Arkansas Sandwich Shops Turning Out Pastrami You’ll Dream About Later
Arkansas might not be the first place you think of when craving pastrami, but this state is hiding some serious sandwich talent.
From family-run delis to modern eateries, local shops are piling high-quality pastrami onto fresh bread with all the fixings that make your mouth water. I’ve tracked down the best spots where you can grab a pastrami sandwich so good, you’ll be planning your next visit before finishing the first bite.
1. Boulevard Bread Co
If you’re hunting for a pastrami sandwich that balances traditional flavors with fresh ingredients, this Little Rock gem delivers every time. Boulevard Bread Co crafts their signature pastrami masterpiece with Swiss cheese, organic field greens, tomato, red onion, pickle, and tangy Dijon mustard, all layered on their house-made rye sourdough.
Their bread baking skills shine through in every bite, giving you that perfect chewy-crispy texture that holds up to generous portions of meat. The combination of fresh vegetables and quality pastrami creates a flavor profile that’s both satisfying and surprisingly light.
Located on North Grant Street, this spot has earned its reputation through consistent quality and attention to detail. Though currently closed for renovations, locals eagerly await their return to enjoy what many consider Little Rock’s finest pastrami offering.
2. Izzy’s
When locals argue about Arkansas’s best pastrami, Izzy’s name comes up constantly in the conversation. This no-frills American restaurant on Ranch Drive doesn’t need fancy decorations or trendy ingredients because their pastrami speaks for itself with bold, authentic flavor.
What makes their sandwich legendary is the generous portions of tender, perfectly seasoned meat that locals have sworn by for years. It’s the kind of place where regulars have their usual orders, and newcomers quickly become repeat customers after their first bite.
The casual atmosphere lets you focus on what really matters: that incredible pastrami piled high between slices of quality bread. With nearly 900 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, this spot has proven itself as a must-visit destination for serious sandwich lovers throughout the state.
3. Breitweiser’s Meat Market
Did you know some of the best sandwiches hide on secret menus? Breitweiser’s Meat Market in Benton keeps their incredible hot Reuben as an off-menu treasure that savvy customers order any day of the week.
As a butcher shop first, they have direct access to premium cuts and know exactly how to prepare meat to perfection. Their pastrami gets the royal treatment before landing on rye bread with melted Swiss, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy Russian dressing that ties everything together beautifully.
The hot Reuben arrives steaming from the grill, with cheese bubbling and bread toasted to golden perfection. It’s comfort food at its finest, combining old-world butcher expertise with classic deli sandwich craftsmanship that keeps customers coming back week after week.
4. Burge’s Hickory Smoked Turkeys and Hams
Though famous for their smoked turkey and ham, Burge’s also creates outstanding pastrami that benefits from their decades of smoking expertise. Their hickory smoking process adds a unique Arkansas twist to traditional pastrami preparation, giving the meat an extra layer of complex flavor.
Located on R Street in Little Rock, this family operation has perfected the art of smoking meats since their founding. When they apply those same techniques to pastrami, the results are spectacular tender, flavorful slices with a subtle smokiness that sets them apart from typical deli offerings.
The shop’s reputation for quality means every sandwich receives careful attention and generous portions. With 4.6 stars from hundreds of reviews, customers consistently praise both the exceptional meat quality and the friendly service that makes every visit feel special.
5. The Pantry
It’s refreshing to find a spot that treats pastrami like the culinary star it deserves. The Pantry elevates this classic deli meat with thoughtful ingredient pairings and house-made condiments that complement rather than overpower the pastrami’s natural flavor.
Their approach combines European-style preparation with Southern hospitality, creating sandwiches that feel both sophisticated and comforting. Fresh-baked bread provides the perfect foundation, while carefully selected vegetables add crunch and brightness to each bite.
The kitchen staff takes pride in slicing pastrami to the ideal thickness thin enough to be tender but thick enough to deliver substantial flavor. This attention to detail extends to every component, from the quality of their pickles to the temperature at which they serve each sandwich, ensuring optimal taste and texture.
6. Yellow Rocket Concepts
How do you make pastrami exciting for a new generation? Yellow Rocket Concepts answers that question with creative takes on the classic sandwich that honor tradition while embracing innovation.
This restaurant group brings fresh energy to Arkansas’s food scene, experimenting with flavor combinations that surprise and delight. Their pastrami might appear alongside unexpected ingredients like pickled vegetables, specialty cheeses, or house-made spreads that create memorable taste experiences.
The modern atmosphere matches their forward-thinking menu, attracting both young professionals and adventurous eaters looking for something beyond standard deli fare. Yet despite the contemporary approach, they never lose sight of what makes pastrami great quality meat prepared with skill and served with genuine enthusiasm for good food.
7. Dugan’s Pub
Are you surprised to find exceptional pastrami at an Irish pub? Dugan’s proves that great sandwiches transcend culinary borders, offering a pastrami creation that pairs perfectly with their impressive beer selection.
The pub atmosphere creates a relaxed environment where you can enjoy your sandwich alongside friends, good conversation, and perhaps a cold pint. Their pastrami comes loaded with traditional toppings but sized generously enough to satisfy even the heartiest appetites after a long day.
What sets this spot apart is the casual vibe that takes pressure off your dining experience no pretension, just quality food served with a smile. The combination of pub comfort and deli excellence makes Dugan’s a local favorite for those who want their pastrami in a laid-back setting.
8. Samantha’s Tap Room & Wood Grill
When pastrami meets the wood grill, something magical happens. Samantha’s Tap Room takes the traditional sandwich concept and adds their signature grilling technique, creating caramelized edges and smoky notes that enhance the meat’s natural flavors.
The tap room setting offers an extensive drink menu that pairs wonderfully with their food offerings. Their pastrami sandwich benefits from the kitchen’s expertise with fire and smoke, arriving at your table with a slight char that adds textural contrast to the tender meat.
This approach transforms familiar ingredients into something special without being overly complicated. The wood grill imparts subtle complexity while maintaining the sandwich’s essential character, proving that sometimes a simple cooking technique can elevate a classic dish to new heights of deliciousness.
9. Community Bakery
It’s amazing what fresh-baked bread does for a pastrami sandwich. Community Bakery starts with that crucial advantage bread made on-site daily that transforms their sandwiches from good to unforgettable.
The bakery’s commitment to quality extends beyond their bread to every ingredient they use. Their pastrami is carefully sourced and sliced fresh, then layered onto still-warm bread that adds an extra dimension of flavor and comfort to each bite.
Beyond the food, this spot embodies its name by serving as a neighborhood gathering place where people connect over coffee and sandwiches. The friendly staff knows regulars by name, creating an atmosphere that feels like visiting a friend’s kitchen rather than just another restaurant transaction.
10. Cajun’s Wharf
Though you might expect seafood at a place called Cajun’s Wharf, their pastrami sandwich brings Louisiana flair to this New York deli classic. The kitchen adds Cajun-inspired spices and toppings that create a fusion experience uniquely suited to Arkansas’s diverse food culture.
The bold seasoning doesn’t overwhelm the pastrami but rather complements it, adding heat and complexity that keeps your taste buds engaged. It’s the kind of creative interpretation that works because it respects both the original dish and the new influences being introduced.
This spot attracts adventurous eaters who appreciate when chefs take calculated risks with familiar foods. The result is a pastrami sandwich that stands out in a crowded field, offering something different while still delivering the satisfying experience that makes people love pastrami in the first place.
11. Capital Bar and Grill
Where business lunches meet serious sandwich craftsmanship, Capital Bar and Grill serves pastrami that’s suitable for both casual meals and important meetings. Their downtown location attracts professionals who demand quality food served efficiently without sacrificing flavor or presentation.
The restaurant’s polished atmosphere elevates the dining experience while their kitchen keeps things grounded with straightforward, well-executed classics. Their pastrami sandwich arrives beautifully plated but remains approachable and satisfying, balancing sophistication with substance.
The full bar adds another dimension to your meal, offering craft cocktails and wines that pair surprisingly well with deli-style fare. It’s proof that pastrami deserves a place in upscale dining, not just casual lunch counters, when prepared with skill and served with style.
12. Flyway Brewing
How does craft beer influence sandwich making? Flyway Brewing answers that question by creating food that’s specifically designed to complement their house-brewed beers, including a pastrami sandwich that pairs beautifully with hoppy IPAs and rich stouts.
The brewery’s creative energy extends from their fermentation tanks to their kitchen, where chefs experiment with flavor combinations inspired by beer ingredients. Their pastrami might feature beer-infused mustard or bread made with spent grain, connecting the sandwich directly to their brewing heritage.
The industrial-chic taproom creates a lively atmosphere where food and drink receive equal attention. Locals appreciate having a spot where they can enjoy thoughtfully crafted sandwiches alongside innovative beers, making Flyway a destination for both beer enthusiasts and sandwich lovers alike.
13. Fuel Coffeehouse
Are you looking for the perfect pastrami and coffee pairing? Fuel Coffeehouse in Fayetteville proves that quality sandwiches and exceptional coffee belong together, creating a menu that satisfies both caffeine cravings and serious hunger.
This independent coffeehouse approaches their food with the same dedication they bring to sourcing and roasting beans. Their pastrami sandwich features carefully selected ingredients that match their high standards, served in a comfortable environment that encourages lingering over your meal.
The college-town location brings diverse customers who appreciate both the casual atmosphere and the commitment to quality. Whether you’re grabbing lunch between classes or settling in for an afternoon of work with your laptop, their pastrami provides the sustenance you need alongside that perfectly pulled espresso.
14. Hammontree’s Grilled Cheese
When grilled cheese specialists turn their attention to pastrami, the results are predictably delicious. Hammontree’s takes this deli classic and applies their melty, gooey expertise, creating a hot pressed sandwich that combines the best of both worlds.
Their approach transforms pastrami from a cold-cut sandwich into a warm, comforting experience with multiple cheese options that complement the seasoned meat perfectly. The grilling process creates crispy bread exterior while keeping the interior soft and loaded with flavor.
This Fayetteville favorite has built a loyal following by doing one thing exceptionally well and then applying that expertise across creative variations. Their pastrami version maintains the restaurant’s high standards while offering something different from their regular menu, giving customers yet another reason to visit this beloved local spot.
