, the parking lot on a Sunday morning was worse than Yogurt World's (in San Diego) on a Saturday night. It's often been said that "Asians are the new Jews." And I'm here to say that the observation applies equally well to their driving.
(2)Randy M.
I walked - no, ran - from my hotel several blocks away to get here at 6:30am before my 9am flight. I just *had* to try this famous deli because, well, I probably will never come back to Indianapolis. I was the day's first customer, but the crew was ready and fixed up my corned beef hash and over-easy eggs to perfection. The two of us easily had enough food for breakfast on the plane, surely making the entire plane jealous by the intoxicating vapors. A gem of a diner-deli! But, a weird side note about local dining: you get taxed *twice* for restaurant food (a total of 20%)... and you thought San Francisco has high taxes. Yikes!
(5)amy j.
Whenever I'm in Indy, Shapiro's is a must stop. Certainly nothing fancy at the downtown location but who needs fancy when the food is top notch. I love the chopped liver! One of their over-loaded sandwiches with a dill pickle and potato salad on the side and I'm in heaven. I've rarely varied from my usual but when I have it's been equally as tasty. Always fresh, always plentiful, always tasty.
(4)John W.
I believe I saw a sign inside that said "real NYC bagels"...I wouldn't be so ambitious with the wording if I were them. They aren't terrible but I don't know if they would really be on par with NYC bagels. I haven't actually eaten a meal here since high school (late 80s) so I can't really comment on the sandwiches and all the other food other than the bagels. So the bagels were ok but I was surprised that the cream cheese was just a tub of Philadelphia cream cheese and the lox came from a package that was in the refrigerator. Upon looking at the food and the clientele, just as it is in a place like Skokie, this is food for old people...But here, not even necessarily old Jewish people (My guess is that between everyone there, we could have come up with maybe one Jewish person and I was with my girlfriend who is half Jewish) but it is open on Sunday which isn't that easy to find downtown. And aside from the bagels, this is more of a lunch place. All that being said, I am glad this place is there and I am sure I will go back when I am in Indy again. I need to try the latke and lunch type stuff next time.
(3)Lisa G.
Awesome! The quality of the food was great, the service was outstanding! I tried the Reuben, and I was glad I did. My friends order some of the sides and raved about the stuffed cabbage and also the potato salad. The desserts looked great but I was so stuffed there was no where to put it. It gets really crowded but moves along very quickly. You order cafeteria style and then take a seat and they bring the hot sandwich to you. The food came out so fast I felt bad for not just standing there and waiting for it but they said that's how they keep it moving and it does seem to work.
(5)Theresa F.
umm yummy. Portion sizes are HUGE. Be prepared to take some home. The leftovers are just as good by the way. So many different options, all the food is lined up, you grab a tray and have at it. Well except for the sandwiches which they make in front of you. The dessert is the first in line, a little weird. But it made me actually get a dessert, which I normally don't do when I go out to eat. If you're in Indianapolis this is a must for lunch.
(4)Sharlene C.
i was recommended i stop by this kosher deli. it reminds me of katz's in ny. same swift cafeteria atmosphere with bustling plates. i got the reuben on shapiro's own rye. a heap of corned beef and sauerkraut. i had to get it to go. you have to box yourself. it made it back on my flight home to ny and still delish.
(4)Boon K.
This is the meatiest reuben sandwich I have ever seen. It was really good and just what I wanted. The best part is they have a location at the airport too. The sandwiches are all meat very juicy. This place serve traditional simple american meal. Everything looks good but the dessert were not so great.
(4)Randy B.
Best corned beef in town! Very expensive for a sandwich, but it tastes excellent plus you'll only eat half anyway.
(4)Bongiorno M.
If Cafeterias could rise above the stereotype of Marge with the ladle and the slop of the day is... Gruel 101 right!! Shapiro's is really a delicatessen pumped full of growth hormones and fed fresh home-made down home grub. The end result: A stud of a Jewish Deli. From the moment you walk in its glass doors and the aroma of yum & "yes this is just what I need" becomes you, it is evident you are in a landmark. To the left of this mammoth deli is the to-go section, offering treats and freshly sliced meats: whole pies, cheeses, etc, and the largest chunks of chocolate in cookies I've ever encountered. Along the middle is a mile long tray runner with steamy and chilled offerings to satisfy anyones knot in the belly. Sick with the corned beef and/or pastrami, followed up with a fascinatingly good key lime pie. To drink: unsweetened iced tea, spot on!! Enjoy, and to Langer's Deli in LA, here's looking at you kid =D
(5)Matt K.
As about every reviewer has said thus far, Shapiro's is a real NY Jewish deli in Indianapolis. The atmosphere is a giant cafeteria complete with metal seats and fluorescent lighting. You wait in line just like you did back in middle school and the staff serves you with lightning efficiency (and I mean lightning...you better have your order ready when your turn comes up because they are really cooking...bad pun intended). In my experience the food is excellent. While the prices aren't outlandish, don't expect to pay the same you did back in middle school. For a sandwich and sides you are looking at somewhere around $15 a plate. This isn't an everyday place for me, but it's a nice place to grab a bite to eat on lazy Sunday afternoons.
(4)Donovan M.
You get a ton of food....boy are the sandwiches big. I love Rueben's, and Shapiro's always wins best Rueben in Nuvo every year.....but I've had a lot better. I love Cafe Olivia's in City Market 100x more. Shapiro's, in a word, is overrated. Its just some old cafeteria that old people sit at for hours watching the news, the food is a 3/5 at absolute best, and its a little pricey. Sure, portions are big, but I don't want to spend $13 on a rueben.
(2)Robert J.
Oh my goodness, this has now become a must have when I get to Indy, which is usually 1-2 times a year. I've never had a pastrami sandwich before, but after being talked into trying it, anything less than having it at this place is a letdown. It was truly delicious. The corned beef sandwich is by far the best I've ever had. Chicago has few, if any, options for these types of sandwiches. And the desserts are also off the hook. The lemon and carrot cakes are both outstanding. Crowd was pretty quiet, most likely due to a weekend the Colts were not in town. It is a cafeteria style and carryout can be long so be prepared time-wise. And for the money, you get a lot of meat. I'm hooked!!!!
(5)Samantha A.
I could go for a sandwich from Shapiro's right now (at 5:43 am). I hear the call of corned beef right now...
(4)Brent D.
Food good. No service. its cafe style. So there is no wait staff. Portions are huge. Sandwiches are huge a half will do ya. try it.
(3)Josh O.
This was a tough one. Ive longed to find a really good corned beef sandwich.. Shapiros has it. After visiting the city and telling myself that id stop there everytime and not doing so, I must say im glad I finally made it in. What keeps me on edge is the pricing. Id love to have tried more but I get skeptical when a bare sandwich costs more than 10 bux. Onto the food, I got a corned beef sandwich with swiss and rye, potato salad and drink. Came out to just shy of $20. The potato salad reminded me of what my mom made on easter, good. The sandwich was really good. So good I wanted to take one to go. I managed to polish off the whole thing which was like a slab of brontosaurus between 2 crackers. Had they been a few bux cheaper I would have. The good thing for Shapiros, Ill be back but I will make sure my wallets prepared for a beating.
(4)David D.
A mixed bag. I find that the cafeteria setup undercuts the deli-ness, but am told that this is a standard mid-western restaurant setup, so what the heck do I know? Great rye bread, decent brisket, awful 'eggs + (x)' breakfast, mediocre bagels, great desserts. And the best cannoli I've found in Indy, beats the pants off Constantino's in that department. The main area in which Shapiro's shines for me is the location relative to my home downtown. Being able to walk or bike down there on a snacks-ish Tuesday night for a cup of coffee and a dependably good slice of pie is like magic. Magic, I tell you!
(3)Mike F.
Shapiro's is an Indianapolis tradition and I cannot believe that anyone could give it less than a 5-star review. I love everthing about Shapiros--especially the corned beer and the potato pancakes. All of Shapiro's breads are freshly baked as are their bagels. The meat is cut right before your eyes. The homemade pickles are an added bonus.
(5)Chuck C.
The better of the two when it comes to food and the room, the Carmel Deli is to new and shiny for me. The food just taste better here. I don't mine the counter people's attitude here because you expect it at a Deli, Carmel is still to White bread for a real Deli. I do wish they had old dills, I realy crave them over the young one at Shapiro's. If you have ever eaten at a New York Deli you will know what I mean. Remember to eat well and live well and please no chains!
(4)Ben A.
I love this place! My favorite is the New York style Rueben, but I usually order the Matza Ball soup too. If it weren't so expensive here I would go more often.
(5)Wink B.
There are 2 places I stop on my way to Bloomington, regardless of the situation. This is one. Delicious deli-style food. Like everybody else says, they're right up there with the real thing in NYC. Go for the baked tongue sandwich and thank me later.
(5)John G.
A classic place where you can't go wrong the next time you are craving great meats between two slices of amazing rye.
(5)Jami D.
I would have given 3 stars, but I'll tell you about that later. Sandwiches were overpriced and under-tasty. Bread underwhelming, meat not very flavorful (even though they sure slopped enough on it) condiments lackluster. Sauerkraut only average. The desserts looked promising, but I didn't have one. Butter noodles were blah and a bit over-boiled to the point of mushy. mashed potatoes only okay. Service not helpful to first-timers, which I could easily overlook if the food knocked my socks off. Same goes for the atmosphere. If our bill was about half as much, I wouldn't really complain, but it is not worth what they charge. And about the loss of the third star: My boyfriend really wanted to take me there because he had fond memories of it when he was a kid. When he ate his food, he lost the excited sparkle in his eye. I tried to perk him up by trading meal choices halfway through (presuming my lackluster sandwich was better than his). It didn't help. Maybe it's a little subjective to remove the star, but if it ever happens to you, you will understand.
(2)Leila T.
A real NY-style deli in downtown Indianapolis? That is how Shapiro's was billed to me when I went to Indy last week to witness the big Patriots-Colts match-up. I'm not sure I would say it is really NY-style. It is more cafeteria-style. A style I consider uniquely Midwestern, but maybe that is because my wonderful Midwestern gramma LOVED her some cafeterias. I'm sure other places can do cafeteria well too. Anyway. Back to Shapiro's. The main thing stopping this old-skool institution from claiming its rightful deli props is that it had exactly ONE smoked fish option. Yes, I had the nova lox in Indy. Yes, my relatives had no idea what nova lox was. Yes, I would have preferred a smoked whitefish option. No, the prepackaged Philly cream cheese bins that were served with the plate didn't inspire me. Let's just say that the nova lox plate was good. Possibly great by Indiana standards. But it was not NY-style deli worthy of accolades. On the other hand, I heard from my dining mates that the Reuben was stellar. My boyfriend even put it in his top 5 ever, and he has sampled a lot of Reubens in his day. The cafeteria-style cherry pie slice was tasty. I hear they make a good key lime pie as well, but it was a bit too covered in whipped cream for my taste, so I stuck with my favorite - cherry pie. Overall, it was an unexpected non-chain pre-game experience, that I would be happy to repeat next year if I make it to a game in the new stadium. Perhaps the start of a tradition?
(4)Joseph Y.
There's several things to notice about Shapiro's when you first walk in. 1. It looks like a cafeteria. And they treat it like a cafeteria. Blue plates to mark where someone gets a sandwich. Elderly women in white outfits dishing out food. You get the idea. 2. It's clean. Unlike a cafeteria, the place is very clean, and the food is relatively organized. 3. Portions are large and tasty. Deviled Eggs,
(5)Tom R.
Been here twice now as we travel through. f first was better than the last. Way too easy to eat to much. We also agree with other oats about the price. Sandwiches are good but not the best. Main reason for stopping is the cafeteria atmosphere.
(3)Selwyn W.
Went back to Shapiro's twice last month. Just like i remembered and quite tasty. Nice staff, no pretensions, just great traditional deli faire.
(5)Bill S.
I've heard this place called the best Jewish Deli in the Midwest. I don't know for sure if thats true, but it's pretty damn good.
(4)Dawn B.
Pastrami & corned beef sandwiches are off the hook. Sandwiches are huge so easy to share. Coleslaw was a lot like KFC so would skip that next time.
(4)Bruce K.
On a recent visit to Indianapolis, I was taken to Shapiro's, what with being a Jew and all. Well, when you're an LA Jew an Indiana deli doesn't really stand a chance when stacked against Langer's or Nate 'n' Al or Brent's. It's not really fair of me to judge too harshly, as I only had a side of mac and cheese and a piece of German chocolate cake, but the mac and cheese was pretty bad and what looked like whipped cream on the cake was, in fact, hard as a rock. I did like the cafeteria vibe. One of my dinner mates had a pastrami on rye and was not thrilled with it.
(2)TOMMY o.
my Mother in Law said "how long has this been opened"? we said over 100 yrs, RIP, gawd i miss her
(5)Todd R.
A Deli head and shoulders above the rest! Bean soup is spectacular. I don't even like corned beef, but I eat it here. Their reubens are spectacular! If you ever are in Indy during the weekday, stop by Shapiro's for lunch. PS: It is always crowded so bring some patience along with your appetite.
(5)Mac M.
Discovered this place during a visit to the National FFA Convention. Great food -- the portions are huge -- it called sharing. The deserts are huge and taste great. Tea is great. Mataza Ball soup is good. Mac
(5)Frank W.
New Yorkers may scoff, but this is a deli with a history and vibe to rival the great delis of NYC. Over 100 years old, so you know they must be doing something right, the downtown location has a lot of grit and character, and was recently rehabbed after a fire nearly destroyed the place. Corned Beef seems to be the most popular choice, but I love the brisket, or a brisket combination sandwich with either corned beef or pastrami. I also love the pickles and the key lime pie. Some of the hot food is also good, as are the other desserts. We take a sandwich to the 500 almost every year, and, man, you can't beat it. Eating in the original location is also fun and watching the old-timers enjoy themselves. The new suburban location is nice, and has better service quite honestly with the same quality of food, but without the history obviously.
(5)Scott M.
Classic Indy establishment. You'll get sneered at by the staff, which is horrendous but efficient. The food is great though. You can't visit Indy without having lunch here.
(4)Mark W.
Only deli in Indi
(4)Richard H.
The sandwiches have always been tasty, and I even got somewhat decent fried chicken once -- but the other food tends to be extremely bland, and as everyone says, it is wildly overpriced. But obviously they are doing something right, because it is very popular, and people drive for miles to eat here.
(3)Jonathon S.
Those who know a deli know Shaprio's. There's a reason it's a destination for so many foodies on the road. Have the corned beef on rye with just mustard and you'll be in heaven. Drink it with a Dr. Brown's. Also the soups are incredible. There aren't too many places with history like Shaprio's in Indianapolis, it's worth a trip.
(5)Renee G.
Shapiro's is a good place to go for dessert rather than lunch or dinner, but then again I am not a big deli fan. The desserts are the best. Try their fruit tarts or their delicious lemon meringue pie. All of their desserts are as good as they look.
(3)Robin P.
You gotta love Shapiro's. I grew up eating at this place...but now that I'm paying for my own sandwiches, I just can't fathom paying $10+ for a sandwich. Sure, they are good, but does anyone really want that much meat on a sandwich? And could they charge less to give you a sandwich that you can actually fit your mouth around? Don't get me wrong, the food is good - I especially like the chicken salad and the corned beef - all served on their crispy rye bread...I just don't know if it is good enough to pay $10+. Most recently I have been shying away from the cafeteria line and heading straight for the take-out area where they have some great sweets. Give the fruit-filled rugelach a try if you haven't already.
(3)Kathryn G.
A real NY deli in the middle of Indiana? Believe it. Shapiro's is the real deal. I had half a pastrami sandwich, half reuben, broccoli salad and boston cream pie. (Yes, it was incredibly piggy of me, but I'd do it, again in a heartbeat.) It was the best reuben I'd ever had and will probably go on a mission of eating reubens at every deli I go to, just to see if anything else can compare to Shapiro's.
(4)Debbie S.
I wanted to love this place - and I did love certain parts of it. The sandwiches were awesome - stacked high, fresh, the bread was really tasty. I loved the atmosphere of the cafeteria style and even the people behind the counter yelling at you for your order - sort of the the "soup nazi's" of Indy. You'd better know what to order and how to order it - PRONTO! I had the corned beef - 1/2 sandwich plus a nice big slice of butterscotch praline pie after fretting about my decision. There are so many desserts to choose from - AND they put the desserts FIRST in line so you can't possibly pass them up. My companion had a roast beef sandwich and two sides. We each had a drink. We were there on a Friday night and the line was long; our total bill was over $26.00! OMGosh! I just felt a lot of money for a couple of sandwiches - maybe they should include the sides?
(3)Barry I.
This cafeteria has a nice selection of salads,soups,entrees,and desserts at reasonable prices,considering the generous portions.It has some nice traditionally Jewish dishes,even though this cafeteria is not kosher.I enjoyed their stuffed cabbage and potato pancakes very much.I didn't try their pastrami or corn beef sandwiches.I recommend this cafeteria near Union Station,but the Katz delicatessen in New York City has a more haimische atmosphere.
(4)B R.
I'm surprised this place only has 3 Yelp reviews so far! It's been recommended to me by several long-time Indianapolis residents and it was packed when I went. It's a cafeteria-style deli with a large number of sandwiches and side dishes to choose from. They have pre-made salads, desserts, fruit, and a whole lot of rich and buttery cooked sides, like mac and cheese and fried latkes. Even so, you'd better be excited about meat to eat here, because that's mostly what they serve - the sandwiches are towering creations. I've heard their pastrami is excellent. They looked at me funny when I asked for lettuce and tomato on a turkey sandwich but hey, I'm from California, what can I say?
(3)Indy B.
This deli would go out of business if it had any competition. The food borders on bad. The corned beef is awful, the bagels are so-so, the coffee is terrible. The eggs were just ok. I don't recall anything about it that I liked, other then some interesting bakery items, cookies, etc. that could have just as easily been purchased anywhere. We were very excited about Shapiro's but discovered that they're coasting along on a reputation that they just don't deserve anymore.
(2)Tony B.
It's been 20 years since I've been back here. The rye bread is phenomenal as I remembered. The service was fast and very nice. The sauerkraut was excellent too. I am usually pretty generous with the star ratings but I found the sides needed some updating and all seemed a bit flat. Ill still come back if I traveling through ever again.
(3)Albert M.
amazing deli! this is the best deli in the midwest...but i am biased..... i have been coming to shapiro's since i was 6. w it is time to reveal my basis of a bad, good, great, and incredible deli....the amazingness of a deli is based on the thickness of their rye bread. if your rye bread is puny and thin, it cannot hold on the "gargantuan amounts of meat" you put on the sandwich...its the bread falls apart as you eat the sandwich...that's not good...your rye bread should fall victim to eating...not to the volume or density of what it's holding therefore...shapiros is an incredible deli! the great deli's....katz, langers, and shapiro's have thick rye bread that holds up from start to finish of the corned beef or pastrami....the thicker the rye bread...the more i love the deli..... this place is amazing!!
(4)Joshua C.
I have dined here for lunch on a few occasions and really enjoyed it. They have a good selection of foods for decent prices considering the area. I really enjoyed the Rueben. If you're in Indianapolis I would definitely recommend it.
(5)Marina R.
The food is yummy but it didn't blow my mind. For the $35+ dollars I spent for two sandwiches and one drink I was expecting it to be better.
(2)Rachel F.
This is a classic, New York-style Jewish deli. My college roommates and I come here all the time for the reuben sandwich, which is one of the best I've ever had. If you can appreciate a good corned beef/pastrami sandwich, this place is an absolute Indianapolis staple. The atmosphere reminds me of a cafeteria. Super casual, and it seems like all walks of life come to this place. Great for people watching. You literally are given a lunch tray and utensils, and slide your tray down the line. Desserts are first, and they really give you a huge variety of amazing looking pies and cakes... pretty much everything under the sun, and it's all made in house. The fact that desserts are positioned FIRST in the line says a lot about this place - they clearly have their priorities straight! :) Anyway, next are sandwiches and side items. The sandwiches are pretty pricey, but definitely worth it - however, a sandwich, side, and drink, costs just under $20. Worth the price, but something to keep in mind. I recommend the mac n' cheese with the reuben. My absolute favorite! The sandwiches are so big that you can save half and bring it home with you (don't worry, they have boxes for this exact purpose.) Do yourself a favor and check this place out! I gave it 4 stars because I love the food, but I'm not a huge fan of the pricey-ness and distance from where I live. Wish they had more locations!
(4)James B.
tried the bagel, egg and cheese and was definitely impressed. I'm a long way from home, NY, but this tastes like a Northeasterners breakfast bagel sandwich...real fried egg, extra helping of cheese, and toasted bagel. Will go back again and again, perhaps this weekend!
(4)Andy S.
This is a great place to get some great comfort food. Cafeteria style with another whole section for a bakery area with bagels and such. The cafeteria line is devilish with all the desserts first (cakes, pies, etc.). Then there are side dishes like coleslaw, broccoli salad (delicious), potato salad, etc. Had the corned beef sandwich which was delicious. Pretty good deal they had for the corned beef sandwich which included 2 sides for $11-$12 or so. Big sandwich. Also had the matzo ball soup which was delicious. Wish I could have tried all the other great looking food but I guess I will just have to come back at some point.
(4)Susan F.
I love shapiro's. Love it. My most frequent order is a Reuben. It is the best thing there-I swear. I've also tried the stuffed cabbage (or peppers? Something like that), and it was very good! Still love my Reuben, tho. I tried the hot German potato salad today, and I loved it! It's different, and definitely had a vinegar taste to it, but I love vinegar. Delicious. I try to make it out of there without getting a pastry, but I fail, literally ever time. Today I had a pumpkin bar, and I actually didn't care for it too much. Not sure why; it just didn't float my boat! Side note: it's been a little bit since I was there. When you order a Reuben, they usually give you a plate (it's empty) so the cashier knows what you ordered, as the Reubens are made to order. However, today they had a Reuben ready. It wasn't as hot as normal. I HOPE this isn't going to be the new practice. It was lunch time, however, so that could have been the deal.
(5)Matthew P.
Comfort Food!!! I am originally southern and therefore I am always on the look out for some warm, plentiful, rich and lovingly made fare for the soul! Shapiros does not disappoint. The sandwiches are stacked high with fresh bread and the meat is sliced right in front of you. The meatloaf is, to borrow a term "magically delicious." I dont think there is a wrong choice for food here. I will say go with cakes and/or pies for dessert. The dessert bars are ok but they are shipped in. The other desserts are made on-site. Lets just say Im not finished working my way through the menu. Yum to the E!!!
(5)Kait G.
Shapiros has been my annual stop on the visit to my folks. I have an unhealthy obsession with Matzo Ball Soup and theirs is pretty darned good. My Dad raves about the Reuben and the cheesecake so I indulged this time. I have to admit it was pretty good. The bread was that perfect combination of buttery, toasty and soft next to the steamed meat. Sauerkraut could have been a bit more sauery (word? I dunno!). The corned beef was steamed perfectly and ohhh that pickle was the perfect companion to the sandwich. The cheesecake is authentic, New York style decadent goodness. I buy it by the slice because I cannot be trusted with a whole cheesecake. Is there a cheesecake anonymous group I can join? My only gripe is Shapiros has become a popular tourist destination so the prices and lines reflect this. Back in the day, you could breeze in, grab your sammy and jet out the door for $7 now it's over $12.
(4)John R.
The Pastrami is always excellent, but I always feel like I am paying NYC prices. Not worth the money.
(2)Brittany L.
Someday, I am going to come here and eat dessert. JUST dessert. They all look fantastic. I'm going to buy a pile of deli meat and bring it home someday too. I mean, it's like 10 minutes from my house! So far though, all I have managed to do is down a half brisket sandwich (fantastic) with a side of potato pancakes and macaroni and cheese. The brisket was delicious and fresh, the bread was soft and wonderful, the potato pancake was flavorful but cold, dry, and tough. However... Their macaroni and cheese is the best in the world. It is. I fantasize about the macaroni and cheese here. They call it "deluxe". I wish I knew what they do to it. I take that back...judging by the texture and taste, I don't want to know at all. I cook well enough to know that the secret to something sinfully delicious is often a recipe that includes more butter and heavy cream than I use in a year. I've now gone back twice and each time have just ordered a side of that heavenly pasta. My lunch is under $3. I drink the free ice water and fill my cup a second time to take with me. As I leave, there's a little bounce in my step because I feel like I'm getting away with something. The macaroni and cheese is that good. The old guy next to me today looked at me, at my bowl of pasta, looked back at his tray full of food, then said, "That really is the best thing they have here," while gesturing back to my lonely bowl. The line moves quickly, there's plenty of parking, service is pretty friendly and very efficient. Yelp says this is a "family style" restaurant, but Shapiro's is a "cafeteria style" restaurant...you go through the line with a tray, take what you want, pay at the end of the line, then go find your table. Oh, and if you want a "big salad" a la Elaine on Seinfeld? Their salads are enormous, they put them in a big bowl, and they're all $7.50 or less.
(4)Ken C.
Seems ok. My Reuben was average at best. But to be fair I'm not feeling the best today either which could cause part of the taste issue.
(4)Ashley R.
Matza ball soup so good! The sandwiches are huge! The also have awesome desserts. Great Jewish deli. It is a cafeteria style though no servers. Great food!
(5)Pam N.
Food was excellent and prices are very reasonable. This place has a cafeteria feel but very clean and plenty of seating. Don't miss the corned beef sandwich on rye and potato pancake. They have coke freestyle machine too which was a plus. Yum!!
(4)Jill L.
Hot pastrami & swiss on Croissant - Meat was dry, croissant was yummy and fresh.
(3)Millie H.
A fun place to step back in time. The food is impeccable. It's amazing how much product they put out and everything is awesome. I love the cafeteria style especially with kids! This is a fun place to check out
(4)Michelle A.
I enjoyed the Reuben very much. I would have liked to try other things, but with all the goodies available, I can see where the price of dinner could have added up quickly! Might come back another time to check out some of the other dishes.
(4)Lauren M.
This was my first time to Shapiro's Delicatessen. My friend and I ordered a pastrami sandwich with only cheese and my friend ordered stuffed cabbage rolls. The pastrami sandwich was very dry and flavorless and the cabbage rolls tasted like they were drenched in ketchup. We also ordered drinks, two desserts (key lime pie and red velvet cake), and one side each(one deviled egg and green beans). The green beans tasted like they came from a year-old can, but the deviled egg was actually good(the only good thing we ordered). The key lime pie had about a half pound of whipped cream on top, and when you finally got to the pie, it did not taste good. The red velvet cake was so dry, you had to drink water to get it down. The worst thing at Shapiro's was the bathroom. My friend and I went to the bathroom and in one stall there was a small child throwing up and in the second stall there was diarrhea on the floor around the toilet (picture is on yelp). This meal was definitely not worth the outrageous price of $56.
(1)Rob M.
Fabulous deli sandwiches. Nearly indistinguishable from Katz's in NYC but at 1/2 the price. It is not inexpensive, but you do get a lot of food. I highly recommend the hot pastrami on rye. Parking is on site and free.
(5)Tiffany C.
It's really just average. I don't want to sound like a snob, but my expectations weren't too high once I found out it was cafeteria style. I feel like if you're a deli and you offer all these different deli accompaniments like mac and cheese and green beans, they should at least taste fresh and match up at the very least 85% to your "star" meat sandwiches. Their sides are really very bland. It tastes a lot like hot lunch from the old days of elementary school, with your "fresh vegetables" looking more like wilted canned slop. That being said, the bread is really very good. I had (what I think was) rye, which had this really fragrant smell and crusty exterior with soft fluffy middle. It was cold, but it's to be expected, I suppose, since the bread was mostly meant to be servicing the sandwiches and not to be served primarily solo. I had an apricot rugalach as dessert, which was super tiny and decent but not very exciting.
(3)Mak J.
So I have lived in Indiana for 25 long freaking years, and until recently, I had not done the whole Shaprio's thing. I've lived here a long time but I get out frequently and I have been to other Jewish owned delis before so I guess I just wasn't in any ass all hurry to get myself some pastrami on rye. This was a haunt the old man's really old lady, his grandma, when she was alive which seems odd to me, because from what I have heard she seems like lady who would have hated the Jews along with all the other non-Anglo-Saxens, but perceptions can be wrong about people. Anyway, all his grandma's old brand of crazy aside, this place is very nostalgic for him. It is his Mr. Gatti's. To me, it was a bit of an overpriced sandwich shop that has simply had a solid customer base for the last century, but you know, perceptions. It was fine and all, I like salted cured meats as much as the next herbivore; but I wouldn't have wanted to spend my own $16 on a sandwich and two somewhat mediocre sides. Guys, I don't know. Pogue's Run Grocer has a damn good Reuben with Boar's Head corn beef for like $7 with chips and a can of Blue Sky gingerale which is a far better deal in my opinion. I guess you sacrifice the ambiance, but do you, though? I kind of prefer the fun little ramshackle co-op on E 10th St to an environment that can best be described as MCL chic. I am leaning toward a meh rating but I will give them an A-Ok because they have staying power, so what do I know?
(3)Amber B.
Amazing!!!! I need more of everything. Especially the stuffed cabbage. Great potato pancakes. Perfect corned beef!
(5)Lauren R.
What can I say that hasn't already been said about this place? It has a throw back cafeteria style with few frills, but still gives you that homey feel. Take your time to really decide what you want, because once you get in line, you've got to shoot your answers back quickly. If you're an average type of eater, consider bringing a companion to share in the fabulous meaty goodness of the pastrami or Ruben sandwich. If you can't find a pal, a half sandwich should suit you just fine (just be sure it isn't one of the sandwiches you CAN'T make a half sandwich). The matzo ball soup (with chicken noodle) is DELICIOUS. i love it. I always get it! I'd say their cream pies rank slightly higher than their cakes, though both are superb choices. Beware of your hunger taking over your reasonable decision making skills and forking over a hefty amount of your bank account if you're not careful!
(4)Gilford S.
Brilliant Jewish deli in the middle of the Midwest. Like Brooklyn. have a reuben or the cabbage rolls. Sheer brilliance.
(5)Mae M.
BAKERY SIDE: Hands down the best place for cake, dessert bars, cookies, and pastries. This isn't a place for the calorie shy to eat. The baked goods have butter, a lot of it, and you can taste it in every delicious bite. My absolute favorite things to get are the creme brulee bars and the peanut butter cup cookies as big as your face. They make an incredible lemon bar, but sometimes it's a little too sweet for what I am craving. Also if you go close to closing, you sometimes can get free bagels! MEAL SIDE: I don't eat this very often. It's a little pricey for what you get. You walk through the cafeteria line and pick what you want. The sandwiches are decent and the dinners are good, but sometimes the vegetables are a little over cooked.
(5)Grace B.
Pastrami-oh-my! I am a sucker for a good corned beef/pastrami and this is my go to spot of a killer rueben. They have an excellent deli spread, buffet and bakery. I simply put my to-go order in and is ready in 3 minutes. Portions are generous and I always have half a sandwich left for lunch the next day. The dessert selection gets me every time. Recently i get at least 2 lemon bars. One for now, one for later! I really find so much love for the cafeteria feel. You walk in and it just feels right and focus is definitely on the food. Parking lot is next door and super easy access.
(5)Johnny H.
Fantastic Reuben. Average fried chicken, but they are moist. Pretty good potato salad. Desserts leave a little to be desired.
(4)Adam B.
So I came at 8 a.m. before catching my flight back to Chicago. Way too much Pacers memorabilia hanging, but whatever... There are several counters that aren't exactly marked clearly, so I really had no idea where to go. For breakfast, I got an egg sandwich with American cheese and beef bacon on a poppy seed bagel. It cost six bucks...not cheap. But I did like the beef bacon, it was really smoky. The cheese was perfectly melted too. I also got a peppered beef sandwich with mustard on rye and enjoyed it very much. The rye bread was nice and thick, the mustard was spicy and strong, and there was plenty of pink, moist meat to wolf down. I also had a pecan bar for dessert, although I think $4.00 was a little too much. The prices aren't cheap and the service I would describe as so-so. But the quality of the food is really good and in that area of the country, you're not going to find a whole lot of good deli sandwiches so it's worth going back to. Probably closer to 3.5 stars.
(4)Lisa N.
Way cool spot. We'd already had dinner but saw this while driving from the downtown and just had to stop. So we had a wonderful orange-cream cake. Would love to go back for lunch or dinner.
(4)Tom W.
Who wouldn't like lunch at Shapiro's? Tasty pastrami piled high on fresh rye bread slathered in mustard and topped with Swiss. A 'can't miss' sandwich. The coconut pie was awesome as well. Easy parking and a service line that moves quickly makes the experience complete for those of us allergic to hassle.
(4)James M.
Food 5/5 Value 4/5 Service 1/5 Atmosphere 3/5 Went for the corned beef and cheesecake. I had a free sandwich card...good only at the closed Carmel location. Bait and switch. Thanks for nothing. The food is worth the price. If you dont like classic deli food at its best, then go to McDonalds.
(3)Suzanne I.
Best pastrami & corned beef hands down! Been going here since I was a little girl and have never had a bad experience at Shapiro's.
(5)Jennifer L.
Delicious deviled eggs. Hands down my #1...right after my grandmas. This family knows how to get down deli style. Corned beef on rye with spicy mustard and swiss = my babe's go to. If you drink soda, kind of a bummer that they have the mixed coca cola machines (so basically everything tastes like you're drinking a suicide soda cocktail from the 3rd grade). Opt for sweet tea instead!
(5)Theresa R.
This is the place to go if you want an Italian style sub Chicago style but with a Jewish flair. Generous slices of deli meat prepared with extra flair. I had the PLT a Pastrami Lettuce and Tomato. Best sandwich I have had in central Indiana. Generous cuts of pastrami grilled until the edges were crisp and the juices were flowing, nestled in between nice thick slices of onsite baked rye bread, a 1/2 inch slice of beefsteak tomato and the greenest romaine I've seen since my garden. The Reuben was also ordered and no complaints from that side of the table except that the sandwiches were so big we could not eat them all. Many other folks ordered other things like homemade sides of stuffed peppers, meatloaf, greens and so much more. Leave room for desert. The rhubarb pie is just as good as homemade- the crust crispy and melt in your mouth and the rhubarb good and zingy. We'll be coming back to try the other deserts, sandwiches and meals. Your go to place for great sandwiches and a bakery that rivals and stands above most.
(5)Scott L.
One of America's Top Ten Delis specializing in Corned Beef, Pastrami, and Rueben sandwiches has to have good corned beef hash, right? Wrong. I love corned beef hash and I am always looking for it on breakfast menus. This is the worst I have ever had. It was corned beef mush. I wasn't even sure if it was cooked. Shapiro's needs to seriously consider revising their recipe.
(1)Justin S.
Simple, but not boring. Pricey? No. What do most people pay for lunch 8 bucks? Spend a couple more and you have lunch, plus take home for another meal. I wouldn't call loving words from loyal customers, hype. It's a familiar, neighborhood feeling to have a dining option like this close to you. This is exactly the style of neighborhood restaurant we need all around the city. Suburban Indianapolis is missing great food like this. Is the food spectacular? Close. It is great. Portions, taste and friendly service are always available. We've always ordered something different when here. All the requisite beefy deli meats are here, along with matzo ball soup, stuffed cabbage, etc. We've tried most. 5 stars for all, except for the potato latkes'. They get 3 stars. Ask for a schmear next time on your brisket. Liver pate', plus beef and rye. Tasty, tasty, tasty. Take home a loaf of pumpernickel too. Great price.
(5)Jocalyn E.
They should really consider a food truck during the weekday...especially up by hospital row on the north side. :-) quick, easy and totally affordable!
(5)Rachel R.
My husband and a good friend of ours were on a road trip and decided to have a try at the deli (based on Food Network recommendations) and we were really pleased with the result. I split a reuben with our friend (only able to order the full sandwich) and my husband had the pastrami (1/2 sandwich). We each had a broccoli salad and a cup of fruit. The sandwich was phenomenal- they were very generous with the meat. The deli is set up like a cafeteria with tile floors and open seating. We went in around 4pm and didn't wait in line at all, but I could see how the line could get excessive. And, contrary to other reviews, this place is CHEAP! The three of us ate a hearty meal for under $30. Overall, a great place for a really fabulous sandwich!
(4)Nic J.
We hadn't been here for awhile, and we decided to eat here before a Colts game. It was beyond packed. The line snaked through the whole place, so we decided on carry out. It was actually pretty fast, however I ordered peppered beef but got corned beef. Now, I love corned beef, but it wasn't what I ordered. That said, my sandwich was good and huge, as always. The mistake was probably due to being so busy, at least I hope so.
(3)Dan S.
I've been to Shapiro's three times now and I am stunned by the mediocrity of this restaurant. This is not a deli in 2013 terms. This is a flash back to about 1955 - it was probably good then, but in 2013, there are so many better options. The food is not healthy. The food is not gourmet. It's old school all the way. It's overcooked, over salted, and overpriced. The restaurant decor is in severe need of updating. The bathrooms are filthy. I don't understand why this restaurant is so highly rated? Is this the best that Indy has to offer? Really? I think not. When you survey the average customers at this restaurant, it speaks volumes. I'll stop there. Check it out for yourself and you'll understand what I mean.
(1)Abbey B.
To this day, my dad refuses to return to Shapiro's because they were "rude to him" over ten years ago. I remember it was lunch time, and him being peeved, but not much else. Since then, I don't agree with him not returning, but I definitely understand where he translated the staff's attitude as rudeness. Almost every time I've gone to Shapiro's, it has been very busy and the line doesn't stop for people who can't make up their minds. It's usually more laid back after obvious rush times. Maybe I'll take my dad back for a 3 pm late lunch. That being said, I've never had anything other than the corned beef and I love it so much, I don't think I ever will. The cheesecake is out of this world, thick, huge pieces that feel like clouds on the tongue. The macaroni and cheese is creamy and non-offensive. Every so often you'll get a crunchy bite from a rogue noodle that spent its time baking at the top of the pan. A corned beef sandwich, side of mac n' cheese, and piece of cheesecake usually runs me around $20. More than I usually spend on lunch, but more than I usually eat at lunch too. Shapiro's lunches are every now and then occasions and usually are excuses for celebrating something, or making myself feel better.
(4)Luisanna R.
Wowza and wowza. It has been a long time since I have been to Shapiro's and most great places with time I feel tend to degrade. That is not the case here. It's more like a fine wine. Seems to only have gotten better with age. They have the most amazing light rye bread. I dislike Rye bread however I could eat Shapiro's rye all day. Just a quick suggestion if you are like me, you can order just half a sandwich. Even the Reuben. OH man I have had a love affair with Reuben sandwiches since culinary school and I have to say that the Reuben at Shapiro's is by far the superior Reuben in Indianapolis. They are open for dinner too. Did you know that? Why did I think they were only open for lunch. Also on Tuesdays they have half price sandwiches I believe so if you're turned off by the price maybe make a trip on a Tuesday. The food is definitely worth it. The potato salad was also very tasty and you might as well have some cake and eat it too. :)
(5)Marie S.
We passed by here as we were making our way from Lexington, KY to Chicago and heard about this place from "The Best Thing I Ever Ate". Inititally we missed it off the highway, which is ridiculous because on our way around, there are blatant signs everywhere posting SHAPIRO'S PARKING HERE (Woops.) The place resembles a huge cafeteria, so if you're going for ambiance, this is definitely not the place. But if you're going for a quick bite to eat that hits the spot, this can be the place, if you get the right things. We tried the matzoball soup with chicken noodle, the reuben, a slice of key lime pie and boston cream pie. The matzoball soup was just OK. I've definitely tried better and wasn't even stoked enough to finish my second matzoball (which are definitely huge portions). The Reuben was GINORMOUS and we actually ended up splitting up between the three of us, but if you haven't eaten for like 2 days, this would probably be the sandwich for you. But what definitely made the trip here worth it was their PIE. Yes, the key lime pie was OFF THE HOOK! I wish i bought the whole pie...so if you go here, skip the soup, go for the sandwich and pie, you will definitely be in heaven! :)
(3)Nikki B.
I love Shapiro's so much that I lost my mind for a few hours a couple years ago and took a New Yorker from the Bronx of the Jewish faith there for lunch. Then I panicked. This guys was raised on deli food, what am I thinking taking him to a Jewish deli in Indianapolis for Pete's sake?!! As we ordered our food, and he judged the situation, I was sweating, thinking, maybe it's just me, maybe I'm just so removed from New York these days (I'm originally from the state) that anything tastes better than nothing? We sat down to eat and he took a bite of his pastrami on rye. As we chewed in silence, he begins to tell me this story about being a young boy and riding his bike down to the local delicatessen on Sundays for his mother with his brother, and they would buy 3 loaves of rye bread for the week. He tells me how this bread was THE BEST bread ever, and he's never had bread taste so good ever since............until that day he sat eating the rye from Shapiro's. You can imagine my relief. And the elation I felt when he told me he would like nothing better than to take 2 loaves home with him on the plane. I mean, when your food can taste as good, if not better, than a childhood memory, you're doing something right. Go here, eat the food, love life for a while. Totally worth the money it costs.
(5)Lisa Q.
The reuben. It's delicious and big enough for 2. If you're ever in Indy, walk in to Shapiro's, grab a tray, get in line, order one of these up, and get ready to enjoy some pure unadulterated Jewish deli goodness. There's great people watching, the most scientifically advanced soda fountain man has conceived, and classic cafeteria style.
(4)Food C.
Very, very, very overpriced. For what they charge, in other cities, my corned beef would be a lot bigger and a lot better. Find a picture of a Slyman's corned beef in Cleveland. No comparison. Shaprio's is the only game in town in Indy, but they'd get blown out in other cities. Shapiro's was much better in the early 90's, but they've been on a continual slide since then. Not too long ago, at their Carmel location (now closed), I was ordering a corned beef. The guy next to me in line asked "how much is that?" I said "12 bucks." Just then, my puny sandwich appeared on top of the display case. He then said "12 bucks for that?" He couldn't have been more right.
(2)Marie C.
We went for a late lunch. I got a huge smoked turkey sandwich on an onion roll. It was tasty and fresh. The rest of the fam got a mix of pastrami sandwiches and some hot foods (I.e. potato cakes and meatloaf). We were all silent for the first few minutes, too busy enjoying the food. My fiance and I split a chocolate cake slice for desert and it was heavenly. Bottom line: Wonderful sandwiches, great hot (comfort) foods and the service was friendly. I would definitely make this place a favorite!
(4)Casey R.
Came here for the first time this year on my birthday, WHY have I not been here sooner??? I instantly fell in love, great food, yes it's worth saying again, GREAT FOOD. I had a Brooklyn Style pastrami sandwich, it was very tasty, I've never been to Brookyn but I'll take their word for it! Oh and the fried potato cake is amazing, make sure you get that! A bit pricey, I'm not gonna lie, but as you're sitting there you can just feel the history and to me that is worth every penny! Win Win for me.
(4)Panda P.
No offense Shapiro's, BUTTT your mac n cheese has no flavor or comparison to the PANDA's MAC N CHEESE... But the Salmon Salad was good, with some salt.
(2)Kent L.
From the outside of the red brick Downtown location, it doesn't look like a Jewish delicatessen but go inside to this cafeteria-style layout, get a gander at the many tempting foods at the glass-enclosed counter displays and you know immediately that you're in for the real deal. I like my sandwiches either with rye bread or on onion rolls but the day I visited, it was pastrami on rye with mustard with a Dr. Brown's Cream Soda and it was just a perfect combination. Pastrami that's too lean is dry and lacks flavor, whereas too much fat makes the sandwich oily and Shapiro's pastrami strikes the perfect balance of meat-to-fat ratio. While Shapiro's does have a wide variety of dessert choices, who has room after one of their sandwiches? The corned beef also looked really good but that will have to wait for another trip. The menu prices were quite reasonable for both the quality and quantity of food, which would be several dollars more in places like NYC or L.A. delicatessen and since it looks like many Jewish delicatessens around the country are closing after many years in business, it becomes harder to find one to dine in. I would wholeheartedly return here.
(5)Rebecca M.
Shapiro's Delicatessen: Corned Beef, Cabbage, and Cream Puffs Oi Vay! An INDY gem that's been around forever, Shapiro's is your one-stop-shop for good eats of gigantic proportion. Since we were wee little tots, my sis and I have been coming in for bakery runs with Nagyi (that means Grandma for all you non-Hungarians) and full on feasts. Although some things may be a little steep in price, whatever you get is sure to taste amazing and there will be enough of it to eat off of for the next two days...on the conservative side ;) The staff is always very friendly, and so are the fellow diners. IF YOU DINE HERE, WHICH YOU SHOULD, YOU MUST TRY: *CORNED BEEF AND CABBAGE *REUBEN ON RYE (the mustard is biiiiittttchiiiin and adds that extra OOMPH to the sammy) *BAKED CHICKEN *LATKA, aka potato pancake (GET APPLESAUCE WITH THESE!) *CARROT CAKE, CREAM PUFF, ECLAIR, PIE... the list goes on and on with the dessert, and dare I say you may even prefer these treats over any you get on holidays. There is no reason why you shouldn't be hopping in your car or on your bike THIS VERY MOMENT towards Shapiro's...it's easy to find and even easier to satisfy your stomach. This is a must-see for first-timers in Indy. Hell, it's a must see for townies. Shapiro's Delicatessen, you have bewitched me body & soul, and I love you.
(5)Marc P.
You can't help but get caught up in the moment when you walk into Shapiros. Whether its Brother Carl yelling and joking with his thick accent at the customers in line, the cafeteria style decor or the smell of sweet pastrami - this place certainly has the character to match the reputation. I brought 4 friends from Australia to experience Shapiros and I have to say none of us were disappointed and all of of us were amazed. The Pastrami on Rye with swiss and mustard comes hot and heavy. It oozes with flavor and just a half is enough to fill the average man, topped off with a small bowl of chicken noodle soup and a potato pancake with apple sauce. Props to Brother Earl for his help and recommendations. When back in Indy I will certainly return!
(4)Amy P.
We were visiting from out of state and heard this was the place to go for a tasty meat sandwich. We were definitely impressed with the amount of meat on the sandwiches, but the flavor was somewhat lacking. I think I'm just used to having more condiments on my sandwiches. These were pretty dry. My husband ordered the pastrami, and I ordered the corned beef so we could taste a little of both. I have definitely had better sandwiches, but I fell completely in LOVE with the latke!! I often think about it, and wish I could have it mail-ordered to California. I mean, I literally have daydreams about this puffy potato pancake, unlike anything I've ever had.
(4)Candice G.
I love going to Shapiros! I almost always get the corned beef on rye because it's so incredible, but I have had the chili and meatloaf which were delicious too! And their baked goods are PHENOMENAL! I absolutely recommend a visit to Shapiros!
(5)Scott M.
NYC-STYLE DELI, NYC-STYLE PRICES Great food, quick service, big institutional dining room, but expect to pay $20+ per person for a meal (sandwich and a side or two) and a soft drink... probably $40 for a hungry couple.
(4)Tiffany H.
I've officially met the Ruben of my dreams. This sandwich, while a little pricey, was so tasty. The rye bread, meat, and cheese were all freshly sliced and you could tell. I will definitely be going back for more.
(4)Ciara U.
I love Shapiros!!! Every time I visit, the staff is friendly and the food is delicious! If for some reason it's not they fix it without hesitation. The cheesecake is fantastic you must try it! They could use a small update though. They have had those tables and chairs for years!!!!
(5)Patrick P.
Wear your stretchy pants! I took some clients here with my engineer and we had a yummy lunch. When in Rome - do as the Romans! Please note this is a cafeteria restaurant so you grab your tray, and pick or select your foods. That is why it is not 5 starts. This is not a Katz Deli in Columbus (as a recent review commented - Katzingers is a unique place all on its own) but... They have some pretty decent food if you know what to order. Decor: Cafeteria - it is either packed or empty. Tables litter the floor where you promptly park and eat your food. Food: Grab your tray, get your silverware, and select your desert. I picked up the Red Velvet Cake - The portion sizes are Fred Flinestone sized - I think I had 12 oz of cake. Sandwich - I ordered the Reuben. The corned beef was made onsite. The sandwich was grilled to order and brought to my table. My side was the Macaroni and Cheese and it was yummy too but the cheese was processed (nacho cheese sprinkled with real cheese) - it was good but my heart was crying for a difibulator. Cost: A little expensive but on par with other NY Style deli's Sandwich and Side was $14 (Sandiwich was a triple decker) Overall for the amount of food, tastiness, and speed - I give it a thumbs up - just order what they are know for at the restaurant. I am sure I will eat there again. Enjoy.
(4)Jeff M.
"Cook good. Serve generously. Price modestly. People will come." Louis Shapiro's motto started a legacy back in 1905. Couldn't have said it better myself. A "can't miss" dining destination in Indianapolis, within the shadow of the Lucas Oil Stadium. Its the simple things that they do best. A couple of slices of the most perfect Rye bread toast, nutty and near-pepper tinged bites, pillowy and supple but not too soft. They do serve a nice breakfast, but it doesn't shine quite like the incredibly authentic and varied lunchtime cafeteria style buffet. The local flavor is just the icing on the cake.
(4)Alan K.
I had Shapiro's Reuben sandwich which consists of corned beef, sauerkraut, cheese, and some sort of dressing. It was pretty good sandwiched in between the house rye bread. I also had a craving for some matzo ball soup which was also pretty tasty at this place. They give you the option of having just broth with the matzo ball or with chicken noodle soup. Then, when perusing through their menu, I stumbled upon some cabbage borscht. Silly me thinking that this would be some Russian borscht soup, but this borscht was made with cabbage and tomatoes. Anyhow, I would recommending trying their Reuben sandwich and their matzo ball soup. If you are indecisive, they have so many things to choose from in their menu, but if you are still stuck, get in line and you can see what you are ordering as it is cafeteria style. Their menu is somewhat confusing. FYI, you can actually select a half sandwich but also, you can also opt for a half sandwich and a half soup at a combo price.
(4)Amy L.
Amazing food and service. Cafeteria style service and dining. The corned beef on rye is amazing and a staple in a Jewish deli. Highly recommend. Be prepared for leftovers to go as the portions are HUGE~!~ The potato latkes are awesome. Get some sour cream and apple sauce as you are going through the line to complete the experience. The desserts are amazing and beautiful to boot. The strawberry cheesecake, the carrot cake cheesecake, and the devils food cheesecake with chocolate cake are the hits. A small detail that I love is that they have to go boxes and bags out for people to get as they need them and you dont have to ask staff to take the time to get you one. The staff here are outstanding PERIOD. You will find no better. Everyone is always friendly and are glad to see you when you come into the place. A+++++++++
(5)Travel S.
WOW!!! What a place to get desserts! I've never ate here but I have bought quiet a few strawberry cheesecakes for people who absolutely drool over these amazing cakes! They are priced pretty high - $47.00Strawberry Cheesecake ... But TRUST me it's worth it for whomever its for! The last few times I went there a gentleman named Russell has helped me and he's excellent! I buy a lot of desserts, cookies, cakes, cupcakes for people every week and I've never received the amount of positive feedback from any other dessert like I have with the Strawberry Cheesecake! Three words. Go Buy One
(5)Hayat C.
I'm a little disappointed this time coming back putting them down to 3 stars unfortunately I found a eggshell in my deviled egg and it was pretty crunchy and I couldn't catch the eggshell because by the time that I felt the crunch it was already in the back part of my mouth. The stuffed cabbage was absolutely delicious but I would not eat it every day or every week or every month maybe once every six months it is pretty sweet. The spinach was perfect the broccoli salad was really good, but they need to make sure that there is an even portion of grapes in every serving . The matza ball soup was stupendous with noodles , and last but not least the key lime pie in my opinion was a big disappointment but not a complete disappointment it reminded me of a thicker version of Yoplait key lime pie yogurt.
(3)Gillian S.
This place is legit. I am spoiled as it is so close to my home. I've been here too many times to count but today was different. This time, I came in to grab breakfast. Did you know they serve breakfast? I mean I came here seeking my carb fix with one of there crunchy, chewy bagels but to my surprise they have a full breakfast menu! After a quick look I decided upon the eggs and corned beef hash option. I mean this is a Kosher deli and I know from experience that I love their corned beef. Just as I suspected they make their corned beef hash in house and man is it good! It's full of real ground corned beef, big chunks of potatoes with a great onion, garlic, pepper flavor too. My only regret is that I wish I'd had known about this option years ago! I have to note that my breakfast option was in the $6 range and I only ate half. I consider it one of best breakfast deals in the city!
(5)Wang C.
Superb NY Rueben, even if it is really overpriced. The coconut cream pies really good. Only negatives- the woman at the cash register keeps yelling at people if they walk to where the desserts are; maybe you shouldn't have them first. There is also a funky smell when u first walk in. And unfortunately they don't check their bathrooms that often, because someone dropped a Tom Brady, and it was terrible.
(5)Chad M.
One of the best fresh made to order deli sandwiches you can get! Very large portions if ordered that way, but also expensive for a sandwich, but you get what you pay for. Be careful because eating here can become addictive, and its not cheap. Restaurant itself is large and roomy, plenty of seats, self serve soda pop, nothing fancy, just a clean deli.
(4)Amber E.
THE BEST place in Indy for a deli sandwich (duh no brainer) the corned beef is heavenly. If you have a sweet tooth this is the place to go for that also. I wouldn't recommend the macaroni though. The menu states it's famous but I don't see how...almost flavorless to me and it's dry. Edit- tried the Mac n Cheese again, the batch I had before must have just been a bad batch. Excellent this time!
(5)May B.
We stopped in here during our trip down to the final four and thought this might be a good place to grab an early dinner, and what do you know, with paid parking, we got $10 off our meal. Score! This place has great deli meats of the pastrami and corned beef type (along with others, but those are my favorite). Cafeteria style, grab a tray, pick some desserts, then get to the carving section and you can see them carve the meat and put your sandwich together - which is great because it means the meat is hot and is juicy just cut. I tried the reuben, which was pretty tasty. I actually really like the patrami sandwich my husband got as well. Just loads of meat - I really could have been happy with just half a sandwich, but had to finish it because it tasted so good. We also tried the mac and cheese, pretty good, but nothing special, it was a little different, mac and cheese on bottom, thick layer of cheese, mac and cheese on top. We also had the key lime pie which was good, but not tart which was disappointing as I like to pucker when I eat key lime pie. My friend had the strawberry shortcake, which was more like poundcake but really good. The place was a bit pricey for a "sandwich place", but since I ate enough food for two people, that might be the reason - I'd share a sandwich if I find myself back there in the future. From what I can tell, a staple of the Indy area, so definitely worth trying out if you're visiting!
(4)Anna L.
Stopped by Shapiro's on my way through Indianapolis. With the extensive amount of reviews, I wanted to give this place a try-- who knows when I'll be back in Indianapolis! The place was easy to find with ample parking. I ordered half of a tuna sandwich, cole slaw, and a bowl of fruits. The sandwich was all right-- the food here is a little too pricey if you ask me. The cole slaw eventually got tossed since it was a bit too sour for my liking... The fruits did not taste fresh. The restaurant is large with tons of seating! I was confused with the service as to whether i just leave my food and dishes when I was done or if I had to clean and place them myself? I saw a man pushing around a cart for dishes but he simply walked right passed me as I approached him. Okay... Probably would not come back since it was too pricey and a little too loud.
(2)Brittany S.
A verbal snapshot of the things that instantly come to mind when I think of Shapiro's Delicatessen: Indy classic Corned beef sandwich Cabbage rolls Buttery noodles and matzo ball soup Enough sweets to leave ya drooling in line and out the door Grab with caution, prices can add up quickly if you're not watching your math The "MCL crowd" ... and me. quick service no frills comfort food at its finest great for groups Again, the cabbage rolls...
(5)Laura G.
Great choice in town for a no frills meal. We had the pastrami on rye. No, it's not Katz' but it's darn close. Moist and tasty. Large portion and easily shared. We will be back!!!
(5)Sadie R.
This place. Jeez Louise. It's awesome. Not only is this place such an incredible place to fill your belly, it's part of Indy's culture. I suggest Brooklyn Pastrami on marble rye with provolone and potato salad. If you like potato salad, you HAVE to get it. The best.
(5)Chris G.
Well it only took 11 years of living here to make my first visit but no longer. Went to Shapiro's on a recent weekend with my Dad and son prior to an Indians game - overall a pretty simple location to get to with ample parking. Not a large crowd at 430PM on a Saturday - turned out the Jehovah's Witnesses convention let out at 5PM that day and it took us an hour and 10 minutes to get to flipping VICTORY FIELD afterwards but that's a different story... Overall it is cafeteria style as others mentioned - you get your tray and utensils, start with desserts (cleverly positioned at the FRONT of the line), and work your way to the main courses and the cashier. I'm a Reuben fiend, so went with that and some German potato salad. Dad and son both had the pastrami sandwiches, son had mac/cheese. The Reuben was good but the pastrami was out of this world good. I wish I had ordered that. The sandwich bread was ridiculously good. The German potato salad was different than what I'd had in the past and was more mustard based in flavor. The mac/cheese was just OK. Son and I split some chocolate cake for dessert which was very good. A bit more expensive for the sandwiches but the other items on the menu seemed OK price-wise. Sticker shock is probably common here. I like that there are a lot of other comfort food choices (stuffed cabbage!) and choices of everything in general to choose from. There is enough variety to lessen the dent in the wallet opposed to the sandwiches. The atmosphere is a lot more laid back than I expected...it reminded me a lot of going to Tony Packo's for lunch in Toledo Ohio (for those familiar) but on a much smaller scale and not as expensive. The only complaint is everything menu-wise is at the middle of the serving line...I knew what I wanted this time around but reading a printed menu isn't the same as seeing what you're getting. The seating along that serving line railing would be annoying from the newbies like me straining their necks to review the day's offerings. I will be back at some point in the future to try other items.
(4)Andrew D.
It hurts so badddd to not give this place five stars because the Reuben is the best reubeun I have ever and will have. I love this place just simple amazing delicious food. My one star take away is only based that I felt it was way to much for my cheap ass but that's it really one of my favorite places in my beautiful home of Indy.
(4)Brian W.
I've only had the LOX and bagel platter here. Each time I am in Indianapolis I have the same thing. It might be a bit expensive but damn it's good. As for extra cream cheese when you order it. I am not sure why they skimp on that when everything else is so plentiful.
(4)Peter P.
This is like a little slice of New York in downtown Indianapolis. It's similar to the kosher delis that you find all over the Big Apple. Grab a tray, and walk though the line cafeteria-style. My weakness is pastrami on rye and Shapiro's has a nice (and massive) one. It's a little pricey, but think of it as 2 meals instead of 1 as you will surely be taking some home (get your own carry-out boxes and paper bags from the drink/flatware station).
(4)Derrick M.
Wow - please don't shoot me! 2 *'s is probably a death sentence here in Indy. Going for the giant reuben and such similar fare? GO! Be prepared to pay for it though - I wouldn't call this place a "good value." This review is for the "other" hot food that is not the deli sandwiches they are famous for: The first time I went here I got the baked chicken and it was bone dry. The second time I went I was not particularly hungry so I thought I would try their soup. I ordered Chicken and Rice soup - which I have had at other eateries before and it was rich and delicious (kind of like lemon rice minus the lemon if you've had your share of Indiana's Greek family restaurants - I'm lookin' at you every restaurant in Lake County!). Well. Their chicken rice soup is cold, refrigerated white rice which they then pour their hot, plain broth over. FYI: I'm sure this is a shocker but this results in a lukewarm broth with rice soup. No chunks of chicken, no vegetables, nuttin'. Oh, and the bill for my friend's sandwich, my bowl o' broth, and two soft drinks? Approximately $20 w/ tax. :-(
(2)Andrew M.
Shapiro's is a downtown Indy landmark. Their deli sandwiches are top notch, especially the Reuben (it's huge!!). Their coffee is decent, and they have one of the Coke custom drink machines. The desserts are also amazing - fresh pies! Bring your appetite, and I would suggest Shapiro's for lunch rather than breakfast. They can also cater, although it isn't as good a value as other local chains, in my opinion.
(4)Sheila M.
Reuben sandwich here: absolutely yummy! Shapiro's has always been the best Kosher-style deli I have ever eaten. Some people complain about the cost, but I have always thought it was well worth it!
(5)Dan P.
Feelin a little Jewish in Indy today....nice lean Corn Beef on bakery fresh Hard Rye bread a little Swiss cheese, yellow mustard,horse radish a potato pancake with sour cream and a bowl of borsch cabbage soup to top it all off.
(5)Mark B.
One of the best deli's west of New York. I try and stop in every time I come through Indy. This stop was on Saturday. I missed there unbelievable good pea soup only served on Thursday but had their veggie soup instead. Top notch. I have never ever had a bad meal here. This trip was beef brisket and deviled eggs starting off with veggie soup. Try it you will not be disappointed !
(5)Dirk W.
This place is so good I considered converting to Judaism, but I was so full I didn't have the energy to google how. Their pastrami is their signature sandwich, and it's freaking good. Yes, it is a bit expensive, but DAMN what a sandwich. Make sure you get it with everything on it, the coleslaw ties the whole thing together.
(5)Wendy D.
loved the pastrami and the sandwiches are huge... the mac and cheese yummy! I cannot say the prices were that bad as it was the only meal I had while I was there that was under $20
(5)Chris S.
Delis like Shapiro's are tough to come by now-a-days. In fact, they're rare. I've been fortunate enough in my travels to visit most of the best delis in North America. Those who appreciate a good pastrami/corned beef, etc, know that there's a few that are tough to beat: Brent's and Cantor's in Katz in NY, Harold's in New Jersey, Caplansky's in Toronto and Schwartz's in Montreal top that list. When it comes to the above mentioned sandwiches Shapiro's can hang. They're not as memorable as the others, but darn close. In the state in Indiana and the entire Great Lakes Region, on the other hand, Shapiro's takes the trophy. There's no better sandwiches, period. If I'm going to be extremely critical, it's the bread that sets the others aside from Shapiro's. These other places have rye bread that is incredible. It's so good you ask for extra slices and spread butter on them. Shapiro's rye tasted a few days old and the marble rye was so thick (and hard) you couldn't bite through it. World class delis wouldn't let that be served. Aside from this, the corned beef and pastrami are top-notch, some of the best sandwiches in the US/Canada. The peppered beef, on the other hand, which I was told was a must, didn't impress. I couldn't taste the meat, just a massive amount of salt. (Maybe that's what this is. I've never ordered it before.) Meanwhile, the turkey sandwiches are packed with enough turkey to feed a horse and should be on the must eat list. The other food, however, is average. Come here for the sandwiches, rather than much of the rest which is cafeteria style and held in warming pots. The deli is what put this place on the map and the food from that side of the business belongs on your plate. Stick to the sandwiches and you'll be thrilled. The baked goods rock, too. They bake the pies, cookies, pastries, etc, on site, and you can taste the homemade flare with every bite. The challenging part is the sandwiches are so large, there's not going to be room for the cakes, pies, etc. Take it to go.
(4)Anthony A.
The best reason for me to go to Indianapolis. If you have ever had a bad Ruben sandwich or not experienced a perfect potato pancake, try these out. This sandwich...will change your life.
(5)Dave H.
This is our go to stop when we fly into Indianapolis. This time we were not hungry enought to go through the cafeteria line and get one of those huge pastrami sandwishes. What to do? We chose the carry out line instead. Got the awesome pastrami, sliced so very thin, to go. Loaded up on bagels that were also awesome the next day with cream cheese. Bought some chicken soup for some sick familiy members which was well received. Although it was Christmas Eve, the store was very well staffed and they all worked together to move the line quickly.
(4)William B.
Shapiros seems to be slipping . Several times we've come here for brkfst and they are always out of corn Beef hash...best hash ever but they never make enough..no longer serving french toast for breakfast Either...very frustrating. .
(2)Todd H.
Interesting place with lots of choices. I had the meatloaf and Mac and cheese. The Mac was wonderful but the meatloaf was just meh. The coconut cream pie tasted completely processed. I couldn't eat more than one bite. Not sure I would go back
(2)Steve M.
Lucky find thanks to my cousin in Kentucky. Working downtown and needed to escape my hotel. Had an awesome corned beef sandwich on thick cut fresh rye bread. Great rugelach too. Major yum. Loved it. Definitely New York authentic including the price. ;-)
(5)Alex L.
An ode to this Jewish Deli, which serves a fantastic Rueben Sandwich: Indy and Shapiro, welcoming me with your open space Peaking the cafeteria line, my eyes lay rest: Coming up to the counter, the line seems to move at a fast pace Decisions, decisions: what can I eat that is the best?! The reueben catches my eye: so huge and dear Why is it over $12, that price instills fear! Unsure of its value, I cautiously order. When I get, my heart fills with cheer! Sourdough, ample meat, sweet and sour cabbage; I shed a tear. For this heart of sandwiches, so crisp and full of delight. Once I finish it, I take gleeful flight!
(4)Clare L.
The desserts = AMAZING. If I was reviewing those alone, 5 stars. Everything else, not so much. I thought the quality of offerings on the line was even lower than what you could find at MCL. Nothing looked that appetizing and my spaghetti and meatballs that I decided on didn't have too much flavor. Would definitely stop in again to get a cookie or piece of cake, probably wouldn't eat food here again unless I was desperate.
(3)Peter J.
This place harkens to a bygone era when people were doing hard work and needed to truly EAT to satisfy their hunger. Go big with the pastrami or switch it up with some of the daily specials. My eyes are always bigger than my stomach but it's a labor of love with this place. Be sure to check out the deli, jerky sticks are my favorite.
(5)Hannah H.
I've lived in Indy my whole life, and finally decided it was time to try this legendary restaurant. I met a friend here for lunch a few months back and was so excited because of my love for Reubens. I went through the line and chose to get a reuben, mac n cheese, and a piece of rhubard pie. When I got to the checkout and was told it'd be $20 I was in shock, but I figured the reuben must be mind blowing so I didn't mind paying. I got to our table and started to dig in, expecting the best reuben I've ever had... only to be sadly disappointed. I understand that having such a famous restaurant can give you the liberty to charge a bit more, but I'm guessing you didn't get famous serving sandwiches like that. The bread was a bit soggy and the mac n cheese was cold. I REALLY wanted to be a fan of Shapiro's, and I feel like I'm a bad Hoosier for not... but for $20 I expected a lot more. I've been more impressed by the Reuben at Rosie's Place in Noblesville for about half the price. Excuse me while I go hide from the shame of this review.
(2)Ayla W.
I'll start off by saying I'm going to give this place another chance eventually and so my stars will hopefully increase BUT as of right now. I'll stick with 3. I think the design of the place is awesome. Cafeteria like. Taking me back to high school. Everything seems fresh. Although it might not be. But you know when you go to some restaurants and you feel like wow the trucks freezer had its way on this food as it was being transferred to the restaurant. I don't get the same vibe here. However the food was not my cup of tea. From the way it was seasoned to the items on the list. We got a meal to split because I was a little taken back by the prices as well. It being in the top restaurants in Indy I shouldn't have been surprised but I still was because I didn't order crab legs or anything. So, all that to say. It's not making it to favorite restaurants list. But I'm going to give it another try in a month or so and ill give my update.
(3)Sal W.
I've been coming here since I was a kid. Classic, delicious, kosher deli. The best Reuben in town and just amazing pastrami. The pies are amazing - it's always an impossible choice. I often buy a Boston Cream or Key Lime pie here if I need to bring dessert somewhere. Love the chicken dumpling soup and also the matzo ball soup. Not crazy about the mac and cheese here, but the veggies are good. A bit expensive, but quality food! Don't be scared off by the long lunch line- it moves quickly.
(5)John E.
Greatest sandwiches in Indy, bar none! Cafeteria style restaurant that makes the fresh breads in house. The Reubens are unbelievable. The selection of deserts is ridiculous, and they are all delicious. If you haven't been go, if you have been, go back!
(5)Greg M.
Love the corn beef sandwiches. Always good. 13 bucks but now they're charging you for horseradish when you take out?
(4)Amanda T.
Don't miss this Reuben! It's corned beef perfection. Stuffed cabbage was good - the sauce was a tad too sweet, but we still demolished it. Mac n cheese is also killer!
(4)Nicole L.
This place is my go to when I need brain food while spending a day studying at the law school. Their sandwiches are big and hearty, there are tons of options, and place itself is an institution. It looks like it has been utterly unchanged in the past 30 years. I like the tuna sandwich w chips myself. If you're looking for a solid lunch spot downtown, definitely give shapiros a try!
(5)Tiffany B.
Since I'm a vegetarian, they didn't have a ton of options for me, so I'm gonna focus on what they did have that I was interested in and let me tell you: the desserts are friggin AH-mazing. I had a lemon cupcake, which had a custard filling--great, now I have a new sugary addiction to battle. I also tried a red velvet cake pop which fulfilled my sugary craving. There was such a wide selection of options--I've got a new secret/ not so secret dessert destination and I'm loving it.
(5)Greg U.
Fashion Mall location for a quick bite. New to Indy area after living in Chicago and NYC metro areas. Cafeteria style dining. Insane pricing for ala carte sandwiches. $20 for two miniature half sammies, one bag of chips and one coke. Bread was the best part of the meal. Pastrami was nothing special. Turkey was average. The place was filthy too. Uncleaned tables and floors.
(2)Matt W.
I attend college at Ivy-Tech, and end up having a 3 hour lay over between classes. I decided I would look for a decent place to have lunch, and being downtown there are a lot of great restaurants to choose from. I've been to cafeteria like places before such as MCL and Grey's, so I knew the whole grab your tray and stand in line deal. The people behind the counter giving the food were nice, but the lady at the register wasn't very friendly. She wasn't very sociable, had a blank expression on her face, and overall didn't seem like she wanted to be there. I got a sandwich, bowl of mac n cheese, and a drink. My total came up to a little over $17, which I feel personally is outrageous. The roast beef sandwich was OK, the beef was a little under seasoned for my personal preference. The bread was nice and fresh, and the swiss cheese was what you would expect from any deli. They gave what would seem like a generous portion of roast beef, but the actual bread was a little smaller in size then what you would buy at the grocery store, so it gave the illusion that there was more there then there really was. The building is pretty large, but it really needs some TLC and a face lift. The tables were old, and the chair I sat in was wobbly. There menu board looked tacky because when they raised prices they just painted over the old price and wrote the new price over the paint, and it looked like each price change was done by someone different because the paint, handwriting, and overall appearance were inconsistent. With how expensive the food is, and how run down the inside is, it feels like the owners aren't putting anything back into their business, which is a shame because Shapiro's has been an Indy favorite for years. It feels like their reputation may blind some customers into thinking the place is better then it actually is.
(2)Scotty Z.
Searching for the perfect corned beef & rye? Not anymore. Shapiro's, the only real Jewish deli in 100+ miles, is second to none, and an Indianapolis staple to which many residents and visitors alike flock. Plenty of parking makes it great for lunch, and relatively recently extended hours (8:00 PM, I believe) makes it practical for dinner, too (though they do have north side and airport locations as well). Cafeteria-style seating makes for an easy visit, sans the usual pretentious downtown overhead. The corned beef is possibly the best I've had to date, situated in between two thick slices of home-baked rye bread. Be prepared to choose mustard or mayo when asked; the folks are friendly, but efficient. Two downsides for me: 1) the sandwiches will set you back a bit more -- the corned beef upwards of $10 or $11. And, 2) the desserts are the first thing you pass in the cafeteria line. But -- if you have an endless wallet, metabolism, or both, then #1 and #2, respectively, don't matter as much, and it's definitely nothing that should prevent at least one visit per person.
(4)Carina A.
Borscht that is the ultimate food of life! A pastrami Reuben that could renew your faith in anything! Everything here is comfort food....downright dangerous! Thank goodness I don't live closer...I'd be as round as a bowling ball! If you've never been here, come on an empty stomach: it will change your life and rock your world!
(5)Lindy E.
Outside of the east coast and possibly Chicago, this genuine Jewish deli has it all. Pastrami, Corned beef, baked chicken, soups, stuffed cabbage, strawberry pie, and rye bread are all mouthwatering. It's all good. Gets very busy during the work week but the line moves quickly. Get ready for a bit of the Seinfeld "Soup Nazi" treatment when you order as they try real hard to keep the cafeteria line moving along. Kid of amusing but you have to be ready for it. Prices are a bit high but worth the trip every now and then. One note, on two occassions we've eaten in the dining room of the north location in Carmel. Both times, the waitresses were cat fighting with each other, creating an uncomfortable experience. Will only be doing take out at the Carmel store in the future.
(3)Jenna M.
I've been here twice at lunch with completely different experiences...once the line was almost to the door....and a person in the group I was in got yelled at by two older gentlemen for saving a large table for our 8+ person group. The second was this past week - we must have just timed it right because there was no line at all and there were LOTS of tables. On the two visits, I had a corned beef sandwich, a pastrami sandwich and dessert (both times). The sandwiches were quite yummy - the meat was tender, the bread (rye) was almost a little too soft and mushy for my sandwich, but the flavor was nice. The cheeses or mustards all added to the flavor of the sandwich - so overall I was pretty happy with my meal. The desserts were just ok. The first one had been out and uncovered fortoo long because the whipped topping was a little crunchy...the second time I had chocolate cream pie - good, but not great. Will I head back? Sure...but I'm also not completely on the bandwagon yet...
(3)Joel H.
Melt in your mouth corned beef. Love the matza ball soup. The rye is fresh. It is great to find old school cafeteria done very well
(5)Christopher S.
went here while flying into indianapolis. place is great went at about 1pm so it was quiet. Ample parking behind/side of building. set up like a cafeteria. Had a rueben sandwich was great on homemade bread not too much thousand island dressing. it was a large sandwich and you get what you pay for.
(5)Laura C.
I love you, Shapiro's! Truly a Jewish deli, except for all the Christians who come after church (I am one...). So delicious!
(4)Edward M.
Grew up dining at some of the great Brooklyn and Manhattan delis. This place is right up there with them. The service is cafeteria style and even the long lines go quickly. The food is not for the faint of heat, with generous portions on everything. Reubens, Pastrami on rye, sides, etc., were all excellent. Perhaps not the healthiest eating but certainly delicious. Walking distance from the Colts stadium. Nice to go to with a small, intimate group willing to order different items and share.
(5)Mali J.
During a recent site visit when my stomach reminded me that it was now lunch time, I found myself near downtown Indianapolis. After an intense morning, I really wanted some place where I could grab a good, nutritious energizing lunch to complete the day. I thought of Shapiro's, the little kosher deli whose reputation precedes it. How could I miss? I didn't have much time, wanted something really good, in a clean environment. Knowing it was tucked away somewhere close, but not all that easy to find, I wound around downtown Indy's south side before finally stumbling upon the iconic restaurant. I parked the car and proceeded to go inside. This was a bustling place! The line was long, but seemed to move along quickly, apparently filled with many repeat customers. Realizing I didn't have much time, I proceeded to the carry out line and perused the overhead menu. When it was my turn, the smiling clerk looked at me anxiously as if to say "okay spit it out - I don't have all day!" I managed to communicate that I thought I wanted pastrami. "Bread?" "Uh - rye", I answered. "Anything on it?" "Yes, spicy mustard, please." "What else?" (Translation: "hurry up so I can get to the next customer that does know what they want!") "That's all, thanks." I felt rushed. My impression was that you'd better know what you want before you get to the front of the line! Unsure of where to stand after placing my order, I found myself being eased to first one side of the line, then the other as more customers jockeyed for position at the front. Finally I heard a server squawk "Pastrami on rye with brown!" Aha - that must be mine. As I reached for it, the clerk announced, unapologetically, "$11.06!" I thought she must have made a mistake! I hadn't ordered a drink or any sides at all. She just looked at me. I was NOT prepared to cough up $11.06 for a single sandwich without beverage, chips or anything! Unsure if I even had that much cash, I began to panic when I found that this line is for cash only! Bad word! If you don't have cash, you're up that proverbial creek! After several seconds that felt like an eternity, I did manage to scratch up the required sum! I'll admit the sandwich was delicious, and almost too generous! Pastrami was piled so high even the biggest mouth would have trouble negotiating that width! I would have been much happier with a sandwich half that size - and half the price! It could easily have been shared with another person, but since I was dining alone and did not want to carry anything home, $11.06 for a sandwich was just a bit much for me - complimentary dill spears notwithstanding. The service is fast, the portions very generous. There is apparently a loyal client base that keeps the place crowded - especially during lunch hour. This is not what I would call a relaxing atmosphere, but the environment is clean with no frills - if you're expecting cloth linens and candlelight, go somewhere else. Prices are a bit steep, but the food is decidedly good. If you're sharing with a dining mate, it's well worth the money. Go Kosher.
(5)JR J.
If you live in Indianapolis you need to go to Shapiro's. Amazing large sandwiches with fresh ingredients. The rye bread is amazing, either the reuben or the pastrami is fantastic. And that is just the sandwich carry out. Then there is the cafeteria, where you can get everything from there great sandwiches to spinach and potato cakes. Its a great meal but make sure you take some money because it's going to cost you.
(4)Trevor T.
Had lunch here. This is a true Jewish deli gem in Indianapolis. When you start the journey at Shapiro's, you pick up a cafeteria tray, choose your silverware, pick up a napkin and then choose your dessert. Yep, you read that right...dessert comes first at this place. And it's no wonder because the regular food is so filling that if you didn't pick your dessert first, you wouldn't pick it last. My lunch tray held the following: 1) Lemon meringue pie (with a radioactive yellow filling and 6-in of meringue) 2) Rueben sandwich - piled high on delicious rye bread and served with 1000 island and cheese 3) Potato salad - just cause 4) Mac & Cheese - homemade ooey goodness 5) Diet coke Try this place. I'm sure you'll like it.
(3)Valerie S.
Home run, out of the park! It's not much to look at, but the deli food ranks way up there. Pastrami, corn beef, chopped liver, meat wrapped in cabbage. It's all the comfort foods from my youth all served in a line in front of me. And the bread is that crusty, crunchy crust with the soft center. I could eat there for weeks straight if I only lived in Indy.
(5)Adam R.
Although this was one of my quickest trips to Shapiro's, I was still quit happy with the trip. My cousin & I were driving back to Chicago. From the moment we started the trip at 7:30 am, there was never a doubt in my mind we wouldn't be stopping at Shapiro's. Once there I ordered a simple Corn Beef on Rye to go with Dijon mustrard on the side. A little down the road, the sandwhich was unwrapped, and demolished! The bread was fresh and the meat was cut so nice & then. I wish I had there excellent potatoe pancake. Truth be told, an old favorite of mine was the red jello. Although the price for the Jello had risen a little too high for me.
(4)Michael R.
This is a gem of a deli in downtown Indianapolis. The food is EXCELLENT!!!!!!!!! I had the corn beef sandwich with a stuffed pepper YUMMMY! I didnt have any dessert ,but I seen them and they look really good. If your in Indianapolis you have to check this place out for lunch. ITS A CANT MISS I'LL BET EVERYTHING ON MENU IS GREAT!
(4)Matt L.
Oh Shapiro's, how I miss you. I don't travel out to Indy anymore, and as a result, must make do with the deli's in my hometown. You would think, hey man, you live in Philadelphia, it's a big East Coast city. I thought that was the "deli part" of the country. you'd be wrong. In all the 50 states there is no operation quite like you. the way they stick the desserts up front to trick your eyes into thinking your belly can fit them. The potato pancakes, the way you get empty plates redeemable later for hot, delicious ruban sandwiches. someday I hope to be out in Indianapolis again, but if business doesn't take me there, perhaps i'll break down and fly out just for teh sandwhich.
(5)Mike H.
Went to Shapiros with a fellow deli connoisseur friend for lunch last weekend. Looking at the place I thought we had finally discovered a great place to eat in Indy. Oh if it were only true. He had a Ruben and I had a roast beef sand. Frankly neither were that great, and certainly not in any way shape or form worth the $39 that lunch cost us. Looking at the pre-existing reviews, a lot of the five-star reviews for this place seem to come from locals. I'm skeptical that any of them have ever eaten in a good NYC deli.
(2)Jean P.
This was my first deli cafeteria experience (I know), and I must admit that this was probably a good one to get my feet wet. I started going through the line, doing well, and then I got to the entree/sandwich part. Completely overwhelmed and froze. I'm sure if it was busier, I would have gotten harassed, but luckily, it wasn't, and the guy behind the counter was nice enough to snag me a sample of their rueben, which I happily ordered. This was my first rueben sandwich (yes, I'm sheltered), so I ordered it with "less of that mustard or sauce or whatever". The guy probably thought I was an idiot. My husband later explained that it was thousand island, and he ate my sauerkraut which was just a little much for me. I don't think I'm a fan of sauerkraut in general. Anyway, the meat and bread were good, so I'd probably just hook myself up with a corned beef sandwich or something completely different next time. The green beans were good. The key lime pie, once I got past the ridiculous amount of whipped cream, was delish - especially the crust! I did think they were quite pricey. Is that normal for the area or for this kind of dining experience?
(3)D T.
Great NY style deli.
(4)Brenda T.
Hands-down, the BEST reuben I've ever had. Period. End of story.
(5)bob b.
top of the heap airport food. I sometimes choose a longer flight to Indy over a shorter flight to St Louis- when traveling on business- so I can get a sandwich at Shapiros in the airport. I get one when I land and another to carry on. I visited Mannys last night at Midway Chicago. Good food, but better at Shapiro's
(5)Scott J.
I used to love this place, but after 4 bad experiences in a row, I've thrown in the towel. The people working the line are rude. Frankly, I question their cleanliness. I've seen one woman in particular cough right on the food line. That was the nail in the coffin for me. If you're willing to do that with customers standing in front of you, what are you doing when I'm not around? I'd still go there for bagels, but as far as the food line is concerned - I'm out. Management - clean up your act and get some new people working there. Your standards are slipping.
(1)Keith M.
This is my first time writing a review. This place has to be the most overpriced place i've ever seen for food that was so far below average. I ordered a roast beef sandwich and it came on regular white loaf bread. There wasn't really any toppings to choose from. I asked for mayo and the guy working harassed me about it in a joking manner. The sandwich was $11 which is just outrageous for what I received. That price didn't include any side items or a drink. This is the first and last time I'll be coming here.
(1)Cara R.
Shapiro's is an Indianapolis institution. I am ruined forever on reubens because the Shapiro reuben is so good. I refuse to eat this sandwich at any other establishment. Many people complain about the pound of corned beef you get with the reuben here, but seriously, if you wanted a wimp sandwich, head to Arby's down the street. Usually, I'll get the reuben with a couple of sides and I'm set for lunch AND dinner. In addition to the deli sandwiches piled high with meat on homemade breads, Shapiro's offers daily specials like meatloaf (which I adore, it's the ultimate comfort food) and roasted half-chickens. The cold sides I like to get are the broccoli/grape salad, deviled eggs and potato salad. The hot sides that are good are steamed salty spinach and macaroni & cheese. If you have a sweet tooth, they also have a great selection of cakes and tarts. There is no other place like Shapiro's in Indy and possibly the entire midwest.
(5)Curley L.
OMG!! The Ruben is out of sight. Friend had the pastrami and I had a nibble, same sensation...off the charts! Save room for the homemade pie ( rhubarb). A must if you are in Indy.
(5)Jeffrey L.
I visit Indy about once a year and go to Shapiro's at least once each visit. It is a classic cafeteria-style Jewish deli. Portions are large, variety is extensive. Probably hasn't changed much in 50 years... which in this case is a good thing.
(4)David S.
Food is good. Bathrooms could be a bit cleaner.
(4)Chad B.
The only deli I have ever been to that compared to the Stage Deli in New York City. Yeah, it's a little pricey. I usually get a corned beef sandwich, german potato salad, and a drink. It runs me about $14. I know that going in, so it doesn't bother me. I heard that they have built one of these in the new Indianapolis airport. I'll know in 2 weekends because I am flying out of there. Another perk is that this is right next to Lucas Oil Stadium. I would suggest going here for lunch prior to a Colts game or anything being held here. It is closer than Circle Center. EDIT: They DID put a Shapiros' in one of the concourses at the Indianapolis Airport. I am pretty sure Its Concourse A. SO Good!!!!
(5)Adam L.
Shapiro's is an Indianapolis legend. I work with the major television sports networks, and the talent always asks for sandwiches from Shapiros. As for me, I get the corned beef on rye with yellow mustard, cottage cheese, potato salad, and a slice of pie. Worth every single penny.
(5)