This North Carolina Deli Is A Must-Visit For Serious Pastrami Lovers

I never thought I’d find authentic East Coast deli magic in North Carolina. But one sunny afternoon, I walked into Pastrami Tom’s, and everything changed. The aroma of slow-cooked pastrami hit me the moment I stepped through the door.

Located at 312 W Chatham St #103, Cary, this family-run jewel brings serious deli credentials to downtown Cary. Owner Tom Scheidler and Chef Eddie Passiglia have crafted something special here. Their passion for quality ingredients and traditional recipes shines through every single bite.

From towering Reubens to sweet potato fries with apple butter, every dish tells a story. The vibe is warm, the service is genuine, and the food is unforgettable. I spent hours exploring their menu, and discovering what makes this place extraordinary.

Here are the things that make Pastrami Tom’s a must-visit destination for anyone who takes their sandwiches seriously.

The Legendary Pastrami Reuben That Started It All

My first bite of the Reuben changed everything I thought I knew about sandwiches. The thinly sliced pastrami was tender, smoky, and piled so high I could barely fit it in my mouth. Each layer melted on my tongue with flavors that reminded me of classic New York delis.

The sauerkraut brought just the right amount of tang without overwhelming the meat. Swiss cheese melted perfectly over everything, creating strings of gooey goodness. The Thousand Island dressing added a creamy sweetness that balanced the savory elements beautifully.

What really impressed me was the bread. Thick sliced marbled rye, toasted to golden perfection, held everything together without falling apart. It had substance and flavor, not just a vehicle for the fillings.

You can choose between navel pastrami or corned beef, both equally spectacular. I watched Tom stop by tables, checking on guests, clearly proud of his signature creation. This sandwich isn’t just food; it’s a labor of love that shows in every single component.

Tom Scheidler’s 45 Years Of Hospitality Expertise

Meeting Tom Scheidler was like talking to someone who lives and breathes hospitality. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, he’s spent over 45 years perfecting his craft. That experience shows in every detail of his deli.

Tom walked around the dining room during my visit, stopping at each table with genuine interest. He wasn’t just checking boxes; he truly cared about every guest’s experience. His eyes lit up when people complimented the food.

What struck me most was his humility. Despite all his years in the industry, he still asked for feedback and listened intently. He explained his vision for bringing authentic East Coast deli culture to North Carolina.

His background in catering gave him unique insights into quality and consistency. You can taste that expertise in every sandwich. Tom’s passion isn’t just about running a business; it’s about creating a gathering place where people feel welcomed and well-fed.

That personal touch makes all the difference.

Chef Eddie Passiglia’s Long Island Culinary Magic

Behind every great restaurant is a talented chef, and Chef Eddie Passiglia is Pastrami Tom’s secret weapon. Hailing from Long Island, he brings authentic East Coast flavors that are hard to find in North Carolina.

One reviewer specifically praised Chef Eddie’s skills, and after tasting his food, I completely understand. The attention to detail in every sandwich shows professional training and genuine passion. Nothing feels rushed or careless.

Eddie’s Long Island background means he grew up surrounded by legendary delis. He knows what authentic pastrami, corned beef, and roast beef should taste like. That knowledge translates directly to the plate.

I noticed how carefully each sandwich was constructed when mine arrived. The ingredients were layered thoughtfully, ensuring every bite had the perfect ratio of meat, cheese, and toppings. Chef Eddie’s expertise elevates simple sandwiches into memorable culinary experiences.

His partnership with Tom creates a dynamic duo that brings the best of East Coast deli culture to the South.

The Rachel Sandwich That Rivals Its Famous Cousin

While the Reuben gets most of the glory, the Rachel deserves equal recognition. This turkey-based variation won over even self-proclaimed non-turkey fans, according to multiple reviews. I had to see what the fuss was about.

The Rachel features tender turkey, coleslaw instead of sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing on rye. It sounds simple, but the execution was flawless. The turkey was moist and flavorful, not dry or bland.

The coleslaw added a refreshing crunch that lightened the sandwich compared to its heavier cousin. It felt like a brighter, springtime version of the classic Reuben. The flavors were clean and balanced.

One review called it stellar, and another mentioned it as one of the best sandwiches ever eaten. That’s high praise, but completely justified. The Rachel proves that sometimes the understated option can steal the show.

It’s perfect for anyone who wants deli authenticity without the heaviness of pastrami or corned beef.

Downtown Cary Location With Perfect Neighborhood Vibes

Finding Pastrami Tom’s in downtown Cary felt like discovering a hidden treasure. The location at 312 W Chatham St adds to the charm, nestled among other local businesses in a walkable neighborhood.

Several reviews mentioned getting a haircut at Better Man’s Barber Shop nearby, then walking over for lunch. That’s the kind of community integration that makes a restaurant special. It becomes part of your routine.

The interior surprised me with its modern, welcoming design. Despite being brand new, it already felt like a neighborhood staple. There was plenty of seating, even during busy lunch rushes.

Downtown Cary has been waiting for an authentic deli, and Tom delivered exactly what the community needed. The location makes it easy to pop in for a quick lunch or linger over a leisurely meal. Being in the heart of downtown means you can make it part of a larger outing, exploring local shops and businesses before or after your meal.

Philly Cheesesteak That Beats All Local Competition

One bold reviewer claimed it was the best Philly Cheesesteak anywhere around. That’s a serious statement, so I ordered one to investigate. They weren’t exaggerating.

The steak was thinly sliced and perfectly seasoned, piled generously on a fresh hoagie roll. Melted cheese oozed over the meat, creating that iconic gooey texture. The onions and peppers added sweetness and crunch.

What separates a good cheesesteak from a great one is the quality of ingredients and proper preparation. Chef Eddie nailed both. The meat wasn’t chewy or greasy, and the bread held up under all that filling.

Having tried cheesesteaks from numerous places, I can confirm this one ranks among the best. It’s authentic without being pretentious, generous without being sloppy. The flavors are clean and bold, exactly what you want from this Philadelphia classic.

If you’re a cheesesteak purist, you’ll appreciate the respect shown to this iconic sandwich at Pastrami Tom’s.

Gluten-Free Bread That Actually Tastes Like Real Bread

Finding good gluten-free bread is notoriously difficult, especially at restaurants. Most options taste like cardboard or fall apart before you finish eating. Pastrami Tom’s somehow found gluten-free bread that tastes like the real thing.

One reviewer’s wife ordered her sandwich on gluten-free bread and was amazed by the quality. That attention to dietary needs without sacrificing taste shows real commitment. Too many places treat gluten-free as an afterthought.

The bread held together under the weight of generous sandwich fillings. It had texture, flavor, and structure, not just blandness and crumbling. That’s incredibly rare and valuable.

For people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, finding a deli that takes their needs seriously is life-changing. You don’t have to miss out on amazing sandwiches just because of dietary restrictions. Pastrami Tom’s ensures everyone can enjoy authentic deli food without compromise.

That inclusivity, combined with genuine quality, makes this place special for a wider audience.

Black And Blue Burger Cooked Exactly How You Like It

While sandwiches dominate the menu, the burgers deserve serious attention too. One reviewer praised Chef Merrick for cooking the black and blue burger exactly how they liked it. That level of customization matters.

A black and blue burger features a blackened, seasoned crust with blue cheese. It’s bold, flavorful, and not for the faint of heart. Getting the seasoning right without burning requires skill.

The burger was cooked to the requested temperature, showing the kitchen’s attention to detail. Too many places overcook burgers or ignore special requests. Not here.

The beef quality shone through even under the strong seasoning and cheese. You could taste the difference between fresh, quality ground beef and frozen patties. The burger was juicy, flavorful, and satisfying in every way.

Whether you’re a sandwich person or a burger enthusiast, Pastrami Tom’s has you covered. The versatility of the menu means everyone in your group will find something they love.

Catering Services That Impressed The Chamber Of Commerce

Beyond the deli itself, Pastrami Tom’s offers catering services that have already made waves. One reviewer used them for a chamber event just a week after opening, and the results were outstanding.

The food was a hit, and the service was described as seamless and professional. That’s remarkable for such a new establishment. Most restaurants need months to work out catering logistics.

Tom’s background in catering clearly gave him an advantage. He understands timing, portions, presentation, and the unique challenges of off-site events. That expertise translates to reliable, stress-free catering.

The reviewer mentioned they’ll use Pastrami Tom’s again for future events. That repeat business speaks volumes about quality and service. Whether you need lunch for a corporate meeting or food for a private party, this team delivers.

The fact that they’re closed Sundays but available for private events shows flexibility and customer focus. Great catering can elevate any event, and Pastrami Tom’s brings restaurant-quality food to wherever you need it.