One Michigan deli calls its signature sandwich the Monster, and the owner seasons it with something called love spice. I couldn’t make that up if I tried.
That same shop is cash only, has no restroom, and still draws long lines. Another deli on this list stays open until 2:30 in the morning on weekends.
A third has been slicing pastrami near a farmers market since 1982.
I love that these places don’t play it safe. They pile on corned beef, pastrami, and coleslaw like they’re building a skyscraper on rye.
Some are polished. Some are tiny counters with no seats at all.
So here’s my honest question. How far would you drive for a sandwich so tall it needs a game plan, two napkins, and a long afternoon on the couch afterward?
1. Zingerman’s Delicatessen
Some sandwiches come with a reputation, and the pastrami Reuben here carries one heavier than its rye. People really do plan road trips around it.
The deli opened in 1982 in a historic building near the Ann Arbor Farmers’ Market. Four decades later, it still feels like a funky little food world of its own.
Ordering works a bit differently than at your corner sub shop. Friendly staff help you navigate the system, which is handy when the menu gets this long.
The kitchen bakes its own artisan bread, and that changes the whole sandwich game. Fresh deli meats and serious cheeses do the rest of the heavy lifting.
Don’t sleep on the sides, either. The garlic potato salad, latkes, coleslaw, and mushroom barley soup all deserve a spot on your tray.
The tuna salad sandwich has its own fan club, too. Shoppers can also browse specialty groceries and gourmet treats to bring home.
Expect a wait, especially on weekend afternoons, since reservations aren’t taken. Weekday mornings and evenings tend to run quieter, and the deli is open daily from 11 AM to 7 PM.
Address: 422 Detroit St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
2. Ernie’s Market
Love spice sounds like something from a fairy tale, yet it lives in Oak Park. It’s the custom seasoning at this tiny, old-school deli.
The star of the show is the Monster sandwich. It’s a multi-meat build that earns its name the honest way, by sheer height.
Ernie himself makes the sandwiches by hand and piles the meat high. That personal touch is a big part of why this small market feels like a Michigan institution.
A special sauce adds another layer of fun. Turkey pastrami is on the menu too, along with vegetarian deli sandwiches for folks skipping the meat.
Plan ahead before you go. The shop is cash only, takeout only, and doesn’t have a restroom.
Lines can stretch long, especially on weekday afternoons. The good news is that friendly staff keep things moving and help you pick your order.
Hours run Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 4 PM, and Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM. Sundays are closed, so don’t plan a Sunday sandwich pilgrimage here.
Free street parking makes the quick grab easier. Bring cash and a big appetite.
Address: 8500 Capital St, Oak Park, MI 48237
3. Stage Deli Restaurant
Overstuffed is the official mood at this storied Jewish deli. Corned beef and pastrami are the specialties, and they arrive stacked thick.
The room itself surprises people expecting a cramped counter. It’s open, modern, and stylish, with a lively feel and attentive service.
Hot pastrami leads the menu highlights, and the pastrami sandwich follows close behind. Corned beef and cabbage also earns serious praise from diners.
The menu runs wide beyond sandwiches. Salads and smoked fish share space with a vegan falafel plate, which helps when your group can’t agree.
Craving fresh air with your rye? A heated outdoor patio lets you stretch the season a little longer, which any Michigander can appreciate.
Generous portions mean leftovers are a real possibility. Takeout is available if you’d rather finish the job at home on the couch.
Plan around the schedule, since the deli closes on Mondays. It’s open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 AM to 8 PM.
Friday afternoons into evenings tend to get busy. Sunday mornings usually run quieter, if you like a calmer pace with your pickles.
Address: 6873 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, MI 48322
4. Stateside Deli & Restaurant
Breakfast for dinner is fun, but Reubens for breakfast might be better. This Okemos deli opens at 8 AM and serves both all day.
The signature Reuben comes in more than one style. You can go with pastrami and corned beef, or try the vegan version.
Portions are huge, and diners often compare them to classic New York delis. That’s a bold comparison, and a tasty one to test.
Morning plates hold their own, too. The Philly steak omelette, country hash, and Irish hash all show up among the favorites.
Avocado toast and an Impossible burger round out the meatless side. Good coffee keeps the whole operation humming.
The space has a clean, casual, diner-style feel with table service. It’s a relaxed spot for families, groups, or a solo lunch.
Unlike many delis, this one accepts reservations. That’s handy on busy Friday and Sunday mornings.
Parking usually isn’t a headache, with a free lot on site. Hours run daily from 8 AM to 4 PM, so don’t wait too late.
Address: 3552 Meridian Crossing Dr, Okemos, MI 48864
5. Steve’s Deli
Coconut cake at a corned beef joint? That’s exactly the kind of twist that makes this Bloomfield Hills deli worth remembering.
Steve’s serves traditional Jewish deli comfort food in a bright, clean dining room. Lean corned beef, brisket, and pastrami lead the way.
Sandwiches come hearty and portions run huge. Bring a friend, or bring patience for the leftovers box.
Housemade treats add another reason to linger. The coconut cake gets plenty of love, and dessert counts as a highlight here.
Service moves fast, which is a blessing when hunger hits hard. The staff keep things friendly while getting plates out quickly.
Morning people can show up early. The deli opens at 9 AM daily and serves breakfast and brunch alongside the sandwich lineup.
Need to grab and go? Curbside pickup, takeout, and catering make it easy to share the feast elsewhere.
Hours run Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 7 PM, and Sunday from 9 AM to 3 PM. Afternoons tend to be busiest, while weekday evenings may run calmer.
Address: 6646 Telegraph Rd, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301
6. Star Deli
No tables, no fuss, just sandwiches big enough to need their own bag. Star Deli runs as a longtime takeout operation in Southfield.
The style leans New York, and the meats are the main event. Pastrami arrives on crusty rye with plentiful portions.
Corned beef and Reubens rank among the house favorites. The deli has a long history in the area, and it shows in the steady crowds.
Beyond sandwiches, the counter turns out salads, sides, and deli trays. That makes it a smart stop before a family gathering or office lunch.
Dine-in isn’t an option, so think picnic or car seat feast. Curbside pickup and delivery help if you’re short on time.
Visits tend to be quick, which suits busy weekday mornings. Afternoons on Friday and the weekend usually see more traffic.
Hours run daily from 8 AM to 7 PM. That gives you plenty of chances to grab lunch, dinner, or both.
A free parking lot keeps the stop simple. Just plan where you’ll eat before you open that wrapper.
Address: 24555 W 12 Mile Rd, Southfield, MI 48034
7. Bread Basket Deli
Corned beef and Swiss inside an egg roll is a move that deserves applause. This Livonia sandwich shop clearly enjoys having a little fun.
Don’t let the egg rolls distract you for too long, though. Corned beef and Reuben sandwiches are the real headliners here.
The rye bread earns a lot of credit for holding these huge builds together. Pastrami fans will find plenty to love as well.
Other menu picks include roast beef and Swiss, plus tuna salad. Wash it down with a Dr. Brown’s soda for that classic deli touch.
Friendly owners help give the shop a neighborhood feel. It’s casual and usually quiet, with counter service instead of waiters.
Late cravings are welcome here. Hours run Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 9 PM, and Sunday from 11 AM to 8 PM.
Thursday through Saturday evenings tend to bring the biggest crowds. Sunday mornings and evenings usually stay calmer.
Parking is generally easy, with a free lot. Kids have their own menu, so the whole family can join the corned beef mission.
Address: 11320 Middlebelt Rd, Livonia, MI 48150
8. Lou’s Deli
Midnight corned beef is a Detroit tradition worth protecting. Lou’s stays open until 2:30 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.
This long-standing deli specializes in Detroit-style corned beef sandwiches. Generous portions and pickles that hit the mark make the big builds worth it.
The Counterman’s Treat is a menu highlight with a fun name. Pastrami sandwiches are made to order with fresh bread and toppings.
Not in a corned beef mood? A Philly-style BBQ steak hoagie offers a saucy detour, and French fries round out the plate.
Save room for sweet potato pie. It’s a dessert that fits right in on Detroit’s west side.
The space is clean and family friendly, with dine-in and takeout. Delivery works if you’d rather eat in your pajamas.
Weekend nights draw the biggest crowds, which makes sense for a late-night sandwich spot. Weekday mornings tend to stay quieter.
Hours start at 10 AM Monday through Saturday and noon on Sunday. Free on-site parking makes it easy to end your Michigan deli tour with one last towering bite.
Address: 8220 W McNichols Rd, Detroit, MI 48221
