Highest-rated delis in Houston by diners
Highest-rated delis in Houston 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 Houston. 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.
#27. American Essence Cafe
- Rating: 4.1/5 (21 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3555 Timmons Lane Ste 180 Houston, Texas
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Breakfast & Brunch
- Read more on Yelp
#26. Kenny & Ziggy's New York Delicatessen
- Rating: 4.2/5 (1802 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1743 Post Oak Blvd. Houston, Texas
- Categories: Delis, American, Breakfast & Brunch
- Read more on Yelp
#25. Angelo'z
- Rating: 4.3/5 (154 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 8057 Kirby Drive Ste G Houston, Texas
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Grocery
- Read more on Yelp
#24. Brown Bag Deli
- Rating: 4.3/5 (235 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 2036 Westheimer Road Houston, Texas
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, fast food
- Read more on Yelp
#23. Tyme Out Deli
- Rating: 4.3/5 (10 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 525 North Sam Houston Pkwy East Ste 170 Houston, Texas
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#22. Brown Bag Deli
- Rating: 4.3/5 (121 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 13169 Northwest Fwy Ste 100 Houston, Texas
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Salad
- Read more on Yelp
#21. Droubi's Bakery & Deli
- Rating: 4.3/5 (69 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 7333 Hillcroft St. Houston, Texas
- Categories: Bakeries, Delis, Middle Eastern
- Read more on Yelp
#20. Manena's Pastry Shop and Deli
- Rating: 4.4/5 (70 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 11018 Westheimer Road Houston, Texas
- Categories: Delis, Bakeries, Argentine
- Read more on Yelp
#19. Airport Italian Deli&Sushi
- Rating: 4.4/5 (72 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 8101 Airport Blvd. Ste C Houston, Texas
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Sushi Bars
- Read more on Yelp
#18. Mandola's Deli
- Rating: 4.4/5 (352 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 4105 Leeland St. Houston, Texas
- Categories: Delis, Italian, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#17. Second Slice Sandwich
- Rating: 4.4/5 (18 reviews)
- Address: 711 Milby St. Houston, Texas
- Categories: Sandwiches, Tattoo, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#16. Deli Deluxe
- Rating: 4.5/5 (84 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1001 McKinney St. Houston, Texas
- Categories: Indian, Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#15. Blue Moon Deli
- Rating: 4.5/5 (13 reviews)
- Address: 440 Benmar Drive Ste 2390 Houston, Texas
- Categories: Delis, Breakfast & Brunch, Burgers
- Read more on Yelp
#14. Joe's Deli
- Rating: 4.6/5 (68 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 9451 Winkler Drive Ste 100 Houston, Texas
- Categories: Delis, Cheesesteaks, Burgers
- Read more on Yelp
#13. Brown Bag Deli
- Rating: 4.6/5 (12 reviews)
- Address: 945 North Shepherd Drive Houston, Texas
- Categories: Sandwiches, Salad, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#12. Little Jimmy's Deli
- Rating: 4.6/5 (268 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 3773 Richmond Ave. Ste 1-D Houston, Texas
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#11. Dixie Deli
- Rating: 4.6/5 (87 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 364A Fm 1959 Road Houston, Texas
- Categories: Sandwiches, Soup, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#10. Arum's Deli
- Rating: 4.7/5 (27 reviews)
- Address: 5715 Northwest Central Drive Ste 100 Houston, Texas
- Categories: Sandwiches, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#9. Ploughman's Deli & Cafe
- Rating: 4.7/5 (210 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 965 Pinemont Drive Ste 100 Houston, Texas
- Categories: Cafes, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#8. Our Deli
- Rating: 4.7/5 (17 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 2616 South Lp West Ste 101 Houston, Texas
- Categories: Vietnamese, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#7. Bagel Bob's
- Rating: 4.7/5 (201 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1011 Dairy Ashford Road Houston, Texas
- Categories: Delis, Bagels, Bakeries
- Read more on Yelp
#6. Wells Fargo Plaza Deli
- Rating: 4.8/5 (16 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1000 Louisiana St. Ste B100 Houston, Texas
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#5. Tee Deli
- Rating: 4.9/5 (28 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 3151 Briarpark Drive Houston, Texas
- Categories: American, Delis, Breakfast & Brunch
- Read more on Yelp
#4. Hobby Burger House
- Rating: 5.0/5 (5 reviews)
- Address: 8250 Telephone Road Houston, Texas
- Categories: Fast food, Breakfast & Brunch, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#3. Brown Bag Deli
- Rating: 5.0/5 (5 reviews)
- Address: 1709 Dryden Road Ste 2 Houston, Texas
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, Salad
- Read more on Yelp
#2. Daisy's Deli
- Rating: 5.0/5 (8 reviews)
- Address: 6671 Southwest Fwy Ste 104 Houston, Texas
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches, fast food
- Read more on Yelp
#1. Minute Deli
- Rating: 5.0/5 (5 reviews)
- Address: 2040 North Lp West Ste 190 Houston, Texas
- Categories: 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.
