Shapiro’s Twisted Traditions

Little lack luster for the name an presence you get from the atmosphere on meridian there trying

Others swear the downtown location is much better — I think this place is fine, but not great. Others report that the chili is borderline awful, however, my «New York» Reuben (sub in slaw for the kraut, which is guaranteed to get my attention) was fine. Almost too large to get in my mouth, with plenty of dressing. The corned beef could have been a little better, the slaw maybe a little tangier, as it was a bit boring, but… the sandwich was fine. I will say it was pretty expensive — a ~$ 15 sandwich, so… honestly, it needs to be a little bit better than this for me to go back a lot. But it is an option attached to my hotel complex that isn’t Chipotle and isn’t a pizza place. There aren’t many walkable «I just want something quick» options, so this might get in to the rotation. I just wish there were more half sandwich options…

Easily the best deli food in Indianapolis and pretty close to the best deli food anywhere. I am a huge fan of pastrami, and it just doesn’t get any better than what is served at Shapiro’s.

Pastrami piled high on rye with cheese and mustard is wonderful. I also had the Mac and cheese which was solid. My sandwich and side cost $ 18.

I really wanted to like Shapiro’s, but I probably won’t come back unless a friend wants to go.
My friends and I were greeted by very friendly employees who offered us free samples of pastrami, roast beef, and another meat which I unfortunately can’t remember. Awesome! So generous and so tasty. I opted for the pastrami. There’s a whole slew of meats you can select from. You can get whole or half sandwiches, and add mustard or several kinds of cheese to your sandwich. They also have many breads to choose from. I opted for spicy mustard, rye bread, and no cheese (was trying to be «healthy» haha).
I also got a side of spinach. They have a ton of sides to choose from, although they are pretty expensive (around $ 3). The potato pancakes are huge and pretty flavorful (I tried a piece).
The food ended up being disappointing. The rye bread was extremely dry, and there was barely any mustard on the ‘Wich. The meat tasted pretty good, but it wasn’t very warm. This was odd since I believe our samples were warm… The sandwich was overall extremely dry and bland. I ended up just eating the meat out of it, as my friend did with hers. The spinach was OK. Just everyday cooked spinach. The meal also comes with a pickle. The half size is pretty expensive (~$ 8) for what you get. They said their sandwiches are gigantic, but not enough to justify the cost.
All in all, I really wanted to like Shapiro’s (such friendly employees!), but the food isn’t anything special for the price.

It’s all in the name Twisted Traditions. It’s difficult to explain, but I felt twisted the whole time I was there. It was a similar feeling as to when I have Deja vu. Something seemed so familiar, yet is was different. It feels like a condensed version of the overall Shapiro’s experience, a cliff notes if you will. That being said, I think it’s a good fit for where it’s at, which is Keystone Fashion Mall. It’s a quick in and out and the opportunity to get a Shapiro’s fix in that area. The food is still delicious with several traditional main menu items available, and I like the new generation of sliders. Great idea! I’ve thought for a long time that Shapiro’s is a little pricey, and it’s the same here. Nonetheless, when I can’t put off my craving for a Reuben, I crack open the piggy bank and pay up. I think if you are up in that area and you are yearning for a Reuben, by all means go, and it will be what you wanted. However, if you are taking family, friends, or guests who haven’t been to Shapiro’s, I think you should put the Twisted aside, go for tradition, and make the trip downtown for the full fledged original Shapiro’s experience.

It’s pretty good. Depending on what you get it can be pretty expensive though. I got the New York Reuben and my fiancé got the regular Reuben and we shared a side of mac and cheese with water to drink. The total was $ 34. I like big portions, but my sandwich was HUGE. It was so hard to try to eat it all. Unless you’re starving, I’d do a half sandwich and half soup or salad. The mac and cheese is great!

Fantastic experience. Yes, it’s a bit pricey, but this was without a doubt the best Reuben sandwich I’ve ever had. And, it’s in my favorite mall (Keystone — where gang violence has not yet arrived). The place is clean and nicely decorated, and I’ll definitely be back to see them again.

So this is my brother and I’s go to place when he comes into town. It’s in a convenient location and I would suggest parking in the back lot. I always get the pastrami. Slider or sandwich … Add muenster cheese and mustard. This sandwich is to die for! Don’t even look at the desserts if you don’t plan on buying one. I don’t know who can say no!
We got food to go last time since I was in a hurry and we ended up having enough time to sit down and eat. Best part? Their pickles are in ziplock bags so you can take them and they don’t get anything soggy! Lol funny that we remember that but it was awesome, so innovative.

The «vegetable soup» was merely starchy and salty. Not flavorful…
However, points for the beer.
Wee Mac Scottish-​style Ale has a nice hazelnut character with rich toffee undertones. Hops are used sparingly in this beer and serve only to help balance the sweetness of the malt. Wee Mac was the Gold Medal winner at the 2010 Indiana Brewers’ Cup in the English Brown Ale category. Dinner before a Castleton Art film

We were spending a couple days in Indianapolis, and what better way to spend time than finding a deli? Shapiro’s is in a mall near our hotel, so we had lunch there.
This is an old, established deli (even though in a new, modern setting), so I was anticipating a great sandwich. While they was being prepared — which was a long, surprisingly long, process — even though there were only a few customers in the deli — I browsed the «old-​time» pictures of the Shapiro’s and their restaurant on the wall. Gave me a warm feeling, since these are my ancestors (don’t know if we’re actually related, but I do have Shapiro in-​laws).
Wife and I both ordered the corned beef on rye sandwich. Picked them up when they were ready — huge — anticipated we’d have enough for dinner, too! Started to eat them — and discovered that they were full of fat!
I’d estimate that they were ¹⁄₃ fat. We had to cut each slice apart to make them edible.
Perhaps 50 or 100 years ago this much fat might have been considered a sign of — something good, I don’t know what. But today? Trying to kill off their customers? Maybe this explains why the restaurant was almost empty (in fairness, it was after normal lunch hour).
The corned beef itself, and the bread, were very good. As was the coleslaw. Desert — I’ve already forgotten what we had — was forgettable.
Very, very disappointed, and I’ll have to think twice before going back.

This place is adorable!
I had been to the location downtown that’s more cafeteria-​style, but this is way different. It’s like Shapiro’s grown up! Located across from the Sheraton/​The Residences and connected to the food court within the Fashion Mall, Shapiro’s Twisted Traditions takes the most popular items from the downtown menu and features them with a twist or presents them in a way that’s just a bit different than what you’re used to traditionally.
While there, I ordered the smoked turkey ½ sandwich on wheat with a fruit salad side. The fruit was so colorful and juicy and the sandwich was very satisfying. Even the ½ sandwich fills you up pretty well since they don’t skimp on the meat. My friend ordered a Caesar salad and the presentation alone will have me ordering this the next time I go. It has a bit of a Patachou vibe, but a bit more laid back. The prices were good and they had a huge case full of fresh bagels, desserts, etc.
If you’re looking for a cute, affordable place to dine with friends or family, Shapiro’s Twisted Traditions will not disappoint!

Oh Shapiro’s… What to say… What to say.
I have been to Shapiro’s a couple of times now. The bottom line? It’s really not worth that price.
What I have gotten:
chicken salad sandwich — best on sourdough or a croissant — it has grapes and nuts in it, which is individual taste preference. Not nearly as good as the chicken salad at Café Patachou (which comes with chips).
Pecan bar — reminds me of Starbucks pecan tarts. Good
Cheesecake brownie — meh. Good but not fabulous.
With a coke my total was nearly $ 19 on sourdough… Second time I went got the same thing but on a croissant, they never gave me my coke cup but was charged nearly $ 21…
That’s a lot for lunch (and an extra dessert for later) for one person for a non-​server type restaurant — in my opinion.
Café Patachou is a much better option for similar fare

I love me a delicatessen, so I was excited to try Shapiro’s when I came across it at the Keystone mall. I ordered a turkey sandwich on wheat, cheesecake and a slice of cherry pie.
The sandwich was good, but be aware that it comes plain, and you have to order things like condiments, cheese, lettuce, tomato, etc. separately. I didn’t know it didn’t come with mustard or mayo or anything, so my sandwich was a little dry. But there was a LOT of turkey in my turkey sandwich, so it was all good.
The cherry pie and cheesecake were good, too. Overall, I’m coming back again!

The location is great! Conveniently located at Keystone at the crossing with entrances from both inside OR outside the Fashion Mall.
The deli sandwiches are delicious with really tender meat and fresh bread options. A generously huge portion large enough to share or save half for later.
The reason I dropped a star was because the Matzo Ball soup had absolutely ZERO flavor. It was like drinking hot water. A total waste of calories if you ask me. Not only that, the latke tasted like it was made three days ago and then reheated for the fourth time before handing it over to me. Bluugh, gross! No thanks. Stick with the sandwiches.

How can one not enjoy Shapiro’s?! I love going downtown and often times being that person who takes my smelly sandwich on a flight (okay maybe I’ve only done this 2 – 5 times) but it’s always worth it!
It was my first time going to the location and I wasn’t disappointed! I got the sandwich and soul combo — half corned beef on rye with matzo ball soup. The service was kind and friendly and the food came out promptly.
I’ll be visiting this location way more than I probably should in the upcoming months.

It’s my go-​to place for a quick and hearty meal at the Keystone mall. It’s a deli located in the food court right next to Tesla. The area is accessible and can’t be missed.
They have the coke vending that has 100+ flavors that you can mix and match. Food is delicious. Probably the best kosher sandwich place in INdy. My fave is their corned beef in rye bread. That’s it. Nothing fancy. Just meat and bread. Simple yet delicious.
You can’t skip on their matzo ball soup with noodles. My meal won’t be complete without having at least a cup, although the I regularly get a bowl. Your friend’s Jewish mom will be proud.
Their cake and dessert selection is quite impressive. Cakes are pretty massive. I had their German cake and it was delish! Better share a slice based on its size.
Shapiro’s was once featured on Food Network’s Best Thing I Ever Ate… and for a reason, it’s that good. Although their prices maybe a little steep for a sandwich, this is not your typical deli sandwich for sure.

This was my first time at Shapiro’s ever. The menu was bigger than I expected, from sandwiches to sides to full dinners to enticing desserts. I was a big fan of the sliders option – brisket, corned beef, and pastrami – because then I was guaranteed tastes of what Shapiro’s is most famous for. Therefore, I went for the corned beef and pastrami sliders plus a cup of matzo ball soup.
The sliders are pretty simple – just meat and a small bun – but I was okay with that, for the meat was able to stand out versus being masked by condiments. My thoughts: tender and packed with flavor. No wonder Shapiro’s has been open for 110 years. In fact, I wished I had order full sandwiches to last me all weekend (I saw how large the portions were… wowza). The soup was good, but nothing worth freaking out about. For my next visit, I’ll stick with a sandwich and try a rugelach.
(Side Note: I know a lot of people have been freaking out about the prices, but let’s remember: you’re in the Fashion Mall. What else do you expect?)

What really is the purpose of Unilocal?
Is it to merely offer up casual reviews and star ratings of area businesses? Or is there more at stake.
I think there’s more. For me, Unilocal works best when those who review approach it from a perspective of wanting to help both customers and business owners have the best experience possible and when businesses take that feedback offered and improve their products and customer service.
When Unilocal is working at its best, it’s a win-​win situation for both the customer and the business.
While I’ve certainly written intensely negative reviews, I pride myself on creating reviews that are well written, critically valuable, and offer honest, legitimate feedback regarding my own experiences as a customer and as a customer with a disability.
When I first visited the new Shapiro’s Twisted Traditions at Keystone at the Crossing, I recall leaving the restaurant with jumbled emotions having truly enjoyed my meal yet having also been frustrated by what felt like confusing customer service and a physical layout that was not particularly wheelchair friendly.
A few days ago, Sally Shapiro, part of the Shapiro family and a member of the Indianapolis-​based mini-chain’s management team, contacted me after they’d reviewed my comments regarding accessibility and they’d had the opportunity to make some modest changes meant to address what they had deemed to be legitimate issues.
First off I was impressed with the contact and I was even more impressed that they’d already put an action plan in place. She asked if I’d be willing to meet her at the restaurant to try it all out.
Of course!
So, tonight after work I ventured over to Keystone at the Crossing to check out their adjustments in what is actually a rather challenging space.
Wow. Brilliant. With minor tweaking, Shapiro’s was able to take what would have been an obstacle course for a wheelchair, especially when the restaurant is crowded, and turn it into an easily flowing restaurant that offers easy access to individuals of varying mobilities. The changes made were incredibly minor, yet for someone in a wheelchair they will mean the difference between having easy access and being able to operate more independently without fear of repeatedly running into people.
It was incredibly impressive and I served up my wholehearted praise for their efforts.
Now then, out of a sense of fair disclosure, I will also serve notice that I unexpectedly received a meal this evening to go with my willingness to drive up North and offer feedback regarding accessibility issues. I dined on the meatloaf, a potato cake, buttered noodles, and wheat bread. It was an abundant meal that was absolutely delicious. I also drank my usual iced tea. While they have many desserts, I couldn’t have possibly considered it by meal’s end.
As an added bonus, Ms. Shapiro joined me as I dined and we had a wonderful opportunity to talk about the history of Shapiro’s, Unilocal,Brittany of Unilocal,and life in general. It was a warm, hospitable experience and one I treasured.
The staff continues to be warm and friendly, while the restaurant’s early struggles with technology are working themselves out and the early notes of confusion seem to have largely dissipated. While my first meal was marked by accessibility concerns and various amounts of stress, this meal was relaxed, enjoyable, and marked by quality food, quality customer service, and stunningly improved access.
For those of you who care about disability access, I hope you’ll give these folks a chance. Lots of businesses will serve up lip service about making changes, but Shapiro’s really followed through beautifully. So, yes, while this might not quite be a «fine dining» 5-​star experience, Shapiro’s gets a 5-​star rating for proving that it cares about ALL of its customers and for the quality of its food and employees.
See? When Unilocal works the way it’s supposed to everybody wins!

My biggest problem with Shapiro’s has always been it takes me two days to eat a sandwich. I really appreciate the slider size, it is a manageable size for lunch, at a fair price. The Corn Beef is the best anywhere, including New York. Not sure about the rye bun yet, no complaints about the taste, just a nostalgic regret. Mac & Cheese was better than down town, still rich but more creamy. Let’s not forget the cheesecake. I was reminded why I would as for one as my birthday cake as a child. If I ever have Junior’s craving, Shapiro’s satisfies (just wish they had cherry or pineapple versions). Lastly, the entrance should be mandatory in every restaurant; the hand washing station is simple but brilliant.