These Ohio Sandwich Counters Are Kept Quiet By Locals Who Don’t Want Crowds
You’re on a road trip through Ohio, the kind where you eschew the interstate for forgotten byways. You’re hungry, but not for the usual chain fare. You crave something authentic, something made with care. And then, you find it.
A unassuming storefront, perhaps with a hand-painted sign, where the aroma of perfectly toasted bread and savory meats wafts out. Inside, a friendly face greets you, and you’re presented with a sandwich so thoughtfully constructed, so bursting with flavor, it feels like a secret handshake with the culinary gods.
These are the places locals cherish, and they’re not exactly shouting about them from the rooftops.
1. Slyman’s Restaurant
Tucked away on St. Clair Avenue sits Cleveland’s undisputed corned beef king. Locals whisper about Slyman’s massive sandwiches stacked so high you might need to unhinge your jaw to take a proper bite.
The corned beef here isn’t just meat – it’s an institution, sliced thin and piled ridiculously high on fresh rye bread. Regulars strategically arrive before the lunch rush hits, knowing that once word gets out, the line stretches down the block.
Cleveland natives have perfected their ordering technique: half sandwiches for first-timers, cash ready, and never asking for substitutions at the counter.
2. Tommy’s Coventry
Nestled in the quirky Coventry Village district, Tommy’s serves up sandwiches that satisfy both meat-lovers and vegetarians alike. The unassuming storefront hides a menu bursting with creative combinations that keep locals coming back for decades.
Regulars guard their favorite orders jealously – especially the legendary spinach pie and hummus pita combos. The space feels like stepping into someone’s living room, with mismatched chairs and tables that somehow make perfect sense together.
Locals deliberately avoid mentioning Tommy’s to out-of-towners, fearing the cozy counter space might become impossible to enjoy if word spreads too far.
3. Katzinger’s Delicatessen
German Village’s crown jewel of sandwiches sits inside this bustling delicatessen where pickle barrels greet you at the door. Katzinger’s makes pastrami the old-fashioned way – slow-cured, smoked, and hand-sliced to perfection.
My grandmother used to bring me here as a special treat after piano lessons, insisting we arrive right at 11am to beat the neighborhood regulars. She’d whisper, “Don’t tell anyone about this place” while ordering her usual #14 with extra mustard.
The sandwich boards above the counter intimidate first-timers with over 50 options. Regulars know exactly which numbers will satisfy their cravings without hesitation.
4. Wario’s Beef & Pork
Born during the pandemic and exploding in popularity after television coverage, Wario’s still manages to feel like Columbus’ best-kept secret. The Italian beef sandwiches arrive dripping with jus on perfect semolina rolls that somehow maintain their structure despite the delicious mess.
Regulars know to wear dark shirts when visiting – these sandwiches require a certain commitment to enjoying food that might end up partly on your clothes. The menu stays deliberately small, focusing on doing a few things extraordinarily well rather than many things adequately.
Arena District workers plan their lunch breaks strategically to avoid the rush while still securing their favorite counter spot.
5. Carl’s Deli
Carl’s stands as a testament to sandwich simplicity in Cincinnati’s Hyde Park neighborhood. What looks like an ordinary corner shop houses extraordinary creations built with premium meats sliced to order and breads delivered fresh each morning.
I stumbled upon this place while lost during my first week in Cincinnati. The owner noticed my confused expression at the counter and personally crafted what he called “the perfect first-timer sandwich” – turkey, havarti, and a house spread that I’ve been trying to replicate at home for years.
Locals strategically avoid mentioning Carl’s when out-of-towners ask for food recommendations, saving it instead for close friends deserving of the secret.
6. J & W Sandwich Shoppe
Walking into J & W feels like stepping back 50 years, and the locals wouldn’t have it any other way. This Norwood institution operates from a modest storefront where the menu hasn’t changed in decades – and nobody’s complaining.
The sandwich makers know many customers by name and start preparing their “usual” the moment they walk in. No fancy ingredients or pretentious presentations here – just honest, substantial sandwiches built with care and priced fairly.
Neighborhood workers fill the small space during lunch hours, exchanging local gossip while waiting for their names to be called from behind the counter. Each sandwich is wrapped in simple white paper.
7. Charlie’s Deli & Catering
Charlie’s small storefront on Troy Street belies the sandwich masterpieces created within its walls. Office workers from across Dayton plan their entire schedules around securing a lunch spot at this counter before the daily specials sell out.
The handwritten menu changes daily, keeping regulars on their toes and coming back to discover new combinations. What remains consistent is the quality – meats roasted in-house, breads from local bakeries, and spreads made from scratch each morning.
Longtime customers share knowing looks when newcomers express surprise at their first bite. Silently agreeing not to overshare this gem on social media where it might attract unwanted attention.
8. Original Sub Shop & Deli
Blink and you might miss this tiny Broadway Street shop where Toledo’s most discerning sandwich enthusiasts gather. The Original Sub Shop operates on limited hours that locals have memorized, creating a sense of exclusivity that keeps the crowds manageable.
Their Italian sub has achieved mythical status among regulars – a perfect balance of meats, cheese, and the house oil dressing that nobody has successfully replicated. The owners remain charmingly old-school, taking only cash and writing orders on paper tickets.
When I moved to Toledo for work, my neighbor brought me an Italian sub as a welcome gift, making me promise not to post about it online . “We like keeping this place to ourselves,” she explained.
9. Smokin’ Olive Deli
Smoke billows from behind this unassuming Detroit Avenue storefront where Toledo’s most innovative sandwich creations come to life. Unlike traditional delis, Smokin’ Olive specializes in house-smoked meats that transform ordinary sandwiches into extraordinary culinary experiences.
The menu rotates seasonally, featuring unexpected combinations that somehow work perfectly together. Locals deliberately avoid peak hours, knowing exactly when to arrive for the shortest wait times.
Regular customers speak in hushed tones about the smoked turkey and olive spread combination that put this place on the map. Toledo residents consider themselves fortunate that this gem remains relatively unknown to the wider world.