Shapiro's Delicatessen — Restaurant in Indianapolis

Well-known historic, classic, kosher delicatessen that has cafeteria style line for dining in or carry out line for to go. This place has been around for over a hundred years for a reason. They serve good quality, homemade food in large portions. There is probably something here for everyone to enjoy, however, people love their pastrami, corned beef, and Reubens. You have to pay attention to prices because you can easily spend $25 a person, although there are some reasonable menu items if you don't want to spend that much. It's still a bit pricey but you will have leftovers too, so if you can squeeze two meals into it the price is reasonable. They do have a kids menu and it's very reasonable. I would definitely recommend trying this place at least once, because the food and desserts are very good.

Here are some tips if you go:

-If you go on a weekend or during peak meal hours, this place will be busy. Check out the menu online and have an idea of what you want before you show up (and approximately what you expect to pay). Otherwise, you will wind up with sticker shock at the register or buyer's regret because you chose under pressure and really wish you would have gotten "x" instead.

-Even if not busy, this place can be overwhelming with the sheer number of options and when going through the line you can't see them all or read the entire menu with prices. If you don't come knowing what you are going to get, walk on the outside of the line and decide before hand. This will be near impossible during busy times, so use online menu if needed.

-You want to know what you are ordering beforehand for 2 reasons (1) to get the most value for your money and (2) to not be over charged at the end when you pay. If you go and walk through line, picking randomly as you go, you WILL pay more. (See picture of our receipt...I was charged for a salad but it was a more expensive one than I had (California v. Caesar $.55) and 3 things of Mac and cheese when we had two and a potato salad and the dinner we bought included two sides so that was another $.50 extra). In all, we were just charged a little over a dollar extra but it can add up. We didn't go back and correct it, we will just be more aware the next time.

-As for value for your money, knowing how sides and meals work can save you a lot. A meal/dinner comes with 2 sides. Adding a side to a kid's meal is $1.00. For example, pay $3.25 for a side of fruit by itself or $1.00 with a kid's meal. The meal/dinner is usually the best value because of the two sides.

-The bakery can be a great option for a cheaper sweet treat. Grab a cookie for about a $1.50 instead. Eat it there or take it to go.

-If you don't have time to stop or need a quick meal option that isn't fast food, order...

I was born in Indy, but discovered this gem later in life. It is now the hub for family get togethers when anyone comes to town. Last weekend, there were 20 of us there to enjoy each other's company and a great meal. Yes, it is a New York Style Deli Cafeteria. Look at the menu before you get in line if you have not been there before. It is not cheap, but the food is usually great. I always get the beef brisket on rye and latkes. Never disappointed. The meatloaf and stuffed green peppers are always a hit with other family members. Although it's been around for 100 years, I do worry about the future of my brisket. They finally (in the last month) took down the plexiglass, which was way overdue. No more ridiculous microphone to order-which didn't work, by the way. Fountain pop has not returned, you must get your drinks from the cashier. AND, here is the real problem -the cashiers are rude. I mean really, really rude. Not brusque. Not short, because they are in a hurry to get customers through-just rude. I actually sent my younger male cousin up to get "to go" boxes since I didn't want to deal with her again. She had given me sweet tea instead of unsweetened. I nicely asked to exchange and she glared at me and snapped, "Don't leave it here, you put it on a table!!!" Okay. Why are you yelling at me and how would I know that? Another, quiet and rather meek girl gave me a new glass of tea. My cousin brought back two pieces of cake because as they were unwrapped, we discovered they were wet. Nothing appetizing about oozing chocolate cake, right? Well, they wanted to give her two more pieces and she wanted her money back. A woman told her, it's just because they were under the lights? What? I have never gotten a "wet" piece of cake there before. They did not want to give a refund. The cashier also yelled at her. "Don't put that cake on the counter!!!" Usually, the people who serve the food are super friendly (usually men), this time it was a woman who literally splatted the meatloaf onto plates-it looked horrible and was totally unnecessary. When I ordered my sandwich with no mustard or pickle (I said it twice), she ignored me to the extent the man behind me said, 'I think she is giving you mustard and a pickle," and just shook his head. My point of the review is this: I love this place and want it to survive. Bad customer service is totally unacceptable. Why are the cashiers always mean? Why no fountain pop? The rye bread is still wonderful, but other baked goods are not like they used to be. Look for better suppliers, please and find out why some of your workers are so...

Me and my fiancé came here around 5 o’clock on Sunday. He had super high expectations with everything he’s seen online and the reviews. When we came in the atmosphere of the place was super nice. It was nice to hear people chatting and laughing. As people who have never been there before were a little confused on how the process worked. We both knew we were going to get the Ruben that was shown everywhere and got in line to order. We stood there waiting for someone to help us. When someone finally asked us what we wanted to order, it was kind of rude. My fiancé had stated that this was our first time here and were just a little confused. The gentleman that took our order just said “okay” and proceeded to walk away. After we stood there for a few moments not sure what to do from here the gentleman stated “you can pay down there” and pointed us down to the register. At the register we had asked if we stand here and wait for the food or what exactly do we do? She said “well where are you sitting. Just find a seat and he will bring it to you” it was unpleasant. We find our seats and the food was brought shortly. After the gentleman brought us our food he was the only one who pointed us in the right direction on WHERE we got our waters. We got our waters and sat down. Two Ruben sandwiches and two waters was NOT worth the $95.90 that was charged to our account. While we sat there eating, there was an older gentleman that asked for assistance on getting the water and the fountain next to the ice wasn’t working. The lady at the register very rudely said “did you read the signs?” And proceeded to point at them. As the gentleman proceeded to walk away the lady at the register then goes to speak to someone I presume works there as well stating “I mean there’s only (counts the signs) 5 signs there that state where the water is. I mean do people just not read anymore. I mean come on.” I can understand people not reading the signs and it being frustrating but that is uncalled for. Not only are you rude to the customer asking for help, but proceed to talk bad about them in front of other customers is just horrible. I am all around very disappointed with my experience here and will not...