9 Ohio Sandwich Shops That Locals Claim Beat Out The Chains Every Time
Ohio has quietly become a haven for sandwich lovers, where independent shops take pride in every layer, spread, and slice.
In cities like Cleveland, Columbus, and smaller towns across the state, local spots are building serious followings with sandwiches that speak for themselves.
These are crafted with care, packed with bold flavors, and made by people who know their regulars by name.
1. Slyman’s Restaurant (Cleveland)
Corned beef piled so high it defies gravity has made this Cleveland institution famous since 1963. The meat gets cured for weeks, then sliced thick and stacked between fresh rye bread until your jaw practically dislocates trying to take a bite.
Regulars swear by the simplicity here because nothing distracts from that perfectly seasoned, melt-in-your-mouth beef. First-timers often stare in disbelief when their order arrives, wondering how they’ll possibly finish it.
The no-frills atmosphere keeps the focus exactly where it belongs: on that magnificent mountain of corned beef that locals have been raving about for decades.
2. Larder Delicatessen & Bakery (Cleveland)
House-cured meats and freshly baked bread make every sandwich here taste like a chef’s personal creation. The team at Larder approaches deli food with the precision of fine dining, sourcing local ingredients and crafting everything from scratch daily.
Their rotating menu keeps regulars coming back to discover new flavor combinations that somehow work perfectly together. Pickles get fermented in-house, mustards are ground fresh, and even the mayo gets whipped up each morning.
This commitment to quality transforms simple lunch into something memorable without any pretentious attitude getting in the way.
3. Newfangled Kitchen (Bexley)
Creative twists on classic sandwiches have turned this Bexley spot into a lunch destination worth planning your day around. They’re not afraid to experiment with unexpected ingredients that somehow create perfect harmony between two slices of bread.
The menu changes with the seasons, ensuring peak freshness while giving the kitchen team freedom to play with new ideas. Last summer I tried their peach and prosciutto creation, and honestly, fruit on sandwiches finally made sense to me.
Portions are generous without being ridiculous, and the friendly staff genuinely seems excited to explain what makes each sandwich special today.
4. Express Deli (Brook Park)
No fancy tricks or gourmet pretensions exist at this Brook Park favorite, just solid sandwiches made right every single time. The counter staff knows most customers by name and remembers their usual orders without being asked.
Generous portions of quality cold cuts get layered onto fresh rolls with crisp vegetables and your choice of condiments. Prices remain reasonable even as everything else keeps getting more expensive, making this a lunch spot that won’t wreck your budget.
Sometimes the best sandwich is simply one made with care by people who take pride in feeding their neighbors well.
5. G&R Tavern (Waldo)
This tiny Waldo tavern serves sandwiches that taste like comfort food should, with generous portions and flavors that stick with you. The casual atmosphere makes everyone feel like a regular, even on their first visit to this community gathering spot.
Their menu focuses on doing a few things exceptionally well rather than offering endless mediocre options. Hot sandwiches arrive sizzling, cold ones come piled high, and everything gets made with ingredients that actually taste like something.
Finding great food in unexpected small-town locations reminds you why exploring Ohio’s back roads always pays off deliciously.
6. Frenchi’s Deli (Columbus)
European-style sandwiches bring a taste of France to Columbus without any stuffy attitude or inflated prices. The owner’s French heritage shines through in every carefully constructed creation, from the crusty baguettes to the imported cheeses.
Combinations here follow French tradition where less is more, allowing each ingredient’s quality to shine through clearly. You won’t find seventeen toppings competing for attention, just perfectly balanced flavors that complement rather than overwhelm each other.
Sometimes simplicity executed brilliantly beats complicated creations every time, especially when the ingredients are this good.
7. Katzinger’s Delicatessen (Columbus)
Since 1984, this German Village institution has been proving that authentic deli food never goes out of style. Walking through the door feels like stepping into a New York delicatessen, complete with the wonderful smell of fresh rye bread and cured meats.
Their pastrami and corned beef get prepared using traditional methods that take time but deliver incredible results. The sandwich menu reads like a greatest hits collection of deli classics, each one executed with obvious expertise and care.
Some traditions deserve preservation, especially when they taste this good and satisfy this completely.
8. TOST Sandwich Cafe (Cleveland)
Pressed sandwiches reach new heights at this Cleveland cafe where every creation gets grilled to golden perfection. The specialized equipment ensures even toasting while melting cheeses and warming ingredients into unified deliciousness.
Menu options range from familiar favorites to adventurous combinations that challenge your assumptions about what belongs between bread. Fresh ingredients and creative thinking result in sandwiches that taste both comforting and exciting simultaneously.
The casual cafe atmosphere encourages lingering over lunch, making this more than just a quick meal stop during your busy day.
9. Wilson’s Sandwich Shop (Findlay)
Findlay locals have been counting on Wilson’s for dependable, delicious sandwiches since way back when. This is the kind of place where recipes get passed down and quality never wavers, no matter how many years pass by.
The menu offers straightforward options made with care rather than trendy ingredients that disappear next season. Bread stays fresh, meats taste real, and vegetables add the right crunch without any wilted disappointment.
Sometimes you just want a reliable sandwich made by people who’ve been doing it right for longer than you’ve been alive.