13 Ohio Sandwich Shops Locals Say Beat The Chains Every Time
If you’ve ever left a national sandwich chain feeling underwhelmed and overcharged, you’re not alone.
That’s why I made it my mission to track down the real contenders: Ohio’s 13 legendary local shops that blow the big names out of the water.
Picture this: a family-owned corner deli in Columbus slinging grilled melts with bourbon-braised brisket, or a Toledo legend known for its 12-inch sub loaded with garlic-heavy roast beef.
These aren’t just sandwiches-they’re stories of tradition, bold flavors, and communities that take pride in every bite.
Let me show you why locals swear by them.
1. Slyman’s Restaurant — Cleveland
Walking into Slyman’s on St. Clair Avenue feels like stepping into Cleveland sandwich history.
This downtown institution has been piling corned beef sky-high since 1963, and the mountains of meat they serve are nothing short of legendary.
Each sandwich arrives at your table looking more like an edible skyscraper than lunch, with tender, perfectly seasoned corned beef that practically melts on your tongue.
The secret is in their slow-cooking process and hand-slicing technique, which keeps every bite juicy and flavorful.
You’ll need both hands and maybe a forklift to tackle one of these beauties.
Locals have been lining up here for decades, and once you taste what they’re serving, you’ll understand why chains can’t compete.
The no-frills atmosphere puts all the focus where it belongs on the sandwich itself.
Fair warning though, you might need a nap after conquering one of these meat monuments.
2. Katzinger’s Delicatessen — Columbus
German Village’s Katzinger’s brings authentic New York deli culture straight to the heart of Ohio.
Since 1984, this family-owned spot has been slicing meats thin and stacking them thick, creating sandwiches that would make any Manhattan deli jealous.
The walls are lined with vintage signs and the smell of fresh rye bread fills the air the moment you walk through the door.
Their pastrami and corned beef are cured in-house using traditional methods passed down through generations.
Every sandwich comes loaded with so much meat you can barely fit your mouth around it.
The staff behind the counter treat regulars like family and newcomers like future regulars.
They’ve even expanded to Dublin, proving that Columbus can’t get enough of real deli food.
When you want authentic flavor without flying to the East Coast, Katzinger’s delivers every single time.
3. Jack’s Deli & Restaurant — University Heights
Jack’s on Cedar Road has been a University Heights treasure since way before food trends became a thing.
This neighborhood deli takes pride in making their own meats right in the shop, a rarity these days when most places just order pre-sliced stuff.
The difference is obvious from the first bite, with flavors that are deeper and textures that are just right.
My uncle used to take me here after Little League games, and even back then, the sandwiches seemed impossibly good.
The menu isn’t trying to be fancy or revolutionary, just consistently excellent.
The turkey is roasted fresh daily, and the roast beef gets carved to order.
Regulars have their usual orders, and the staff knows them by name.
It’s the kind of place where quality speaks louder than marketing, and locals wouldn’t have it any other way.
4. Buck City Sammies — Columbus
Tucked into Columbus’s East Market, Buck City Sammies proves that big flavors can come from tiny kitchens.
This chef-driven spot throws out the boring deli playbook and creates sandwiches that feel more like culinary adventures.
The menu changes with the seasons, featuring unexpected combinations that somehow work perfectly together.
One week you might find Korean-inspired pork belly, the next could bring Mediterranean lamb with house-made spreads.
Everything gets made from scratch, including the sauces, pickles, and even some of the bread.
The small space means limited seating, but that intimacy adds to the charm.
You can watch the magic happen right in front of you as skilled hands assemble your order.
Chain restaurants wish they could innovate like this, but creativity can’t be mass-produced or franchised across fifty states.
5. Frenchi’s Deli — Columbus
Downtown Columbus workers know that Frenchi’s on Hudson Street is where you go when you need a real lunch.
This classic deli counter doesn’t mess around with tiny portions or skimpy meat servings.
The corned beef and pastrami stand out even in a city full of good sandwich options.
The meat gets piled high on fresh bread, with just enough mustard and pickle to balance the rich, savory flavors.
Prices remain reasonable despite being in the heart of downtown, which keeps the lunch rush steady.
The no-nonsense approach means your order comes out fast without sacrificing quality.
Office workers line up daily, creating a lunchtime buzz that proves this place gets it right.
When you’re tired of sad desk salads and reheated leftovers, Frenchi’s reminds you what a proper sandwich should taste like.
6. Wario’s Beef & Pork — Columbus
Wario’s brings authentic East Coast cheesesteak culture to Columbus, and the lines stretching out the door prove they’re doing something right.
With locations in both Clintonville and the Arena District, these folks know their way around beef and melted cheese.
The griddle sizzles constantly as thin-sliced steak gets chopped and mixed with onions and peppers.
Each sandwich arrives hot, messy, and absolutely perfect, wrapped tight to contain all that gooey goodness.
I once watched someone try to eat one neatly and gave up within three bites, embracing the delicious chaos instead.
The bread holds up remarkably well despite being loaded with juice and cheese.
You won’t find anything like this at the national chains, where everything tastes the same no matter which state you’re in.
Wario’s proves that specialized focus beats generic menus every single time.
7. Daylily Deli — Cincinnati
Cincinnati’s Columbia-Tusculum neighborhood scored big when Daylily Deli opened on Eastern Avenue.
This chef-driven spot combines deli traditions with coffee culture and bodega vibes, creating something totally unique.
The sandwiches here push creative boundaries while still respecting classic techniques.
You might find house-cured meats paired with unexpected pickled vegetables and spreads you’ve never heard of.
Everything tastes thoughtful and intentional, like someone actually cared about every single ingredient.
The space feels cozy and welcoming, perfect for grabbing a quick bite or settling in with good food.
They rotate specials regularly, which gives regulars something new to discover on each visit.
Chain restaurants stick to the same boring menu for years, but Daylily keeps things fresh and exciting.
It’s proof that independent shops can innovate in ways corporate headquarters never will.
8. J & W Sandwich Shoppe — Norwood
Norwood’s J & W Sandwich Shoppe on Worth Avenue keeps things beautifully simple and affordable.
This no-frills neighborhood spot serves sandwiches so huge they could feed two people, yet the prices won’t drain your wallet.
The focus here is on generous portions and honest food, not fancy decorations or trendy ingredients.
Locals have been coming here for years because they know exactly what they’re getting, solid sandwiches that satisfy.
The bread stays fresh, the meats taste good, and the whole operation runs smoothly without any fuss.
You won’t find elaborate descriptions or Instagram-worthy presentations, just real food for real people.
Sometimes that’s exactly what you need, especially when chain restaurants charge more for less.
J & W proves that you don’t need a massive marketing budget when your sandwiches speak for themselves.
Value and quality together create loyal customers who keep coming back.
9. New England Grinders — West Chester
West Chester’s New England Grinders brings authentic sub shop culture to the Cincinnati area.
Located on Princeton-Glendale Road, this spot has built a loyal following by doing grinders the right way.
The bread gets baked fresh and has that perfect combination of crispy outside and soft inside.
Meats, cheeses, and toppings get layered with care, creating balanced bites from end to end.
My coworker swears their Italian sub is better than anything she had during her actual trip to New England.
The menu covers all the classic varieties while adding a few creative options for adventurous eaters.
Portion sizes remain generous without crossing into wasteful territory.
Regulars know to call ahead during lunch rush because these subs are worth the wait.
Chain sub shops can’t match the quality or the community feel that makes this place special.
10. Original Sub Shop & Deli — Toledo
Toledo’s Original Sub Shop on Broadway Street has been serving the community for decades.
This long-running local favorite combines excellent subs with scratch-made soups that warm you from the inside out.
The signature sauce is the stuff of local legend, with regulars refusing to eat subs anywhere else once they’ve tried it.
The recipe remains a closely guarded secret, adding to the mystique and keeping people coming back.
Each sub gets made with attention to detail, ensuring every ingredient contributes to the overall flavor.
The shop itself feels comfortable and lived-in, like a neighborhood gathering spot rather than just a restaurant.
They’ve survived changing food trends and economic shifts by staying true to what works.
When chain restaurants come and go, places like this endure because they’ve earned their community’s trust and loyalty over time.
11. Diamond Deli — Akron
Downtown Akron’s Diamond Deli on South Main Street shines bright in the local food scene.
This spot specializes in sandwiches piled so high they challenge the laws of physics and your jaw’s capacity.
Office workers, students, and visitors all crowd in during lunch, creating a lively atmosphere that adds to the experience.
The deli counter displays fresh meats and cheeses that get sliced to order rather than sitting around pre-cut.
Combinations range from traditional favorites to more adventurous builds that surprise your taste buds.
Prices stay reasonable despite the downtown location, making it accessible for regular visits.
The staff works efficiently even during the busiest rushes, keeping the line moving without sacrificing quality.
Chain sandwich shops nearby struggle to compete because Diamond Deli offers something they simply cannot replicate, genuine local character and superior ingredients in every bite.
12. All The Best Delicatessen — Dayton
Dayton’s All The Best Delicatessen on Far Hills Avenue serves up authentic Jewish deli traditions that are increasingly hard to find.
Pastrami and corned beef get prepared using time-honored methods that produce incredible depth of flavor.
Each sandwich arrives bursting with meat that’s been carefully seasoned, cured, and cooked to perfection.
The rye bread comes from a trusted bakery and provides the perfect foundation for these towering creations.
Walking in feels like visiting a deli from another era, when quality mattered more than speed.
I remember my grandmother taking me to places like this when I was young, and the flavors here bring back those memories.
The menu includes all the classics you’d expect, from matzo ball soup to potato pancakes alongside the sandwiches.
Chain restaurants can’t replicate this kind of authenticity because it requires knowledge, skill, and genuine passion for the craft.
13. Brown Bag Deli — Columbus
German Village’s Brown Bag Deli on Mohawk Street has been a Columbus institution for over forty years.
This historic spot specializes in grilled sandwiches that arrive hot, crispy, and oozing with melted cheese.
The stacking technique they use creates layers of flavor that reveal themselves with each bite.
Bread gets grilled to golden perfection, adding texture and toasty flavor that cold sandwiches just can’t match.
The cozy interior matches the neighborhood’s charming brick-street character perfectly.
Locals consider it a German Village essential, right up there with the historic homes and beautiful parks.
Menu options range from simple classics to more elaborate combinations, all executed with the same care.
You can taste the decades of experience in every sandwich they serve.
Chain restaurants might have fancy marketing campaigns, but they’ll never have the history and heart that makes Brown Bag Deli truly special.