Some people in Cincinnati have been ordering the same sandwich for more than twenty years, and they still plan their week around it. That sandwich is a Reuben, stacked tall with corned beef and tucked between grilled bread.
The deli behind it sits on the west side of the city, inside a modest shopping strip that most drivers pass without a second look. Locals know better.
The menu runs deep with Reuben variations, the potato pancakes have a loyal following of their own, and the pickles keep popping up in conversation. Families stop in after errands, out-of-town guests make it a planned detour, and seniors know to mention their age at the register.
This article walks through the story, the sandwiches, the sides, the soups, the hours, and the honest quirks of a west side favorite. Grab a napkin and keep reading.
A West Side Address Worth Knowing
The mystery ends here. The deli is Izzy’s – Western Hills, and it sits at 5098 Glencrossing Way B, Cincinnati, OH 45238, in the United States.
Glencrossing Way is part of the Western Hills area on the west side of the city. It is a busy commercial pocket where people run errands, grab groceries, and fill up on lunch between stops.
Izzy’s is listed as a sandwich shop, but most regulars simply call it the deli. That label fits, because the menu leans hard into classic deli territory with corned beef, rye-style sandwiches, and hearty sides.
The building itself is not flashy. It blends into the strip, and newcomers sometimes drive by once before spotting the sign.
Inside, the setup is straightforward. There is a counter, a dining area with tables, and menus waiting at each seat for anyone eating in.
Carry-out is a big part of daily life here too. Plenty of customers order ahead, swing by, and head back to the office or home with a paper bag in hand.
Online ordering and delivery apps also bring Izzy’s sandwiches to west side kitchens. The address may be humble, but it has become a reliable lunch landmark for this corner of Cincinnati.
Part of a Hometown Deli Family
Cincinnati has its own list of homegrown food names, and Izzy’s earns a spot on it. The Western Hills shop is one location of a local deli chain that serves the region.
That chain identity matters. It means the menu at Glencrossing Way follows a familiar playbook, so someone who grew up eating Izzy’s elsewhere in town will recognize the lineup.
Loyalty runs long with this brand. Some customers have been eating Izzy’s for more than twenty years, which says plenty about how deeply the name is woven into local routines.
The chain is known for two things above all else. Piled-high sandwiches, especially Reubens, and potato pancakes form the backbone of its reputation.
Being part of a larger local group does not make the Western Hills shop feel corporate. It still runs like a neighborhood stop, with staff who often greet guests by face if not by name.
The owners also pay attention to feedback. Responses to happy customers show up with a simple thank-you, a small touch that keeps the hometown feel intact.
For west siders, this location means they do not have to cross town for a family favorite. The tradition simply came to them.
The Reuben That Built a Reputation
Ask almost anyone why they come here, and the answer arrives in one word. Reuben.
Izzy’s is described as a deli known for its Reuben sandwiches, and the menu backs that up. Corned beef gets stacked high, paired with sauerkraut, and served on grilled bread.
First-timers often walk out converted. The corned beef earns praise as fresh, and the balance of kraut to meat gets called out as just right.
Regulars describe the sandwiches as soft and easy to eat, which is not always true of a stacked deli classic. The bread holds things together without turning into a workout.
A popular insider move is to ask for the Reuben buttered and toasted. Customers who try it tend to recommend it to everyone they know.
Out-of-town families make it a point to stop in when they visit Cincinnati. For them, a trip to the city feels incomplete without one of these sandwiches.
Honesty matters, though. Some orders have come out with tougher or fattier meat than expected, and a few guests felt the stack was smaller than the menu promised.
Still, the Reuben remains the reason the line of loyal customers keeps renewing. It is the sandwich that put the name on the map.
So Many Ways to Reuben
One Reuben is good. A whole family of them is even better, and Izzy’s leans into that idea.
The menu includes many Reuben variations, so the classic corned beef version is only the starting point. Each spin keeps the deli spirit while switching up a key ingredient or two.
Cincinnati pride shows up in one of them. A goetta Reuben brings the city’s beloved breakfast staple into sandwich form, a pairing that feels very local.
Then there is the Reubinator, a name that sounds like it should come with a cape. It is one of the bigger options and a favorite among people ordering through delivery apps.
For those who want to keep it simple, the original corned beef sandwich with Swiss and thousand island dressing stays on the board. It is a solid pick for anyone who prefers the basics.
The variety makes this a place to return to again and again. A regular could work through the Reuben lineup over a few weeks and still find a new favorite.
Picky eaters are not left out either. Simpler turkey or roast beef sandwiches on white bread give them a safe harbor while the rest of the table explores.
Potato Pancakes With a Fan Club
Here is a fun fact. The potato pancakes come up in conversation even more often than the Reuben itself.
Izzy’s serves them alongside its sandwiches, and they have become a signature side. Many people order one with every meal, almost by habit.
Fans describe them as crunchy and a perfect partner for a Reuben. One first-timer had never tried a potato pancake before and left already planning a return trip.
The word latke pops up too. Some guests use that name and call the result simply perfection.
Not every plate lands the same way, and that is worth knowing. A few people have found them too heavy on batter, a bit greasy, or cooked longer than they liked.
Others have mentioned the opposite problem with a bland or undercooked batch. Consistency can depend on the day and the timing of the order.
Even so, the potato pancake remains the second half of the Izzy’s identity. Skipping it on a first visit would mean missing half the story.
A smart tip is to order it with a dine-in meal, when it comes straight from the kitchen to the table.
Pickles That Steal the Spotlight
Small sides rarely get headlines. At Izzy’s, the pickles have earned a few.
They show up in conversation again and again, enough to rank among the most talked-about items on the menu. That is impressive for something that often comes as a free extra.
A first-time guest once called the pickles phenomenal, putting them in the same breath as the soup. Plenty of others agree that they deserve attention.
The pickle is a classic deli companion. It sits on the plate as a sharp contrast to a rich corned beef sandwich and the hearty potato pancake beside it.
Some regulars treat the pickle as the opening act. Others save it for last as a palate reset before heading back into the afternoon.
Either way, it is a small detail that tells a bigger story. A deli that cares about its pickles usually cares about the rest of the plate too.
There is no need to overthink it. Just leave room on the tray, because that spear is part of the full Izzy’s experience.
A Soup Lineup With Friday Surprises
Sandwich shops sometimes treat soup as an afterthought. Izzy’s does not.
Chicken noodle soup is the standout, and at least one first-time guest called it phenomenal. It is a natural choice on a chilly Cincinnati day.
Beef barley soup also has its followers. It is a classic deli staple that pairs neatly with a half sandwich for a lighter lunch.
Cabbage soup makes the list as well, rounding out a lineup with an old-fashioned deli personality. These are the kind of bowls that suit a slow lunch break.
Fridays bring a special guest. Matzo ball soup is available only on that day, which gives regulars a reason to circle the end of the week.
The half sandwich and soup combo is a practical option for anyone who wants variety without a giant meal. It also makes it easier to try something new.
Portions in the soup can vary. One guest once found fewer chunks of meat and potato than hoped, so expectations should stay realistic.
For the most part, though, the soup station holds its own next to the sandwiches. Friday visitors just have a little extra to look forward to.
Beyond Corned Beef
Not every member of the group wants a Reuben, and that is perfectly fine. The menu stretches well past corned beef.
The tuna melt has its admirers, especially for the toasted bread it comes on. It is an easy carry-out choice for a quick lunch.
A Thanksgiving sandwich on telera bread offers holiday flavors any time of year. It is a playful pick for anyone who misses November in the middle of spring.
The Turkey Mex on a pretzel roll is another favorite. The pretzel roll alone makes it stand out from a typical deli lineup.
Fans of hearty beef can look at the Angus Beef sandwich. It is described as having everything a Philly steak fan would want.
The Godfather also has a loyal crowd. Its name hints at a bold build, and those who order it tend to call it excellent.
A fish sandwich even makes an appearance in conversation. That variety helps Izzy’s work for mixed groups with very different cravings.
So while the Reuben wears the crown, the rest of the menu is far from a supporting cast.
Room for Dessert, Deli Style
A deli lunch does not have to end with the last bite of sandwich. Izzy’s has a couple of sweet options waiting.
Rice pudding shows up as a quiet favorite. It is a traditional deli dessert that fits naturally with the rest of the old-school menu.
Cheesecake is the other big draw. Even guests who are not sold on everything else still talk about how much they love it.
The cheesecake does come at a higher price than some might expect. It is more of a treat than an everyday add-on.
Desserts like these are easy to take home. Grabbing a slice or a cup for later turns a quick lunch into an afternoon reward.
Sharing is another option. A single cheesecake slice split between two people keeps the bill friendlier and still ends the meal on a high note.
It may not be the main reason people visit, but dessert adds a nice finishing touch. Sometimes the final course is what makes a meal memorable.
Friendly Faces Behind the Counter
Good sandwiches bring people in the first time. Kind staff are often what brings them back.
The team at the Western Hills shop gets plenty of credit for being pleasant and polite. Families mention friendly service as one of the best parts of their visit.
Repeat guests from out of town say the waitstaff is always courteous. That kind of consistency matters for a place people return to year after year.
The setup mixes counter ordering with table service for those eating in. Newcomers can check in at the counter to confirm they are dining in, and someone will come to help.
On slower days, a short wait for attention can happen. A quick word at the counter usually gets things moving.
Order accuracy is not always perfect. A few online orders have arrived with missing dressing or toppings that were requested to be left off.
Double-checking a bag before leaving is a simple habit that can save a return trip. Most of the time, though, the human side of Izzy’s is a real strength.
A warm hello goes a long way, and this crew seems to know it.
No-Frills Space, Easygoing Mood
Nobody comes to Izzy’s for fancy decor. They come for lunch, and the room reflects that.
The dining area is simple, with tables, menus, and a straightforward layout. It is the kind of place built for eating, not posing for photos.
Many guests describe the shop as clean and fresh. Others feel the space looks a little worn, so the style leans casual rather than polished.
The pace is relaxed. Long lines are rare, and food usually arrives without a lengthy wait.
That makes it a smart pick for a lunch break with a tight schedule. Quick service means getting in, eating well, and getting back to the day.
The crowd is mixed. Parents and grown children, couples, seniors, and solo workers all share the room.
Picky eaters and adventurous eaters can sit at the same table without trouble. The menu has enough range for both.
In short, the vibe is comfortable and unfussy. It feels like a neighborhood deli should.
Hours to Plan Around
Timing a Reuben run is easy once the schedule is clear. Izzy’s – Western Hills keeps fairly steady hours through most of the week.
Monday through Thursday, the doors open at 10 AM and close at 8 PM. That covers lunch and an early dinner without any rush.
Friday and Saturday stretch a little longer. The shop stays open from 10 AM until 9 PM on both days.
Sunday is the day off. The deli is closed, so weekend cravings need to be handled by Saturday night.
Friday deserves a special note. It is the only day matzo ball soup is on the menu, which makes it a popular choice for soup fans.
Weather does not always slow things down. Guests have stopped in on a Tuesday right after a heavy snowfall and still found a good meal waiting.
Late lunches can be a sweet spot for a calmer room. Early evenings work well too for anyone grabbing dinner to go.
A little planning means never arriving on a closed Sunday with a craving and nowhere to go.
What Lunch Costs and How to Save
Money talk is part of any good lunch plan. At Izzy’s, many guests call the prices reasonable and the meal a fair value.
For a sense of scale, a Reubinator with a potato cake ordered through a delivery app has run a little over twenty dollars. Delivery fees can push totals higher than dine-in.
A pair of sandwiches with two potato cakes ordered online has come in around twenty-nine dollars. A sit-down meal for two with drinks and sides lands in a similar range.
Some people feel the cost runs a bit high for the portion. Others think it is well worth it for a stacked deli sandwich.
Here is a helpful tip for older guests. Seniors can ask for a discount at checkout, so it pays to speak up at the register.
The half sandwich and soup combo is another way to keep costs friendly. It still delivers a full deli experience.
Desserts like cheesecake cost a bit more. Splitting one is a simple workaround.
With a little strategy, a satisfying lunch here does not have to stretch the budget.
Why the Regulars Keep Coming Back
Decades of loyalty do not happen by accident. Izzy’s – Western Hills has built its following one Reuben at a time.
The formula is simple. Stacked corned beef, a long list of Reuben spins, crunchy potato pancakes, and pickles worth talking about.
Add in soups with a Friday twist and a menu wide enough for picky eaters. Then mix in friendly staff and quick service.
It is not flawless. Some days bring tougher meat, uneven potato pancakes, or a mixed-up online order.
Dining in tends to give the best shot at fresh, hot food straight from the kitchen. Checking carry-out bags before leaving is a smart habit too.
Still, the strong overall love for this place tells its own story. With 4.5 stars across hundreds of opinions, most people leave happy.
Families bring their kids. Visitors from out of town make it a ritual stop.
For anyone exploring the west side of Cincinnati, a stop on Glencrossing Way makes a tasty plan. Order the Reuben, add a potato pancake, and see why so many locals never stopped coming back.
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