Some sandwiches are so tall that ordering just one feels like a group decision. In downtown Indianapolis, there’s a counter where the meat stacks reach heights that make regulars pause, split the plate, and still walk away full.
The line moves fast, the trays slide down a cafeteria rail, and the folks behind the counter build each order right in front of you. What started back in the early 1900s has grown into one of the city’s most recognizable food stops, drawing locals on lunch breaks and travelers who plan their downtown afternoons around it.
Stick around, because there’s a lot to unpack about this longtime favorite, from its cafeteria rhythm to its towering portions, its bakery case, and the small tips that turn a first visit into a smooth one.
Where the Legend Lives on South Meridian
Downtown Indianapolis holds plenty of old standbys, but few carry the pedigree of Shapiro’s Delicatessen, parked at 808 S Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46225…