Shapiro's Delicatessen - Downtown

The sandwich was expensive, but the its size was proportional to the price. I really enjoyed the swiss cheese, and there was a lot of meat. Although I could have used some more sauce, and the meat seemed somewhat cold, I thought it was an excellent sandwich overall. The dining room was busy, but not too crowded; the line moved along nice and quickly. This was my first time to Shapiro's, but I'm sure it won't be my last--the strawberry shortcake looked worth coming back for, too.

The next best Reuben after Reggie's Bakery. I would come back any time for any entree.

This is cafeteria-type dining, so you go through a line and pick up expensive desserts and then get your entrees and then pay before you get to the table. Honestly, I kind of like paying before I eat, so that I don't have to wait for someone to come deal with the bill when I'm done, but I do prefer to order at the table. But you can't have it both ways, I guess. It was very nice that we were all able to sit together, and there wasn't any music or TV to drown out conversation. The place was clean and bright, but there wasn't much in the way of decor. Staff was friendly, but I can't give an "A" rating to service when I have to stand in line to order. The sandwich was served on a real plate, which was nice. Lots and lots of corned beef, more even than Max & Erma's, of good but not exceptional flavor. I couldn't really taste much else. The sauerkraut and cheese and homemade rye bread were okay, but the sheer quantity of beef overwhelmed them. I saw a little bit of 1000 island dressing but couldn't really taste it as anything other than a little bit of extra moisture. I would have preferred to have paid less money and had half as much beef, but if you want a really beefy Reuben, you'll get your money's worth at Shapiro's.

I made the mistake of getting a slice of pecan pie to go with the Reuben. This Reuben was huge. I don't think I've ever seen that much corned beef in one place before. The bread was excellent, the best so far. I didn't notice much thousand island flavor, but that was because it was drowned out by all of the other flavors. The corned beef was good, and the sauerkraut had a good zing to it, all of which combined for an excellent sandwich. They were well prepared for a large lunch crowd and kept the line moving quickly. I'd definitely go back, but the next time I'll skip the dessert.

I was surprised that for the amount of meat, it was still well-balanced. I liked the kraut in the middle of the meat. I admit, I did get extra thousand island, but it didn't really need it--I just like sauce!

My Reuben was very good. The sauerkraut had a distinct zing taste with the inch of hot, tender corned beef. The sandwich could have used a little more Thousand Island dressing to enhance the overall taste. I wonder if Phil minded me double dipping in his side of Thousand Island dressing. As far as the atmosphere at the Carmel location, I thought I was in Florida because of all the gray haired people. I'd guess these people aren't on a fixed income.

I needed to un-hinge my jaw to bite into this Reuben. This was the biggest and best-tasting Reuben I have had; however, at $8.50 a sandwich it better be.

The meat was lean, not fatty nor gristle. The rye bread was fresh and toasted just right. The sauerkraut was mild and not overly aggressive. The sauce was not descriptive, but just the right amount. The cheese blended well without overshadowing the meat.

Since this was my first Reuben in 30 years, it is difficult to compare it to my previous experience. The sandwich was delicious and I would get the Reuben again. I gave the value a 'C' because I felt the price was high. The quality of the beef was excellent (lean and a large quantity). I would come back.

Now that was a Reuben! I have yet to find the quality of corned beef that Shapiro's uses anywhere in town. The proportions of corned beef to sauerkraut were just right, massive amounts of each. As is the norm at Shapiro's, everything but a pickle is extra. I opted for the German potato salad for a side. To tell you the truth, with the amount of meat provided, I really didn't need the side. Oh, Shapiro's desserts are to die for, though I passed this time around. Hands down the greatest Reuben in Indy.

I asked for wheat instead of rye and they were very accommodating. There was a perfect amount of swiss cheese. If anything, there was too much food. Very yummy! Two thumbs up!