Shapiro’s Delicatessen.

A fixture of the Indianapolis food scene since 1905, Shapiro’s Delicatessen is a fourth-generation family operation that sticks to the fundamentals of a traditional Jewish deli. The experience is defined by its tray-line, cafeteria-style service, where you watch staff hand-carve massive piles of brisket, corned beef, and their signature pepper-crusted pastrami. This isn't a place for small appetites; the portions are substantial, and the recipes—from the matzo ball soup to the dense rye bread—remain largely unchanged from the family’s original roots in Odessa. Beyond the meat, the in-house bakery is a primary draw, particularly for the New York-style cheesecakes and seasonal fruit pies. It feels like a living time capsule, maintaining a bustling, no-nonsense atmosphere that attracts a cross-section of the city from dawn until dusk.