The rye bread is the smallest part of the sandwich. At a handful of old-school Ohio delis, the corned beef rises so high that the top slice looks like a hat perched on a mountain.
These counters aren’t fancy, and they don’t try to be. Some open before sunrise and close by mid-afternoon.
One hands out pickles like they’re party favors, and another tucks Lebanese plates right next to the pastrami.
You’ll want two hands, a stack of napkins, and maybe a friend willing to split. Expect thin-sliced meat, toasted rye, swirls of mustard, and a pickle spear standing guard on the plate.
It’s the kind of lunch that makes you quiet for a few minutes.
So how do you choose between Cleveland’s breakfast-hour legends and Cincinnati’s Reuben royalty? Honestly, you may not have to.
A long weekend and a stretchy waistband could settle the question nicely.
1. Slyman’s Restaurant and Deli
Some sandwiches need a floor plan, and this one might need blueprints. The Corned Beef on Rye with Swiss here stacks thin slices higher than seems reasonable.
Slyman’s sits on St. Clair Avenue in Cleveland, serving breakfast and lunch on weekdays only. The retro look feels like a time capsule, in the best way.
Are you a pickle person? Good news, because a pickle rides along with the signature corned beef sandwich.
Add home fries or onion rings if you’re feeling brave.
The Corned Beef Melt is another heavy hitter on the menu. Pastrami fans won’t feel left out either, since the portions are huge across the board.
Doors close at 2:30 PM, so plan your lunch early. Weekends are off, which makes Friday feel like a race to the counter.
Address: 3106 St Clair Ave NE, Cleveland, OH 44114
2. Danny’s Deli & Restaurant
Five in the morning is early for most people, but not for this kitchen. Danny’s opens its doors at 5 AM on weekdays, so your corned beef craving can start before sunrise.
You’ll find it on St. Clair Avenue in downtown Cleveland, just down the road from another famous name. Two legends on one street?
Cleveland clearly takes its deli game seriously.
The corned beef sandwich arrives on well-toasted bread with a bit of coleslaw. Portions run huge, and fries are optional if you have room to spare.
Then there’s the Jaw Breaker Reuben, a name that tells you exactly what you’re up against. The Pastrami Reuben and Turkey Reuben give you even more ways to test your appetite.
This family-owned spot keeps a relaxed, friendly feel despite the bustle. It also doubles as a solid breakfast stop for early birds heading to work.
Address: 1658 St Clair Ave NE, Cleveland, OH 44114
3. Katzinger’s Delicatessen
Unlimited pickles might be the best two words in the English language. At Katzinger’s, those pickles come alongside sandwiches with meat stacked more than an inch thick.
This long-running Columbus deli serves classic Reubens, smoked fish, and matzo ball soup. Breads and pastries are baked in-house, which explains that fresh-from-the-oven smell.
The room feels old-fashioned and full of personality. You pick your toasted bread, then watch your order turn into something hefty.
Don’t skip the sides, either. Potato latkes, noodle kugel, and redskin potato salad all share space on the menu.
Save room for New York cheesecake or a slice of key lime pie. It’s open seven days a week, so a Sunday visit works too.
Address: 475 S 3rd St, Columbus, OH 43215
4. Izzy’s – Elm Street
Cincinnati has chili, sure, but it also has a serious Reuben habit. Izzy’s on Elm Street keeps that habit well fed.
The famous Reuben comes with thin, generous slices of corned beef on fresh bread. A crispy potato pancake sits alongside, and honestly, it steals a little of the spotlight.
Want options? The menu lists many Reuben variations, including a Cod Reuben for the curious.
Pastrami on a Pretzel Roll is another fan favorite.
Fridays bring matzo ball soup, so mark your calendar. Beef barley soup keeps things hearty the rest of the week.
Service moves fast, which helps on a downtown lunch break. The fun, easygoing atmosphere makes you want to linger anyway.
Address: 800 Elm St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
5. Diamond Deli
Carrot cake at a corned beef joint? Stay with us, because Diamond Deli makes both worth the trip.
This family-owned spot sits in downtown Akron and has an old-school delicatessen feel. It’s known for giant traditional and specialty sandwiches.
The corned beef and pastrami earn the loudest praise here. A Reuben or a Pastrami with Swiss makes a fine first round.
The menu runs large, with wraps and homemade matzo ball soup too. Still, the stacked deli meats are the main event.
Finish with that homemade carrot cake or a chocolate frosted brownie. Hours run 9 AM to 3 PM on weekdays, so plan a lunch escape.
Address: 378 S Main St, Akron, OH 44311
6. Joe’s, A Fine Deli & Restaurant- Rocky River
Bring a buddy, because the corned beef sandwich here can easily feed two. Tender, stacked, and seriously filling, it’s a West Side heavyweight.
Joe’s sits in Rocky River, just west of Cleveland. It pairs classic deli sandwiches with Lebanese meals, which makes for a fun menu mix.
The rye bread gets plenty of love, and so do the onion rings. Hot pastrami and tuna salad on rye round out the deli lineup.
Craving something different? Try the gyro, or go comfort-style with potato pancakes and matzo ball soup.
The dining area is bright and laid-back, with outdoor seating in nice weather. Open until 9 PM most days, it works for dinner too.
Address: 19215 Hilliard Blvd, Rocky River, OH 44116
7. Kravitz Delicatessen Inc
Youngstown families have been heading here for deli sandwiches since at least the 1980s. That kind of loyalty doesn’t happen by accident.
Kravitz makes its corned beef in-house, and you can taste the pride in it. The Corned Beef and Swiss is a classic, and signature Reubens share the stage.
Breakfast-for-lunch fans should eye the Corned Beef Hash. Wedding soup and chicken noodle soup make cozy-weather sidekicks.
Baked goods and desserts get plenty of attention too. Portions stay generous, yet lunch feels quick and easy.
It’s mainly a takeout and delivery operation, so grab your bag and go. Saturday hours mean weekend road-trippers can stop in as well.
Address: 3135 Belmont Ave, Youngstown, OH 44505