A Texas deli serving a supposedly small muffaletta big enough for two people? That’s just the beginning. Across the state, sandwich shops are piling on the meat, cheese, and toppings in ways that make an ordinary lunch feel like a serious feast.
One Houston favorite serves a towering schnitzel and waffle creation, while another deli stays open around the clock for anyone craving pastrami in the middle of the night. There’s even a spot where free soft-serve ice cream makes a giant sandwich an even sweeter deal.
From New York-style delis loaded with corned beef and homemade pickles to Italian markets serving oversized sandwiches, Texas knows how to take a classic lunch to another level.
These nine delis prove that when it comes to sandwiches, bigger really can be better. Some portions are so generous that sharing might be your only option.
1. Kenny & Ziggy’s New York Delicatessen
Celebrity caricatures crowd the walls, but the sandwiches still steal the show. That takes real effort in a room full of famous faces.
This Houston deli is famous for huge pastrami sandwiches and other New York classics. The setting feels old-school, like a slice of Manhattan dropped onto Post Oak Boulevard.
Start with the pastrami or corned beef, since those are the headliners. The sandwiches are voluminous, which is a fancy way of saying you may need a strategy. Cutting it in half is not cheating.
Homemade pickles come with a sour snap that cuts through all that rich meat. They’re the kind of side that makes you reach for one more without thinking.
The menu is big, so you won’t run out of options on a second visit. You can go for a Brooklyn Style Patty Melt or Lox N Latkes. Feeling bold?
The Schnitzel and Waffle Tower sounds like a dare in sandwich form.
Breakfast fans get Shakshuka, which brings a nice twist to the morning lineup. It’s a smart pick if you want something hearty without a pile of deli meat.
Then there’s dessert, and nobody should skip it. The Kenny and Ziggy’s Famous Torte, New York Carrot Cake, and Triple Threat Chocolate Cheesecake all compete for your attention.
Timing matters here, too. Weekends get busiest, especially Sunday morning into the afternoon and Saturday from afternoon to evening.
Weeknight evenings tend to be calmer, so plan around that if you hate waiting. The deli opens daily at 8 a.m. and stays open until 9 p.m.
Service gets high marks, and the staff keeps things moving with a friendly attitude. Takeout and delivery work too, though eating under those caricatures is half the fun.
Address: 1743 Post Oak Blvd, Houston, TX 77056
2. Deli News Dallas
Overstuffed is the official word for the sandwiches here, and it fits. You’ll want napkins on standby before the first bite.
Deli News Dallas serves New York-style deli food in a simple space with plenty of seating. Nobody comes here for fancy decor. They come for pastrami and corned beef piled with serious confidence.
Those two meats are the stars, and they show up again and again on the menu. The Corned Beef and Eggs Sandwich is a strong move if you show up early.
Little extras make the table feel full. Onion bread and butter, garlic pickles, and applesauce topped with Greek yogurt can land alongside your meal.
Comfort food runs deep beyond sandwiches. Stuffed cabbage, a brisket dinner plate, and fresh soups give you plenty of reasons to order more than you need.
Like classic deli salads? The whitefish salad and an egg salad stuffed tomato keep old traditions going strong. The bagels also get plenty of love, so grab one for later.
Hours are a little different by day, so check before heading out. Weekdays from Tuesday to Friday run until 7 p.m., while Monday and weekends close at 3 p.m.
Every day starts at 7 a.m., which makes this a solid breakfast pick. A cup of coffee and a hot plate is a fine way to begin.
Weekends and late-week lunches draw the biggest crowds. Weekday evenings tend to stay quieter if you want an easier visit.
The staff is friendly, and regulars get greeted like family. That kind of welcome suits a place this generous with its portions.
Free parking makes stopping in easy along Preston Road. Takeout is available too, though your car might smell like pastrami.
Address: 17062 Preston Rd Ste 100, Dallas, TX 75248
3. Carshon’s Delicatessen
Coconut pie with a towering meringue might be the reason you remember this place. The sandwiches, though, are why you come back.
Carshon’s is a longtime kosher-style deli in Fort Worth. It’s known for New York-style sandwiches and homemade pies, which is a pretty great pair of talents.
Sandwiches arrive with generous portions of meat, so expect some heft. The pastrami on rye, toasted with Swiss cheese, is a classic choice for good reason.
Not in a pastrami mood? Chicken salad plates and lox with cream cheese give you lighter, still satisfying options.
Here’s a fun Texas twist for a New York-style deli. The menu includes Frito Chili Pie, which feels right at home in Fort Worth.
Sides hold their own, too. Macaroni salad, cucumber salad, and bagel chips round out the plate nicely.
Now, about dessert, because skipping it here would be a shame. The selection is big and homemade, from Cappuccino Ice Cream Pie to Lemon Bars and Strawberry Delight.
That coconut pie with its meringue top deserves a special mention. Order a slice to go if you’re too full, which you probably will be.
Plan your trip carefully, since the hours are short. Carshon’s opens Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and stays closed on Sundays.
Monday mornings tend to be the calmest stretch. Afternoons on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday get busier.
The staff is cheerful and attentive, which fits the old-school feel. It’s the kind of deli where lunch feels like a small tradition.
It’s also among the more budget-friendly stops on this list. Big meat, homemade pie, and a fair bill make a pretty strong case.
Address: 3133 Cleburne Rd, Fort Worth, TX 76110
4. Weinberger’s Deli
A sandwich called the Dirty Dozen tells you right away this crew doesn’t do dainty. It comes stacked with tons of meat, cheese, and vegetables.
Weinberger’s Deli sits on Main Street in downtown Grapevine. It’s a counter-serve spot with an old-fashioned deli feel and an unassuming look.
The menu goes wide. You’ll find classic sandwiches, design-your-own options, gyros, subs, dagwoods, soups, and chili.
Names on the board are half the fun. The Bourdain, the Jim Shoo, the Ciabatta Bomb, and the Texan all sound like characters in a sandwich movie.
Craving something Cuban? The MediaNoche is on the menu. Fans of the classics can grab an Italian Sub or a Cheesesteak instead.
The portions are monstrous, and the price feels fair for what you get. Splitting a sandwich is a reasonable plan if your lunch window is short.
Gluten-free options are available, and vegetarian diners can ask about meat-free sandwiches, including customized options.
Lunch gets busy, with local business folks filling the line. The quietest times tend to be weekday evenings and Sunday evenings.
Hours run later than many delis. It opens at 10 a.m. Monday through Saturday and stays open until 8:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Sunday hours are shorter, from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Free Wi-Fi is available if you want to linger with your macaroni salad.
Curbside pickup makes grabbing a giant sub easy. The friendly staff makes it simple to order, even if the menu feels huge.
It’s also known as an LGBTQ+ friendly space. Big sandwiches and a welcoming crowd make a solid combo.
Address: 601 S Main St, Grapevine, TX 76051
5. Max and Louie’s New York Diner
Pastrami chili cheese fries exist here, and the menu offers a half order. That tells you plenty about the full size.
Max and Louie’s brings New York diner style to San Antonio. It’s a spacious, family-owned spot serving all-day breakfast, sandwiches, and American comfort food.
Portions run Texas-sized, which feels fitting. The Hot Corned Beef Sandwich is a deli classic worth your attention.
Breakfast lovers have plenty to chase. The New York Deli Benedict and New York Deli Hash and Eggs put a deli spin on the morning plate.
Prefer something simpler? The Classic Turkey Club, mashed potatoes and gravy, and onion rings keep comfort food front and center.
Save room for the dessert case. The selection is strong, and the strawberry cake gets special love.
Families do well here. There’s a kids’ menu, high chairs, and a relaxed, casual mood that handles big groups.
Weekends get packed, especially Saturday and Sunday mornings. A wait is common, so reservations are smart, especially for brunch.
Hours stretch long, starting at 7 a.m. daily. Friday and Saturday run until 10 p.m., and other days close at 9 p.m.
Outdoor seating is available, and dogs are welcome outside. That’s handy if your pup wants to watch you tackle a sandwich.
Parking is usually plentiful, which helps on busy weekends. Curbside pickup and delivery are options if you’d rather feast at home.
Coffee and tea get high marks too. Pair either one with a slice of cake and you’ve got a sweet finish.
Address: 226 W Bitters Rd #126, San Antonio, TX 78216
6. Katz’s
Midnight pastrami cravings finally have a home. This Houston deli stays open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Katz’s sits on Westheimer in Montrose with a Big Apple theme. It serves stacked sandwiches and heirloom New York deli recipes in a bright, spacious room.
Grilled pastrami sandwiches are a top pick, and portions come well served. Corned beef is right there too, ready to compete.
Soup fans have options. Chicken noodle soup and French onion soup both earn praise, and kugel keeps the Jewish deli roots strong.
Breakfast never really ends here. Stuffed French Toast, Challah French Toast, Lisa’s Belgian Waffle, and Chicken and Waffles all wait for you.
Desserts go big, too. A Jumbo Hot Fudge Sundae sounds like a group project, and you can even order a Whole NY Cheesecake.
Want a heavier lunch? The Philly Cheesesteak and a side of fries will handle that job fast.
Friday and Saturday nights get the busiest. Tuesday mornings and Wednesday daytime tend to be calmer.
College students, families, and tourists all mix in here. It’s LGBTQ+ friendly and has a kids’ menu, high chairs, and changing tables.
Reservations are accepted, which helps with bigger groups. Free parking makes a late-night visit even easier.
Outdoor seating is another option when the Houston weather plays nice. Takeout and delivery work too, any hour you like.
It’s hard to beat a deli that’s ready when you are. Your 2 a.m. self will thank you.
Address: 616 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006
7. Jimmy’s Food Store
The small muffaletta here can feed two people. So you can probably guess what the big one is like.
Jimmy’s Food Store is a veteran Italian specialty shop in East Dallas. It’s part market, part deli, and fully dedicated to Italian food.
That muffaletta comes loaded with meat, cheese, and olive salad. It gets a little messy, so grab extra napkins and maybe a table.
Another favorite is the Italian beef sandwich with pickled peppers. It’s a hearty choice when you want something with a little bite.
The deli counter shows off display cases filled with Italian meats and fresh meats. It’s the kind of view that makes you shop hungry.
Sausages, imported cheeses, and pasta fill the rest of the store. You can build a whole dinner before you even leave.
Prepared foods and baked goods help too, if cooking sounds like too much work. The produce also gets high marks for quality.
Espresso shots are on hand for a quick pick-me-up. Sipping one while browsing pasta shapes sounds like a fine afternoon.
Saturday mornings and afternoons draw the biggest crowds. Weekday mornings, especially Monday and Tuesday, tend to be quieter.
Hours run Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The store closes on Sundays, so plan your sandwich run wisely.
Parking is on-site, with free street parking nearby too. A quick visit is easy, though leaving with only a sandwich is tough.
Think of it as lunch plus a grocery adventure in one stop. Your fridge may end up fuller than your stomach.
Address: 4901 Bryan St, Dallas, TX 75206
8. Otherside Deli
Small room, big Reubens. That’s the deal at this compact Austin deli on West 34th Street.
Otherside Deli focuses on pastrami sandwiches and deli standards. The space is small, but the flavors and options stand out.
The Pastrami Reuben is a rich, flavorful pick with crisp bread and a great sauce. The Corned Beef Reuben gives it serious competition.
Turkey fans should look at the Otherside sandwich. The turkey is thick-cut yet stays juicy and tender, which isn’t easy to pull off.
Many ingredients are made in-house, and the bread gets plenty of praise. That attention shows up in each bite.
Other choices include a Philly Cheesesteak and a Turkey Sandwich. Pickles and coleslaw make easy sides to round things out.
Vegetarians have a few options here, including a Veggie Sub and a Veggie Philly, while vegan diners should ask about suitable modifications.
Ordering online is simple, and pickup can be contactless. That’s handy if you’re grabbing lunch between classes or meetings.
Hours are lunch-focused, so don’t show up for dinner. It opens weekdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturdays 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sundays 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Reservations aren’t accepted, but it’s counter service anyway. Outdoor seating is available, and dogs can join you outside.
Kids get their own menu, and high chairs are on hand. Free Wi-Fi and a gender-neutral restroom add to the easygoing feel.
Parking is usually plentiful, which is a nice surprise in Austin. Prices stay friendly, so a big sandwich won’t wreck your budget.
Address: 1104 W 34th St D, Austin, TX 78705
9. Jason’s Deli
Free soft-serve ice cream after a giant sandwich feels almost unfair. This El Paso location makes it happen anyway.
Yes, Jason’s Deli is a chain, but this West Side spot earns its place. Sandwiches here come huge and piled high.
The menu leans toward specialty sandwiches, salads, and health-conscious fare. You can go hearty or light, depending on your mood.
The salad bar is a big draw, and it stays fresh and clean. It’s a smart way to balance out a towering sandwich.
Comfort food fans have plenty to pick from. Chicken Pot Pie, Chicken Alfredo, and a Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup Combo all show up here.
Got a sweet tooth? Strawberry Shortcake joins that free soft-serve on the dessert list.
Vegan and vegetarian menus are both available. Organic dishes and healthy options make this an easy pick for mixed groups.
The room is spacious, relaxed, and known for being very clean. There’s even a fireplace, which is a fun touch for a deli.
Hours run long, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all covered.
Sunday, Monday, and Thursday afternoons get busiest. Monday nights tend to be the quietest time to stop in.
Need speed? A drive-through, curbside pickup, and delivery are all options.
Families do fine with a kids’ menu and high chairs. Free Wi-Fi helps if you’re working through lunch.
For a Texas road trip finale out west, this one delivers. Big sandwich, salad bar, ice cream, done.
Address: 7410 Remcon Cir M, El Paso, TX 79912
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