Some sandwiches arrive alone on the plate. In downtown Cincinnati, one deli sends its Reuben out with a waffle-cut potato pancake riding shotgun and a side of pickles for good company.
Locals have treated this combo like a hometown tradition for years, and college regulars still come back long after graduation. The menu is big and the portions are generous, yet the prices stay friendly enough for a weekday lunch.
Keep reading to learn where this spot sits, what to order beyond the famous sandwich, which day brings a special soup, and when to show up so the doors are actually open.
A Deli Corner Across From Piatt Park
Downtown Cincinnati has plenty of lunch counters, but one address on Elm Street keeps the Reuben conversation going year after year.
Izzy’s – Elm Street sits at 800 Elm St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, right across from Piatt Park. It is part of a local deli chain known for piled-high sandwiches and potato pancakes.
The spot is officially a deli, and it plays the role well. The menu leans on corned beef, many Reuben variations, soups, and sides that pair with nearly everything.
Location matters here, too. The Elm Street shop has long been noted as the downtown branch that stays open later than the Main Street location, which makes it handy for an early dinner.
The neighborhood is walkable, and the deli works well as a stop during a stroll through downtown or on the way to the market. Close parking also gets a mention among guests who drive in.
It also holds a 4.4-star standing from more than 700 diners, which says a lot about its steady local following.
Consider this the starting point of a lunch with a crispy twist.
A Cincinnati Family Tradition
Ask a few locals about Izzy’s and the answer often sounds like a family story rather than a restaurant tip.
For many households, a downtown trip means a stop here, so much so that some families skip trying new places altogether. That kind of loyalty does not happen by accident.
The appeal is consistency. Regulars describe the deli as good year after year, with a menu where it is hard to go wrong.
One longtime fan has been coming since college. Others bring out-of-town guests to show them a slice of local food culture, and some ask whether anything is more Cincinnati than this place.
The deli does not chase trends. It is described as nothing fancy, and that is part of the charm.
Instead, it focuses on the classics people return for: corned beef, the Reuben, and that famous potato pancake. The rhythm of the place stays busy, with crowds hustling in and out at lunch.
Traditions tend to stick when they deliver, and this one keeps delivering.
The Famous Reuben Itself
Here is the headliner, and it earns top billing.
Izzy’s Famous Reuben is the sandwich most people come for. It stacks corned beef on rye bread with cheese and sauce, and fans praise the meat as tender and full of flavor.
Several diners have called it the best Reuben they have ever had. The bread arrives toasted, and the sauce and cheese both add something to the build.
Portions are a good size, and the extra-meat versions turn the sandwich into a full dinner. One Reuben variation even swaps in roast beef for a different take on the classic.
The comparison to big-city delis comes up, too. A guest from New York pointed out that a similar sandwich costs far more there.
Not every bite wins every heart. A few diners found the meat portion lighter than hoped or the bread on the soft side.
Still, the Reuben remains the reason the deli’s name keeps circulating around Cincinnati.
That Waffle-Cut Potato Pancake
Most sandwiches come with chips. This one comes with a sidekick that has its own fan club.
The potato pancake is the most talked-about item at Izzy’s, mentioned even more often than the Reuben. It arrives waffle-cut, crispy on the outside and tender inside.
Fans call it unbeatable, and some playfully apologize to their grandmothers for saying so. Others recommend ordering an extra cake right away, since one rarely feels like enough.
The pancake comes standard with the famous Reuben. That pairing is the whole idea behind the title of this article.
Results can vary from visit to visit. A handful of diners found theirs too firm or greasy, so freshness seems to matter.
When it lands right, though, the crunch is the part people remember long after the sandwich is gone.
Call it the potato that stole the show.
Pickles, Pretzel Buns, and Other Supporting Acts
Pickles show up before the food does, and nobody complains.
Complimentary pickles land on the table while orders are being made, sometimes served from a crock. They are on the mild side, which suits folks who prefer less pucker.
Beyond the Reuben, the menu is large. Pastrami on a pretzel roll wins over even people who normally avoid pretzel rolls.
Corned beef sandwiches, a turkey club, a fish sandwich, and a house salad are also on offer. Sandwiches can be ordered grilled, which adds a buttery finish.
Desserts deserve a mention. The carrot cake earns praise, and rice pudding makes a fine closer for those with room left.
Classic Dr. Brown’s sodas complete the old-school deli lineup.
The supporting cast here is strong enough to carry its own lunch.
Soup Days Worth Planning Around
Fridays carry a secret at this deli.
Matzo ball soup appears only on Fridays, and families plan their downtown trips around it. Show up on a Tuesday, and that bowl simply is not on the menu.
Other soups have devoted fans as well. Broccoli cheese and navy bean are called some of the best around by longtime regulars.
Chicken noodle soup also earns occasional mentions. It is a comfort choice on chilly Cincinnati days.
Soup pairs well with half the menu. A bowl alongside a Reuben makes a hearty, filling lunch.
For lighter appetites, soup and a potato pancake can also do the trick. The flexibility is part of the appeal.
Mark the calendar if matzo balls are the goal, because timing is everything here.
Casual Seats and a Quick Counter
Nothing about the setup is fussy.
Guests are welcomed at the door, and those dining in pick their own table. The space is described as cozy and quirky.
Speed is a highlight. Some meals arrive in under five minutes, which suits office workers on a tight lunch break.
Lunchtime gets busy, especially with takeout orders. Seating can feel crowded when people stand around waiting.
Staff members get frequent praise for being friendly and welcoming. Tables stay clean, too.
The deli also suits sightseers. One family found it a short drive after the Museum Center, with parking nearby.
Eating in seems to add charm to the sandwich, so grabbing a seat is worth it when one opens up.
Hours, Prices, and Timing Tips
Weekends are a no-go, so plan accordingly.
Izzy’s on Elm Street opens Monday through Friday from 10 am to 8 pm. It is closed on Saturday and Sunday.
Prices typically fall in the $10 to $20 range per person. That makes a loaded Reuben with a potato pancake an affordable treat.
Arriving just before or after the noon rush helps snag a table. The later evening hours also make an early dinner easy.
Takeout is popular, though sandwiches can get soggy on longer walks. Eating on site keeps the bread and pancake at their best.
Delivery orders are available through apps, but menus there may differ slightly. Checking the official website before ordering helps avoid surprises.
A little planning keeps the visit smooth.
Worth the Downtown Detour
Some lunches are just lunch. Others become a habit.
Izzy’s on Elm Street lands in the second group for many Cincinnatians. The Reuben brings the reputation, and the crispy potato pancake seals the deal.
It is not a flawless operation. Some days the pancake is firmer or the sandwich a bit lighter than hoped.
Yet the steady crowds, friendly staff, and fair prices explain why people keep coming back. Families, students, and travelers all find a reason to stop.
Order the Reuben, add an extra cake, and save room for carrot cake. On Fridays, grab the matzo ball soup too.
A weekday visit offers a taste of local tradition without a big bill.
Go hungry and leave happy, with a pickle for the road.
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