15 Ohio Sandwich Counters That Rival The State’s Best Pizza Joints
Ohio isn’t just famous for its pizza, the state’s sandwich scene is absolutely crushing it right now. From towering pastrami piles to creative vegetarian masterpieces, these sandwich counters are serving up flavors that’ll make you forget all about pepperoni and mozzarella.
Whether you’re craving classic deli fare or something totally unexpected, these spots prove that Ohio knows how to stack meat, cheese, and veggies between two slices of bread better than just about anywhere.
1. Slyman’s Restaurant
Corned beef lovers practically make pilgrimages to this Cleveland institution, where sandwiches arrive at your table stacked so high you’ll need an engineering degree to figure out how to eat them. The meat is tender, perfectly seasoned, and piled about six inches tall, no exaggeration.
Since 1963, Slyman’s has been perfecting the art of the corned beef sandwich, and they’ve nailed it so completely that locals argue about it with the same passion usually reserved for sports teams. The rye bread somehow holds up under all that weight, which is honestly impressive.
2. Larder Delicatessen & Bakery
House-made everything is the motto here, from the bread that cradles your sandwich to the pickles that add that perfect crunch. Larder takes deli food seriously, treating it like the craft it deserves to be rather than just slapping meat between bread and calling it a day.
Their pastrami gets cured and smoked in-house, which means flavors you simply can’t find at chain spots. The bakery side pumps out fresh loaves daily, so your sandwich foundation is always on point.
Vegetarians aren’t afterthoughts here either—creative veggie options actually compete with the meat-heavy selections, which says a lot about the kitchen’s talent.
3. Herb’n Twine Sandwich Co.
Quirky names and unexpected flavor combinations make this spot a favorite among Clevelanders who like their sandwiches with a side of adventure. The menu reads like a creative writing project, with sandwiches named things that make you smile before you even take a bite.
Fresh herbs aren’t just garnish here—they’re essential players that elevate every sandwich from good to “where has this been all my life?” The bread comes from local bakeries, and the ingredients change with the seasons, keeping regulars on their toes.
Small space means it fills up fast, especially during lunch rush, so plan accordingly or embrace the cozy chaos.
4. Express Deli
Don’t let the strip mall location fool you—this unassuming spot cranks out sandwiches that have earned a cult following throughout the Cleveland suburbs. Regulars swear by the generous portions and the fact that the staff actually remembers your order after a couple visits.
Prices stay reasonable even as everything else gets more expensive, which is refreshing in today’s world. The Italian sub deserves special mention, loaded with quality meats and enough oil and vinegar to make every bite satisfying without turning into a soggy mess.
It’s the kind of neighborhood gem that makes you feel like a local even on your first visit.
5. La Bodega
Latin flavors crash into classic sandwich construction at this Tremont hotspot, where the Cuban sandwich reigns supreme and plantains make appearances where you’d least expect them. The pork gets marinated for hours, pressed until crispy, and served with enough pickles to balance the richness perfectly.
Vegetarian options incorporate black beans, avocado, and creative veggie combinations that actually satisfy rather than leaving you wishing you’d ordered meat. The atmosphere buzzes with energy, colorful walls competing with the bold flavors coming from the kitchen.
Weekend brunch means sandwich specials that disappear fast, so arrive hungry and ready to order quickly.
6. Wario’s Beef & Pork
Chicago-style Italian beef finds a worthy home in Columbus, where Wario’s serves up sandwiches so juicy you’ll need extra napkins and possibly a bib. The beef gets slow-roasted, thinly sliced, and dunked in seasoned au jus that soaks into the bread in the best possible way.
Giardiniera adds the perfect spicy-tangy kick, though you can customize your heat level if you’re not feeling adventurous.
Pro tip: order it “wet” for maximum flavor saturation, but eat fast before structural integrity becomes an issue.
7. The Brown Bag Deli
Tucked into German Village’s brick-lined streets, this deli has been feeding Columbus since 1978, which means they’ve had plenty of time to perfect their craft. The turkey gets roasted fresh daily, and they pile it high enough to make you question whether one sandwich counts as two meals.
Homemade soups rotate with the seasons, pairing perfectly with half-sandwich combos that somehow always leave you satisfied but not uncomfortably stuffed. The neighborhood charm extends inside, where regulars chat with staff like old friends because, well, they probably are.
Grab a cookie on your way out—they’re baked in-house and absolutely worth the extra calories.
8. Katzinger’s Delicatessen
Since 1984, Katzinger’s has been Columbus’s answer to classic Jewish delis, where the pastrami rivals New York’s finest and the portions never disappoint.
The menu stretches on for pages, but regulars know the classics are where this place truly shines—sometimes you don’t need to reinvent the wheel when your Reuben is already perfect. Two locations mean whether you’re in German Village or Dublin, quality deli food is within reach.
The pickle bar alone is worth the visit, offering varieties you didn’t know existed.
9. Newfangled Kitchen
Innovation meets comfort food at this Bexley spot, where sandwiches incorporate ingredients you wouldn’t typically associate with lunch between bread. The fried chicken sandwich gets topped with unexpected elements that somehow work perfectly together, proving that sometimes breaking the rules creates something magical.
Seasonal menus mean you’ll find different sandwiches throughout the year, keeping things fresh for regulars who might otherwise get bored. The kitchen sources locally when possible, supporting Ohio farms while ensuring peak flavor in every bite.
Brunch brings sandwich specials that blur the line between breakfast and lunch, often involving eggs in creative ways that’ll change your morning routine.
10. Buck City Sammies
East Market’s food hall houses this sandwich counter that punches way above its weight class, serving up creative combinations in a casual counter-service setting. The pulled pork sandwich incorporates flavors that dance between sweet and savory, while the veggie options prove that meat isn’t necessary for sandwich greatness.
Being in a food hall means you can mix and match—grab a sandwich here and sides from neighboring vendors for a customized feast. The staff works fast despite the small space, getting quality food out quickly even during lunch rushes.
Rotating specials keep the menu exciting, rewarding adventurous eaters who like trying something new with each visit.
11. Izzy’s
Cincinnati’s legendary deli has been stacking sandwiches sky-high since 1900s, earning a reputation that extends far beyond Ohio’s borders. The corned beef here isn’t messing around—it’s tender, flavorful, and piled so generously that you’ll wonder how they make any profit.
Multiple locations across Cincinnati mean you’re never too far from sandwich excellence, whether you’re downtown or in the suburbs. Some locations close earlier in the evening, so check individual hours.
The potato pancakes deserve their own fan club, crispy on the outside and perfectly seasoned throughout.
12. Carl’s Deli
Family-owned since 1994, Carl’s has built a loyal following by doing deli food right, quality ingredients, generous portions, and staff who genuinely care about your lunch. The turkey gets roasted in-house, and you can taste the difference compared to pre-packaged alternatives that other spots rely on.
Two locations offer slightly different vibes—Hyde Park brings neighborhood charm while the Findlay Market outpost adds historic market energy. Either way, you’re getting the same commitment to sandwich excellence that’s kept Carl’s thriving for decades.
The chicken salad deserves special recognition, creamy without being mayo-heavy and packed with actual chicken rather than filler ingredients.
13. The Pickled Pig
Walking into this Walnut Hills gem feels like stepping back in time to when neighborhood delis were the heart of every community. The Pickled Pig has mastered the art of balancing traditional sandwich-making with bold, contemporary flavors that keep locals coming back week after week.
Their signature sandwiches feature house-pickled vegetables that add a tangy crunch to every bite, elevating simple ingredients into something memorable. The pastrami is slow-smoked for hours until it practically melts on your tongue, while their homemade spreads bring unexpected depth to classic combinations.
Portion sizes are generous without being overwhelming, and the friendly staff treats regulars and newcomers with equal warmth. This place proves that great sandwiches don’t need fancy presentations, just quality ingredients and genuine passion.
14. Young Buck Deli
Over-the-Rhine’s food scene exploded in recent years, and Young Buck Deli rides that wave with style and substance. This isn’t your grandparents’ deli—it’s where old-school sandwich craft meets adventurous flavor profiles that surprise even the pickiest eaters.
The menu changes seasonally, showcasing whatever ingredients are at their peak freshness. One month you might find a roasted turkey sandwich with cranberry-jalapeño relish, the next a smoked brisket creation with fermented cabbage and horseradish aioli. Everything is made from scratch, including the bread that arrives fresh each morning from a local bakery.
The atmosphere buzzes with energy during lunch rushes, but the line moves quickly thanks to an efficient crew who clearly love what they do. It’s become a favorite among downtown workers and foodies alike.
15. All The Best Delicatessen
For over three decades, this Washington Township institution has been slicing meats paper-thin and stacking them impossibly high between fresh-baked bread. All The Best Delicatessen earned its name honestly, everything from the corned beef to the Swiss cheese comes from top-tier suppliers who share the owner’s commitment to quality.
What sets this place apart is the attention to detail in every sandwich. The bread-to-filling ratio is perfected, condiments are applied with precision, and each order gets wrapped carefully for easy eating.
Their Reuben has achieved near-legendary status among Dayton sandwich enthusiasts, featuring tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and Russian dressing that ties everything together beautifully. The old-fashioned service and welcoming vibe make every visit feel like coming home for lunch.