Sometimes, all you need is a hearty sandwich to hit the spot.
Ohio is full of iconic eateries with famed sandwiches that locals and passersby can’t get enough of. From the classic fried bologna to corned beef, here are the 9 best sandwiches in Ohio. You can thank us later.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate
This downtown Cleveland eatery is home to one of the best corned beef sandwiches in Ohio. (Fun fact: This beloved breakfast and sandwich joint appeared on Rachael Ray's "$40 a Day.") An early lunch around 11 a.m. is recommended here to avoid the rush. Slyman's is located at 3106 St Clair Ave. NE, Cleveland, OH 44114. To learn more, visit their website here.
Sandwiches come in two sizes at Katziner's. Here, you'll find scrumptious ruebens, tuna melts and corned beef, but that's just the start of their incredible menu. This eatery makes a total of 77 different sandwiches! (FYI: You can never go wrong with a #1.) Katzinger’s Delicatessen is located at 475 S 3rd St., Columbus, OH 43215. To learn more, visit their website here.
Home of the famous Maid-Rite, Cheese-Rite and Big Jim, this unsuspecting sandwich shop upholds a strange tradition. Visitors stick their chewing gum outside along the "Wall of Gum" and come inside for what is arguably Ohio's best loose meat sandwich. (Pictured: Big Jim.) This unusual eatery is located at 125 N Broadway St., Greenville, OH 45331. To learn more, visit their website here.
There's no bologna like Troyer's Trail Bologna. Their fried Trail bologna sandwich with Swiss cheese really hits the spot. This dish is particularly popular in Holmes, Tuscarawas and Wayne Counties. Troyer's Genuine Trail Bologna is located at
6552 State Route 515
Dundee, OH 44624. To learn more, visit their website here.
You'll never eat a bagel the same way again after you experience what a bagel can truly be, thanks to this unique deli in Athens, which features several signature bagel sandwiches. Bagel Street Deli is located at 27 S Court St., Athens, OH 45701. To learn more, visit their website here.
This walk up window is a late night favorite for Ohio University students. Stop by for lunch, dinner or a late night sweet and savory Chicken and Waffle Sandwich. Uptown Grill is located at 11 W Union St., Athens, OH 45701. To learn more, visit their website here.
Ohio is home to a pretty epic grilled cheese joint that takes the simple, mouthwatering sandwich to a whole other level. If you’ve yet to eat at Melt Bar and Grilled in central and northeast Ohio, then you’re truly missing out. The Monte Cristo (pictured) is a tried and true classic. It's a huge crowd pleaser for those who want to add some meat to their grilled cheese. Melt Bar and Grilled has locations in Lakewood, Cleveland Heights, Independence, Mentor, Akron and Columbus’ Short North and Easton Town Center. To learn more, visit their website here.
With slow, southern cooked meats and sides made from scratch every day, this family owned and operated smokehouse serves up some exceptional barbecue. Pictured is "The Mad Dog" with pulled smoked chicken, beef brisket and pulled pork, topped with grilled onions, sauce and creamy signature cole slaw. Seven Miles Smokehouse is located at 285 E 7th St., Chillicothe, OH 45601. To learn more, visit their website here.
This classic Toledo eatery serves up an exceptional BLT with a twist. Tip: Get it with the jalapeño mayo. It's easy to see why this is one of the best sandwiches in Ohio. Grumpy's is located at 34 S Huron St.,
Toledo, OH 43602. To learn more, visit their website here.
Have you had any of these dishes? What are your favorite sandwich shops in Ohio? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
Know another scrumptious restaurant we should feature? Nominate them in our online form here!
Address: 3106 St Clair Ave NE, Cleveland, OH 44114, USA
Address: 475 S 3rd St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
Address: 125 N Broadway St, Greenville, OH 45331, USA
Address: 6552 OH-515, Dundee, OH 44624, USA
Address: 27 S Court St, Athens, OH 45701, USA
Address: 11 W Union St, Athens, OH 45701, USA
Address: 6700 Rockside Rd, Independence, OH 44131, USA
Address: 840 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
Address: 14718 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107, USA
Address: 2733 Fairfield Commons Unit C, Beavercreek, OH 45431, USA
Address: Easton Gateway, 4206 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219, USA
Address: 285 E 7th St, Chillicothe, OH 45601, USA
Address: 34 S Huron St, Toledo, OH 43604, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best sandwiches in Ohio
April 18, 2020
Elisa Regulski
What are the best sandwich shops in Ohio?
In addition to the eateries listed above, PJ’s Grill is one of the best sandwich shops in Ohio. This Columbus restaurant serves giant eats that are perfect for mighty appetites. They don’t call it the “Home of the Fat Sandwiches” for nothing! The Cornerstone Deli Cafe, located in Columbus, is another must-visit eatery in the Buckeye State. Their bagel sandwiches can’t be beat. It’s the best way to kick off your day!
What are the best lunch restaurants in Ohio?
There are so many fantastic lunch restaurants in Ohio. Valley Cafe, located in Akron, is known for their home cooked meals. You’ll love their scrumptious diner fare. Each dish has a unique Southern twist, so you know it’s absolutely delicious. Whether you devour a hearty burger or comforting bowl of shrimp and grits, one thing is certain: You won’t leave feeling hungry. To learn more about this incredible family-owned restaurant in Ohio, read our feature article here.
What are the most famous restaurants in Ohio?
Eli’s BBQ, located in Cincinnati, is one of the most famous restaurants in Ohio, and it’s easy to see why. Their tender and flavorful smoked meats are absolutely addicting. These tasty BBQ dishes will spoil you for life. Tony Packo’s, located in Toledo, is another beloved local eatery. This epic hot dog joint is full of classic American flavors. It’ll transport you to the happy days of summer cookouts and backyard parties.
Address: 3106 St Clair Ave NE, Cleveland, OH 44114, USA
Address: 475 S 3rd St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
Address: 125 N Broadway St, Greenville, OH 45331, USA
Address: 6552 OH-515, Dundee, OH 44624, USA
Address: 27 S Court St, Athens, OH 45701, USA
Address: 11 W Union St, Athens, OH 45701, USA
Address: 6700 Rockside Rd, Independence, OH 44131, USA
Address: 840 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
Address: 14718 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107, USA
Address: 2733 Fairfield Commons Unit C, Beavercreek, OH 45431, USA
Address: Easton Gateway, 4206 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219, USA
Address: 285 E 7th St, Chillicothe, OH 45601, USA
Address: 34 S Huron St, Toledo, OH 43604, USA
Love exploring Ohio restaurants?
Thank you! You'll receive your first newsletter soon!
April is the Ohio staff writer for Only in Your State. She is an Ohio native with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. With more than 10 years of writing experience and a background in news reporting for Ohio newspapers, she's published pieces in multiple print and online publications. When she's not on deadline or chasing after her toddler, she's hunting for hidden gems in Ohio or getting lost in a good book.
Love Ohio?
Thank you! You'll receive your first newsletter soon!
