(Indianapolis) – I went to Indianapolis with my friends once again for a volleyball tournament. While they were busy with their game, I was preoccupied looking for food – great tasting food that is unique to this place. So I googled and made some phone calls to friends residing in Indiana. What came up on top of my agenda is Shapiro’s Deli.
Interesting, since I am not a big fan of delis and sandwiches. Shapiro’s is known for their corned beef and many locals believe that they serve the best. Even Marc Summers of Food Network is in agreement with them. I might as well try this and see for myself.
Wow! It feels like a time machine took me back 30 years ago. Shapiro’s is vintage, spacious and charming. I love the attitude of the place. The food is displayed along a lengthy stretch of stainless counter but the sandwiches are made to order. Of course, I ordered their most popular offering, the corned beef on rye bread. There is a dedicated person manning the meat slicer that thinly shaves the beef as you order to ensure freshness.
The corned beef is doubtless fresh, moist and tender. And the freshly baked rye bread perfectly houses the thick multiple layers of meat with a thin spread of tangy mustard. Really good! Although the extent of my exposure to delis is not far-reaching yet, this must have been the best corned beef sandwich I’ve ever tasted so far. Shapiro’s corned beef sets a standard—a very high benchmark indeed.
The food at Shapiro’s is too good for a single visit. I surely went back bringing more friends before driving back to Chicago. Bye Shapiro’s for now. I’ll be back soon.
808 South Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN (317) 631-4041 www.shapiros.com