Ohio’s sandwich scene is a delicious rebellion against bland, copy paste chains. These counters are where crusty bread crackles, pickles bite back, and regulars greet you by name. You will taste hometown pride in every stack, smear, and sizzle. Come hungry, because these spots prove chains never stood a chance.
The Brown Bag Delicatessen – Columbus, Ohio
Brown Bag is the dependable neighborhood stop where a perfect lunch feels easy. The line moves fast, the counter crew chats you up, and then a hefty sandwich lands like a hug. Expect soft yet sturdy bread, balanced spreads, and house pickles delivering that crisp, salty snap.
You build it your way, or trust their beloved combos. Turkey with provolone and spicy mustard tastes clean and bright, while roast beef with horseradish wakes up your afternoon. Grab kettle chips, a cookie, and stroll the red brick streets feeling like a local.
Regulars swear you get more flavor and friendliness here than any chain. One visit, and you will get why.
Katzinger’s Delicatessen – Columbus, Ohio
Katzinger’s brings New York deli swagger to Columbus with mile high sandwiches and a famous pickle bar. The rye is seeded, the corned beef sliced right, and the sauerkraut brings tangy character. You taste patience in every brine and every slow cooked bite.
The Reuben is king, but turkey pastrami with Swiss and slaw might steal your heart. Grab a spear from the pickle bar and crunch away while watching the organized chaos behind the counter. Everything hits with confidence and comfort.
Chain shops cannot match this personality or craftsmanship. One sandwich here feels like a rite of passage, and the friendly bustle makes you want to linger. Bring an appetite and napkins.
Slyman’s Restaurant and Deli – Cleveland, Ohio
Slyman’s is Cleveland’s corned beef cathedral. The sandwich arrives stacked to improbable heights, tender and juicy with just enough fat to melt into the rye. You add a swipe of mustard, take a bite, and the room quiets.
Service is brisk and efficient, a no nonsense rhythm powered by decades of practice. Breakfast rules here too, but that signature corned beef sets the standard. It is salty, savory, and somehow delicate, like deli poetry.
Regulars insist chains cannot touch the freshness and portion size. You leave full, happy, and slightly amazed at what you just conquered. Bring friends, split sides, and treat it like a Cleveland pilgrimage.
Larder Delicatessen and Bakery – Cleveland, Ohio
Larder is a chef driven deli where fermentation, baking, and nose to tail technique create unforgettable sandwiches. The pastrami is smoky, pepper crusted, and sliced to reveal rosy tenderness. Thick bread anchors every juicy bite, while pickled vegetables deliver bright zing.
Expect creativity like mushroom Reubens, seasonal krauts, and house cultured butter. The team explains ingredients without pretense, inviting you into their craft. You taste patience, curiosity, and respect for tradition with each crunch.
It is the opposite of chain uniformity, in the best way. You leave inspired, maybe clutching a jar of pickles for later. Larder feels like a workshop for flavor, and you are always welcome to learn.
Tommy’s Diner – Columbus, Ohio
Tommy’s Diner is a time capsule where the griddle sings and sandwiches come honest and hearty. Picture a bacon, egg, and cheese on toasted bread, yolk running, salt and pepper just right. Lunchtime brings turkey clubs with crisp lettuce and Nanas soup steaming nearby.
Servers recognize regulars, refill coffee without asking, and keep the pace friendly. You feel looked after, like family returning home. The menu is classic without being sleepy, which keeps everyone smiling.
Chains cannot bottle this warmth or the perfectly seasoned flat top magic. Come early, snag a booth, and watch the neighborhood wake up. Your sandwich tastes better with the diner soundtrack playing softly behind it.
Canal Street Arcade and Deli – Dayton, Ohio
At Canal Street Arcade and Deli, you order a killer sandwich and then rack up high scores. The bread is toasted golden, meats layered precisely, and cheese pulls stretch across the table. Each bite carries crunch, warmth, and a little nostalgia from the arcade glow.
Pair your panini with local beer while pinball bells ping in the background. Staff are upbeat and quick with suggestions, steering you toward their best sellers. The vibe is playful without sacrificing quality.
Chains rarely feel this fun or personal. Here, lunch becomes a mini field trip that brightens your day. You will probably stay longer than planned, and that is the point.
Zeno’s – Columbus, Ohio
Zeno’s is the friendly corner hangout where subs, hoagies, and cold beers create easy evenings. The Italian packs layered meats, shredded lettuce, and a peppery vinaigrette that wakes everything up. Bread has chew, the meat is sliced right, and the balance hits.
Sports hum on the TVs, locals swap stories, and the kitchen turns out consistent plates. You can linger with friends without watching the clock. The staff keeps things moving while remembering repeat orders.
Chains offer predictability, but Zeno’s delivers community plus flavor. Order extra banana peppers for a lively kick and grab fries to share. It feels like your place after one visit, which is the magic.
Izzy’s – Elm Street – Cincinnati, Ohio
Izzy’s on Elm Street is Cincinnati comfort, anchored by a legendary Reuben and that crisp potato pancake. The corned beef is tender, the Swiss melts perfectly, and the sauerkraut brings bright punch. You add a pickle spear and everything clicks.
Service is quick and friendly, even during downtown rushes. The menu spans tradition and accessible twists, so everyone finds a favorite. You leave satisfied without emptying your wallet, which keeps regulars returning.
Chains cannot replicate the spirit or that iconic pancake side. Grab a booth, breathe in the deli perfume, and let lunch cure the day. Your only regret is not ordering an extra pickle for later.
The Pickled Pig – Cincinnati, Ohio
The Pickled Pig celebrates cured meats and tangy accents that make sandwiches sing. Think luscious porchetta, smoked brisket, or turkey brightened with punchy pickles and herb aioli. Textures play nice here, from soft rolls to crackly edges and crispy slaw.
Every component feels intentional, like a chef riffing on comfort. Portions satisfy without slowing you down. The staff talks flavor like friends who love to share tips, pointing you toward seasonal standouts.
Chains do not chase nuance like this. You leave with a happy buzz from acid, fat, and salt working in harmony. Grab an extra jar of pickles, because that zing becomes addictive quickly.
Sammy’s Craft Burgers & Beers – Cincinnati, Ohio
Sammy’s is known for burgers, but sandwich lovers score big too. Look for chicken clubs with smoky bacon, grilled cheese piled high, and brisket melts dripping with savory goodness. Brioche buns keep everything together without getting soggy.
Pair your pick with a rotating tap list that spans crisp lagers to hoppy IPAs. Staff guides you toward smart combos, like a citrusy pale ale cutting through rich cheese. The energy is casual, lively, and perfect for group hangs.
Chains rarely match the freshness or fun. You taste care in the sear, the sauces, and the sides. Come ready to share bites so you can explore the menu fully.
Newfangled Kitchen – Bexley, Ohio
Newfangled Kitchen turns classic comfort into craveworthy sandwiches, headlined by their beloved meatloaf. Thick slices get seared, tucked into sturdy bread, and sauced just right. Each bite is nostalgic yet lively, with peppery edges and creamy sides rounding things out.
Mac and cheese or crisp slaw make worthy companions, depending on your mood. The space is cheerful and easygoing, perfect for a quick lunch that feels like home. Staff greets you warmly and keeps service smooth.
Chains try to imitate comfort, but this place embodies it. You taste care in the seasoning and the consistent sear. Save room for dessert, because even cookies taste like thoughtful throwbacks.