Highest-rated Delis in Austin by Diners

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Highest-rated delis in Austin 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 Austin. 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.

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#22. Phoenicia Bakery and Deli

- Rating: 3.8/5 (155 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 4701 Burnet Road Ste A Austin, Texas
- Categories: Delis, Mediterranean, International Grocery
- Read more on Yelp

#21. Waltons Fancy and Staple

- Rating: 4.0/5 (959 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 609 West 6th St. Austin, Texas
- Categories: Delis, Florists, Breakfast & Brunch
- Read more on Yelp

#20. Phoenicia Bakery and Deli

- Rating: 4.0/5 (205 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 2912 South Lamar Blvd. Austin, Texas
- Categories: Sandwiches, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#19. Tam Deli & Cafe

- Rating: 4.1/5 (473 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 8222 North Lamar Blvd. Ste D33 Austin, Texas
- Categories: Delis, Vietnamese, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

#18. Big City Bagels and Subs

- Rating: 4.2/5 (339 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 10401 Anderson Mill Road Unit 117 Austin, Texas
- Categories: Sandwiches, Delis, Bagels
- Read more on Yelp

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#17. Wheatsville Food Co-op

- Rating: 4.2/5 (218 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4001 South Lamar Blvd. Austin, Texas
- Categories: Grocery, Delis, Organic Stores
- Read more on Yelp

#16. Royal Blue Grocery - Congress Ave

- Rating: 4.2/5 (188 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 609 Congress Ave. Austin, Texas
- Categories: Grocery, Beer, Wine & Spirits, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#15. Peoples Rx

- Rating: 4.2/5 (56 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4201 Westbank Drive Austin, Texas
- Categories: Delis, Drugstores, Pharmacy
- Read more on Yelp

#14. NeWorlDeli

- Rating: 4.3/5 (413 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4101 Guadalupe St. Ste 100 Austin, Texas
- Categories: Delis, Caterers
- Read more on Yelp

#13. Tucci's Southside Subs

- Rating: 4.3/5 (249 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 7101 West Texas 71 A5 Ste 12 Austin, Texas
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Italian
- Read more on Yelp

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#12. Wheatsville Food Co-op

- Rating: 4.3/5 (390 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3101 Guadalupe St. Austin, Texas
- Categories: Delis, Grocery, Organic Stores
- Read more on Yelp

#11. Otherside Deli and Sub

- Rating: 4.4/5 (139 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1104 West 34th St. Austin, Texas
- Categories: Delis, Cheesesteaks, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

#10. Tucci's Southside Subs

- Rating: 4.4/5 (426 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 801 East William Cannon Drive Ste 240 Austin, Texas
- Categories: Sandwiches, Delis, Italian
- Read more on Yelp

#9. TinyGrocer

- Rating: 4.5/5 (37 reviews)
- Address: 1718 South Congress Ave. Austin, Texas
- Categories: Grocery, Beer, Wine & Spirits, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#8. Little Deli & Pizzeria

- Rating: 4.6/5 (1476 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 7101 Woodrow Ave. Unit A Austin, Texas
- Categories: Delis, Pizza, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

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#7. Rebel Cheese

- Rating: 4.6/5 (319 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2200 Aldrich St. Ste 120 Austin, Texas
- Categories: Vegan, Cheese Shops, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#6. Local Foods

- Rating: 4.6/5 (162 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 454 West 2nd St. Austin, Texas
- Categories: Sandwiches, Salad, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#5. Mum Foods Smokehouse & Delicatessen

- Rating: 4.6/5 (121 reviews)
- Address: 5811 Manor Road Austin, Texas
- Categories: Smokehouse, Barbecue, Delis
- Read more on Yelp

#4. Little Deli & Pizzeria

- Rating: 4.7/5 (147 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1804 Briarcliff Blvd. Austin, Texas
- Categories: Pizza, Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

#3. Barton Creek

- Rating: 4.7/5 (21 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2700 Barton Creek Blvd. Austin, Texas
- Categories: Grocery, Delis, Cafes
- Read more on Yelp

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#2. Dia's Market

- Rating: 4.7/5 (115 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 812 Justin Lane Austin, Texas
- Categories: Grocery, Specialty Food, Delis
- Read more on Yelp