This Ohio Deli’s Reuben Gives Famous Sandwich Shops Some Serious Competition
I thought I was going in for a Reuben. Then the potato pancake showed up and made the whole plan a little more complicated.
This downtown Cincinnati deli does the classic things well. Warm rye, plenty of corned beef, sauerkraut, melted Swiss, and a side that deserves almost as much attention as the sandwich.
What surprised me most was how satisfying the whole plate felt without turning lunch into a splurge. I finished everything and was already thinking about what I would order next time.
If you like a Reuben with some real competition on the plate, this Ohio stop is worth a closer look. Here is what to order and what to know before you go.
A Downtown Deli With Deep Cincinnati Roots
Cincinnati has loved this deli name for decades. The family-style chain has been feeding the city since 1901, and locals treat it like a hometown tradition.
I picked the Elm Street location on purpose. It sits right across from Piatt Park, a narrow green strip that makes a pleasant spot for a short stroll after a heavy lunch.
The neighborhood feels busy but not frantic. Office workers, tourists, and families all seem to drift in around midday, and the steady flow told me plenty before I even saw a menu.
Getting here is simple if you are already downtown. Fountain Square and the convention center are a short walk away, and Cincinnati Museum Center is only about five minutes by car.
Current hours can vary depending on the source, so checking before a late-week visit is a good idea. Izzy’s online ordering system currently lists later hours on Thursday and Friday.
Saturday and Sunday are currently closed, so weekend plans need to work around that schedule.
You can find Izzy’s – Elm Street at 800 Elm St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, in the heart of Ohio’s Queen City.
The Famous Reuben Earns Its Reputation
Corned beef is the star here, and it knows it. The Izzy’s Famous Reuben arrives on soft rye with sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and dressing.
My first bite was tender, salty, and warm all the way through. The meat had real flavor, and the cheese pulled the whole thing together without hiding anything.
I noticed the rye stays soft rather than crunchy. Some people love that cushy texture, while others may want more crisp, so ask for it grilled if you prefer a toasty edge.
Here is a fun bit of context. A comparable Reuben at one of New York’s famous delis can cost roughly twice as much, while this one lands at a price that will not make your wallet wince.
Portion size felt fair and filling. I finished my plate, but I also did not need a snack for hours afterward.
Sauerkraut fans will appreciate the tang, which cuts through the richness nicely. If kraut is not your thing, the menu offers plenty of other options, though I think skipping the classic on a first visit would be a missed chance.
My honest verdict is simple. This Reuben deserves its spot at the top of the menu board.
The Potato Pancake Quietly Steals The Plate
Nobody warned me that the side dish would compete with the main act. The potato pancake comes with most sandwiches, and Cincinnati folks talk about it almost as much as the Reuben.
Mine had a crispy, golden outside and a soft middle. It tasted like a fancier, chunkier cousin of a hash brown, with a satisfying crunch on every edge.
Texture can vary from visit to visit. A fresh one straight off the griddle is the dream, so eating in rather than taking it home gives you the best shot at peak crispiness.
I would not skip it, even if you are watching your appetite. Splitting the sandwich is easier than giving up this little potato wonder.
Plenty of regulars order an extra cake on the side. I understand the urge completely, and I suspect my next visit will include a second one.
A tiny tip helps here. Ask for a bit of sour cream or applesauce if available, because a cool dip balances the hot, salty bite.
Honestly, this pancake made the whole meal feel more like a deli event than a quick lunch. It may be the side, but it plays like a headliner.
Pickles On The House
Free pickles make a strong first impression. Sitting down here means getting a complimentary helping while you wait for your food.
I started crunching right away, and I was not even sorry. They lean mild rather than mouth-puckering sour, which makes them easy to munch on without wrecking your appetite.
Some guests may wish for more zing. I found them refreshing, especially as a palate cleaner between bites of rich corned beef.
This little perk tells you a lot about the place. It feels old-school in the best way, a kind of welcome that many newer sandwich shops forgot about.
Pickles also show up alongside many sandwich plates. So between the table helping and the plate helping, I was never short on briny crunch.
My advice is to pace yourself. It is easy to clear the bowl before your order lands, and then you sit there staring at an empty dish like it betrayed you.
Kids seem to love them too, which makes this a handy feature for families. A hungry little one can snack while the kitchen works.
Simple touches like this are why I keep calling this deli charming. It is a small dill that makes a big deal.
Reuben Variations For Every Kind Of Craving
One Reuben is never enough for this menu. The kitchen offers several versions, so you can wander pretty far from the original without leaving Reuben territory.
Pastrami gets its own version with sauerkraut, spicy mustard, and melted Swiss on a pretzel roll. That chewy bun gives the sandwich a noticeably different personality.
Turkey takes another route. The Turkey Reuben pairs oven-roasted turkey with sweet-and-sour coleslaw, Swiss cheese, and special dressing on a toasted telera roll.
The menu stretches further with Goetta, Beef Frank, Cod, and Veggie Reubens. There is even the Reubenator, a double-decker version for appetites that arrived particularly prepared.
I appreciate that the menu feels big but not confusing. Signs and categories make it simple to compare choices, even for a first-timer.
Bread choices matter here as well. Rye is the classic pick, while the pretzel and telera rolls change the whole personality of the sandwich.
A helpful plan is to bring a friend and trade halves. That way you test two variations in one trip and settle the great debate about which one rules.
Personally, the original still has my heart. But it is nice to know the menu rewards curious eaters.
Soups Worth Saving Room For
Fridays bring something special to the soup pot. Matzo ball soup appears only on Friday, and loyal customers plan their visits around it.
I love a menu with a little scheduling drama. Knowing a dish is available just one day a week makes it feel like a small event.
Other current soups keep things comforting through the week. Chicken noodle, beef barley, and sweet-and-sour cabbage are all listed on the Elm Street menu.
A cup of soup next to half a sandwich makes a smart lunch. It fills you up without the full food coma of a towering plate.
Cold days in Cincinnati make this combo even better. Winter wind whips between downtown buildings, and a warm bowl feels like a reward for braving it.
My tip is to ask what is on the soup lineup the day you visit. Offerings can change, and the staff can point you toward what is available.
I also think soup is a great option for picky eaters in your group. Not everyone wants sauerkraut, but almost everyone wants something warm and cozy.
Soup may not be the headline, but it is a dependable sidekick.
Cozy Room, Quick Plates
Nothing about the dining room tries too hard. It is a casual, cozy space with simple tables and a counter where orders start.
You get greeted at the door, then seat yourself if eating in. That easy setup keeps things moving, and I liked not waiting around for a host.
Food arrived fast during my visit. Some guests report plates landing in under five minutes, which is great news for anyone on a tight lunch break.
Lunchtime can get crowded with takeout orders. People sometimes stand around waiting, so the room may feel snug at peak hours.
Tables were clean, and the space felt cared for. It has a quirky, lived-in charm that fits a deli with this much history.
I noticed that eating in seems to make the sandwich better. Fresh off the grill, the bread and pancake are at their best, before steam softens anything.
The vibe is friendly rather than fancy. You will not need special clothes or reservations, just a healthy appetite and maybe some patience at noon.
For me, this mix of speed and charm hits the sweet spot. It feels like a neighborhood hangout right in the middle of downtown.
Smart Tips For A Smoother Visit
Timing can make or break a deli trip. Weekday lunch hours bring the biggest crowds, so arriving before noon or after 1:30 helps a lot.
Thursday and Friday currently offer the best shot at a later meal, although published closing times vary between Izzy’s current sources. Check the day’s hours before heading downtown late.
Remember that the Elm Street location is currently closed on Saturday and Sunday, so weekend plans need another option.
Ordering grilled is worth considering if you like crunch. Be clear about whether you want toasted or grilled, since those can come out quite differently.
Eating your sandwich soon matters. A loaded Reuben can soften during a long walk, so enjoying it on-site keeps every layer at its best.
Calling ahead is smart for larger takeout orders.
Delivery apps carry the menu too, though items may differ from in-store options. Double-check your order before you tap that button.
Parking is available nearby, and many visitors find it close and convenient. A short walk from Fountain Square works just as well.
With a little planning, the visit stays smooth and tasty. Good things come to those who time it right.
Why This Reuben Holds Its Own
Value is the quiet superpower here. A big, satisfying Reuben plate costs far less than at the famous coastal delis that get all the headlines.
I left convinced that Cincinnati does not need to look east for great deli food. Ohio has its own sandwich legend, and it is right on Elm Street.
Consistency is part of the appeal. Many families have made this place a tradition for years, often skipping new restaurants just to return to an old favorite.
Not every plate is perfect, and I think that is fair to say. Bread softness and sandwich dressing can vary, so speaking up about preferences is a good idea.
Still, the overall package wins me over. You get tender corned beef, a crispy potato pancake, free pickles, and friendly service in one stop.
Visitors heading to the Museum Center or a downtown event will find it an easy add to the itinerary. Locals can treat it as a reliable weeknight escape.
My final thought is simple. I came for the famous Reuben, stayed for the pancake, and left planning a Friday return for matzo ball soup.
That, to me, is the mark of a deli worth bragging about.