9 Buffalo, New York Delis Keeping Classic, Old-School Flavor Alive
Buffalo’s deli scene remains a treasure trove of authentic flavors and old-world charm. These family-owned establishments have weathered changing food trends while staying true to their roots.
From hand-sliced meats to secret family recipes, these delis continue serving up nostalgic tastes that transport locals back to simpler times.
1. Sue’s Deli On Main Street
Generations of Buffalonians have grown up eating Sue’s famous Italian subs. The current owner, Sue’s grandson, still uses the same meat slicer his grandmother purchased when Kennedy was president.
Regulars swear by the chicken salad and Reubens. Neither has the welcoming atmosphere where everyone’s greeted by name and sandwiches come wrapped in white butcher paper with a pickle spear tucked inside.
2. Guercio & Sons
Walking through Guercio’s wooden doors transports you to old-world Italy. Shelves overflow with imported pastas while the deli counter showcases dozens of cheeses and cured meats.
Their muffuletta sandwich, loaded with capicola, mortadella, and homemade olive spread, has a cult following. Fourth-generation family members still use the original recipes brought over from Sicily, ensuring authentic flavors in every bite.
3. Mayback’s Deli
Neighborhood deli known for hearty subs, triple-deckers, and classic sides. The wood-paneled walls and vinyl booths provide the perfect backdrop for their legendary corned beef sandwiches.
Corned-beef and Reuben builds are customer favorites. By lunchtime, the meat is fall-apart tender. Their house-made coleslaw, with just the right balance of creamy and tangy, completes the perfect deli experience.
4. Dalfonso’s Italian Imports
Olive oils from every Italian region line Dalfonso’s walls, but locals know the real treasure lies at the back counter. Their prosciutto, sliced whisper-thin on a vintage hand-cranked slicer, melts on your tongue.
The cannoli, filled to order with sweetened ricotta and chocolate chips, prevent shell sogginess. Three generations of family members work side-by-side, ensuring quality while sharing stories of the old country with anyone who’ll listen.
5. The Deli
Here is the Southtowns favorite for house corned-beef Reubens and hand-crafted sandwiches.. The secret lies in their homemade Russian dressing and sauerkraut fermented in barrels in the basement.
Black-and-white photos of old Buffalo cover the walls, creating a museum-like atmosphere. The original tin ceiling remains intact, watching over generations of sandwich lovers who come for hefty portions and reasonable prices.
6. Broadway Deli
Just outside city limits, Broadway Deli draws Buffalonians willing to make the drive for their famous chicken cutlet sandwich. Breaded by hand each morning, these golden cutlets remain the gold standard.
The pickle bar features five homemade varieties, from bread-and-butter to spicy garlic. Regulars know to save room for their black-and-white cookies – a perfect balance of chocolate and vanilla that rivals any New York bakery.
7. DiCamillo’s Italian Deli & Bakery
Fresh-baked bread aromas waft through DiCamillo’s doors from 5 AM daily. Their crusty Italian loaves provide the foundation for sandwiches that locals call “life-changing.”
This is a century-old bakery known for hearth breads, pizza, sweets – and simple sandwiches at select locations. Family photos dating back to 1920s Sicily decorate the walls, reminding customers that some traditions are worth preserving exactly as they’ve always been.
8. Joe’s Deli
Locals line up daily for Joe’s legendary beef on weck, a Buffalo staple perfected through decades of practice. hin-sliced roast beef with horseradish on a kummelweck roll.
A Buffalo staple since 2006, known for classic deli sandwiches and a proper beef on weck on kummelweck. Their potato salad recipe remains unchanged for good reason – it’s absolutely perfect.
9. Moura’s N.Y. Deli
Stepping into Moura’s feels like being transported straight to Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Peppery pastrami and classic deli standards draw steady downtown crowds.
Expect crisp pickles alongside generously stacked sandwiches. Weekend mornings bring crowds seeking their famous egg sandwiches on fresh-baked kaiser rolls.
