I had to stop and look at the sandwich for a second before picking it up.
The pastrami was stacked high on fresh rye. A crisp pickle sat on the side, and somehow there was even a little cup of pudding nearby.
This Des Moines deli does not seem very interested in small lunches.
The bread is baked in house, the portions are generous, and the counter has the easy feel of a neighborhood place people return to often.
I came for the pastrami and left understanding why this little Iowa spot has built such a loyal following.
Bring a serious appetite, because half a sandwich may already feel like a plan.
A Deli With A Big Reputation In Des Moines
Some places earn their buzz one sandwich at a time, and this one has the proof. Maccabee’s Kosher Deli holds a great rating across numerous reviews, which is rare for any restaurant.
You will find it at 1150 Polk Blvd, Des Moines, IA 50311, in the heart of Iowa’s capital city. The spot is a deli, a small kosher grocery, and a gift shop all rolled into one.
I love that the parking is easier than you might expect for this part of town. That alone makes a lunch stop feel less stressful.
Most of the praise centers on the pastrami, the friendly welcome, and the generous portions. Many visitors say it rivals the famous delis out east.
I went in curious and left planning my next order. The mix of hearty food and neighborly charm is hard to find, especially in the Midwest.
If you want a deli that feels personal instead of polished, this address belongs on your list. The sandwiches do plenty of talking on their own.
The Pastrami On Rye That Started The Buzz
Mention this deli to a local and the word pastrami usually comes first. It is the dish people recommend, post about, and drive across town to order.
The meat comes tender and flavorful, stacked high enough to make closing your mouth around it a real challenge. One visitor called it piled just right, and I agree.
Rye bread is the classic partner, and here it is baked fresh in house. The slightly tangy crust holds up to all that juicy meat without falling apart.
I like mine simple, so the pastrami can take center stage. A smear of mustard is plenty.
Several travelers say the sandwich lived up to the hype they saw online. One even found the place through a video before planning a trip.
If you only order one thing, make it this. Plan to share or save half for later, because leftovers taste great the next day.
Sandwich Names Worth Remembering
Menu names can tell a story, and a few here have fans of their own. The Roosevelt keeps popping up in praise, with some guests calling it one of the best sandwiches they have eaten.
Another favorite is the Maccabee sandwich, loaded with corned beef and roast beef. The owners suggest it as a next step after you try the pastrami.
If you want something lighter on the beef, smoked turkey is on offer too. Turkey pastrami also earns loud applause from guests who tried it.
For a truly oversized option, the current Whole Megillah lets you choose a total of three-quarters of a pound of meat and comes with two scooped sides. It is the kind of order made for a serious appetite or a willing friend.
I would bring a friend and split two different sandwiches. That way you get a real tasting without needing a nap right after.
Ask questions at the counter, because the team is happy to explain options. Your order can be made to your preference.
Bread Baked Fresh In The Kitchen
Great fillings need great bread, and this deli bakes its own. That detail came up again and again, and you can taste the difference.
Marble rye is the headliner, striped and soft with a gentle tang. One guest who said they usually skip rye still raved about the sandwich.
Garlic focaccia is another favorite. A diner described it as so soft it nearly melted around the Roosevelt.
The owners even encourage guests to try other bread options. That is a nice reminder that the menu has room to wander.
I suggest picking your bread based on your mood. Rye brings classic deli flavor, while focaccia leans a bit richer and more herby.
Fresh loaves also mean the sandwiches feel sturdy yet tender. Nothing turns soggy before you finish, which matters when your lunch is this big.
Sides, Soups, And Knishes
A sandwich this large could stand alone, but the sides are worth a look. Potato salad shows up in guest praise often, and pasta and macaroni salads are options too.
Soup fans should know about the matzo ball soup. One former New Yorker said it was very good and well worth the money, even if it was not identical to the East Coast versions.
Knishes sit on display, including kasha knishes that delighted one visitor. Coleslaw is available as well.
I will be honest, one guest felt the sides did not match the sandwich. That seems fair, since the pastrami sets a very high bar.
My advice is to pick one side and let the sandwich shine. Soup makes a cozy pairing on a chilly Iowa day.
And that pickle on the plate deserves a mention. One guest called it the best pickle they had tasted.
A Kosher Grocery In The Middle Of Iowa
Finding kosher groceries in the Midwest can be a hunt. This deli solves that with a small grocery section right beside the counter.
Maccabee’s describes itself as the only kosher deli in Iowa, and its small grocery section gives Des Moines shoppers another place to find kosher products. Other dedicated kosher grocery options do exist elsewhere in the state.
The shelves hold dry goods, Israeli foods, and other kosher grocery products.
I enjoyed browsing while my sandwich was made. It turns waiting into a mini adventure.
Prices at the deli were described as spendy by one guest, but they credited quality and quantity. Another found it cheaper than many kosher stores elsewhere.
Either way, the combination of lunch and shopping makes one stop do double duty. Bring a tote bag and some curiosity.
Books, Art, And Judaica On Display
Look up from your tray and you will find plenty to admire. Gorgeous murals and framed photos cover the walls, giving the room a lived-in feel.
A gift area offers books, art, and Judaica. One guest even found a book containing the Haftorahs for the entire year.
Little touches like these make the deli feel like a community hub. It is more than a place to grab lunch.
Tables are open and a bit rickety, which adds to the communal vibe. Dine-in space is limited, but it works well for a casual meal.
I liked how the room invites conversation. Strangers end up chatting over rye bread, and nobody seems to mind.
Take a lap before you leave. You may spot a quirky souvenir or a gift for a friend back home.
A Welcome That Feels Like Family
Plenty of restaurants say they treat you like family. Here, visitors say it again and again, and I felt it too.
Friendly service comes up repeatedly in guest feedback, and the owner is a big part of that. He is a Brooklyn native, which pleased a few transplanted New Yorkers.
Guests describe feeling like a regular on a first visit. Questions are welcomed, and stories are shared.
One visitor said the team helped them during a hard time with kindness and a thoughtful reading. That says a lot about the heart behind the counter.
The vibe is relaxed, so there is no need to rush. Linger a bit and enjoy the conversation if you feel like it.
It is rare for service to be this warm and the portions this big at the same time. That pairing is the secret sauce.
Hours, Parking, And Ordering Tips
A little planning goes a long way here. The deli is closed Saturday and Monday, so mark your calendar.
Hours run 11 AM to 6 PM on Wednesday and Thursday, and 11 AM to 5 PM on Tuesday. Friday closes early at 3 PM, and Sunday runs 11 AM to 4 PM.
Parking is surprisingly ample for the neighborhood. That makes a quick lunch break much easier.
Dine-in seating is small, so takeout is a smart move at busy times. Delivery has worked well too, and one guest even received a few bonus items.
If you want to call ahead, that is not a bad idea. Large orders for a crowd are doable, and one family stocked up for the next day.
Go hungry, plan to share, and expect leftovers. That is the best kind of lunch problem to have.