Delis in the Midwest? You bet! Explore some of our favorites.

By Barbara Humeston, Contributing Editor, Midwest Living

Midwest delis range from venerable kosher establishments in Chicago to little specialty delis.

Here are a few favorite Midwest delis:

At Manny's Coffee Shop and Deli, a Chicago institution since 1942, you'll discover foods reserved for true Jewish delicatessens. Stockpots full of kasha (buckwheat), kreplach (dumplings) and matzo-ball soup join fresh blintzes that pack the steam table, as well as prune tsimmes (fruit and short-rib soup) and knishes (potato and meat pies). Pile your tray high with all your favorites, including corned beef that Manny's proclaims Chicago's finest. And don't pay any attention to the wisecracking servers - nobody comes to Manny's to diet. 1141 South Jefferson Street (312/939-2855). Also check out the new Manny's on Concourse A at Midway Airport (773/948-6300 and ask for Manny's).

Sweet-and-sour cabbage soup, chopped liver, potato pancakes, pastrami and corned beef - the menu at Izzy's reads like an old-fashioned deli. But the atmosphere at this Cincinnati establishment is sleek, contemporary and efficient. Regulars order the barley soup, plus the beef tongue sandwiches and rice pudding with whipped cream. I like the Andy Furman sandwich, named after a local sportscaster (roast beef, with herb-pepper seasoning, piled high on pumpernickel and topped with the deli's coleslaw). 800 Elm Street (513/721-4241), 612 Main Street (513/241-6246), 5098 B. Glen Crossing Way, Western Hills (513/347-9699), 1198 Smiley Avenue, Forest Park (513/825-3888), 300 Madison Avenue, Covington, Kentucky (859/292-0065).

In an old red brick building just west of downtown Ann Arbor, Michigan, Ari Weinzweig and Paul Saginaw opened Zingerman's Delicatesssen about 20 years ago - just so they could get a decent corned beef sandwich. Signs all over the walls describe the selections, including 75 sandwiches. A big bowl-shaped sign highlights the soups of the day (always chicken with rice noodles or matzo balls, plus another selection such as mushroom and barley or lamb chili). Don't miss the brownies and noodle kugel. Shelves throughout the deli overflow with exotic vinegars, mustards, cheeses and other goodies that you can buy to try at home. 422 Detroit Street (734/663-3354).

The motto at Shapiro's Deli & Cafeteria in downtown Indianapolis has remained the same through four generations of family ownership: "Cook good. Serve generously. Price modestly. People will come." Along with the huge corned beef sandwiches and slabs of lox, other popular choices include tangy stuffed cabbage rolls, macaroni and cheese, fluffy cinnamon-potato latkes and jumbo slices of key lime pie and strawberry cheesecake. 808 South Meridian Street (317/631-4041), 918 South Rangeline Road, Carmel (317/573-3354).

Chicago Delis From upscale delis and fine-dining to hot dogs and deep-dish pizza, here are our favorite picks for excellent places to get a special meal or a quick bite to eat.

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