Highest-rated delis in Denver by diners
Highest-rated delis in Denver by diners
Delis hold a cherished place in the tapestry of American culture, tracing their origins to Jewish immigrants who arrived in the U.S. in the mid-19th and early 20th centuries. It didn't take long for their rich culinary traditions (including food preservation methods like pickling) and communal spirit to lead to the creation of delicatessens (which translates to "delicacies" in German).
Jewish delis became essential hubs for gathering, sharing meals, and maintaining their heritage, particularly in cities like New York and Los Angeles. Iconic delis such as Katz's Delicatessen in New York City, founded in 1888, and Canter's Deli in Los Angeles, which opened in 1931, are still gastronomic landmarks in American food history. Katz's, famed for its hand-carved pastrami on rye and iconic appearances in films like "When Harry Met Sally…," exemplifies the deli's role in shaping urban cultural identity. Similarly, Canter's in Los Angeles is renowned for its extensive array of Jewish classics, like matzo ball soup and corned beef sandwiches, attracting a diverse clientele and fostering a strong sense of community across generations.
These historic delis have not only preserved Jewish culinary traditions but have also significantly influenced American food culture with iconic dishes that have become staples nationwide. Once primarily found in Jewish neighborhoods, items like knishes and bagels with lox are now celebrated across the country.
In the 21st century, delis continue to thrive, adapting to contemporary tastes while preserving old-world recipes. The modern deli has evolved to encompass a variety of offerings, often blending influences from different cuisines. Diners and food enthusiasts can expect to find deli menus today that feature a harmonious mix of classics and innovative twists. Sandwiches piled high with corned beef, pastrami, and brisket are staples, complemented by sides like potato salad, coleslaw, and pickles. Breakfast items such as bagels with cream cheese, lox, and assorted spreads are ubiquitous, as are soups like cabbage borscht and chicken noodle. Additionally, many delis now offer a range of vegetarian and vegan options, catering to a wider range of dietary needs and preferences.
Today, the term "deli" signifies more than just a place to eat; it embodies a cultural institution where food serves as a bridge between past and present. Whether in bustling metropolitan areas or smaller towns across America, delis continue to be beloved destinations where people can enjoy good food, share stories, and celebrate a tradition that has become an integral part of the American culinary landscape.
Want to know which delis are worth a visit near you? Stacker examined data from Yelp, collected in November 2024, to find the highest-rated delis in Denver. In an effort to highlight independent businesses and local chains, restaurants with seven or more locations in Yelp's data were not included. Keep reading to see if your favorite deli made the list.
Note: The photos in this article are stock images and do not necessarily depict the specific restaurants listed or the dishes they serve.
#30. Rye Society
- Rating: 4.0/5 (220 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3090 North Larimer St. Denver, Colorado
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Bagels
- Read more on Yelp
#29. Max Market
- Rating: 4.0/5 (56 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2020 Lawrence St. Unit B Denver, Colorado
- Categories: Delis, Grocery, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#28. Yampa Sandwich Company
- Rating: 4.1/5 (147 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 4919 South Newport St. Denver, Colorado
- Categories: Salad, Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#27. Corporate Deli and Grill
- Rating: 4.1/5 (35 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 518 17th St. Ste 103 Denver, Colorado
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#26. Yampa Sandwich
- Rating: 4.1/5 (117 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 444 17th St. Denver, Colorado
- Categories: Salad, Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#25. The Grateful Gnome Sandwich Shoppe & Brewery
- Rating: 4.1/5 (275 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4369 Stuart St. Denver, Colorado
- Categories: Breweries, Sandwiches, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#24. Marczyk Fine Foods
- Rating: 4.1/5 (381 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 770 East 17th Ave. Denver, Colorado
- Categories: Meat Shops, Delis, Grocery
- Read more on Yelp
#23. SubCulture
- Rating: 4.2/5 (386 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1300 Pennsylvania St. Ste 102 Denver, Colorado
- Categories: Sandwiches, Delis, Salad
- Read more on Yelp
#22. Tuscany Coffee & Deli
- Rating: 4.2/5 (49 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1700 Lincoln St. Denver, Colorado
- Categories: Coffee & Tea, Breakfast & Brunch, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#21. Oscar's Eats
- Rating: 4.2/5 (14 reviews)
- Address: 2630 West 38th Ave. Unit C Denver, Colorado
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Salad
- Read more on Yelp
#20. Call Your Mother Deli - Hilltop
- Rating: 4.3/5 (54 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 217 South Holly St. Denver, Colorado
- Categories: Bagels, Delis, Coffee & Tea
- Read more on Yelp
#19. Zamzam Halal International Market & Deli
- Rating: 4.3/5 (26 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 7449 East Iliff Ave. Denver, Colorado
- Categories: Grocery, Delis, Bakeries
- Read more on Yelp
#18. Mapleton Deli
- Rating: 4.3/5 (13 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1202 East 58th Ave. UNIT A Denver, Colorado
- Categories: Grocery, Delis, Halal
- Read more on Yelp
#17. Call Your Mother Deli - Pearl Street
- Rating: 4.3/5 (71 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1291 North Pearl St. Denver, Colorado
- Categories: Bagels, Delis, Coffee & Tea
- Read more on Yelp
#16. Call Your Mother Lil' Deli - Platt Park
- Rating: 4.3/5 (6 reviews)
- Address: 567 East Louisiana Ave. Denver, Colorado
- Categories: Bagels, Delis, Food Trucks
- Read more on Yelp
#15. The Bagel Deli & Restaurant
- Rating: 4.3/5 (1207 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6439 East Hampden Ave. Denver, Colorado
- Categories: Delis, Bagels, Breakfast & Brunch
- Read more on Yelp
#14. Spinelli's Market
- Rating: 4.4/5 (305 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4621 East 23rd Ave. Denver, Colorado
- Categories: Delis, Specialty Food, Grocery
- Read more on Yelp
#13. Gates Deli & Grog
- Rating: 4.4/5 (49 reviews)
- Address: 1875 South Pearl St. Denver, Colorado
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#12. DiFranco's
- Rating: 4.4/5 (611 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 955 North Lincoln St. Unit D Denver, Colorado
- Categories: Delis, Italian, Mediterranean
- Read more on Yelp
#11. Little Bodega
- Rating: 4.4/5 (8 reviews)
- Address: 613 22nd St. Denver, Colorado
- Categories: Delis, Convenience Stores
- Read more on Yelp
#10. Salt & Grinder
- Rating: 4.4/5 (5 reviews)
- Address: 8500 Pena Blvd. B Gates Denver, Colorado
- Categories: Sandwiches, Breakfast & Brunch, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#9. Lou's Italian Specialties
- Rating: 4.4/5 (275 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3357 Downing St. Denver, Colorado
- Categories: Delis, Italian, Salad
- Read more on Yelp
#8. Curtis Park Delicatessen
- Rating: 4.4/5 (329 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2532 Champa St. Denver, Colorado
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#7. Call Your Mother Deli - Tennyson
- Rating: 4.5/5 (226 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3880 Tennyson St. Denver, Colorado
- Categories: Delis, Bagels
- Read more on Yelp
#6. New Saigon Bakery & Deli
- Rating: 4.5/5 (362 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 640 South Federal Blvd. Denver, Colorado
- Categories: Vietnamese, Delis, Juice Bars & Smoothies
- Read more on Yelp
#5. Blackbelly Market
- Rating: 4.5/5 (13 reviews)
- Address: 4324 West 41st Ave. Denver, Colorado
- Categories: Delis, Butcher, Breakfast & Brunch
- Read more on Yelp
#4. Tessa Delicatessen
- Rating: 4.5/5 (191 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5724 East Colfax Ave. Denver, Colorado
- Categories: Delis, Breakfast & Brunch, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#3. Baker Market
- Rating: 4.8/5 (42 reviews)
- Address: 713 West 4th Ave. Denver, Colorado
- Categories: Coffee & Tea, Breakfast & Brunch, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#2. Curtis Park Delicatessen - Cherry Creek
- Rating: 4.8/5 (144 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2700 East 6th Ave. Unit B Denver, Colorado
- Categories: Sandwiches, Delis, Coffee & Tea
- Read more on Yelp
#1. Paisano Sausage
- Rating: 5.0/5 (14 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 7326 Washington St. Denver, Colorado
- Categories: Meat Shops, Grocery, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Cynthia Rebolledo, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 191 metros.
