There’s nothing like an excellent deli sandwich. It’s perfection between two slices of bread. And Detroit has some amazing delis if you know where to look.
Over the last few weeks I dragged my family and friends all over the Detroit area eating sandwich after sandwich in the name of finding the Metro Detroit delis that really stand out in my mind over the rest. Enjoy and eat up, Detroit!
1. Ernie’s Market – Oak Park
Living so close to Ernie’s is a blessing and a curse. Knowing this deli is a minute away means that I am a regular at Ernie’s. While the sandwiches at Ernie’s are amazing, the thing that really sets apart this deli from others is that Ernie puts so much love into each and every sandwich he constructs.
Just a few words of warning. 1. Be prepared to wait in line, Ernie slices all of his meat and cheese on demand. 2. Ernie’s Market is cash only, so be sure to bring your green.
8500 Capital Street Oak Park, Michigan 48237 – Facebook
2. Siegel’s Deli – Commerce Township
This place is your old school Jewish deli. They offer an entire menu of food, but we opted to try the sandwiches. Both the roast beef sandwich and the Reuben were pretty solid. Also, who knew their rice pudding would be so good?
3426 E West Maple Road, Walled Lake, MI 48390 – Facebook
3. Uncle Harry’s – St. Clair Shores
When we started talking about this list I already knew this place would be on it. My dad use to bring me to Uncle Harry’s when I was little. Uncle Harry’s has been an east side mainstay since it opened in 1977.
This is yet another old school Jewish deli, and while they serve other items I always end up getting a salami sandwich with new pickles. I know not everyone likes new pickles, but I love a good new pickle. Oh, and Matzo Ball soup.
21809 Greater Mack St. Clair Shores 48080 – Facebook
4. Hygrade Deli – Detroit
Things have changed on Michigan Avenue over the many years, but Hygrade has not. It is so well known and loved that it would be silly for us not to add it to this list of delis, and if you didn’t know before now you know and you have no excuse. Hygrade also has a full breakfast and lunch menu, so there is plenty of options to choose from.
3640 Michigan Avenue Detroit, Michigan 48216 – Website
5. Gonella’s – Detroit, Dearborn, and soon Redford
If you are looking for a really good Italian sub, then you need to hop in the car and go over to Gonella’s. This giant 14-layer sub with provolone was just $6.50!
Gonella’s is an Italian market that has a killer deli. If you want to learn more about them, then you should check out our post about the sandwiches.
295 S. Oakwood Detroit, Michigan 48217 and inside La Cantina Market 1342 N. Telegraph Dearborn, Michigan 48128. We’ll keep you up to date on the new location once we find out. – Website
6. Star Deli – Southfield
If you happen to be in Southfield near 12 Mile and Telegraph I suggest stopping into Star Deli. Don’t worry, the line moves really quickly.
Their secret weapon is their dill pickles. Also if you want to see something cool, get a loaf of bread and have them slice it. I watched one of the guys behind the counter slice a loaf of rye by hand and it was mesmerizing.
24555 W. 12 Mile Southfield, Michigan 48034 – Website
7. Lou’s Deli – Detroit and Southfield
Lou’s has been a mainstay in Northwest Detroit for over 50 years. They must be doing something right since there are three locations.
The menu is pretty extensive. They have 41 sandwiches on the “Lou’s Deli Delights,” soups, salads, subs, and burgers. We got the Marty’s Mirage and Marlon’s Magic and both were tasty.
8220 W McNichols Road Detroit, Michigan 48221; 19440 W 7 Mile Road Detroit, Michigan 48219, 22819 Greenfield Road Southfield, Michigan 48075 – Website
8. Mudgie’s – Detroit
Because of course Mudgie’s. This Corktown deli has a very loyal following, and there is a reason for that. The sandwiches are pretty darn tasty.
I don’t think there is a sandwich that I haven’t liked. There is another great reason to go to Mudgie’s – they have a pretty solid bar now.
1413 Brooklyn Street Detroit, Michigan 48226 – Website
9. Russell Street Deli – Detroit
Russell Street Deli is one of my regular stops when I go to Eastern Market. The only problem is that it is everyone’s stop when they are in Eastern Market. But it’s worth the wait.
This deli has something for everyone, they have a pretty extensive vegetarian and vegan menu as well. I’ve met many new friends over their communal tables that were around well before communal tables became a “thing.”
2465 Russell Street Detroit, Michigan 48207 – Website
July 28, 2017: We updated our list because one of our original epic delis has closed up shop. We will miss you, Steve’s Detroit Deli.
So there you go. If there’s one you think I missed, I look forward to hearing why it should be included in the comments!