Shortstop Deli
A legendary Ithaca deli serving up enormous, customizable sandwiches and famous 'hot truck pizza subs' since 1978. Open 24 hours for your cravings any...
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Must-see attractions
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Shortstop Deli
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A legendary Ithaca deli serving up enormous, customizable sandwiches and famous 'hot truck pizza subs' since 1978. Open 24 hours for your cravings any time.
"These are some serious sandwiches! The portions are huge, including the single, so go hungry."
Order Ahead for Speed
Consider placing orders via DoorDash during peak times for faster service.
Understand the Ordering System
Fill out an order form at the counter. Be patient as it can be complex for first-timers.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Deli
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Generously Sized Sandwiches
Experience huge and delicious sandwiches with countless topping combinations. Go hungry, as portions are massive!
Famous Hot Truck Pizza Subs
Indulge in unique 'hot truck pizza subs' featuring tomato sauce and mozzarella on pillowy French or garlic bread.
24-Hour Service & Affordable Drinks
Enjoy round-the-clock service with wallet-friendly drinks and satisfying subs, making it a local staple.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Order Ahead for Speed
Consider placing orders via DoorDash during peak times for faster service.
Understand the Ordering System
Fill out an order form at the counter. Be patient as it can be complex for first-timers.
Portion Control
Sandwiches are huge! Consider a smaller size if you have a modest appetite.
Tipping Caution
Be cautious about tipping upfront in-store, as it might impact service speed.
Tips
from all over the internet
Order Ahead for Speed
Consider placing orders via DoorDash during peak times for faster service.
Understand the Ordering System
Fill out an order form at the counter. Be patient as it can be complex for first-timers.
Portion Control
Sandwiches are huge! Consider a smaller size if you have a modest appetite.
Tipping Caution
Be cautious about tipping upfront in-store, as it might impact service speed.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Shortstop Deli is a long-standing Ithaca institution celebrated for its massive, flavorful sandwiches and unique offerings like the 'hot truck pizza subs.' While many praise the generous portions and friendly service, some diners find the custom ordering system confusing and the prices a bit high. Despite occasional issues with order accuracy, the quality of the ingredients and the sheer size of the sandwiches make it a worthwhile stop for many.
"This place is a staple of Ithaca if you’re looking for a delicious quick stop hit the Shortstop. Customize your sandwich to order. I never leave hungry and always plenty of options. Parking is a little tricky in this busy intersection. Big fan"
Frank Stento
"Short stop deli has me short on patience. They have the most complicated ordering system. Ever. I just wanted meatball parm and a chicken parm sandwiches. I told that to the guy behind the counter and instead of taking my uncomplicated totally normal order, they make you fill out a ticket. To make it more complicated you have to fill out the right ticket. There are four. I was never a waiter and it seemed like they want the customer to do the waitstaff/ order staff job. There wasn’t a line. The place wasn’t busy. They didn’t have patience to walk us through the ordering process. Instead he knew what I was going to order before hand ( because I already told him) and said two hot sandwiches are coming up to the kitchen staff. Then they watched me struggle to figure out how to fill out the form. Was too complicated. In short,
Service was lacking.
Noting when the food came out,
The chicken parm tastes like an overgrown chicken nugget.
The sandwich wasn’t hot. I circled hot. It came luke warm at best
This place is weird. The processes are weird. Everything, weird."
Michael
"This place is AWFUL!! We are from out of town, walked in, staff just stares at you. You are supposed to know to pick up the sheet and fill out your order form? So we ordered a double turkey bacon on white, the Mac n cheese, and their king Reuben. What a joke. The Reuben was just a sauerkraut sand which. Barely any sauce, barely any meat, and on regular rye not dark rye even though they assured me it would be on Dark rye. The king is just two sandwiches so don’t order that unless you want two… The Mac n Cheese is gross wet noodles with no flavor… salt n pepper didn’t even make it taste any better… only thing edible after 50$ was the turkey sub, but it was all bread no meat even though we ordered a double. Would never, ever, in a million years send anyone here. 50$ too… wild Ithaca supports this place."
Sean Williamson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Shortstop Deli is known for its massive sandwich portions and customizable options, including their signature 'hot truck pizza subs.' They use high-quality ingredients and offer a wide variety of breads and toppings.
Historically, Shortstop Deli operated 24 hours a day. However, hours may vary, so it's best to check current operating times.
You fill out an order form at the counter, specifying size, bread, cold or hot options, and toppings. It can be a bit complex for first-time visitors.
Yes, Shortstop Deli offers vegan options, including a vegan sandwich choice.
These are unique subs featuring tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese on French or garlic bread, with various topping choices like meatballs or chicken.
Yes, the portions are very generous. Many customers recommend going hungry or even sharing a sandwich.
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Featured in these publications
Best of Ithaca 2020: Food and Drink
On behalf of all of our employees here at Shortstop Deli, we are honored to be voted best sandwich in Ithaca, thank you very much,” said Shortstop’s owner Chuck Dong. “Being a locally owned and operated business, having the support of our community means everything to us, especially in these unsettling times of COVID-19. Born and raised in downtown Ithaca, I am proud to serve our community and keep the 40-year tradition of Shortstop Deli going into the future.
The 20 Best Restaurants in Ithaca, New York
This locally owned deli has been around since 1978—a testament to how consistently divine its handhelds are (and have been). You can get everything from bagel sandwiches to tots there, but the hot truck pizza subs are the ultimate indulgence. Think tomato sauce and mozz on pillowy French bread (or better yet, house-made garlic bread) with your choice of toppings, like crushed meatballs, sausage or chicken breast.
Best Lunch Spots near Ithaca NY
Whether you grab lunch every day at noon or you work the late shift and need something to fill you up in the middle of the night, you can count on the Shortstop Deli to deliver in the clutch. This Ithaca institution has been open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, since 1978. Inside you'll find all need to fill up and recharge.
Paying a visit to one of Ithaca’s oldest eateries, the Ithaca Bakery
Shortstop Deli still uses Ithaca Bakery’s french bread loaves for their Hot Truck sandwiches, and the breads and bagels can also be found at the Bistro at La Tourelle, Cornell’s Bus Stop Bagels, an Ithaca Bakery kiosk in Ithaca College’s campus center, and countless more places around town.
Breakfast / Brunch Archives
Shortstop Deli was founded in 1978 by Albert Smith, who set out to build the BEST SUB in Ithaca. He chose to use only the finest meats, cheeses, and vegetables and serve it on bread baked right in the store. He lets the customer decide the toppings so you can have it your way.
Top 20 Salad restaurants in Downtown Ithaca
Iconic Ithaca deli serving classic sandwiches and comfort food. Shortstop Deli is not just another deli, it's a culinary gem waiting to be discovered. From their mouthwatering sandwiches to their delightful bagels, every bite is a taste sensation.
Good delis or sandwich shops? : ithaca
ShortStop on Seneca St. is a bit further off the commons but they're open 24 hours and have these little forms you fill out to build your own sandwich.
a ravenous goodbye to Ithaca, New York
This is what I feel when I step up to the counter of the Shortstop Deli and grab an ordering sheet. Choose your sandwich size, choose your bread.
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