12 Ohio Sandwich Counters Loved By Locals Who Keep Them Quiet
As an Ohioan who deeply appreciates a meticulously crafted sandwich, I’ve spent years navigating the backroads and side streets, always on the hunt for that elusive, perfect bite.
It’s a quest that often leads me to unassuming storefronts and bustling lunch counters, places where the aroma of grilled pastrami or fresh-baked bread is the only marketing they need.
There’s a special thrill in discovering a spot that locals guard like a secret recipe – a collective understanding that some culinary gems are best enjoyed without the fanfare.
Now, I’m sharing my curated list of 12 such cherished Ohio sandwich counters, beloved by their community and generally kept quiet for good reason.
1. Slyman’s Restaurant — Cleveland
Corned beef reaches architectural heights at this Cleveland institution where sandwiches arrive piled so high they challenge the laws of physics.
Located at 3106 St Clair Avenue, Slyman’s has been feeding hungry Clevelanders since 1963 with meat sliced fresh throughout the day.
The lunch rush here resembles a stadium crowd, with office workers and construction crews alike willing to wait for their turn at sandwich perfection.
Each sandwich contains nearly a pound of tender, peppery corned beef that falls apart at the slightest touch of your fork.
The meat gets nestled between slices of fresh rye bread with a smear of spicy mustard that cuts through the richness.
Regulars know to arrive before noon or after 1:30 to avoid the longest lines.
First-timers often make the mistake of ordering a full sandwich when a half would satisfy most appetites. The no-frills atmosphere puts all focus squarely on the food, where it belongs.
Cash or card both work here, but patience remains the most valuable currency you can bring.
2. Katzinger’s Delicatessen — Columbus
Walking into Katzinger’s feels like stepping through a time portal to when delis meant something more than just fast food.
The German Village location at 475 South Third Street has anchored the neighborhood since 1984, while the newer Dublin outpost serves the northern suburbs.
Wooden shelves stacked with imported goods line the walls, and the aroma of fresh-baked bread mingles with cured meats hanging behind the counter.
Their Reuben earns cult status among sandwich enthusiasts who debate whether the corned beef or pastrami version reigns supreme.
Thousand Island dressing gets made in-house, and the sauerkraut strikes that perfect balance between tangy and mild.
Every sandwich gets built to order while you watch, ensuring maximum freshness from counter to table.
The staff knows regulars by name and order, creating a neighborhood vibe that chain restaurants cannot replicate.
Grab a pickle from the barrel near the register for the complete experience. Weekend mornings bring the biggest crowds, so weekday lunch offers a calmer visit.
3. Brown Bag Deli — Columbus
Thanksgiving happens year-round at this German Village fixture where turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce combine into sandwich form.
Situated at 590 South Third Street, Brown Bag has been satisfying Columbus appetites since 1977 with generous portions and straightforward service.
The menu board lists dozens of combinations, but regulars swear by the Thanksgiving-inspired builds that taste like holiday dinner between bread.
My college roommate introduced me to this place during finals week, and that turkey sandwich provided more comfort than any textbook ever could.
Fresh-roasted turkey gets piled high with homemade stuffing that somehow stays together despite its fluffy texture.
The cranberry sauce adds a sweet-tart punch that transforms the whole experience into something memorable.
Counter seating offers front-row views of the sandwich assembly process, where practiced hands work with impressive speed and precision.
The prices remain reasonable despite inflation creeping into every other aspect of life.
Parking can be tricky in German Village, so consider walking or biking if you live nearby.
4. Frenchi’s Deli — Columbus
Size matters at this Old North Columbus spot where sandwiches arrive big enough to feed two people or one very hungry person.
Frenchi’s operates from 1525 North High Street, serving a neighborhood that prizes authenticity over Instagram-worthy presentations.
The owner greets customers like old friends, even if it happens to be your first visit to this unassuming storefront.
Hot sandwiches emerge from the kitchen steaming and fragrant, with melted cheese binding together layers of meat and vegetables.
The Italian sub combines multiple cured meats with banana peppers that provide just enough heat without overwhelming other flavors.
Cold sandwiches get assembled with equal care, using fresh vegetables sliced that morning and quality meats from trusted suppliers.
Students from nearby Ohio State University consider this place a rite of passage, though plenty of longtime residents keep it busy during off-peak hours.
The limited seating means most orders go out the door as takeout.
Cash gets you a slight discount, though they accept cards for those living in the digital age.
5. DiSalvo’s Deli & Italian Store — Kettering
Bread makes all the difference at this Dayton-area institution where loaves get baked fresh daily using recipes passed down through generations.
DiSalvo’s anchors the corner of Stroop Road and Wilmington Pike in Kettering, filling the neighborhood with aromas that make driving past without stopping nearly impossible.
The deli counter stretches along one wall, displaying Italian meats and cheeses that would make any nonna proud.
House-made bread provides the foundation for subs that achieve perfect structural integrity despite being loaded with ingredients.
Capicola, mortadella, and prosciutto layer together with provolone, lettuce, tomato, and their signature oil-and-vinegar dressing.
The bread-to-filling ratio hits that sweet spot where every bite delivers complete flavor without falling apart in your hands.
Italian groceries line the shelves for those wanting to recreate restaurant magic at home, though most people admit nothing quite matches eating it fresh from the counter.
The staff offers recommendations if the extensive menu feels overwhelming.
Lunch hours bring steady traffic, but the line moves efficiently thanks to experienced counter workers.
6. Izzy’s — Cincinnati
Potato pancakes might seem like an unusual sandwich companion until you experience them at Izzy’s, where traditions run deep and innovation takes a back seat to consistency.
Multiple Cincinnati locations serve the community, with the original spirit intact at each outpost.
The no-frills atmosphere puts all attention on the food, which speaks volumes without needing fancy decor or trendy music.
Reuben sandwiches here follow the classic formula without unnecessary tweaks or modern interpretations that often miss the mark.
Corned beef gets piled generously between rye bread with Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing that binds everything together.
Those crispy potato pancakes on the side provide textural contrast and a slight sweetness that complements the savory sandwich perfectly.
During a road trip through Ohio, my family stumbled upon Izzy’s purely by accident, and it became the highlight of our culinary adventures that week.
The portions satisfy without overwhelming, leaving just enough room for one of their pickles.
Service moves quickly even during busy periods, thanks to staff who know the menu inside and out.
7. Marx Bagels — Cincinnati
Real bagels require boiling before baking, a step many modern shops skip in favor of speed over quality.
Marx Bagels maintains this traditional approach across multiple Cincinnati locations, producing bagels with that characteristic chewy interior and golden crust.
The shop opens early to serve breakfast crowds who know that fresh bagels make mornings infinitely better.
Lox and cream cheese bagels reach legendary status here, with generous schmears and salmon sliced thin enough to read through.
Egg sandwiches on everything bagels provide protein-packed fuel for long days ahead.
Vegetarian options incorporate fresh vegetables and multiple cream cheese flavors that go beyond plain into adventurous territory.
Weekend mornings bring lines that stretch out the door, but weekday visits offer a more relaxed experience with shorter waits.
The staff works with impressive speed, calling out orders and keeping the line moving without sacrificing quality.
Grab an extra half-dozen bagels to take home because they toast beautifully the next day. Coffee here pairs perfectly with any sandwich choice, roasted locally and brewed strong.
8. Tony Packo’s Cafe — Toledo
Hot dogs might seem simple until you taste the Hungarian-style version that made this Toledo landmark famous beyond Ohio borders.
Located at 1902 Front Street, Tony Packo’s gained national attention when the TV show MASH mentioned it repeatedly, but locals knew about it long before Hollywood came calling.
The walls display signed hot dog buns from celebrities who visited over the decades, creating a quirky museum of pop culture history.
Their signature hot dog comes topped with a special meat chili sauce that balances spice with a hint of sweetness.
The buns get steamed to perfect softness, creating a pillowy foundation that holds up to the generous toppings.
Beyond hot dogs, the menu offers hearty sandwiches that showcase Hungarian influences through paprika-spiced meats and tangy pickled vegetables.
The atmosphere buzzes with energy during lunch and dinner rushes when locals and tourists alike pack the dining room.
Take home a jar of their famous chili sauce to recreate the experience in your own kitchen. Parking fills up quickly, so arrive early or be prepared to walk a short distance.
9. Original Sub Shop & Deli — Toledo
Affordability meets quality at this Toledo neighborhood staple where prices remain reasonable despite rising costs everywhere else.
The Original Sub Shop operates without pretension, focusing energy on making consistently good sandwiches rather than chasing food trends.
Loyal customers have been coming here for decades, often bringing their children and grandchildren to continue the tradition.
Hoagies arrive stuffed with fresh ingredients sliced to order, never sitting pre-made under heat lamps.
Italian hoagies combine multiple meats with provolone, lettuce, tomato, onion, and their house oil-and-vinegar blend that soaks into the bread just enough.
Turkey and ham options satisfy those wanting lighter fare without sacrificing flavor or portion size.
The counter workers remember regular orders, greeting familiar faces with genuine warmth that makes everyone feel like neighborhood insiders.
Chips and drinks round out meals without breaking the bank.
My cousin lives two blocks away and claims he eats here at least twice a week without ever getting tired of it.
Call ahead for large orders to ensure everything gets ready when you arrive.
The simple menu makes ordering easy even for first-timers.
10. G&R Tavern — Waldo
Bologna gets a bad reputation until you try it fried to crispy perfection at this tiny Waldo tavern that draws visitors from across the state.
Located in a town with fewer than 400 residents, G&R Tavern at 107 North Marion Street proves that great food exists in the most unexpected places.
The unassuming exterior gives no hint of the legendary sandwich waiting inside this rural watering hole.
Thick-cut bologna gets fried until the edges curl and crisp while the center stays tender and juicy.
American cheese melts over the top, and traditional toppings like mustard, pickles, and onions complete the build.
The combination transforms a humble lunch meat into something worthy of road trips and social media posts from converts who never expected to love fried bologna.
Motorcyclists and road-trippers make this place a destination stop, filling the small dining area on weekend afternoons.
The tavern atmosphere feels welcoming rather than exclusive, with friendly locals happy to chat with visitors. Cash works best here, though they can process cards if needed.
Plan your visit around meal times since hours can be limited in small-town establishments.
11. Frank’s Bratwurst — Cleveland
Cleveland’s historic West Side Market houses dozens of vendors, but the line at Frank’s Bratwurst reveals which stall locals consider essential.
Operating from the same spot for generations, Frank’s serves brats and sausages that have fueled Cleveland appetites since long before food halls became trendy.
The sizzle of grilling meat and the snap of natural casings create a soundtrack that draws customers like a magnet.
Bratwurst sandwiches arrive nestled in fresh rolls with sauerkraut and spicy mustard providing classic accompaniments.
The sausages themselves boast a perfect ratio of fat to lean meat, ensuring juiciness without greasiness.
Polish sausage and Italian sausage options expand the menu for those wanting variety, though the bratwurst remains the undisputed champion.
Market crowds peak on Saturday mornings when the building fills with shoppers stocking up for the week ahead.
Eating at the small counter area offers prime people-watching opportunities while you enjoy your sandwich.
The prices reflect the quality ingredients and skilled preparation that go into every order.
Generations of Clevelanders have made Frank’s part of their market routine, creating traditions that span decades.
12. Diamond Deli — Akron
Lunch lines stretch out the door at this Akron institution where corned beef reigns supreme and patience gets rewarded with sandwich excellence.
Diamond Deli has been serving the community from 1933 Buchholzer Boulevard, building a reputation one satisfied customer at a time.
The smell of curing meat and fresh bread greets visitors before they even walk through the entrance.
Corned beef here rivals anything Cleveland offers, sliced thick and piled high between rye bread that holds up to the juice and weight.
Reubens transform the corned beef into melted perfection with Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and dressing grilled until the bread achieves golden crispness.
The meat quality speaks for itself, requiring minimal embellishment to shine.
Local office workers and blue-collar crews mix together in line, united by their appreciation for quality deli food.
The staff works efficiently despite the crowds, taking orders and assembling sandwiches with practiced precision. Grab extra napkins because these sandwiches get delightfully messy.
Weekday lunches bring the biggest rushes, so early or late visits offer shorter waits.
The loyal following proves that word-of-mouth remains the most powerful advertising any restaurant can earn.