13 Under-The-Radar Ohio Sandwiches You’ll Want To Track Down
When I first moved to Ohio, I didn’t expect my taste buds to be the real adventure.
Sure, there’s the Lake Erie perch and Cincinnati chili, but it’s the sandwiches that truly surprise. Picture this: a brisket melt slathered in bourbon glaze, a spicy Italian sub tucked into a Czech-town corner, or a farm-to-table eggplant Parm that could make a vegetarian carnivore.
Ohio’s sandwich scene is a hidden maze of flavor, blending tradition with twists you won’t see coming.
Whether you’re in a Cleveland or just passing through, these 13 under-the-radar gems are proof that greatness can be found between two slices of bread-no fame required.
1. Slyman’s Restaurant — Corned Beef Sandwich
Slyman’s has been slinging some of the most ridiculously stacked corned beef sandwiches in Cleveland since 1963, and somehow it still feels like a secret.
Located at 3106 St. Clair Ave NE, this no-frills spot serves up hand-sliced, ultra-tender corned beef that towers so high you’ll need an engineering degree to figure out how to eat it.
The meat is impossibly juicy, seasoned to perfection, and piled between slices of fresh rye bread that somehow manages to hold everything together.
Locals have been making pilgrimages here for decades, but tourists often miss it because it sits in a neighborhood most visitors skip.
The portions are absolutely massive, so come hungry or plan to share.
Every bite delivers that classic deli flavor that makes you wonder why anyone would settle for chain sandwiches.
If you’re serious about corned beef, this is your Cleveland starting point.
Cash is king here, so hit the ATM before you go.
2. Affettati — Italian Focaccia Sandwiches
Tucked into Cleveland’s Little Italy at 12401 Mayfield Rd, Affettati is the kind of tiny Italian shop that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled onto something magical.
The focaccia here is baked fresh daily, soft and pillowy with just enough olive oil to make each bite heavenly.
They layer on imported meats, aged cheeses, and simple but perfect toppings that let the quality ingredients shine.
Nothing fancy, nothing overdone, just pure Italian sandwich craftsmanship.
The shop itself is barely bigger than a closet, but that’s part of the charm.
You order at the counter, watch them assemble your sandwich with care, and then find a spot to devour it immediately.
Locals know to grab lunch here before wandering the neighborhood galleries and cafes.
It’s the kind of place that reminds you simple done right beats complicated every time.
3. Mister Brisket — Brisket Sandwich
Mister Brisket at 2156 S. Taylor Rd in Cleveland Heights operates as both a butcher shop and sandwich counter, which means the brisket is ridiculously fresh.
The meat is slow-smoked until it practically falls apart, with a gorgeous smoke ring and flavor that hits you right in the comfort zone.
They pile it onto soft rolls that soak up all those savory juices without falling apart in your hands.
I remember stopping here on a whim one Saturday afternoon, and the smell alone made me order two sandwiches instead of one.
The first bite was pure bliss, tender and smoky with just enough fat to keep everything moist.
This place doesn’t advertise much, relying instead on word-of-mouth from customers who can’t stop raving about it.
The butcher-counter vibe gives it an old-school authenticity that chain BBQ joints just can’t replicate.
Grab extra napkins because this sandwich gets delightfully messy.
4. Katzinger’s Delicatessen — Reuben / Classic Deli Sandwiches
Katzinger’s has been a German Village institution at 475 S. 3rd St in Columbus since 1984, serving up deli sandwiches that make New Yorkers jealous.
Their Reuben is legendary, packed with tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing grilled between slices of perfectly toasted rye.
The sandwiches here are comically oversized, so don’t be embarrassed to ask for a box before you even start eating.
The deli itself feels like stepping back in time, with wooden shelves stocked with imported goods and a counter where they slice everything fresh to order.
Locals treat this place like a neighborhood treasure, stopping in for lunch or picking up fixings for dinner.
Every ingredient tastes like it was chosen with care, from the bread to the pickles on the side.
If you’re exploring German Village, this is a mandatory stop.
Just come prepared to loosen your belt a notch or two.
5. Wario’s Beef & Pork — Cheesesteak (The Steak)
Wario’s brings authentic East Coast cheesesteak energy to Columbus with locations at 111 W Nationwide Blvd and Clintonville.
Their signature cheesesteak, simply called The Steak, is stuffed with thinly sliced ribeye, caramelized onions, and hot peppers that add just the right kick.
The meat is cooked on a flat-top griddle until it gets those crispy, caramelized edges that cheesesteak fanatics live for.
They don’t skimp on portions either, piling on enough ribeye to make Philly natives nod in approval.
The bread holds up beautifully, soft inside with a slight crust that doesn’t turn into a soggy mess halfway through.
This place has developed a serious cult following among Columbus locals who crave that authentic street-food experience.
Late-night cravings meet their match here, especially after catching a game or concert downtown.
One bite and you’ll understand why people drive across town for this sandwich.
6. La Super Torta — Authentic Mexican Tortas
La Super Torta at 721 Georgesville Rd in Columbus serves up some of the most authentic and generously loaded Mexican tortas you’ll find anywhere in Ohio.
These aren’t your average sandwiches, they’re massive creations built on soft telera bread and stuffed with your choice of meats, refried beans, avocado, lettuce, tomato, jalapeños, and house-made toppings.
The flavors are bold and unapologetically authentic, transporting your taste buds straight to Mexico City.
Each torta is assembled with care, every ingredient adding its own layer of flavor and texture.
The bread stays soft yet sturdy enough to contain all that deliciousness without falling apart in your hands.
Locals in the know skip the chains and head here for lunch that feels like a proper meal.
The prices are shockingly reasonable considering how much food you get.
Bring your appetite and maybe a friend to share, because these tortas don’t mess around.
7. Brown Bag Deli — Village Addiction Sandwich
Brown Bag Deli sits at 898 Mohawk St in Columbus’s German Village, quietly winning over sandwich lovers one Village Addiction at a time.
This cozy neighborhood spot creates inventive sandwiches that go beyond basic deli fare, combining unexpected ingredients in ways that somehow just work.
The Village Addiction has earned its cult status with layers of flavor that keep locals coming back weekly.
I once overheard someone say they plan their lunch meetings around this place, and honestly, I get it.
The sandwich combinations are creative without being weird, balancing familiar comfort with just enough surprise to keep things interesting.
Fresh ingredients, quality meats, and house-made spreads elevate every bite above ordinary deli territory.
The atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming, the kind of place where regulars know the staff by name.
Skip the chain shops and experience what a neighborhood deli should actually taste like.
8. Buck City Sammies — Creative Specialty Sandwiches
Buck City Sammies operates out of East Market at 212 Kelton Ave in Columbus, serving up bold, over-the-top sandwiches that deserve their own fan club.
This modern stall takes the sandwich game seriously, creating inventive combinations that push boundaries while still delivering on flavor.
The sammies here are stuffed to the brim, requiring both hands and possibly a game plan to eat without making a mess.
Fresh, high-quality ingredients meet creative flavor profiles that surprise and satisfy in equal measure.
The menu rotates with seasonal specials, so there’s always something new to try alongside the beloved regulars.
East Market itself is worth exploring, but Buck City Sammies is the anchor that keeps people coming back.
These aren’t sandwiches you grab mindlessly between errands, they’re destination-worthy creations that demand your full attention.
Bring an open mind and an empty stomach, because you’re in for a treat.
9. J & W Sandwich Shoppe — Massive Old-School Subs
J & W Sandwich Shoppe at 2004 Worth Ave in Norwood near Cincinnati is the definition of a hole-in-the-wall gem that locals guard like a secret.
This place serves massive, nostalgic subs piled so high with meat you’ll wonder how they expect anyone to actually eat them.
The old-school deli vibe takes you back to a simpler time when sandwiches were about generous portions and straightforward, delicious flavors.
They don’t try to reinvent the wheel here, just perfecting classic combinations with quality ingredients and serious portions.
The bread is fresh and sturdy, the meats are sliced thick, and the toppings are crisp and plentiful.
Prices are shockingly reasonable, especially considering you’re getting enough food for two meals.
Regulars have been coming here for years, treating it like their personal sandwich sanctuary.
If you appreciate honest, no-nonsense subs that deliver on every level, this is your spot.
10. Marx Bagels — Tuna Melt / Bagel Sandwiches
Marx Bagels at 9701 Kenwood Rd in Blue Ash near Cincinnati has mastered the art of the bagel sandwich, and their tuna melt is absolute perfection.
The bagels are baked fresh daily, chewy on the inside with that perfect slightly crispy exterior that makes every bite satisfying.
Their tuna melt features quality tuna salad topped with melted cheese that gets all gooey and delicious under the broiler.
I stopped here one Sunday morning expecting a basic bagel and ended up discovering my new favorite comfort sandwich.
The combination of warm, melty cheese with cool, creamy tuna on a fresh bagel hits all the right notes.
They offer plenty of other bagel sandwich options too, but the tuna melt has earned its reputation as the must-try item.
The shop itself is bright and welcoming, perfect for a casual breakfast or lunch.
Once you try a proper bagel sandwich here, those sad grocery-store versions will never cut it again.
11. Bee’s Barbecue — Pulled-Pork Sandwich
Bee’s Barbecue at 1403 Vine St in Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood is a tiny spot with a huge reputation for seriously good smoked meat.
The pulled-pork sandwich features meat that’s been slow-smoked until it’s fall-apart tender, with that perfect balance of smoky flavor and juicy texture.
They pile it high on a soft bun that soaks up all those delicious juices without turning into mush.
The portions are generous, the prices are fair, and the quality is consistently outstanding.
OTR has exploded with trendy restaurants in recent years, but Bee’s keeps it real with honest barbecue that doesn’t need gimmicks.
The meat speaks for itself, tender and flavorful with that authentic smoke ring you can only get from patient, low-and-slow cooking.
Locals know to arrive early because once they sell out, that’s it for the day.
This is barbecue done right, no frills, just flavor.
12. Great Lakes Grinders — Fresh Grinders
Great Lakes Grinders at 411 E. Water St in Sandusky serves up fresh grinders with a view, making it the perfect stop during a Lake Erie adventure.
The bread here is soft and fresh, the kind that gives a little when you bite down but doesn’t fall apart halfway through your meal.
They load each grinder with crisp toppings, quality meats, and just the right amount of dressing to bring everything together.
The portions are big enough to satisfy even the hungriest beach-goers without leaving you uncomfortably stuffed.
Sandusky attracts plenty of tourists headed to the amusement parks, but locals know this waterfront spot is where the real food action happens.
The location adds to the experience, with lake breezes and water views making every sandwich taste even better.
Fresh ingredients, generous portions, and a prime location make this a triple threat.
Grab a grinder and enjoy it by the water for the full Sandusky experience.
13. Tony Packo’s — Hungarian Hot Dog Sandwich
Tony Packo’s at 1902 Front St in Toledo is a legendary spot famous for its Hungarian hot dog sandwich that you won’t find anywhere else in Ohio.
The star here is the paprika-spiced Hungarian sausage, which delivers a unique flavor profile that’s both familiar and completely different from your typical hot dog.
They serve it on a steamed bun with traditional toppings that complement rather than overpower the distinctive sausage flavor.
This place has been a Toledo institution since 1932, earning mentions in pop culture and attracting visitors from across the state.
The walls are covered with autographed hot dog buns from celebrities who’ve stopped by over the decades, adding to the quirky charm.
Locals grow up eating these sandwiches, making Tony Packo’s part of Toledo’s cultural identity.
The Hungarian influence gives it an authenticity you won’t find at chain restaurants trying to replicate the experience.
One bite explains why this sandwich has remained a Toledo treasure for nearly a century.