Tennessee might be famous for barbecue and hot chicken, but the state has a surprisingly strong deli game when it comes to pastrami. From small-town counters to bustling city shops, these spots are piling high-quality meat onto fresh rye and serving it with all the right fixings.
Whether you’re craving a classic stack with mustard or something with a Southern twist, these ten delis prove that great pastrami isn’t just a New York thing anymore.
1. Gold’s Deli — Columbia
Gold’s has earned its reputation as Columbia’s go-to spot for serious deli sandwiches, and the pastrami on rye is what keeps regulars coming back week after week. The meat arrives properly seasoned and sliced thick enough to give you that satisfying bite without overwhelming the bread. They serve it on fresh rye with a swipe of deli mustard, keeping things simple but absolutely right.
The menu also features a stacked monster that layers corned beef and pastrami together with Swiss cheese, coleslaw, and Thousand Island dressing. It’s messy in the best way possible, with flavors that balance salty, tangy, and creamy all at once…