This Illinois Deli Is Old-School, But The Massive Pastrami Sandwiches Keep People Coming Back

Three slices of bread can barely hold back the pile of pastrami stacked inside one famous Illinois sandwich. The deli that makes it has been around since 1960, long before food trends and fancy menus took over.

It looks plain from the outside, but locals keep returning for meaty triple deckers, Chicago dogs, and a comforting taste of the past. For families hunting an affordable lunch with real history, this spot deserves a place on the list.

A South Side Corner With Deep Deli Roots

Hyde Park, on the South Side of Chicago, is home to Morry’s Deli at 5500 S Cornell Avenue. The neighborhood sits close to Lake Michigan and just a short walk from the Museum of Science and Industry, which makes the deli an easy lunch stop during a city outing.

Morry’s calls itself a New York-style deli, and it lives up to that label. Expect a counter, a menu board loaded with meats, and sandwiches built for serious appetites.

Nothing about the space tries to impress you with decor, and that is part of its charm.

A second location operates on W Taylor Street, but the Cornell Avenue shop feels like the true neighborhood anchor. People who grew up nearby treat it like a familiar friend, the kind of place you stop into without thinking twice.

For Illinois families planning a day in Chicago, this spot fits nicely into a museum trip or a stroll around the lakefront parks. You get a filling meal, a bit of local history, and a break from crowded downtown restaurants.

It is simple, steady, and refreshingly unfussy, which is exactly why so many people keep it on their regular rotation year after year.

The Orman Family Story Since 1960

Back in 1960, Morry Orman opened a deli and quickly earned a name for sandwiches piled high with corned beef and pastrami. Lines often stretched out the door as word spread through the neighborhood.

Here is a fun twist most visitors never guess. Suze Orman, the well-known money expert, is Morry’s daughter, and she once worked behind the counter.

She has even mentioned those days in her writing, so the deli holds a small spot in the story of a famous American personality.

From the very start, the business focused on quality ingredients and custom orders. Want a different bread or an extra meat?

That kind of personal touch was part of the plan long before customer service became a popular buzzword.

Decades later, the deli still carries that family-run spirit. Folks who moved away years ago often come back to taste the sandwiches they remember from high school or childhood lunches.

Some longtime fans admit the flavors have shifted a little over time, yet many still rank it above most delis around.

Bringing grandparents along can spark fun stories about how Chicago lunch counters used to look. That shared memory is half the meal.

Sky High Triple Deckers Stacked With Pastrami

Brace yourself, because the Sky High Triple Decker sandwiches are no dainty lunch. Three layers of bread hold generous stacks of meat, with combinations like corned beef and New York pastrami or corned beef and roast beef.

Each one usually arrives with a pickle and a side of coleslaw. Plenty of first-timers assume one sandwich will feed two people, only to discover that a single hungry person can happily finish it alone.

Filling? Absolutely.

Shareable? That depends on how much you love pastrami.

The pastrami gets the spotlight in the title for good reason. Regulars describe the corned beef and pastrami as some of the best in the city, and a few even compare them to famous New York delis.

That is high praise for a humble South Side counter.

Prices for these big sandwiches generally fall around $10 to $14, which feels fair given how much food lands on the tray. Fans of the triple deckers say they are worth every dollar.

Tip for families: order one triple decker plus a smaller item, then split everything. You will sample the house specialty without leaving anyone stuffed.

Corned Beef, Reubens, And Custom Builds

Corned beef is the true superstar at Morry’s, mentioned more often than any other item by people who stop by. Some fans boldly call it the best corned beef they have ever eaten.

Reubens are another favorite, bringing that classic mix of meat, sauerkraut, and melted cheese. A halal corned beef option is also available, and one happy surprise is how nice it tastes on a croissant, with a homemade feel many restaurants lack.

Customizing is easy here. You can swap breads, change cheeses, or add extra meats, and the deli does not put strict limits on meat choices.

Bread options run wide, so picky eaters can usually find something that works.

Breakfast sandwiches are on the menu too. Guests have traded bagels for French bread and swapped American cheese for provolone without any fuss.

Honesty matters, though. Some visits leave people wishing for more meat or brighter flavor, so results can vary from day to day.

Most diners still walk out satisfied, especially those who stick with the house classics. When in doubt, go with corned beef.

It is what built the deli’s reputation, and it remains the safest bet.

Chicago Dogs, Italian Beef, And Easy Sides

Not everyone in the family wants a mountain of pastrami, and Morry’s has that covered. The Chicago dog earns surprising praise, with some calling it the real deal and a better value than the larger sandwiches.

Out-of-town visitors especially enjoy grabbing one, since it delivers the full Chicago experience without a big price tag. Kids tend to love it too, making it an easy pick for younger eaters.

Italian beef sits on the menu as another local classic. Opinions on it are mixed, as the bun can get soggy if you wait too long, so eat it quickly.

Hamburgers and other grilled items round out the hot options.

For sides, potato salad gets warm words from regulars, and the coleslaw that comes with many sandwiches wins fans as well. Fries are available, and you can add a cup of cheese for dipping, which tends to delight kids.

A smart family plan might look like this: one triple decker for the adults, a couple of Chicago dogs for the kids, and fries to share. That spread covers every appetite while keeping the total bill friendly for a day out in the city.

Plain Room, Neighborly Feel

Walk in expecting shiny decor and you will be surprised. The space is plain and practical, more like the deli counter tucked into the back of an old grocery store than a trendy cafe.

That simplicity is part of the appeal. Neighborhood seniors have long used the deli as a casual meeting spot, chatting while they pick up lunch.

It feels like a corner of Chicago where people know each other, and the pace stays relaxed.

Service is usually quick and kind, and many visitors leave pleased with how friendly the staff was. Every now and then, the counter can feel a bit brisk, especially if you are unsure how to order.

Just step up, say what you want, and you will be on your way.

Seating has been limited at times, so plenty of guests take their food to go. Luckily, nearby parks make great picnic spots on a nice day, turning a simple lunch into a little outdoor adventure.

This setting suits grandparents chasing memories, students grabbing a fast bite, and families who prefer comfort over fuss. Nobody here cares about dressing up.

Hours, Prices, And Handy Planning Tips

Planning ahead makes the visit smoother. Morry’s Deli on Cornell Avenue opens at 10 AM every day.

Monday through Saturday it stays open until 7:30 PM, while Sunday hours are shorter, closing at 4 PM.

Prices stay reasonable for a city meal. Big specialty sandwiches typically run about $10 to $14, and a sub with a drink lands somewhere around $16.

A family of four can usually eat well without draining the budget, especially if you share a triple decker.

Bring cash if you can. Card payments come with a 3% surcharge, so paying with bills saves a little money.

The deli has also advertised a 10% discount for health care and county workers, though it helps to ask at the counter before ordering.

Getting there is simple when paired with a Museum of Science and Industry visit, since the deli is within walking distance. Lunchtime crowds are usually manageable, and many visitors find no line at all.

For the best experience, arrive hungry and grab your order to go. A short walk to a nearby park bench turns lunch into an easy, low-cost family outing.

Why This Humble Counter Still Earns A Stop

Old-school places rarely chase perfection, and Morry’s is no exception. Some days the sandwiches shine, and other days they fall a little short of memory.

Yet the deli keeps pulling people back, decade after decade.

Much of that loyalty comes from what the deli represents. It is a family-founded business from 1960, tied to a famous name, serving hearty food at prices that still feel fair in Chicago.

Few spots can claim that kind of staying power.

For pastrami and corned beef lovers, the triple deckers alone justify a trip. Add a Chicago dog for the kids, some potato salad, and a picnic in the park, and you have built a memorable afternoon for very little money.

Grandparents may enjoy pointing out how delis used to look, while kids get a taste of a true city classic. That mix of nostalgia and big flavor makes it a nice fit for Illinois families exploring close to home.

Keep expectations simple, bring a little cash, and order the house favorites. Chances are good you will leave full, happy, and already planning which sandwich to try next time around.