20 Washington, D.C. Delis That Might Be The Capital’s Best-Kept Secret For Pastrami Lovers

Tucked between bustling sidewalks and busy storefronts is a world built on warm rye, sharp mustard, and the unmistakable aroma of slow-smoked meat. Pastrami has its own devoted following in Washington, D.C., and the city rewards that loyalty with deli counters that take the craft seriously.

Each shop brings its own flavor – some rooted in old-school tradition, others pushing sandwiches into bold new territory.

This is a place where cured beef becomes comfort, where a midday bite feels like a small ritual, and where every stacked slice reminds you why D.C. deserves a spot on any pastrami lover’s map.

1. Mikey & Mel’s Deli

A bottomless pickle bar greets visitors at this L Street favorite, where homemade pastrami takes center stage. The meat gets sliced fresh daily, piled high between soft rye slices that soak up every savory drop.

Their pastrami hash serves as an all-day option for those who want breakfast vibes with deli soul. The casual counter setup keeps things relaxed while maintaining serious standards for flavor and quality.

2. Beresovsky’s Deli

Game day crowds flock to this spot near Nationals Park for sandwiches that rival anything found in Manhattan. Marbled rye provides the perfect canvas for tender pastrami slices that balance smoke and spice beautifully.

The location makes it easy to grab lunch before first pitch or dinner after the final out. Classics dominate the menu, proving that sometimes sticking to tradition beats trendy every time.

3. Parkway Deli & Restaurant

Just across the Maryland border in Silver Spring sits a deli that’s earned legendary status over decades of service. Their Reuben Grill transforms corned beef into something magical with melted Swiss, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy Russian dressing.

The grilled rye adds a crispy texture that contrasts perfectly with the tender meat inside. Families and solo diners alike find comfort in the generous portions and welcoming atmosphere.

4. Attman’s Delicatessen

Baltimore’s Lombard Street holds this treasured institution where recipes have passed through generations. Jewish corned beef gets piled onto fresh bread alongside house-made sauerkraut that adds just the right amount of tang.

The old-school vibe transports diners back to when delis served as neighborhood gathering spots. Though technically outside D.C., the drive rewards anyone seeking authentic East Coast deli culture and unforgettable sandwiches.

5. Loeb’s NY Deli

History lives on I Street at this kosher-style establishment that’s been feeding downtown workers for years. Pastrami arrives at tables warm and fragrant, seasoned with a spice blend that honors New York traditions.

Office lunch crowds appreciate the quick service without sacrificing quality or portion size. The no-frills approach lets the meat speak for itself, proving that great pastrami needs no gimmicks or fancy presentations.

6. Call Your Mother

Bagels meet innovation at this ‘Jew-ish’ deli that reimagines traditional favorites with playful twists. Pastrami finds new life atop chewy, hand-rolled bagels that provide substance and satisfying texture.

The modern aesthetic attracts younger crowds looking for Instagram-worthy meals that still taste incredible. Creative combinations respect deli heritage while embracing contemporary flavors and presentation styles that feel fresh and exciting.

7. Wagshal’s Deli

Washington D.C.’s cobblestone streets lead to a market where pastrami gets the gourmet treatment without losing its soul. Thick slices come from premium cuts that cure slowly, developing deep flavors that unfold with each bite.

Shoppers can grab sandwiches to go or enjoy them at small tables surrounded by specialty ingredients. The upscale setting doesn’t inflate prices unreasonably, making quality accessible to students and professionals alike.

8. Deli City

Congressional staffers and locals share counter space at this Hill hideaway where pastrami reigns supreme. The meat arrives perfectly steamed, maintaining moisture while the edges develop a slight crust that adds textural interest.

Simple mustard and rye let the protein shine without competing flavors getting in the way. Proximity to the Capitol makes it convenient for quick lunches during busy legislative sessions or leisurely weekend brunches.

9. Stachowski’s Market

Circle dwellers know this spot as their go-to for reliable pastrami that never disappoints. Hand-cut slices stack generously between bread that’s baked fresh each morning by a nearby bakery.

The neighborhood vibe encourages lingering over coffee after finishing your sandwich, watching the diverse crowd pass by outside. Reasonable prices and consistent quality have built a loyal following among residents who refuse to settle for chain alternatives.

10. GW Delicatessen

This spot brings global influences to this deli that respects traditional pastrami while embracing neighborhood diversity. Spice blends might include unexpected touches that reflect the area’s international character.

Late hours accommodate the district’s nightlife crowd seeking substantial food after concerts or shows. The casual atmosphere welcomes everyone from families to solo diners looking for honest food without pretension or attitude.

11. Carving Room

This locally owned spot treats sliced meats like a craft, turning out pastrami sandwiches that balance richness, spice, and serious heft. The counter feels casual, but the technique behind every cut is anything but.

Lunchtime crowds drift in for stacked creations that don’t rely on gimmicks – just well-seasoned meat, sturdy bread, and attention to detail. Both locations draw office workers, neighborhood regulars, and anyone chasing a reliable, filling deli meal in the middle of the city.

12. Capo Italian Deli

Crowds drifting through the Shaw and U Street corridor find this spot wedged between music venues, lively bars, and late-night energy. Pastrami arrives stacked to the point where maintaining sandwich stability becomes part of the fun, rewarding anyone willing to take on the challenge.

Fast-moving counter service keeps things efficient without feeling hurried, which makes it easy to grab a serious deli fix before heading to a show or meeting friends nearby. With additional outposts at Nats Park and Tysons, its reach extends well beyond the neighborhood, but the original location still carries the unmistakable swagger of a true D.C.-born deli.

13. 2 Sisters Deli

Zoo visitors and locals alike find refuge at this corner spot where pastrami sandwiches restore energy after walking miles of animal exhibits. Family-friendly pricing and atmosphere make it accessible for all ages.

The residential neighborhood setting provides a quieter alternative to downtown rush and noise. Regulars appreciate the consistency that comes from owners who’ve been perfecting their recipes for years without cutting corners.

14. So’s Your Mom

Urban development brought this express deli to a neighborhood transforming from industrial past to residential future. Quick service matches the fast-paced lifestyle of young professionals populating new apartment towers.

Despite the ‘express’ name, pastrami quality matches slower-paced competitors with proper seasoning and texture. River views from nearby parks make takeout sandwiches taste even better when enjoyed outdoors during pleasant weather months.

15. Wisemiller’s Grocery & Deli

This vibrant neighborhood supports a deli that reflects its diverse population through creative menu additions alongside classic pastrami. Traditional preparation meets contemporary presentation in sandwiches that satisfy multiple generations.

Metro accessibility brings customers from across the city seeking value and flavor in equal measure. The friendly staff often remembers regular orders, creating a personal connection that chain restaurants simply cannot replicate authentically.

16. Jack’s Famous Deli

Downtown workers know this counter-service spot for straightforward sandwiches made fast and made well. Pastrami stays the focus, sliced thick and piled onto bread without unnecessary flair or decorative plating.

It’s the kind of place where efficiency matters – order, grab, go – and the quality holds up even on the tightest lunch break. No craft-beer program, no brunch theatrics, just a dependable deli serving exactly what people come for: a solid, satisfying pastrami sandwich in the heart of the city.

17. A. Litteri Inc.

In the warehouse-lined streets around Union Market, this long-running Italian deli feels like a holdover from an earlier version of the city. Shelves stacked with imports and cases filled with cured meats create an atmosphere that’s more old-world market than modern lunch stop.

Pastrami isn’t the headline here, yet the shop treats every sliced-meat sandwich with the same seriousness that built its reputation decades ago. Regulars weave through narrow aisles with ease, grabbing provisions and a made-to-order sub before heading back into the bustle outside.

18. MLK Deli

Musical heritage surrounds this corridor spot where jazz legends once walked and pastrami now rules lunch hours. The sandwich menu honors tradition while the setting pulses with the neighborhood’s ongoing cultural relevance.

Late-night hours serve musicians and service industry workers seeking substantial food after gigs end. The connection between good music and good food feels natural here, where both art forms receive proper respect and appreciation.

19. Sundevich

Streetcar tracks and new development frame this revival spot bringing deli culture to a neighborhood rediscovering its identity. Pastrami bridges the area’s past and present, offering familiar comfort during times of change.

Creative sides and seasonal specials complement the core menu without overshadowing the main attraction. The casual atmosphere encourages exploration, inviting first-timers to discover why pastrami inspires such passionate devotion among true believers.

20. Vace Italian Delicatessen

Catholic University students and monastery neighbors find common ground at this hideaway where pastrami provides secular pleasure everyone can appreciate. The quiet residential setting offers respite from busier commercial districts.

Homestyle preparation techniques create sandwiches that feel like someone’s grandmother made them with extra love. Prices reflect the neighborhood’s more modest cost of living, making quality pastrami accessible without requiring downtown salaries or expense accounts.