Highest-rated delis in Milwaukee by diners
Highest-rated delis in Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee. 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.
#23. Sendik's Fresh2GO
- Rating: 2.9/5 (7 reviews)
- Address: 824 North 16th St. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Categories: Grocery, Delis, Specialty Food
- Read more on Yelp
#22. Ray's Butcher Shoppe
- Rating: 3.5/5 (72 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4640 West Loomis Road Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Categories: Meat Shops, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#21. Benji's Delicatessen & Restaurant
- Rating: 3.7/5 (79 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 8683 North Port Washington Road Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Categories: Delis, Breakfast & Brunch, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#20. National Bakery & Deli
- Rating: 3.7/5 (60 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 3200 South 16th St. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Categories: Bakeries, Donuts, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#19. Aladdin -- Tastes of the East/PitaWorks
- Rating: 3.7/5 (63 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 400 North Water St. Milwaukee Public Market Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#18. Jake's Deli
- Rating: 3.9/5 (182 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1634 West North Ave. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Categories: Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#17. 600 EAST Cafe
- Rating: 3.9/5 (36 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 600 East Wisconsin Ave. Ste 100 Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Categories: Cafes, Delis, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#16. Koppa's Fulbeli Deli
- Rating: 3.9/5 (126 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1940 North Farwell Ave. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Categories: Grocery, Delis, Beer, Wine & Spirits
- Read more on Yelp
#15. Milwaukee Waterfront Deli
- Rating: 3.9/5 (93 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 761 North Water St. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#14. Benji's Deli & Restaurant
- Rating: 4.0/5 (239 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4156 North Oakland Ave. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Categories: Delis, Breakfast & Brunch, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#13. Sendik's Market
- Rating: 4.0/5 (41 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2643 North Downer Ave. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Categories: Specialty Food, Grocery, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#12. G Groppi's Food Market
- Rating: 4.1/5 (127 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1441 East Russell Ave. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Categories: Grocery, Beer, Wine & Spirits, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#11. Burbach's Market Catering
- Rating: 4.2/5 (6 reviews)
- Address: 5308 West Hampton Ave. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Categories: Meat Shops, Caterers, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#10. Beans & Barley Cafe
- Rating: 4.2/5 (557 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1901 East North Ave. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Categories: Delis, Cafes
- Read more on Yelp
#9. Family Grocery Store
- Rating: 4.4/5 (8 reviews)
- Address: 5160 West Forest Home Ave. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#8. West Allis Cheese & Sausage Shoppe
- Rating: 4.4/5 (98 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 400 North Water St. Milwaukee Public Market Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Categories: Cheese Shops, Breakfast & Brunch, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#7. Deli 1614
- Rating: 4.5/5 (27 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1614 West Walnut St. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Categories: Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#6. Holy Land Grocery & Deli
- Rating: 4.5/5 (63 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 2755 West Ramsey Ave. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Categories: Delis, Meat Shops, International Grocery
- Read more on Yelp
#5. Scardina Specialties
- Rating: 4.6/5 (10 reviews)
- Address: 715 East Locust St. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Categories: Delis, Italian
- Read more on Yelp
#4. Glorioso's Italian Market
- Rating: 4.6/5 (589 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1011 East Brady St. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Categories: Delis, Italian, International Grocery
- Read more on Yelp
#3. Larry's Market
- Rating: 4.6/5 (85 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 8737 North Deerwood Drive Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Categories: Caterers, Grocery, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#2. Bunzel's Meat Market
- Rating: 4.8/5 (242 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 9015 West Burleigh St. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Categories: Meat Shops, Delis, Butcher
- Read more on Yelp
#1. Biggie Subs & Deli Shop
- Rating: 4.9/5 (7 reviews)
- Address: 6602 West Lisbon Ave. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Categories: Sandwiches, Cafes, 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.
