10 Ohio Sandwich Spots Locals Say Outshine Every Big Chain
Big chain sandwich shops have their place, but nothing beats the magic of a local spot where the owners know your name and the ingredients are fresh.
Ohio is home to some of the most incredible independent sandwich shops that have been serving up mouthwatering creations for decades.
From towering corned beef piles to inventive grilled cheese masterpieces, these local legends prove that the best sandwiches come from places with heart and history.
Here are eleven Ohio sandwich spots that locals swear by and visitors never forget.
1. Slyman’s Restaurant – Cleveland
Locals have been making pilgrimages to this Cleveland institution since 1963, and one bite of their legendary corned beef will tell you exactly why.
The sandwiches here don’t just break records—they redefine what a sandwich can be, with hand-sliced corned beef stacked so high it requires architectural planning to eat.
Each tender, juicy slice is piled with care until you’re staring down a meaty mountain that weighs nearly a pound.
Located at 3106 St Clair Ave in Cleveland, this no-frills spot has earned national recognition without changing a single thing about their old-school approach.
The atmosphere feels like stepping back in time, with counter service and straightforward menu boards that let the food do all the talking.
Regulars know to come hungry and leave planning their next visit, because once you’ve experienced Slyman’s, every other corned beef sandwich becomes a disappointing imitation.
2. Katzinger’s Delicatessen – Columbus
Walking into Katzinger’s feels like entering a time capsule where authentic Jewish deli traditions have been lovingly preserved since 1984.
This Columbus treasure at 475 S 3rd St serves up sandwiches that would make any New York deli jealous, using recipes and techniques passed down through generations.
Their pastrami gets cured and smoked in-house, resulting in flavors so complex and satisfying that first-timers often become instant converts.
The shop itself bursts with character, featuring vintage signs, shelves lined with imported goods, and staff who genuinely care about every sandwich they build.
Whether you order the classic Reuben or venture into their creative specials, each bite delivers that perfect balance of savory meat, tangy condiments, and fresh bread.
Katzinger’s proves that dedication to quality and tradition never goes out of style, no matter how many trendy chains pop up around town.
3. Express Deli – Brook Park
Sometimes the best discoveries hide in plain sight, and Express Deli at 5189 Smith Rd in Brook Park is exactly that kind of hidden gem.
This unassuming neighborhood spot has built a fiercely loyal following by doing one thing exceptionally well—crafting sandwiches that deliver incredible value without sacrificing quality.
Their portions border on ridiculous in the best possible way, with sandwiches so generously stuffed that sharing becomes a reasonable strategy.
The menu offers all the classic combinations plus creative originals that showcase the owner’s willingness to experiment with flavors.
What really sets Express Deli apart is the genuine warmth of the service, where regulars are greeted like family and newcomers are welcomed with patient menu explanations.
Fresh ingredients arrive daily, and everything gets prepared to order with obvious pride in the final product.
4. The Brown Bag Delicatessen – German Village, Columbus
Nestled in Columbus’s German Village at 898 Mohawk St, The Brown Bag has been elevating the humble sandwich to art form status since opening its doors.
This charming deli specializes in using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, creating sandwiches that taste like they were assembled by someone who genuinely cares about your lunch experience.
Their bread comes from nearby bakeries each morning, providing the perfect foundation for creative combinations that change with the seasons.
The cozy interior invites you to slow down and savor your meal, though their efficient takeout service accommodates those in a hurry.
Vegetarians and meat-lovers alike find plenty to celebrate here, with options that go far beyond basic turkey and cheese.
The staff treats each order as an opportunity to showcase their culinary creativity, resulting in sandwiches that surprise and delight with every bite.
5. Newfangled Kitchen – Bexley
Bexley’s culinary scene got a serious upgrade when Newfangled Kitchen opened at 2258 E Main St, bringing a fresh perspective to what sandwiches can be.
This innovative spot refuses to play by traditional deli rules, instead creating boundary-pushing combinations that somehow work perfectly together.
Think unexpected ingredient pairings that sound wild on paper but make complete sense once they hit your taste buds, all served on house-made bread that’s worth the trip alone.
The bright, modern space reflects the forward-thinking menu, with an atmosphere that feels equal parts coffee shop and upscale eatery.
Despite the creative ambitions, prices remain surprisingly reasonable, making Newfangled Kitchen accessible for regular visits rather than just special occasions.
The rotating seasonal menu means there’s always something new to try, keeping even the most devoted regulars on their toes and coming back for more culinary adventures.
6. Wario’s Beef & Pork – Columbus
Columbus may be hundreds of miles from Chicago, but Wario’s at 111 N Grant Ave brings authentic Windy City flavors to Ohio with serious dedication.
Their Italian beef sandwiches rival anything you’d find on the streets of Chicago, featuring thinly sliced, perfectly seasoned beef that gets piled onto fresh rolls and dipped in rich, flavorful au jus.
The meat practically melts in your mouth, while the option to add hot or sweet peppers lets you customize the heat level to your preference.
This no-nonsense spot focuses entirely on doing a few things exceptionally well rather than offering an overwhelming menu.
The casual counter-service setup keeps things moving quickly during lunch rushes, but the quality never suffers for the sake of speed.
First-timers should absolutely order their sandwich wet for the full experience, though you might want to grab extra napkins for the deliciously messy journey ahead.
7. Tommy’s Restaurant – Cleveland Heights
Since 1972, Tommy’s at 1824 Coventry Rd in Cleveland Heights has been proving that vegetarian and vegan sandwiches can be just as satisfying as their meaty counterparts.
This counterculture icon serves up creative combinations that appeal to all dietary preferences, with falafel wraps and tempeh clubs that convert even the most dedicated carnivores.
The menu reads like a love letter to fresh vegetables, whole grains, and inventive sauces that tie everything together in surprising ways.
The eclectic atmosphere matches the adventurous menu, with mismatched furniture and artwork that gives the space genuine bohemian charm.
Beyond sandwiches, Tommy’s offers an impressive selection of shakes and smoothies that complement the food perfectly.
The staff radiates the same welcoming, laid-back energy that’s defined this neighborhood favorite for over five decades, making every visit feel like catching up with old friends who happen to make incredible food.
8. Larder Delicatessen & Bakery – Cleveland (Ohio City)
Cleveland’s Ohio City neighborhood struck gold when Larder opened at 1455 W 29th St, bringing farm-to-table sensibilities to the traditional deli format.
Everything here gets made from scratch, from the crusty artisan breads that cradle each sandwich to the house-cured meats and pickled vegetables that add layers of complex flavor.
The menu changes regularly based on what’s fresh and available, ensuring that each visit offers something new to discover while maintaining consistent excellence.
The bright, airy space features an open kitchen where you can watch skilled hands assembling your lunch with obvious care and attention.
Prices reflect the premium ingredients and craftsmanship, but the quality justifies every penny for those who appreciate the difference that thoughtful sourcing makes.
Larder has become a destination for food lovers who want their sandwiches to reflect the same values they bring to their own cooking at home.
9. Herb’n Twine Sandwich Co. – Cleveland
Creativity runs wild at Herb’n Twine, located at 4309 Lorain Ave in Cleveland, where sandwiches become canvases for culinary expression.
This relatively new addition to the Cleveland food scene has quickly earned respect for their bold flavor combinations and commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.
The name hints at their herb-forward approach, with fresh greens and aromatic seasonings playing starring roles in every creation on the menu.
The compact space maximizes charm, with a friendly counter where staff members happily explain their daily specials and make personalized recommendations.
Vegetarians will find plenty of options that don’t feel like afterthoughts, while meat-eaters can indulge in creative takes on classic combinations.
The attention to texture and balance in each sandwich shows real culinary knowledge, elevating simple ingredients into memorable meals that keep customers returning week after week to try new seasonal offerings.
10. The Original Sub Shop & Deli – Toledo
Toledo residents have been trusting The Original Sub Shop at 402 Broadway St with their lunch orders for generations, and that loyalty speaks volumes.
This old-school sub shop does everything the traditional way, from hand-slicing meats daily to dressing sandwiches with the perfect ratio of oil, vinegar, and seasonings.
Their Italian subs have achieved legendary status locally, with layers of quality cold cuts, provolone, and crisp vegetables tucked into perfectly crusty rolls.
The no-frills interior puts all focus squarely on the food, where it belongs, with a straightforward menu that’s been perfected over decades of operation.
Prices remain remarkably reasonable considering the generous portions and quality ingredients used in every sandwich.
This is the kind of place where workers on lunch breaks rub elbows with business executives, all united by their appreciation for a perfectly executed sub that doesn’t try to be anything other than delicious.