10 Ohio Sandwich Shops That Locals Swear Put The Chains To Shame
There’s something special about a sandwich that makes you forget every chain restaurant you’ve ever visited.
Luckily, Ohio is packed with those independent shops where the bread is baked fresh, the meats are piled high, and the owners know your name after just one visit.
These local favorites have been serving up legendary sandwiches for decades, proving that the best meals come with a side of community and care. Let’s get to know them!
1. Slyman’s Restaurant – Cleveland (Downtown)
Slyman’s has been the king of corned beef in Cleveland since 1964, and one look at their signature sandwich tells you why. The corned beef is piled so high you’ll need both hands and maybe a game plan to tackle it.
Located at 3106 St. Clair Ave, this spot opens weekdays for breakfast and lunch, drawing crowds who crave that perfect balance of tender, juicy meat on fresh rye. I once tried to finish their full sandwich in one sitting and barely made it halfway before admitting defeat.
The atmosphere is no-frills diner style, but that’s exactly what makes it authentic and beloved by generations of Clevelanders.
2. Larder Delicatessen & Bakery – Cleveland (Ohio City)
James Beard recognition doesn’t come easy, but Larder earned it by doing everything from scratch the right way.
Their Jewish-style deli offerings include outstanding pastrami, smoked fish, and seasonal vegetable sandwiches that change with what’s fresh.
The bakery side turns out gorgeous breads and pastries that make every sandwich taste even better.
You can watch bakers working through the kitchen window, which adds to the whole experience of knowing your food is made with serious skill and attention.
Ohio City locals line up here because they know quality when they taste it, and Larder delivers every single time.
3. Herb’n Twine Sandwich Co. – Cleveland (Lorain Ave.)
Chef-driven sandwiches might sound fancy, but Herb’n Twine keeps things approachable while delivering serious flavor. Every sandwich benefits from their daily-baked bread, which gives each bite the perfect texture and taste foundation.
The menu rotates between hot and cold options, all built with creativity and fresh ingredients that show real thought went into each combination. Located at 4309 Lorain Ave, this is a carryout-only spot, so plan to grab your order and enjoy it elsewhere.
The tight focus on sandwiches means they’ve perfected their craft without distractions, and you can taste that dedication in every creation they send out the door.
4. Tommy’s Restaurant – Cleveland Heights (Coventry Village)
Walking into Tommy’s feels like stepping into a Cleveland Heights institution that’s been feeding the neighborhood forever.
The menu is absolutely massive, offering everything from beloved stuffed pitas to classic veggie and meaty sandwiches that satisfy every craving.
Open all day, Tommy’s has become the go-to spot whether you need breakfast, lunch, or dinner in Coventry Village. The portions are generous, the prices are fair, and the vibe is pure local hangout.
I’ve brought out-of-town friends here countless times, and they always ask why their hometown doesn’t have a Tommy’s, which pretty much says it all about this place.
5. Katzinger’s Delicatessen – Columbus (German Village)
Katzinger’s has been slicing meats and serving sandwiches in German Village since 1984, and the pickle barrel by the counter is just the beginning of the old-school charm.
Their Reubens are legendary, stacked with quality corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melted Swiss, and thousand island dressing on perfectly grilled rye.
Located at 475 S 3rd St, the original shop stays open daily, welcoming both regulars and first-timers with equal warmth. The deli counter displays beautiful cuts of meat, and the staff knows how to build a proper sandwich with the right proportions.
Columbus locals treasure this place for keeping traditional deli culture alive and delicious.
6. Wario’s Beef & Pork – Columbus (Downtown/Arena District)
Wario’s brings authentic East Coast sandwich culture to Columbus with heavy hitters like Italian beef and cheesesteaks that would make Philadelphia proud. The Italian beef comes properly dipped, messy, and absolutely worth every napkin you’ll need.
Open Wednesday through Sunday at 111 W Nationwide Blvd, this spot sits perfectly in the Arena District for pre-game fuel or post-event comfort food. The portions don’t mess around, and the flavors hit exactly like they should when done right.
If you’ve been craving that East Coast sandwich experience without the plane ticket, Wario’s delivers the real deal with Ohio hospitality thrown in for good measure.
7. Mr. Zub’s Deli & Bar – Akron (Highland Square)
Pop culture meets sandwich artistry at Mr. Zub’s, where the subs are big and the names are even bigger and more entertaining.
Located at 795 W Market St in Highland Square, this spot has become an Akron favorite for creative sandwich combinations that actually taste as good as they sound.
The late kitchen hours on weekends make it a lifesaver when hunger strikes after most places have closed up shop. Each sub is built with care and stuffed with quality ingredients that justify the hype.
Check their site for current kitchen hours, and prepare yourself for a sandwich that’s both fun and seriously satisfying to eat.
8. Diamond Deli – Akron (Downtown)
Diamond Deli keeps it classic and keeps it simple, which is exactly why downtown Akron workers crowd this counter during weekday lunch hours. The corned beef and Reubens are piled high, just like they should be, with meat so tender it practically melts.
Located at 378 S Main St, this is the kind of place where you order at the counter, grab your sandwich, and immediately understand why people have been coming here for years. There’s no pretense, just solid deli fundamentals executed really well.
The weekday-only hours mean you’ll need to plan your visit, but one bite makes it clear why this spot has earned its loyal following.
9. Silverglades Deli – Cincinnati (Downtown + Findlay Market counter)
Family-run since 1922, Silverglades has been feeding Cincinnati for over a century with stacked cold cuts, pressed paninis, and daily hot specials that change with the seasons. The main shop sits at 236 E 8th St, with an additional counter at Findlay Market for market-goers.
Three generations of sandwich-making knowledge goes into every order, and you can taste that history in the quality and care of each bite.
The combination of traditional recipes and fresh daily specials keeps the menu interesting without losing that classic deli soul.
Check their site for current hours, and prepare to taste why some traditions are absolutely worth preserving and celebrating.
10. Bagel Street Deli – Athens (Court Street)
Campus favorites aren’t always the best quality, but Bagel Street Deli breaks that rule with their made-to-order bagelwiches served all day long.
Located at 27 S Court St, this Athens institution has been fueling students and locals with creative bagel-based sandwiches that go way beyond basic.
The build-your-own approach means you get exactly what you want, and the fresh bagels provide the perfect foundation for whatever combination you dream up. Online ordering makes it easy to skip the line during busy times.
I remember grabbing bagelwiches here between classes, and they’ve only gotten better at perfecting their craft over the years since then.