A great Reuben is one of those sandwiches that people get weirdly loyal about, and Ohio happens to be full of delis that earn that loyalty. Corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss, and dressing grilled on rye sounds simple, but the small details make all the difference.
From Cleveland to Cincinnati, these six spots each do the classic their own way. If you love a good sandwich, this is a list worth keeping in your back pocket.
1. Slyman’s Restaurant and Deli, Cleveland, OH
Cleveland folks talk about Slyman’s the way other cities talk about their sports teams, and the corned beef is the reason why. The lean corned beef comes piled so high that first-timers often do a double take at the portion size.
The menu leans into deli classics, with the Pastrami Reuben and Turkey Reuben standing out for anyone who wants the grilled, cheesy, saucy version of that stacked meat. Homemade soups round things out if you want more than a sandwich.
The dining room has an easy, local feel where workers, friends, and retirees all end up sharing the same crowd. It runs as a counter-serve spot with some table service, good for eat-in or takeout.
Hours are Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 2:30 PM, and it is closed on weekends. There is a free parking lot plus free street parking, and you will find it at 3106 St Clair Ave NE.
2. Katzinger’s Delicatessen, Columbus, OH
Set in the brick-lined streets of historic German Village, Katzinger’s has been a Columbus deli anchor for a long time. The shop is known for in-house baked breads, a giant board of sandwich options, and the free pickles that keep coming.
The Reuben is the headliner here, and the deli calls it their best-selling sandwich since day one. It layers hot corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and house Russian dressing, all grilled on rye.
Beyond the sandwiches, you can browse fresh baked bread, cheese, spreads, tinned fish, and jams, along with sides like potato latkes, noodle kugel, and redskin potato salad. Dessert is no afterthought, with key lime pie, New York cheesecake, and cheese blintzes on the board.
It is open every day from 10 AM to 6 PM, with lunchtime Fridays and Saturdays being the busiest. You will find it at 475 S 3rd St, with free and paid parking nearby.
3. Izzy’s – Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH
Downtown Cincinnati diners have a spot that flat out calls its signature the World’s Best Reuben, and Izzy’s is happy to let the sandwich do the arguing. The corned beef is sliced thin and stacked generously on fresh bread, and it comes with a crispy potato pancake on the side.
What sets this place apart is how many ways it plays with the theme. You can get the Reuben with a potato pancake, the Cod Reuben, the Famous Corned Beef and Swiss, or a Pastrami on a Pretzel Roll if you want something a little different.
The vibe is casual and good for solo lunches or groups, and there is a full vegetarian menu too. Matzo ball soup shows up Fridays only, so plan around that if it is on your radar.
Hours run Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 8 PM, closed weekends. Parking downtown can be tricky, so give yourself a minute to find a space near 800 Elm St.
4. Charlie’s Deli & Catering, Dayton, OH
Dayton has a no-frills sandwich nook that regulars swear by, and the Reuben is the sandwich that earns the bragging rights. It is prepared with quality corned beef and gets called the best in town by more than a few people who order one and never look back.
Beyond the classic, Charlie’s has a fun streak with items like the Reuben burger, the 1 Pounder that packs a pound of meat between the bread, and oddball favorites like Smokey the Bear and the Chi-Dog. German pantry staples and sides like German potato salad and cabbage rolls round out the menu.
The setting is small, historic, and casual, with fast counter service and no table service, which fits the lunch-rush crowd. Prices land on the affordable end, and there is usually plenty of parking.
You can visit Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 7 PM, at 429 Troy St. Weekends it is closed, so make it a weekday plan.
5. Diamond Deli, Akron, OH
Family-owned and rooted in downtown Akron, Diamond Deli has built its name on giant sandwiches made fresh in-house. The Reuben here gets a generous portion of meat, and it is the kind of sandwich people drive across town for when the craving hits.
Both the classic Reuben Sandwich and the Turkey Reuben show up on the menu, so you can go traditional or lighten it up without losing the grilled, cheesy character. Homemade matzo ball soup, hot and cold sandwiches, and a big selection of quality meats keep the board interesting.
Save room for dessert, because the carrot cake slice and chocolate frosted brownie are part of the appeal. The deli closes right after lunch, so ordering ahead on their website makes life easier.
Hours are Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 3 PM, with midday being the busy stretch. Find it at 378 S Main St, where both free and paid parking options are available.
6. Romans Deli, Toledo, OH
Toledo’s Romans Deli keeps things focused, and Reubens are squarely at the center of what it does best. The sandwiches are homemade, huge, and priced to keep you coming back, which is a rare combination.
The signature move here is the Rocket, a corned beef Reuben combo that puts a twist on the standard build. Even the smallest size lands as a big sandwich, and it pairs nicely with a bag of Great Lakes kettle chips.
Regulars work their way through classic corned beef, pastrami, and the Turkey Reuben, and it is easy to see how someone could plan a few return trips to try everything. The friendly staff and made-to-order approach are a big part of the charm.
One heads-up worth knowing: there is no restroom on site, and parking is street parking, both free and paid. Hours run Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, at 526 Jackson St.
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