Some restaurants chase trends. This one has spent more than six decades ignoring them, and Columbus keeps showing up anyway.
On a busy stretch of road in the city’s north end sits a family-run deli that opened in 1960, back when a toasted sub was considered a fine reason to leave the house. People who moved away decades ago still plan stops here when they come back to town.
Grandparents share tables with college students, and nobody seems to mind the dated decor one bit. The menu runs deep, with toasted subs, pasta, pizza, and a lasagna that inspires serious loyalty.
Prices stay friendly, portions stay generous, and the family stays in charge. Keep reading to learn where it is, what to order, when to go, and why so many locals treat it like a second kitchen.
A Clintonville Classic on North High Street
The address worth saving is 3737 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214, in the Clintonville neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio, in the United States.
The place is called Smith’s | Restaurant & Deli, and it has been feeding this part of town since 1960.
From the street, it does not try very hard to grab attention. The outside is plain and unassuming, the kind of building plenty of drivers pass hundreds of times without stopping.
That is a mistake many locals admit they made for years. Once people finally pull in, they tend to wish they had done it much sooner.
Officially, it is listed as an Italian restaurant. In practice, it is a family-owned deli that serves hearty sandwiches, pasta, and pizza under one roof.
The combination gives it a wider reach than a typical sub shop. Lunch crowds, dinner regulars, and takeout customers all have reasons to stop by.
Clintonville has seen plenty of businesses come and go over the decades. This one has stayed put, and that steady presence is a big part of why the neighborhood treats it as a local treasure.
Now the obvious question is what keeps a deli going for more than sixty years, and the answer starts with the family behind the counter.
Six Decades in the Family
Established in 1960, Smith’s has outlasted many trends, a few neighborhood makeovers, and a long list of competitors.
It remains family-owned, and that detail comes up again and again among the people who eat here.
The business is described as intergenerational, locally owned and run. That means the same family approach that started things decades ago still shapes the daily operation.
Many guests appreciate that it has stayed family-owned for so long. In an area where places change hands often, that continuity feels rare.
The owner is known for running a tight ship. The restaurant is well managed, and the staff are attentive and friendly.
Some customers have been coming for more than 30 years. Even after moving out of the area, a few still make a point to stop in whenever they return to Columbus.
That kind of loyalty does not happen by accident. It comes from consistency, fair prices, and a staff that makes people feel at home.
History is only part of the story, though. The interior has a few surprises of its own.
Bigger Inside Than It Looks
Here is a fun twist: the dining room is larger than the exterior suggests.
Inside, the space is organized, clean, and decorated with wall murals that give it the feel of a traditional family-style deli.
The walls carry plenty of historic Columbus memorabilia. Local history buffs can spend part of their meal just looking around.
Old diner tables edged in chrome add to the retro charm. The look has barely changed over the years, and regulars seem to like it that way.
To be fair, the decor is dated, and not everyone will love it. The lighting also leans on the dim side.
Still, many guests call the never-changing aesthetic part of the appeal. It feels like a trip to a bygone era, without any effort to fake it.
There is also an open kitchen, so diners can watch their food being made. A pizza oven is visible too, which has tipped off more than one first-timer that pizza is on the menu.
A free local Clintonville newspaper is usually around for anyone who wants to take a copy home.
Toasted Subs That Built the Reputation
Subs come up more than any other item when people talk about Smith’s, and for good reason.
They are toasted, made to order, and stacked with generous portions of meat.
The meatball sub and the chicken Parmesan sub are both popular picks. The marinara is homemade, and plenty of fans can tell it did not come from a can.
Turkey and club sandwiches also get toasted, with ham and turkey piled high. The bread comes out crisp, which helps everything hold together.
For the hungriest guests, the Super Smith sub is a regular favorite. The Smith’s sub is another house option and pairs nicely with two sides.
Nearby workers often grab subs for takeout during lunch breaks. The portions are big enough that some people end up saving half for later.
Not every sandwich wins every person over. A few folks have wished for a little more cheese or sauce, which is a fair note for anyone with specific tastes.
For most, though, the toasted sub is the reason they came and the reason they return.
The Reuben With a Following
Some sandwiches earn fans, and the Reuben at Smith’s has earned a small fan club.
It is one of the most talked-about items on the menu, right behind the subs.
The bread stays crispy and does not turn soggy. It also manages to stay neat, which is a nice bonus for a sandwich that often makes a mess elsewhere.
Some fans call it the best Reuben they have had. Others add it straight into their regular sandwich rotation after a single visit.
It also works well as a takeout order. Phone orders for pickup are easy, and the wait is usually short when it is not busy.
Like any deli favorite, opinions are not unanimous. At least one guest found it on the small side, so appetites may vary.
The price stays reasonable either way. That makes it an easy order for first-timers who want to test the kitchen.
Of course, a deli that only did sandwiches would not need a pizza oven, which brings up the next part of the menu.
Lasagna Worth Planning Around
Lasagna might be the sleeper hit at Smith’s.
One guest called it just short of life changing, which is high praise for a pan of pasta.
The Italian side of the menu runs deeper than many expect. Chicken Parmesan pasta is a common order, and spaghetti and meatballs also has its fans.
That homemade sauce shows up here too. It ties the pasta dishes to the subs and gives the whole menu a consistent home-kitchen style.
Family Size offerings make it easier to feed a group. That is handy for households that want dinner without the cooking.
Many first-timers come in for a sub and leave planning a return trip for lasagna. Others have the reverse experience.
Either way, the pasta lineup proves this is more than a sandwich counter.
Pizza, Stromboli, and a Few Surprises
Plenty of guests do not realize Smith’s makes pizza until they see one land at the next table.
That surprise tends to end with a pizza order to take home.
The crust comes out crispy, and the cheese gets strong marks. A few people wish for a bit more sauce, but they still say they would go again.
Stromboli is another popular choice. It shows up often in conversations about the menu.
Croissant sandwiches add another option for anyone who wants something lighter than a full sub.
Salads also appear on the menu, including seasonal specials. A past fall salad came with blue cheese, chicken, cranberries, and walnuts on mixed greens.
In-house made soup rounds things out. With this much variety, it is easy to see why some regulars say there is still more to explore.
And then there are the sides and sweets, which deserve their own moment.
Sides, Cookies, and Root Beer
Here is a small tip that regulars repeat often: do not skip the cookies.
Some suggest grabbing one, while others recommend three.
Homemade sides are part of the deal. Potato salad and pasta salad often come with subs, and macaroni salad is cheap enough to add on a whim.
Not every side lands perfectly for everyone. One guest found the macaroni salad a little dry, while another simply added extra mayo at home.
The drink cooler includes a few semi-specialty sodas. Stewart’s root beer has made at least one fan very happy.
Fountain pop is available too, for those who prefer the classic route.
These little extras help explain why a meal here feels complete. A sub, a side, and a cookie make an easy lunch with very little guesswork.
A Room Where Every Generation Fits
Few dining rooms in Columbus host this many generations at once.
Young diners, families, and older locals all share the space, and everyone seems comfortable.
The vibe is laid-back and cozy. Soft background music plays, and the pace feels slower than at a busy chain restaurant.
That calmer feel is a draw for people who want a quiet meal. It is a place to sit, eat, and stay awhile.
An older crowd often fills the tables, which many take as a sign of loyalty earned over time. Locals clearly trust it.
The staff are friendly and genuine. Several guests say the service makes them feel at home.
Families, coworkers on lunch break, and out-of-town friends all fit right in. It works for a solo lunch as well as a group dinner.
Comfort counts for a lot, but so does knowing what to expect before the trip.
Hours, Prices, and Parking Tips
Timing matters here, because Smith’s keeps a specific schedule.
It opens Tuesday through Saturday from 9 am to 9 pm and stays closed on Sunday and Monday.
Prices are a major part of the appeal. Two people have ordered a large spread and still kept the bill under $30.
Portions are generous for the cost. Many guests say the quality and size beat what they expected at this price.
Service can take some time because everything is made to order. Even on slower days, a wait is possible, and peak hours can stretch longer.
Parking is limited, so carpooling is a smart move. The lot can fill up quickly.
Phone orders for pickup are an easy alternative. Many locals use that option for quick lunches or dinners at home.
The website, smithsdeli.com, is a good place to check details before heading over.
Why the Regulars Keep Returning
After more than sixty years, Smith’s still does what it set out to do.
It serves hearty food at fair prices in a room that feels familiar.
The toasted subs pull people in. The lasagna, Reuben, and pizza give them reasons to come back.
Nothing about the place feels flashy. The building is plain, the decor is dated, and the wait can run long.
Yet the family ownership, friendly staff, and steady quality keep the loyalty strong. Some guests have been coming for three decades and counting.
For anyone in Clintonville or passing through Columbus, it is an easy stop to add to the list. Bring a friend, plan for limited parking, and save room for a cookie.
Some places earn their spot in a neighborhood. This one has earned it one toasted sub at a time.
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