10 Under-The-Radar Ohio Sandwiches Worth Tracking Down
Ohio might be famous for its buckeyes and roller coasters, but tucked away in neighborhoods across the state are sandwich shops that locals guard like a secret treasure.
These aren’t your chain restaurant subs, they’re crafted by passionate deli masters who’ve perfected their recipes over decades.
If you’re hungry for adventure and flavor that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance, it’s time to explore these hidden gems.
1. TOST a Sandwich Café
Artisan bread gets the royal treatment at this Cleveland hotspot where every sandwich feels like edible architecture. The owners obsess over ingredient quality, sourcing local produce and premium meats that transform simple lunches into memorable meals.
Their creative combinations surprise even picky eaters—think unexpected flavor pairings that somehow work brilliantly together.
Tremont’s artsy vibe matches perfectly with TOST’s innovative menu approach. Vegetarians celebrate here because plant-based options actually steal the spotlight instead of playing backup. The cozy space fills quickly during lunch rushes, so timing matters if you want to snag a table.
2. Deli Ohio
Canton’s best-kept secret hides in plain sight, serving sandwiches that could make a grown adult weep tears of joy. Family recipes passed down through generations give every bite authentic flavor that can’t be faked or franchised.
The corned beef here achieves legendary status—tender, piled high, and seasoned to perfection.
Regulars swear by the homemade coleslaw that adds the perfect crunch and tang. Portions are generous enough to satisfy football players, yet prices won’t drain your wallet dry. Staff treat customers like extended family, remembering orders and asking about your week with genuine interest.
3. Buck City Sammies
Funky doesn’t begin to describe this Columbus joint where sandwich names make you chuckle before the first bite. Buck City takes comfort food seriously but themselves? Not so much.
Their playful menu features bold flavors that punch above their weight class, combining ingredients most chefs wouldn’t dare mix. East Market location means you’re surrounded by Columbus’s coolest neighborhood energy.
Open until 9 p.m. most days, it’s a reliable option when most other delis have already closed. The Nashville hot chicken sandwich brings legitimate heat that’ll test your spice tolerance while keeping you coming back for punishment.
4. Cravings Café
Business professionals and college students unite over sandwiches that justify skipping meal prep entirely. Cravings nails that sweet spot between quick service and quality ingredients, proving fast food doesn’t require sacrificing flavor.
Their turkey club reaches club sandwich nirvana with perfectly crispy bacon and fresh avocado. Downtown location makes it perfect for grabbing lunch between meetings or classes. The menu changes seasonally, keeping regular customers excited about new creations.
Don’t sleep on their soup-and-sandwich combos during chilly Ohio winters—they’re basically edible hugs that warm you from the inside out.
5. Carl’s Deli
Since opening decades ago, Carl’s has been slicing meats and winning hearts in Cincinnati’s Hyde Park neighborhood. Old-school deli charm meets serious sandwich craftsmanship where shortcuts simply don’t exist.
Their pastrami is sliced in-house and served on classic marble rye rather than cured or smoked on-site.
Locals debate which sandwich reigns supreme, but the Reuben consistently earns top votes. Marble rye bread comes from a nearby bakery that’s equally legendary among carb enthusiasts. The no-frills atmosphere lets the food do all the talking—and boy, does it have stories to tell.
6. The Pickled Pig
Quirky name, serious flavor—that’s the Pickled Pig promise delivered daily to Walnut Hills sandwich seekers. This neighborhood treasure specializes in house-pickled vegetables that add brightness and crunch to every creation.
Their pulled pork sandwich achieves barbecue perfection with meat so tender it practically dissolves on your tongue.
Creative sides elevate the experience beyond typical chips-and-a-pickle affairs. The casual atmosphere welcomes everyone from construction workers to foodies hunting their next Instagram post. Weekend crowds prove popularity, so patience pays off when lines snake out the door during peak hours.
7. Canal Street Arcade & Deli
Step into this Dayton landmark and time travel to when delis were community gathering spots, not corporate chains. Canal Street’s been feeding downtown workers and families for generations with recipes that haven’t changed because perfection needs no updates.
Their Italian sub layers meats and cheeses with mathematical precision, creating flavor harmony in every bite. The arcade setting adds nostalgic charm that smartphones can’t replicate. Fresh-baked bread arrives daily, filling the space with aromas that make stomachs growl involuntarily.
Prices remain shockingly reasonable despite inflation trying its hardest to ruin everything good in this world.
8. Mr. Zub’s Deli & Bar
Akron’s Highland Square boasts this deli-bar hybrid where sandwiches pair perfectly with craft beers on tap. Mr. Zub’s understands that sometimes you need lunch with a side of hops, creating a casual vibe that feels like your coolest friend’s basement hangout.
Their signature Zub sandwich stacks ingredients sky-high, requiring jaw-unhinging skills to tackle properly. Bar atmosphere doesn’t mean sacrificing sandwich quality—these creations compete with any dedicated deli around.
Late hours (kitchen open until midnight on weekends, bar until 2 a.m.) accommodate shift workers and night owls craving real food past typical dinner times. Sports playing on screens add entertainment while you demolish sandwiches that demand full attention.
9. Original Sub Shop & Deli
Toledo’s Warehouse District hides this sub shop that’s been original since before “artisan” became a marketing buzzword. Authenticity oozes from every corner where regulars occupy the same stools they’ve claimed for years.
Their steak and cheese sub features meat grilled to caramelized perfection with onions that add sweetness balancing savory richness. No fancy decor distracts from what matters—sandwiches built by people who genuinely care about your lunch happiness.
The bread-to-filling ratio achieves engineering marvel status, preventing dreaded soggy-bottom syndrome. The shop now accepts credit cards and even offers online ordering, so the “cash-only” note is no longer accurate.
10. Bagel Street Deli
College towns need heroes, and Bagel Street answers Athens’ call with sandwiches that fuel students through all-nighters and Sunday hangover recoveries. Located near Ohio University, this spot understands budget constraints without compromising taste or portion sizes.
Their bagel sandwiches feature cream cheese schmears thick enough to qualify as structural support. Morning rushes see lines of coffee-desperate students grabbing breakfast sandwiches that actually provide energy instead of sugar crashes.
The casual environment welcomes studying laptop warriors who camp out for hours. Vegetarian options satisfy Athens’ crunchy granola crowd while meat-lovers find plenty to celebrate too.