Ohio takes its sandwiches seriously—and these 14 spots prove it.
From towering corned beef to loaded Italian subs, the Buckeye State is stacked with lunchtime heroes that keep locals coming back for more.
Some are tiny delis tucked into quiet neighborhoods, serving classics passed down for generations. Others are bold, creative spots piling meat, cheese, and sauces into epic, unforgettable creations.
Whether you’re hunting for a quick bite between meetings or craving a sandwich that could double as a full meal, Ohio has options that satisfy every appetite.
Get ready to explore the sandwiches people rely on when lunch can’t just be ordinary—it has to be spectacular.
Newfangled Kitchen – Bexley
Comfort food gets an upgrade at Newfangled Kitchen, where meatloaf is the star and every sandwich feels like a hug. Expect thick, juicy slices with a crisp sear, tucked into toasted bread that holds up to sauces without getting soggy.
The house ketchup, tangy pickles, and melty cheese bring balance, so each bite stays bright, rich, and satisfying.
You can customize with add ons like bacon or jalapenos if you want extra punch, or keep it classic for that Sunday dinner nostalgia at lunch. Sides like potato salad and slaw are dependable, but the chips deliver serious crunch.
Service is quick, friendly, and efficient, making it an easy weekday spot when time is tight.
Vegetarians are covered with clever variations that still deliver texture and comfort. Portions land in the just right zone, leaving you full but not sluggish.
If you are nearby, grab a seat, breathe in that toasty bread aroma, and let a meatloaf sandwich reset your day.
Express Deli – Brook Park
Express Deli lives up to its name with fast, no nonsense service and sandwiches built to satisfy serious cravings. The bread is sturdy and fresh, ideal for thick stacks of turkey, roast beef, or ham that never skimp on portions.
Balanced spreads and crisp produce keep flavors clean, so every bite pops without being heavy.
Regulars rave about consistent quality, from the sliced to order meats to the just right cheese melt. If you like heat, ask for hot peppers or a swipe of spicy mustard for an extra kick.
The specials board rotates, but the hearty classics always deliver, especially when you are on a lunch break clock.
Grab a bag of chips, a pickle spear, and you are set. The staff moves quickly yet stays friendly, which keeps lines moving during rush.
If you want reliable deli comfort at a fair price, this Brook Park standby absolutely holds up.
Slyman’s Restaurant – Cleveland
Slyman’s is the corned beef benchmark, the kind of sandwich you measure others against. The meat is sliced thick, juicy, and steaming, piled so high you wonder how it all stays together.
Rye bread holds the line, with a swipe of mustard cutting through the richness like a pro.
There is a reason locals bring out of town friends here. It is big, bold, and unapologetically Cleveland, where lunch feels like an event and leftovers are likely.
Grab napkins early, because this is a two handed, lean forward situation you will absolutely enjoy.
Lines can be long at peak, but the staff flies through orders with practiced rhythm. Keep it simple, add a pickle, maybe coleslaw, and let the corned beef shine.
When you want a true deli legend, Slyman’s delivers every single time.
The Brown Bag Delicatessen – Columbus
The Brown Bag Delicatessen nails the neighborhood deli vibe, where bread is tender, crusty in the right places, and stacked with well chosen meats. Sandwiches lean classic, but there is real care in the balance of texture and flavor.
Everything tastes fresh, from crisp lettuce to tomatoes that actually taste like tomatoes.
Ordering is easy and friendly, and the team offers helpful suggestions if you are torn between combinations. The house dressings add zip without overpowering, and the portions feel just right for a midday recharge.
Seating is cozy, but grab and go in a brown bag is part of the charm.
Pair your sandwich with a cookie or a pickle for the full experience. It is the kind of spot you return to because they consistently get the details right.
When you want a classic made with love, this Columbus staple has your back.
Wario’s Beef & Pork – Columbus
Wario’s is an ode to excess in the best possible way, with overstuffed cheesesteaks and subs that demand two hands and full attention. The beef is shaved and juicy, the cheese molten, the peppers and onions soft with a little char.
Rolls are sturdy and sesame edged, designed to soak up all that flavor without falling apart.
Cold cut lovers will find towering hoagies layered with salami, capicola, and provolone, brightened with sharp vinaigrette. Expect drips, grins, and zero regrets.
The line moves fast, but there is always an energy that makes waiting part of the fun.
You can go classic or toss in hot cherry peppers for extra zing. Bring an appetite, maybe a few napkins, and lean into the indulgence.
For a high flavor lunch that hits hard, Wario’s absolutely delivers.
Katzinger’s Delicatessen – Columbus
Katzinger’s is where cravings for a proper Reuben get solved with authority. Griddled rye crackles, Swiss collapses into silky strands, and the corned beef or pastrami stays tender and juicy.
Sauerkraut and dressing are measured with a steady hand, keeping the sandwich bright, tangy, and deeply satisfying.
The menu is wide, but execution stays tight across classics like turkey clubs and tuna. House pickles are a must, briny and crisp, perfect for cleansing the palate between bites.
Service feels seasoned and efficient, even when the line wraps around.
Portions are generous without tipping into chaos, so lunch feels abundant rather than overwhelming. Grab a cookie for the road and thank yourself later.
When you need a traditional deli done right, Katzinger’s is a steady favorite.
Primo’s Deli – Akron
Primo’s Deli feels like the dependable friend you call when you need a sure thing. The meats are sliced fresh, the rolls are soft yet sturdy, and every sandwich gets that essential oil and vinegar shine.
Italian subs are the move, layered with salami, ham, provolone, and crisp veggies for crunch.
There is a steady rhythm here, a confidence that comes from serving locals for decades. You get big value for the price, and the flavors stay honest and satisfying.
If you want spice, add banana peppers and a dusting of oregano to perk everything up.
The crew keeps it friendly and quick, perfect for lunch runs between errands. Pair your sandwich with a pickle or chips for classic deli comfort.
When tradition tastes this good, change is unnecessary.
Diamond Deli – Akron
Diamond Deli is known for sandwiches that look almost cartoon huge, yet somehow remain thoughtfully constructed. Thick slices of turkey or corned beef, soft bread with real chew, and well seasoned spreads keep every bite lively.
It is comfort with personality, the kind of lunch that fuels the rest of your day.
Regulars swear by the overstuffed signature builds, each with distinct flair and playful names. The team moves fast and jokes with customers, creating a cheerful bustle.
Sides like soup or potato salad round things out if you want a complete meal.
Even with the big portions, flavors stay balanced rather than bloated. It is easy to share, but you might not want to.
For a hearty, house style sandwich that feels like home, Diamond Deli hits just right.
Si Señor Peruvian Sandwiches – Columbus
Si Señor brings Peruvian flair to the Ohio lunch scene with chicharron sandwiches that sing. Crispy pork meets soft bread, sweet potato slices, and tangy salsa criolla, then a squeeze of lime pulls every flavor into focus.
The result is crunchy, savory, bright, and totally addictive.
Other options lean bold too, with aji sauces offering adjustable heat. There is freshness in every layer, from herbs to citrus, making even a big sandwich feel light on its feet.
Service is upbeat and fast, so it works for weekday lunch or a quick weekend treat.
Vegetarian choices keep the menu welcoming for groups with mixed tastes. Grab a side of yuca fries if you want extra crunch.
When you crave something different yet deeply comforting, Si Señor delivers standout flavor.
Wilson’s Sandwich Shop – Findlay
Wilson’s Sandwich Shop carries decades of Findlay history in every bite. The menu is straightforward and comforting, with diner style sandwiches built on a flat top that seasons everything perfectly.
You taste the tradition in the toasted buns, grilled onions, and simple, satisfying sauces.
It is a community hangout, the place where stories get swapped across the counter. Portions are friendly and priced with regulars in mind.
Do not expect frills, just the kind of dependable lunch that makes the rest of your day easier.
Grab a classic, add a slice of cheese, maybe a shake if you are feeling nostalgic. The charm is real and earned, not curated.
For a taste of hometown Ohio, Wilson’s keeps the flame alive.
Original Sub Shop & Deli – Toledo
The Original Sub Shop & Deli is proudly local, playful, and generous, with subs that drip good vibes. Expect crusty bread, well layered meats, and punchy dressings that soak in just enough.
The cookie case tempts as hard as the sandwich list, and yes, you should add one.
Staff keeps things lively, and the chalkboard specials highlight soups that change with the seasons. Call ahead if you are in a rush, because the line can get long at peak.
Portions are big, flavors bolder, and everything tastes freshly made.
Vegetarian subs and creative toppings keep the menu flexible for groups. It is an easy place to treat a friend or brighten a workday.
For Toledo comfort with personality, this shop is a clear winner.
Current Cuisine – Yellow Springs
Current Cuisine blends deli comfort with a market feel, perfect for a quick stop or a leisurely lunch. Sandwiches are fresh and bright, often paired with vibrant salads that taste like they were just tossed.
The bread selection is thoughtful, with options that suit both hearty fillings and lighter builds.
There is a community energy here, with locals grabbing groceries and treats alongside their lunch. Vegetarian and vegan choices are plentiful, making it easy to please mixed groups.
Portions are balanced so you leave satisfied but not weighed down.
Grab a dessert from the case or a unique pantry item for later. Service is kind, patient, and happy to help with recommendations.
If you enjoy variety and a relaxed vibe, Current Cuisine feels like a neighborhood hug.
Daddy O’s Green Onion – Loveland
Daddy O’s Green Onion is the kind of unpretentious deli where everything tastes like a good decision. Sandwiches are stacked and neat, with crisp lettuce, ripe tomato, and plenty of meat.
If you want variety, pizza slices and salads round out the options without complicating lunch.
It is a practical spot for families and coworkers, with prices that feel fair and service that moves. The bakery case offers a sweet finish, and the portions are easy to split if you are sharing.
Expect friendly faces and a steady flow of regulars.
Whether you are craving a classic club or something toasted and melty, you will find dependable picks. Grab a booth, enjoy the relaxed pace, and refuel without fuss.
In Loveland, this deli keeps lunch simple and satisfying.
Panini’s Bar & Grill – Cleveland
Panini’s Bar & Grill brings a Cleveland twist by tucking fries and slaw inside the sandwich. It sounds wild until you taste how the textures click, crispy, creamy, and meaty in one bite.
The bread is pressed till golden, sturdy enough to handle the hefty fillings.
It is a favorite for game days, where handheld comfort is the play. Wings and sides tempt, but the panini steals the show with its salty, tangy, crunchy rhythm.
Service stays upbeat, and the crowd energy just adds to the fun.
Customize with extra heat or go classic and let the house combo shine. Grab napkins and lean in, because these can get delightfully messy.
When you want big flavor with a side of sports, Panini’s delivers.