Wondering Where Washington Still Serves Real Pastrami? Check These 9 Delis
Real pastrami takes days to make. The brisket gets brined, rubbed with pepper and spice, smoked, and then steamed until it turns tender.
That slow process is exactly why great pastrami feels rare. Plenty of sandwiches use it, but far fewer kitchens still treat it like a craft.
In Washington, some of the best versions come from smokehouses, butcher counters, and old-school delis.
I love that the hunt leads to such different places. One spot sits near a highway in farm country.
Another sells its sandwiches from a butcher shop that never closes. A few lean hard into New York or Chicago traditions.
So where should you go when the craving hits? I rounded up nine spots across the state that take pastrami seriously.
Some are easy city stops, and others make a fun excuse for a weekend drive. Which one is closest to you?
1. Dick’s Northwest Sausage & Deli
Smoke comes first at this Centralia stop, and your sandwich reaps the rewards. The deli runs as a smokehouse turning out artisanal sausages and craft-made sandwiches.
Your top target here is the hot pastrami. It lands with melted cheese and plenty of flavor, the kind of lunch that makes a highway detour feel smart.
Sides keep things classic. You can pair your sandwich with smoked beans or potato salad, and both feel right next to cured beef.
Want something to sip? The homemade root beer earns its own fan club, and it’s a fun extra for kids and grown-ups alike.
The menu stretches past pastrami too. A Cuban sandwich, a Reuben, prime rib sliders, a trio deluxe, and a BBQ pork loin all share the board.
Chicken pesto shows up as well if someone in your group skips beef. That variety makes it an easy pick for a mixed crowd heading down I-5.
Timing matters a little. Friday and Saturday afternoons tend to get busy, while Monday runs quieter if you’d rather stroll right up.
The shop closes Sundays and stays open until 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Free parking and a quick-visit setup make it a painless lunch break between Seattle and Portland.
Address: 5945 Prather Rd SW, Centralia, WA 98531
2. The Smoke House and More
Black Diamond has a coal-mining past, but today the smoke worth chasing comes from a butcher case on Railroad Avenue. The Smoke House and More smokes its meats right on site.
Walk up to the counter and you’ll spot a wide spread of smoked goods. Sausages in many styles share space with jerky and artisanal cheeses.
Pastrami sits among the stars here. It’s one of the shop’s most recommended picks, right alongside smoked pork chops and pulled pork.
Since this is a specialty shop, think of it as a pastrami haul as much as a lunch stop. Grab some to take home, and your next weekend sandwich gets a serious upgrade.
The location adds to the fun. Black Diamond sits in the Cascade foothills, so a stop here pairs nicely with a scenic drive southeast of Seattle.
Cheese lovers get a bonus. That artisanal selection makes it easy to build a picnic board around your smoked meats.
Plan around the schedule before you go. The shop closes Mondays and Tuesdays, then opens Wednesday through Sunday with varying hours.
Sunday wraps up at 4 p.m., so morning drivers have the edge. It’s set up for a quick visit, which means you can shop, load the cooler, and keep exploring.
Address: 32721 Railroad Ave, Black Diamond, WA 98010
3. Dingfelder’s Delicatessen
Capitol Hill holds a slice of New York deli tradition, complete with marble rye and Dr. Brown’s soda. Dingfelder’s calls itself an authentic Jewish deli, and the menu backs it up.
Your pastrami arrives thick-cut and tender. Expect that smoky, peppery richness that makes the classic worth craving.
The hot pastrami sandwich gets piled high. You can also find pastrami hash, a fun twist if you’re stopping by for breakfast.
Doors open at 7 a.m. daily, so early birds win here. Brunch, lunch, and dinner are all fair game.
Beyond pastrami, the lineup reads like a deli wish list. Corned beef, brisket, tongue, and chopped liver sandwiches share space with matzo ball soup.
Save room for something sweet. Black and white cookies, chocolate babka, and cheesecake make tough choices at the counter.
Service runs at the counter in a homey dining room. Families fit right in, with high chairs, a kids’ menu, and changing tables available.
Plant-based eaters aren’t left out either. The deli offers full vegan and vegetarian menus, which is a rare find at a pastrami spot in Washington.
Sunday afternoons draw the biggest crowds. Reservations aren’t taken, so a weekday visit may mean less waiting.
Address: 1318 E Pine St, Seattle, WA 98122
4. Market House Meats
Pastrami in your soup? At this downtown Seattle counter, that’s not a mistake.
Split pea soup with smoked pastrami sits right on the menu.
Market House Meats keeps things focused. The compact menu centers on cured meat, pastrami, and Reubens.
Portions run big. Sandwiches come piled high with meat on toasted bread, often with potato salad and pickles alongside.
The pastrami brings a juicy, succulent bite. Corned beef earns equal attention, especially on the grilled Reuben.
Brisket gets its own spotlight too. The shop bills its barbecue beef brisket as Seattle’s finest, which is a bold claim to test yourself.
Not hungry enough for a full sandwich? Half-size Reuben and brisket options make it easier to sample more than one favorite.
A pastrami dip also appears, with thin-sliced grilled pastrami on a hoagie roll and au jus. It’s a smart choice on a drizzly Seattle day.
Hours fit a workday crowd. The shop opens at 8 a.m.
Monday through Saturday and closes at 4 p.m.
Wednesday and Friday afternoons get busiest. Saturday mornings tend to be quieter, a nice window for weekend visitors.
Fast service and a clean shop keep the line moving. Dine in, take out, or order delivery if you can’t leave the office.
Address: 1124 Howell St, Seattle, WA 98101
5. Chicago Pastrami
Route 66 runs nowhere near Issaquah, yet a Route 66 counter sits on Front Street. Chicago Pastrami brings Windy City flavor to the foothills.
Vintage tin signs cover the walls. The playful decor matches a menu packed with Chicago-style favorites.
Pastrami leads the show, as the name promises. It’s housemade, smoky, and salty, with crispy edges and juicy centers.
The Classic Chicago sandwich layers it with stone-ground mustard and pickles on a French hoagie. Simple, bold, and very satisfying.
Here’s a twist you won’t find elsewhere on this list. An Armenian pastrami sandwich reflects the shop’s Armenian-inspired side.
Craving more Chicago? You can grab an Italian beef, a Chicago dog, a chili dog, or a Chicago cheesesteak.
Sides deserve attention too. Garlic fries, garlic aioli fries, and fried mac and cheese round out a hearty meal.
A Reuben on marble rye and a turkey Reuben cover classic deli cravings. Counter service keeps things quick and casual.
Kids are welcome, and parking is usually plentiful. That makes it an easy lunch after a hike on nearby Tiger Mountain.
Saturday afternoons draw the biggest crowds. Sunday hours end at 4 p.m., so plan accordingly.
Address: 172 Front St N, Issaquah, WA 98027
6. Tat’s Deli
Philly might own the cheesesteak, but Pioneer Square owns the Tatstrami. Tat’s Deli built its fame on East Coast subs and kept a pastrami ace up its sleeve.
The Tatstrami is the house take on hot pastrami. Mounds of meat get topped with fresh, crisp coleslaw and a signature sauce.
It’s a messy, crunchy, saucy kind of sandwich. Grab extra napkins and don’t wear your best shirt.
Cheesesteaks still draw plenty of fans. Beef and chicken versions both appear, along with a twinburger sub and chicken bacon ranch.
Cajun smoked turkey is another favorite worth trying. It’s a solid backup if your group can’t agree on pastrami.
Craving a taste of Philadelphia sweets? Tastykakes sit on the menu, a fun nostalgic treat for East Coast transplants.
Lunch is prime time here. The deli opens weekdays at 9 a.m. and closes at 2:30 p.m., so don’t show up late.
Saturday hours run from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sundays are closed.
Expect a wait during weekday rush. Midweek late mornings get especially busy with downtown workers.
Families are covered with high chairs and a kids’ menu. Pair lunch with a stroll through historic Pioneer Square.
Address: 159 Yesler Wy, Seattle, WA 98104
7. Old World Deli
Hot mustard here lives up to its name, so consider yourself warned. Old World Deli in Bellingham brings European-style flair to a downtown sandwich counter.
The pastrami Reuben is a standout. Stuffed with brisket pastrami, it proves a simple sandwich can carry big flavor.
Want some heat? A spicy sauce and that fiery mustard give your sandwich a kick.
The deli roasts its own beef in-house. Horseradish roast beef makes a strong second choice if you’re splitting sandwiches.
A muffaletta also appears on the menu. It’s a fun detour into New Orleans for anyone craving something different.
Soups are scratch-made, and creamy mushroom soup pairs nicely with a pastrami bite. It’s perfect on a gray Whatcom County afternoon.
Beyond the counter, a small specialty food market invites browsing. You can pick up treats for later while you wait.
The deli opens daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. That consistent schedule makes it easy to plan a trip north.
Free Wi-Fi helps if you’re working remotely. Delivery and pickup are options too.
Afternoons on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays run busiest. Combine your visit with a walk around downtown Bellingham or nearby Boulevard Park.
Address: 1228 N State St, Bellingham, WA 98225
8. Sonnenberg’s Market & Deli
Midnight pastrami cravings finally have an answer in Spokane. Sonnenberg’s Market & Deli is listed as open 24 hours, every day of the week.
This old-school butcher shop doubles as a deli. Signature sandwiches share the spotlight with steaks and sausages.
Kosher pastrami gets sliced tissue-paper thin here. Picky slicing standards are welcome, which pastrami purists will appreciate.
Corned beef sandwiches are another favorite. Many fans say the pastrami is just as good, so you might order both.
Value is a big part of the draw. The meat selection comes at prices that feel friendly for families and retirees watching budgets.
Need a sausage for a big pot of soup or gumbo? The case carries specialty links like linguisa.
Plan on taking your food to go. Sonnenberg’s doesn’t offer dine-in, so pack a picnic for nearby Spokane parks.
Lines can get long during afternoons. The staff stays friendly through the rush, and the shop stays clean and bright.
Nights are quietest across the week. That’s a great time to swing by if you hate waiting.
Free parking makes stops quick. Stock up on pastrami for the week and your lunchbox will thank you.
Address: 1528 E Sprague Ave, Spokane, WA 99202
9. Johnson’s Smokehouse & Sausage
Two sides, one big appetite. Johnson’s Smokehouse & Sausage outside Olympia runs both a restaurant side and a deli side, and each holds its own.
The market centers on a curated meat counter. Smoked specialties fill the case, ready for your cooler or your next backyard gathering.
Made-to-order deli sandwiches give you a reason to eat on the spot. Smoked meats and cheese here earn a reputation as some of the best around Olympia.
Pastrami fans should think beyond a single sandwich. Browse the smoked selection and build your own spread at home.
The setting on Diagonal Road feels country. It’s an easy drive from the state capital, perfect for a lazy Saturday outing.
Cheese lovers will want to linger. Smoked cheese pairs beautifully with sliced meats for a picnic at nearby Capitol Lake or Tolmie State Park.
Hours run from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Sundays are closed, so plan your trip earlier in the weekend.
Friday afternoons and evenings draw the biggest crowds. Weekday mornings tend to stay calm if you’d rather shop slowly.
Free parking and restrooms keep the visit simple. It’s a satisfying final stop on any Washington pastrami road trip.
Address: 8312 Diagonal Rd SE, Olympia, WA 98501