9 Birmingham delis ranging from 5-80 years old
Reading time: 5 minutes
Any way you stack it, Birmingham’s delis live up to the hype of New York’s. French dips and classic Reubens fill up the menus and your bellies at local spots that have called the Magic City home for decades. My only question for you is—are you going to eat that pickle?
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1. Mr. P’s Butcher Shop & Deli
Known for their high-quality meat and delicious steaks, Mr.P’s Deli has been catering to Birmingham since 1975. Favorites on their extensive menu include the Meatball Hoagie and Toni’s Love Boat.
- Address: 813 Shades Crest Rd, Birmingham, AL 35226
- Hours: Monday-Saturday 8AM-6PM, sandwiches served in house from 8:30AM-4PM
- Call | Menu
2. Ranelli’s Deli & Cafe
Did you know Ranelli’s was named the best deli in Alabama by Food Network? I don’t think anyone’s going to contest the award after visiting the 49-year-old family eatery in Five Points.
3. New York Butcher Shoppe
New York Butcher Shoppe has countless reviews praising the shop for not only its prime meats, but as the number one place to swing by for dinner on your way home.
“All around amazing! I’ve bought countless steaks, sides and sandwiches before. While I usually pick up pork shoulders for smoking at the grocery store, I decided to pick one up from the New York Butcher Shoppe this time. It was amazing! Best one I’ve ever cooked. I smoked this one the same way I always have, but the quality here is so much better than what I usually get from the grocery store.”
Google Review
4. Sam’s Super Samwiches
No, that’s not a typo—Sam’s Super Samwiches are so good they’ve officially rebranded the word sandwich. Customers love the old-style deli and no fuss atmosphere that’s served Homewood since 1969. While their sandwiches get plenty of praise, the burgers are a big draw-in too.
- Address: 2812 18th St S, Homewood, AL 35209
- Hours: Monday-Friday 6:30AM-4PM | Saturday 7AM-3PM
- Call | Menu
5. Diplomat Deli
Another Birmingham deli that has footholds in the city for nearly 40 years, the Diplomat Deli is the perfect place to kick your feet up and stay for an hour or two. Their outdoor dining paired with a muffuletta and craft beer make you never want to head home.
- Address: 1425 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216
- Hours: Monday-Saturday 11AM-7PM | Sunday 11AM-3PM
- Call | Menu
6. Savages Bakery
Mr. and Mrs. William Savage first opened what is considered a Birmingham Landmark on Highland Avenue in 1939. Now, it sits at the heart of Homewood with fresh sandwiches and baked goods going out their doors every day.
- Address: 2916 18th Street So. Homewood, AL 35209
- Hours: Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM | Saturday 9AM-5PM
- Call | Menu
7. Al’s Deli and Grill
Since 1999 Al’s has fueled hungry UAB students, hardworking doctors and nurses and the entire late-night/early morning Birmingham crowd. Adjacent to the UAB campus, it boasts large portions, Meditteranean food and pretty much anything else you can think of.
8. The Purple Onion
The Birmingham-native Deli and Grill has a new location opening in Lakeview and will continue to grow in the surrounding area. A favorite among locals, their menu ranges far and wide including deli sandwiches like the Turkey Club to baba ghanouj.
#9 Honorable mention: Sol’s Sandwich Shop & Deli
A beloved lunch and breakfast spot, Sol’s closed in March with a promise that it wouldn’t be the last its loyal customers saw from them. The diner first opened in 1968 and became a go-to spot thanks to friendly service and great eats. Sol’s was even featured in Thrillest as the best sandwich shop in Alabama.
What’s your favorite deli in Birmingham? Let us know on social @BhamNow on Facebook and Instagram, or @Now_Bham on Twitter.
