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Carshon's Delicatessen

3133 Cleburne Road, Fort Worth, TX 76106
(817) 923-1907

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Carshon’s Deli — Fort Worth’s Original Kosher-Style Delicatessen Since 1928

There are restaurants, and then there are Fort Worth institutions — and Carshon’s Deli at 3133 Cleburne Road is the latter in every possible sense. Carshon’s traces its roots back to 1928 when Jewish immigrant David Carshon and his wife Ella opened the first kosher deli in Fort Worth in partnership with Chicotsky’s Meat Market on Houston Street — making it not only the oldest deli in Fort Worth but one of the oldest restaurants in the city. Named the Best Deli in Texas by Reader’s Digest’s Taste of Home, Carshon’s has been recognized by Texas Monthly, Fort Worth Weekly, and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, and earned the Fort Worth Weekly Reader’s Choice Award for Best Deli Sandwich in 2023. Today, owner Mary Swift is nearly always on hand to greet you at the door of the charming little green building — a warm, unhurried lunch spot where green-checkered vinyl tablecloths, jars of Gulden’s spicy brown mustard on every table, and a menu of everything made from scratch tell you immediately that this place is the real deal.

The Rachel — corned beef and turkey with warm gooey Swiss, cooling coleslaw, and grilled rye — is the OG sandwich that has introduced generations of Fort Worthians to the art of a great deli, while the Rebecca and the Reuben anchor a menu that spans knockwurst, chopped liver, pastrami, tongue, smoked turkey, egg salad, chicken salad, and lox with cream cheese on a bagel. Fresh bagels, matzo ball soup, hearty bean and barley soup, Texas-style homemade chili, and a full selection of cold sides including coleslaw, macaroni salad, pasta salad, and cucumber salad round out a menu that is deeply satisfying in its simplicity and consistency. And whatever you do, don’t leave without a slice of Mary’s Famous Pie-of-the-Day — a rotating lineup of coconut cream, lemon meringue, pecan, and other homemade desserts so good they have their own devoted fan club.

Carshon’s is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and closed on Sunday — so plan accordingly and arrive early, because the lunch rush fills every table fast. A few important details for first-timers: Carshon’s is cash only, so stop at an ATM before you go, and beer and wine are available at very reasonable prices if you’d like to raise a glass to nearly a century of Fort Worth history. Whether you’re a lifelong local or a newcomer still finding your Fort Worth footing, one visit to Carshon’s is all it takes to understand why this place has endured for nearly 100 years. Discover more of Fort Worth’s most beloved local dining gems in the complete guide to Fort Worth restaurants.

Carshon's Delicatessen place picture
4.6
Based on 740 reviews
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Matthew Stuart profile picture
Matthew Stuart
02:21 14 Jun 25
What an absolutely amazing sandwich shop!!! Remember Cash or Check only!!!
Got the carnivore plate. Make your sandwich yourself and the mustard is to die for!! Do not miss out on this place.
Syd Grant profile picture
Syd Grant
03:11 03 May 25
We discovered this driving by ours son’s home and put it on our bucket list. My wife loves kosher delis and one Saturday afternoon we ventured down from the Alliance area.

It really isn’t much to look at from the outside and you may drive by, without even noticing. Well the inside is fairly simple too but you can see the history as you walk through it. We sat down once we walked in and found it got busier as we were there.

I have to say the service is amazing here. They are quick to greet you and even quicker tend f to your orders.

We didn’t like the matzo ball soup. It was bland. Not bad just needed some seasoning. The Rebecca sandwich was out of this world good. The Cole slaw and sauce coupled with the meat was phenomenal. My wife also liked her sausage plate.

We split the strawberry delight dessert which was equally great.
Martha Johnson profile picture
Martha Johnson
19:06 21 Apr 25
I hadn't been to Carshon's in years but was in the area. While they certainly do make a true NY deli sandwich, and it was delish, honestly, it wasn't quite as good as I remembered. My complaint is not with the food though. There were people all around the cashier desk when I walked in, so I did not see the "Cash/Check Only" sign. It didn't even cross my mind that, in 2025, in a society that is almost totally cashless, that a business would be conducted like it is solidly back in the 60's or 70's. I was stunned when I went to check out and the cashier suggested a CHECK when I handed her a credit card and then gasped as I told her I had no CASH. I haven't written a check in 10-15 years. I mean, seriously! In 2025?! I had to run down the street and pay a $2.85 ATM fee to get cash to pay a lunch tab. It shouldn't be that difficult to set up payment option via some form of plastic. Otherwise, the sandwich, while not knocking my socks off, was very good. But I would suggest when it comes to payment, they might consider entering the modern era.
Dr. Brent Bowen profile picture
Dr. Brent Bowen
18:47 12 Apr 25
Great Jewish NYC style deli! The Rueben and Ruthie Sandwiches were perfect. So was the artichoke salad. As advertised, it is CASH only. I saw some less than stellar reviews but experienced nothing but perfection.
Michelle Laska profile picture
Michelle Laska
19:46 15 Mar 25
I recently moved here from NYC, and I was looking for a real deli. I was so happy when I found this place. The ladies at the front were so nice and friendly! I ordered the matzo ball soup and a sandwich. The soup was so good!! Sandwich is excellent as well. I will definitely be back! Thank you for being so nice and welcoming
Debbie Deb profile picture
Debbie Deb
13:40 25 Sep 24
I was in a hurry and in the mood for a sandwich. Saw this little place and decided to go. Should’ve read the comments first. 🤦🏻‍♀️ Bring CASH!! Going to find a place with construction took forever!!
Ladies in the back were sweet when I let them know my experience with trying to get back to pu my sandwich. However, the elderly caucasian lady that had to come ring me out was very unpleasant and seemed miffed that I asked for a bag of bagel chips. I believe in tipping and dropped a $5 in the tip cup even though there was only coins. There was no “thank you” or show any sign of acknowledging that I just gave her a tip. I had ordered the Rachel sandwich which was delicious. Unfortunately, with her demeanor I doubt I will return to her establishment.
Pamela Harper profile picture
Pamela Harper
19:54 30 Jul 24
Small delicatessen near TCU that’s been in this location since 1973. I heard they had a good Rueben and decided to give the deli a try. The place is not fancy and has some seating. The ladies fixing the sandwiches were nice but very busy preparing sandwiches for the large lunch crowd. I ordered the Rueben, chicken salad sandwich and a chicken noodle soup. The soup was so-so but the sandwiches were good; especially the Rueben. I’ll return for it.
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