One Ohio deli puts a potato pancake next to its Reuben, while another Ohio deli named a corned beef Reuben combo The Rocket. That second detail alone had me grinning.
The classic version is simple on paper. You need corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss, dressing, and rye.
Then the grill does the real work, pressing it into something crisp outside and melty inside.
Across Ohio, a handful of neighborhood delis still treat that sandwich like a serious job. Some open before sunrise.
One sits on a corner from the turn of the last century. Another pairs pastrami Reubens with seven-layer cake.
I love a list that sends you to small counters instead of big chains. These are the spots where the rye gets toasty and the cheese refuses to stay put.
So which one is closest to your lunch break?
1. Izzy’s – Elm Street
Bold claims are part of the menu here, since Izzy’s calls its sandwich The World’s Best Reuben. That’s a big promise for a downtown Cincinnati lunch counter, and you’re invited to test it.
The signature move is the side. A crispy potato pancake comes along with the famous Reuben, which feels like a bonus round.
Thin, generously sliced corned beef and fresh bread set the foundation. Swiss and sauerkraut take it from there.
Variety matters, too, because Izzy’s runs many Reuben variations. You’ll spot a Cod Reuben and something called the Rubenator, which sounds like a sandwich with a cape.
Not feeling rye? Pastrami on a pretzel roll is another highlight, and beef barley soup shows up as well.
Plan around Friday if matzo ball soup is your weakness. It’s a Fridays-only special, and the Elm Street shop closes on weekends.
Address: 800 Elm St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
2. Katzinger’s Delicatessen
German Village brick streets lead to one of central Ohio’s most famous sandwich boards. Katzinger’s is a long-running deli, and Reubens sit right at the heart of its reputation.
The menu board is giant, so give yourself a minute. It’s the kind of list that makes decision-making feel like homework.
Corned beef and pastrami are the stars here. Pile either into a Reuben, and the Swiss and kraut do their happy little dance.
Pickles come with an unlimited spirit at Katzinger’s. That’s a policy worth applauding.
Beyond sandwiches, the deli bakes a big variety of breads and pastries in-house. You can also shop for cheese, spreads, tinned fish, and jams.
Save room for something sweet if possible. Key lime pie, New York cheesecake, cheese blintzes, and noodle kugel all appear on the menu.
Hours run daily from morning to early evening. Afternoons tend to be busiest, so an earlier lunch could be smoother.
Address: 475 S 3rd St, Columbus, OH 43215
3. Slyman’s Restaurant and Deli
Corned beef is the headliner on St. Clair Avenue, and Slyman’s stacks it high. This retro Cleveland mainstay is known for hefty sandwiches that need two hands and maybe a plan.
Look for the Corned Beef on Rye with Swiss. The Corned Beef Melt is another menu highlight for cheese lovers.
The meat gets the melt-in-your-mouth treatment. Pastrami earns praise here as well.
Counter service handles most orders, with some table service mixed in. You can eat in the relaxed dining room or carry out.
The room draws workers, friends, and retirees in one easygoing mix. It feels like a slice of everyday Cleveland.
Timing is key, since Slyman’s serves breakfast and lunch on weekdays only. Doors open early and close in the midafternoon.
Homemade soups and onion rings round out the order. A small free lot helps when you roll up hungry.
Address: 3106 St Clair Ave NE, Cleveland, OH 44114
4. Danny’s Deli & Restaurant
Early birds, this one’s for you, because Danny’s opens at 5 a.m. on weekdays. That means a Reuben for breakfast is technically on the table.
The deli sits on a corner at St. Clair and East 17th Street. The building dates to around the turn of the last century, and the character shows.
Reuben fans get options here. The Pastrami Reuben and Turkey Reuben both stand out on the menu.
Sandwiches come big, and the bread gets well toasted. Coleslaw is a common sidekick.
Breakfast sandwiches deserve attention too. Corned beef and bacon versions start the day on a hearty note.
Jumbo club sandwiches and a Philly cheesesteak with onions and mushrooms round things out. The small room keeps the mood relaxed and friendly.
Address: 1658 St Clair Ave NE, Cleveland, OH 44114
5. Romans Deli
Any deli that names a sandwich The Rocket understands its audience. Romans Deli in downtown Toledo builds a Corned Beef Reuben Combo under that very name.
Reubens are a specialty here, made on rye. Corned beef and pastrami share the spotlight.
Portions run huge, and prices stay friendly. That’s a strong combo for a weekday lunch.
The staff will walk you through what’s on each sandwich. Handy when the choices get tempting.
Romans is a takeout operation without a public restroom. Grab your sandwich and find a nice spot nearby.
Weekday hours end at 5 p.m., and Fridays get busiest. Northwest Ohio’s Reuben fans clearly know the schedule.
Address: 526 Jackson St, Toledo, OH 43604
6. Diamond Deli
Carrot cake might be the surprise co-star of this downtown Akron deli. Diamond Deli bakes it homemade, which makes dessert a smart backup plan.
First, though, the sandwiches. This family-owned spot is known for giant traditional and specialty builds.
The Reuben Sandwich and Turkey Reuben both earn menu highlight status. The Pastrami with Swiss is another tempting pick.
Corned beef and pastrami get high praise here. Off the charts is the vibe.
The menu is large, with wraps and homemade matzo ball soup joining the lineup. A chocolate frosted brownie waits by the carrot cake.
The space has old-school delicatessen charm. Plan for weekdays, since it closes at 3 p.m. and skips weekends.
Address: 378 S Main St, Akron, OH 44311
7. All The Best Delicatessen
Weekend Reuben cravings finally get a win in Dayton. All The Best Delicatessen opens Saturdays and Sundays at 8 a.m., unlike several spots on this list.
The New York-style menu leans into classics. The Pastrami Reuben is a favorite, with rich, savory pastrami.
Turkey Reuben fans have their own option. Pastrami on rye and a tuna melt also stand out.
Potato pancakes and tomato bisque make excellent sidekicks. A pickle plate keeps things briny.
Dessert is a big deal here. Signature cheesecake and seven-layer cake both tempt you to linger.
The atmosphere stays casual and quiet, with fast service. Families can find high chairs and a kids’ menu.
Free parking is usually plentiful. That makes it an easy Miami Valley stop on any Ohio day trip.
Address: 5940 Far Hills Ave, Dayton, OH 45429