8 Ohio Sandwich Counters That Locals Swear Leave Chains In The Dust
Ohio might not be the first place you think of when craving an unforgettable sandwich, but trust me, the Buckeye State is hiding some serious spots.
Forget those boring chain restaurants with their assembly-line meats and wilted lettuce—local sandwich counters across Ohio are crafting masterpieces that’ll make you wonder why you ever settled for less.
I’ve spent years hunting down the best bites in this state, and these eight spots have earned their legendary status among locals who know good food when they taste it.
Get ready to discover sandwich shops so good, you’ll be planning road trips just to grab lunch.
1. Slyman’s Restaurant (Cleveland)
Walking into Slyman’s feels like stepping back in time, and honestly, that’s exactly what makes this Cleveland institution so special. The corned beef here isn’t just good—it’s the stuff of local legend, piled so ridiculously high you’ll need an engineering degree to figure out how to bite it.
I once watched a tourist try to unhinge his jaw like a python just to tackle one of these monsters. The meat is tender, perfectly seasoned, and sliced fresh throughout the day.
What really sets Slyman’s apart is their refusal to cut corners or modernize just for the sake of it. They’ve been doing the same thing since 1963, and when something works this well, why mess with perfection? The atmosphere is no-frills diner vibes, but the sandwich game is absolutely world-class.
2. Katzinger’s Delicatessen (Columbus)
Ever wonder where Columbus locals disappear to during lunch hour? Chances are they’re cramming into Katzinger’s, a German Village treasure that’s been slinging authentic deli sandwiches since 1984.
My personal addiction here is the Reuben, which comes loaded with house-cured pastrami that could make a grown person weep with joy. The sauerkraut is tangy without being overwhelming, and that Swiss cheese melts into every crevice perfectly.
Katzinger’s also stocks an impressive array of imported goods, so you can browse European chocolates and specialty mustards while waiting for your order. The staff actually knows their stuff too, offering recommendations based on what you’re craving rather than just pushing whatever’s most expensive. It’s this combination of quality ingredients and genuine hospitality that keeps people coming back decade after decade.
3. The Brown Bag Deli (Columbus)
Tucked away in a nondescript strip mall, The Brown Bag Deli proves that you absolutely should judge a sandwich by its taste, not its location. This unassuming spot has been quietly dominating Columbus’s sandwich scene with creative combinations that somehow feel both adventurous and comforting.
Their turkey bacon ranch situation is dangerously addictive—I’ve driven across town specifically for it more times than I’d like to admit. Everything gets made to order with fresh ingredients, and they’re not stingy with portions either.
What I appreciate most is how they’ve mastered that delicate balance between innovation and tradition. Sure, they’ll throw together something wild if you’re feeling experimental, but their classic Italian sub could go toe-to-toe with anything you’d find on the East Coast. No pretension, just consistently excellent sandwiches.
4. Mr. Zub’s Deli & Bar (Akron)
Mr. Zub’s operates on a simple philosophy: make sandwiches so good that people forget they’re in a bar. This Akron neighborhood staple has perfected the art of the submarine sandwich, creating overstuffed beauties that pair perfectly with their impressive drink selection.
The Italian sub here deserves its own fan club, loaded with quality meats and drizzled with oil and vinegar that soaks into the bread just right. I’ve never understood places that serve dry sandwiches—Mr. Zub’s gets that moisture matters.
Beyond the food, there’s something wonderfully unpretentious about this place. It’s where blue-collar workers and college students unite over shared appreciation for a solid sandwich. The prices won’t break your budget either, which feels increasingly rare these days. Grab a sub, order a cold one, and feel like a local.
5. Diamond Deli (Akron)
Diamond Deli might be small, but it’s punching way above its weight class in Akron’s competitive sandwich landscape. Locals have been keeping this place busy since it opened, drawn by the kind of consistent quality that only comes from people who genuinely care about their craft.
Their roast beef sandwich is criminally underrated—tender slices of beef piled high with sharp cheddar and horseradish that’ll clear your sinuses in the best possible way. Every ingredient tastes fresh, never like it’s been sitting around waiting for someone to order it.
The owners treat regulars like family and newcomers like future regulars, creating that warm neighborhood vibe that chains can never replicate. I’ve watched them remember orders for people who haven’t been in for months. That kind of personal touch matters more than fancy marketing ever could.
6. Kravitz Deli & Garden Café (Youngstown)
Youngstown’s Kravitz Deli combines old-school deli traditions with a surprisingly modern twist, creating sandwiches that feel both nostalgic and innovative. The garden cafe setting adds a refreshing element that makes lunch feel less like refueling and more like an actual experience.
I’m particularly obsessed with their chicken salad, which sounds boring until you taste it—chunks of tender chicken mixed with just enough mayo, celery for crunch, and secret seasonings that keep you guessing. Served on fresh croissants, it’s fancy without being fussy.
What really impresses me is their commitment to using quality ingredients while keeping prices reasonable. They could easily charge double in a bigger city, but they’ve stayed true to their Youngstown roots. The cafe also offers vegetarian options that don’t feel like afterthoughts, making it perfect for groups with different dietary preferences.
7. Izzy’s (Cincinnati)
Cincinnati’s Izzy’s has been serving legendary sandwiches since 1901, and somehow they’ve managed to keep the magic alive for over a century. This isn’t some tourist trap trading on nostalgia—the food actually lives up to the hype.
Their signature sandwich stacks both corned beef and pastrami together in what can only be described as meat heaven between bread. The first time I ordered it, I thought they’d made a mistake with the portion size, but nope, that’s just how they roll at Izzy’s.
The potato pancakes deserve a mention too, because what’s a great sandwich without an equally great side? Crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, they’re the perfect companion. Despite being a Cincinnati institution, Izzy’s never feels stuffy or overly formal. It’s just good people making ridiculously good food, exactly like a neighborhood deli should be.
8. G & R Tavern (Waldo)
Finding G & R Tavern in tiny Waldo feels like discovering a secret that locals have been keeping to themselves. This unassuming tavern serves sandwiches that could easily compete with big-city spots, proving that great food doesn’t require a fancy zip code.
The burgers here technically count as sandwiches, and they’re absolutely phenomenal—juicy patties with toppings that actually complement the meat instead of drowning it. But don’t sleep on their pulled pork either, which is smoky, tender, and generously portioned.
What makes G & R special is the genuine small-town hospitality that permeates everything they do. Everyone seems to know everyone, yet strangers get welcomed like old friends. The prices reflect small-town values too, giving you serious bang for your buck. It’s worth the drive to Waldo just to experience this slice of authentic Ohio.