This Maine Deli Serves NYC-Style Pastrami Sandwiches So Huge They Barely Fit On The Plate

A sandwich called The Big Hot Pastrami comes in three sizes, and the bigger ones simply mean more meat. The menu calls it overstuffed. I’ll admit, that word alone has my full attention.

The pastrami gets grilled, then piled with Swiss cheese and Dijon mustard. Nothing fussy, nothing trendy. It’s the kind of deli classic that makes you check how wide your mouth opens.

This counter sits in a growing Maine neighborhood, a few minutes off the highway. Boar’s Head meats fill the case, and chicken pot pies wait to go home with you.

The Lebowski murals on the walls hint that nobody here takes themselves too seriously. It only opens on weekdays, so timing matters. Weekend cravings will have to wait.

The Big Hot Pastrami Comes In Sizes That Test Your Jaw

Three sizes sit on the menu at Leavitt & Sons Deli, and the jump between them is pure pastrami. The larger options are described plainly as more meat.

That’s an honest promise, and a slightly dangerous one.

The Big Hot Pastrami starts with grilled pastrami, then adds Swiss cheese and Dijon mustard. The menu calls the whole thing overstuffed.

That word does a lot of heavy lifting, and so will your hands.

It follows the old New York deli playbook without extra frills. Warm meat, melty cheese, and a sharp mustard bite keep things simple.

Simple is exactly what a sandwich like this needs.

Picking a size is the real challenge here. The smallest works for a lighter lunch break.

The biggest feels better suited to a serious appetite or a willing sharing partner.

You also get to choose your bread or a wrap. Rye bread comes up often in conversations about this place.

Gluten-free options are offered too, so more people can join the pastrami party.

My advice is to bring napkins and a plan. A sandwich this full deserves your undivided attention.

Phones can wait until the last bite.

A Reuben Worth Ranking At The Top Of Your List

Pastrami may headline the show, but The Big Reuben deserves its own spotlight. Corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing make up this deli icon.

It’s the sandwich people bring up again and again.

Just like its pastrami cousin, the Reuben comes in multiple sizes. The menu keeps the math easy.

A larger size equals more meat, and nobody needs a calculator for that.

Russian dressing adds a creamy, tangy layer between the salty beef and the sour kraut. Swiss cheese ties everything together as it melts.

Each part has a job, and each part shows up for work.

Some folks keep personal Reuben ranking lists, which sounds like a fun hobby. This one has landed at the top of at least one such list.

That earns points in my book.

Here’s a smart move for a first visit. Bring a friend, order one pastrami and one Reuben, then trade halves.

You’ll leave with an opinion and maybe a new favorite.

Either way, you’ll understand why corned beef fans keep this Portland counter on their radar. Some classics stick around for good reasons.

Sandwiches With Local Names And Surprising Combos

Bessie is not a person behind the counter. She’s a sandwich with roast beef, brie, roasted peppers, and chipotle mayo.

Many house creations at Leavitt & Sons Deli carry names tied to local spots or regulars.

The Sidelinger takes a sweeter route. Black forest ham meets brie, roasted Anjou pears, and honey mustard.

It sounds like brunch and lunch decided to team up.

Then there’s the Classic Cubano, pressed Miami style. That’s a long trip from Florida to Maine for one sandwich.

The Cubano has earned its own loyal fans along the way.

Turkey lovers aren’t left out either. The Stimson combines honey maple turkey, bacon, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, and a choice of mustard or mayo.

An Italian sub and a BLT round out the familiar choices.

The fun part is how these named sandwiches add personality. Ordering a Bessie feels friendlier than ordering a number.

It turns lunch into a small inside joke you’re now part of.

If pastrami feels like too much commitment, these make a great detour. You can come back for the big one next time.

That’s not a bad excuse for a second visit.

Take A Famous Chicken Pot Pie Home For Later

Dinner can be solved before lunch even ends. The menu proudly lists Famous Chicken Pot Pies, and they’re sold cold.

You reheat them at home, which means your oven gets the final say.

That setup is clever for busy weeknights. Grab your sandwich, grab a pot pie, and tomorrow’s meal is handled.

Your future self will be very grateful.

Homemade soups also show up on the menu. The chicken soup has picked up its own share of praise.

On a chilly Maine day, a cup of soup beside a sandwich just makes sense.

Salads give you lighter choices too. The Classic Cobb and The Greek are both available.

Deli salads also get plenty of attention from people who stop in.

Pot pies make sense as a gift as well. Dropping one off for a new parent or a sick friend is a kind move.

Few things say I care like dinner they don’t have to cook.

So when you place your order, think ahead a little. One pot pie might not be enough once the family finds out.

Consider yourself warned.

Sides And Sips That Round Out The Tray

A pickle spear next to a giant sandwich is basically a deli law. Leavitt & Sons Deli follows that tradition happily.

Potato salad and macaroni salad are ready too.

Deep River Potato Chips come in a range of flavors. That crunch gives your mouth a break between bites of pastrami.

Choosing a flavor might take longer than choosing a sandwich.

Deviled eggs also get a shoutout from fans. They’re a small treat that feels a little old-school in the best way.

Think of them as a picnic classic sneaking into lunch.

Drinks lean toward fun bottles. Maine Root Soda keeps things local, and Nantucket Nectars offers juice options.

Teas are on hand for anyone wanting something different.

Here’s a tip for road trips. Build a full meal of sandwich, chips, pickle, and soda for the car.

It beats a fast-food drive-through by a mile.

The sides aren’t meant to steal the show. They make the main act shine brighter.

Every great sandwich deserves a good supporting cast, and this lineup delivers.

Bowling Fans Will Grin At The Lebowski Murals

Lebowski murals decorate this deli, and that tells you plenty about the mood. Fans of the cult film will spot the references fast.

Everyone else gets some fun art to look at while waiting.

The space has a casual, neighborhood feel. It’s small and cozy rather than fancy.

Nobody expects you to dress up for a pastrami sandwich.

A display case holds meats, cheeses, and drinks. The deli features Boar’s Head meats and cheeses throughout.

Seeing everything lined up makes deciding even harder, honestly.

The quirky art fits a place that clearly enjoys itself. A serious sandwich shop with a playful wall feels just right.

The Dude would probably approve of the laid-back pace.

Spend a moment looking around before ordering. Murals make a great conversation starter with whoever came along.

They’re also a fun photo backdrop for your oversized sandwich.

It’s a reminder that lunch spots can have character. This one wears its personality right on the walls.

I’d be curious to see which movie scenes made the cut.

The Owner Actually Wants Your Lunch To Be Perfect

Peter Leavitt founded this business, and he still seems very involved. He often replies to online feedback personally.

He even asks four-star customers what would earn that fifth star.

That kind of push says a lot about the standards here. Good isn’t the goal.

Great is the target, and the team clearly aims for it.

The staff gets regular praise for being friendly and fast. They’re known for chatting with customers about the food.

Ask for a recommendation, and you’ll likely get an enthusiastic answer.

Mistakes get fixed quickly too. One customer forgot to request no mayo, and a fresh sandwich followed right away.

Little gestures like that turn first visits into habits.

The Google rating sits around 4.8 stars. That’s a strong number for a busy sandwich counter.

It suggests the care isn’t just a once-in-a-while thing.

So don’t be shy at the counter. Ask questions, mention allergies, and explore the gluten-free choices.

This crew seems happy to help you build the right lunch.

From Falmouth Roots To A Bayside Bet

The story started in Falmouth, Maine, back in 2007. Peter Leavitt opened the first Leavitt & Sons there.

That location is still part of the family today.

A decade later, he looked toward Portland. The second deli opened in the fall of 2017.

He chose the Bayside neighborhood because he expected it to grow.

That was a smart bet on a changing part of town. Today you’ll find the deli at 200 Kennebec St, Portland, ME 04101.

It’s an easy hop from the highway, which helps travelers.

Free on-street parking is available nearby. Parking around back has also been mentioned.

In a city, that’s a small win worth celebrating.

Both locations have earned loyal fans over the years. Some people happily bounce between the two.

It’s nice when a growing business keeps the same spirit at each spot.

Knowing this history makes your sandwich feel a bit more personal. You’re supporting a local story, not a faceless chain.

That adds a little extra flavor, even if it’s not on the menu.

Plan Around Weekday Hours Or Order Delivery

Timing is everything with this Portland deli. Doors open Monday through Friday, from 10 AM to 4 PM.

Saturdays and Sundays are closed, so weekend plans need a backup.

That schedule makes it a natural weekday lunch stop. Workers nearby can sneak out for a quick bite.

Road-trippers passing through Maine on a weekday should mark it on the map.

The deli is set up for quick service. That helps if your lunch break is short.

You can dine in or grab your order to go.

Online ordering is another handy option. Delivery around Portland runs through 2DineIn.

A giant pastrami sandwich arriving at your door sounds like a great Tuesday.

Beach days pair nicely with a takeout bag too. Sandwiches travel well when you’re heading to the coast.

Pack extra napkins, because overstuffed means exactly that.

One last tip is to arrive with time before closing. The pot pies and specialty items deserve a relaxed look.

Good luck picking just one sandwich size on your first visit.