8 Ohio Delis Where Corned Beef Sandwiches Are Stacked Almost Too High To Eat

Some sandwiches are easy to eat. Others make you wonder how you’re supposed to take the first bite without half the filling landing on your plate.

Ohio has quite a few delis that seem to enjoy giving customers that particular challenge. And when it comes to corned beef, some of these places are remarkably generous with their portions.

I’ve always appreciated a good Reuben, but there’s something especially satisfying about finding a deli that doesn’t hold back on the meat. The trick, of course, is figuring out how to eat the whole thing.

These eight Ohio delis serve corned beef sandwiches that take generous portions to another level.

You might want to bring a friend, because finishing one of these towering creations could be a two-person job.

1. Slyman’s Restaurant and Deli, Cleveland

Some sandwiches whisper, but this one shouts from across the room.

Slyman’s Restaurant and Deli has been feeding Cleveland’s hungry crowds since the 1960s, and the corned beef here is the stuff of local legend. The St. Clair Avenue location sits a short drive from downtown, and the line often forms early.

My first sandwich arrived looking like a pink tower someone forgot to stop building. The meat is sliced thin and tender, then layered on rye until the bread seems like a polite suggestion.

I tried to pick it up with one hand and quickly gave up.

Here is a tip that saved me. Ask for an extra plate, because half of this sandwich makes a fine lunch for tomorrow.

Many regulars split one between two people and still leave full.

The Reuben deserves its own fan club. Sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and dressing melt together on grilled rye, and the corned beef still stays the star of the show.

Each bite is salty, warm, and a little messy in the best way.

Service moves fast here, even during the lunch rush. Staff members call out orders with the energy of people who have done this thousands of times.

You can feel the rhythm of a place that knows exactly what it does well.

Arrive before noon if you hate waiting. Bring cash and patience, and you will be rewarded with one of the biggest sandwiches in the state.

My advice is simple. Wear stretchy pants and leave your dignity at the door.

Address: 3106 St Clair Ave NE, Cleveland, OH 44114

2. Joe’s, A Fine Deli & Restaurant, Rocky River

Sharing is caring, and at Joe’s it is basically a survival skill.

Joe’s, A Fine Deli & Restaurant has been a Rocky River favorite for years, and locals treat it like a second kitchen. The corned beef is prepared in house, which explains why it tastes so fresh and tender.

My table ordered one sandwich for two people, and our server nodded like that was the smartest choice of the day. When it arrived, I understood why.

The meat leaned out of the bread on every side.

The menu goes far beyond corned beef. Homemade soups bubble in big pots, and the potato pancakes come out golden and crispy at the edges.

Pair one with applesauce or sour cream for a true deli moment.

Here is a fun surprise. Joe’s also serves Lebanese specialties, so you can enjoy hummus or other Middle Eastern favorites alongside your classic Reuben.

That mix makes this spot feel personal and family-run.

The Reuben itself is generous and grilled just right. Swiss cheese stretches with each bite, and the sauerkraut adds a tangy crunch.

It is the kind of sandwich that makes you slow down and pay attention.

Weekends can get busy with families and friends catching up. Go during a weekday afternoon if you want a quieter booth and more time to chat.

Bring a friend who likes to split meals. You will both walk out happy, and probably carrying a box of leftovers too.

Address: 19215 Hilliard Blvd, Rocky River, OH 44116

3. Lexi’s on Third, Columbus

An enormous stack of corned beef. Let that image sink in for a second.

Lexi’s on Third sits in downtown Columbus, and it takes big portions very seriously. The signature Jawbreaker Corned Beef packs a massive portion of meat between two slices of rye.

The name is a fair warning, not a joke.

I watched a man in a business suit stare at his sandwich for a full minute before taking a bite. He looked like a hiker studying a trail map.

I did the same thing ten minutes later.

The Jawbreaker Reuben is the next level up in mess and joy. Sauerkraut and Swiss cheese melt over the stacked meat on grilled rye.

Every bite drips a little, so grab extra napkins before you sit down.

Downtown workers fill this spot during lunch, which tells you a lot. People with only an hour to eat choose Lexi’s because the food is fast and filling.

You will not need a snack later, trust me.

For a smart move, order the Jawbreaker and ask for half to go right away. That way you are not tempted to finish the whole thing and nap at your desk.

The space feels easygoing and friendly, perfect for a quick meal between errands. Staff members are used to wide eyes and nervous laughter when plates arrive.

Your jaw may need a rest afterward. Mine is still recovering, but it has no regrets.

Address: 100 E Broad St #150, Columbus, OH 43215

4. Katzinger’s Delicatessen, Columbus

Free pickles might be the friendliest welcome in all of Ohio.

Katzinger’s Delicatessen lives in the charming German Village neighborhood of Columbus. Brick streets and old homes surround it, and the deli fits right in with its classic feel.

Inside, a pickle barrel waits for you to help yourself.

I may have visited that barrel three times before my food arrived. Nobody judged me, which I appreciated deeply.

Sour and half-sour options both crunch beautifully.

The menu is huge, so take a minute to read it. Dozens of sandwiches have fun names, and many feature corned beef in creative ways.

Still, the signature Reuben is the one I keep returning to.

Hot corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing come together on grilled rye. The bread is crisp on the outside and soft in the middle.

Everything melts into one rich, tangy bite.

Here is the insider tip. Ask for the deli-size version, which holds close to eight ounces of meat.

It is noticeably taller and worth every extra dollar.

The neighborhood makes a great walking spot after lunch. Stroll past the little shops and gardens to help your sandwich settle.

Your legs will thank you for the exercise.

Katzinger’s also sells deli goods to take home, so you can grab treats for later. Cookies and sides tempt you near the register.

Leave room for one more pickle on your way out. That is the house rule I made for myself.

Address: 475 S 3rd St, Columbus, OH 43215

5. Izzy’s, Cincinnati

Back in 1901, Cincinnati got a deli that would outlast streetcars, trends, and plenty of diets.

Izzy’s has been serving corned beef for well over a century, and the Elm Street location carries that history proudly. The restaurant sits near Cincinnati’s convention center in a lively part of downtown.

Locals stop in for lunch the way their grandparents once did.

The famous Reuben is the main event here. Corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and house dressing come stacked on grilled rye.

The dressing has its own special flavor that keeps fans coming back.

Feeling extra brave? Order the Reubenator.

It is a double-decker version that turns a big sandwich into a true challenge. I finished half and proudly called it a win.

No visit is complete without the potato pancake. It arrives as one large, golden patty with a crispy crust and a soft center.

Some people say it is the best part of the meal, and I almost agree.

A friend of mine from South Carolina tried it on a road trip and still texts me about it. She now calls every potato dish back home a sad cousin.

Service is quick and friendly, perfect for a lunch break. The counter style keeps things moving even when crowds pour in.

If you have time, head north to Findlay Market afterward. You can shop for snacks while your Reubenator settles into its new home.

Address: 800 Elm St, Cincinnati, OH 45202

6. Diamond Deli, Akron

Small, regular, or jumbo is the big decision waiting at the counter.

Diamond Deli has been a downtown Akron institution for years, and it gives you control over how full you want to feel. The corned beef sandwich comes in three sizes.

Only one of them requires real courage.

I chose jumbo, because research matters. The meat towered over the bread so much that the sandwich looked slightly surprised at itself.

It took both hands and a little strategy to manage.

The corned beef is tender and well seasoned, with just enough fat to keep it juicy. Each slice is thin, which lets the stack pile up nicely.

You get flavor in every layer.

Reuben lovers will find a classic version here too. Corned beef gets piled high on grilled rye with Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and dressing.

It is warm, gooey, and deeply satisfying.

Soups are made fresh, and they change often. A cup of soup with a regular sandwich makes a balanced lunch that will not knock you out for the afternoon.

That combo is a favorite with downtown workers.

The vibe is busy and cheerful, with staff who know many customers by name. Lines move quickly, even when the place fills up around noon.

Plan your visit for a weekday, since downtown spots can have shorter weekend hours. Checking the schedule ahead of time saves you from a sad, sandwich-free afternoon.

Akron has many reasons to visit, but this deli might be the tastiest one.

Address: 378 S Main St, Akron, OH 44311

7. Kravitz Delicatessen, Youngstown

Fresh rye bread sets the tone before you even order.

Kravitz Delicatessen has served Youngstown for decades, and it feels like a family kitchen that happens to have a menu. The corned beef is homemade, and the rye bread is baked fresh.

That combination is harder to find than you might think.

My visit started with the smell of warm bread and simmering soup. It felt like walking into a relative’s house on a holiday.

I ordered quickly before my willpower ran out.

The corned beef sandwich came generously stacked and beautifully tender. Kravitz offers several larger sizes for extra hungry guests.

If you skipped breakfast, go big and enjoy every bite.

Reubens here are just as hearty, with melty cheese and tangy sauerkraut. The homemade rye holds up well against all that filling.

It does not fall apart halfway through, which earns major points.

Potato latkes are a must. They come crispy and golden, ready for applesauce or sour cream.

Order a side for the table and watch them disappear.

Fun fact for history fans. Kravitz has long been known for its catering, so many Youngstown families have enjoyed its corned beef at gatherings and celebrations.

Do not leave without checking the baked goods case. Cookies, pastries, and treats wait near the front, and they make perfect road snacks.

Some delis feed you. Kravitz makes you feel like part of the family.

Address: 3135 Belmont Ave, Youngstown, OH 44505

8. Big Apple Deli, Oregon

New York flavor lives just outside Toledo, and you do not need a plane ticket to taste it.

Big Apple Deli sits in Oregon, a small city east of Toledo. It brings the classic New York deli spirit to northwest Ohio with big sandwiches and fresh ingredients.

The menu is long enough to keep you busy for several visits.

My order was easy once I spotted the Reuben. Thick layers of corned beef come stacked with Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing.

Everything is pressed onto grilled rye until it is warm and crispy.

The first bite was creamy, salty, and tangy all at once. Dressing dripped onto my plate, and I did not mind at all.

That is how you know a Reuben is done right.

For a twist, try a corned beef sandwich without the extras. It lets the meat shine on its own.

You can really taste how tender and juicy it is.

The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. It feels like a neighborhood hangout where people stop in after work or between errands.

Nobody rushes you out the door.

Here is a helpful tip. Call ahead for a carry-out order if you are heading to a nearby park or the Lake Erie shore.

A Reuben picnic by the water is a pretty great afternoon.

My trip across Ohio ended here, full and happy. If you only have room for one more sandwich, make it this one.

Address: 2118 Woodville Rd, Oregon, OH 43616