From delis and Italian markets to sub shops and Caribbean joints, great sandwiches can be found anywhere. It doesn’t really matter where it’s served or what kind of cuisine it is, as long as it’s between bread and it’s tasty, we’ll give it a try. According to Yelp, these are the 25 best places for a sandwich in Cleveland.
Banh Mi and Noodles
3820 Superior Ave., Cleveland
“I am asking myself, how have we never eaten here? We stopped in to grab two grilled pork banh mi’s ($5) to go. I regret not snapping a photo to show you the delicious sandwich. It was a hearty portion filled with marinated grilled pork that was perfectly caramelized. The sweet pickled carrots and radish combined with the crunch of fresh jalapeños, cilantro, and creamy Mayo was a party of flavor and texture. The bun it was on was out of this world, crusty yet soft and yeasty.
What a delightful surprise. I will be stopping to grab one of these every time we’re downtown,” Megan C. on Yelp
Photo via Scene ArchivesDavis Bakery and Deli
28700 Chagrin Blvd., Woodmere and 4572 Renaissance Pkwy., Cleveland
“I think I found my favorite deli. It is old school where the deli meats are on point and they are tasty. The staff is old school but give you that hurry up and order vibe but they love their good food and service is on point. My hot pastrami sandwich is the best I have had since moving to the Midwest,” Frank S. on Yelp
Photo via Davis Bakery/FacebookJoe’s Deli
19215 Hilliard Blvd., Rocky River
“Best DELI in the Cleveland area, I will say best deli in the Great lakes region. We have had all the sandwiches they make. I love the 3 inch tall stack on their sandwiches. It makes you smile, it’s so big. The soup options are great, the standards and also the daily option. Watch for the chowder options. They are amazing. I would recommend the Rueben, but the chicken sandwiches are crazy good. Plenty of dining space and good size tables makes for a great meal,” Travis K. on Yelp
Photo via Scene ArchivesMister Brisket
2156 South Taylor Rd., Cleveland Heights
“Best corned beef, pastrami, and brisket. Period. The Mike Michelson sandwich which is corned beef and brisket with swiss and various condiments is truly life changing. Best sandwich spot on the east side. Wish they were open longer, but the corned beef and brisket is the best,” Frederick J. on Yelp
Photo via Mr. Brisket/FacebookTOST, A Sandwich Cafe
13427 Madison Ave., Lakewood
”We stumbled upon Tost walking around my daughter’s new neighborhood. The shop owner, Gus, was working the sandwich counter and recommended “The Kojak”. Mortadella was the featured Italian deli meat on this sandwich. Served on sourdough with this amazingly delicious feta spread the shop makes themselves! Definitely a delicious sandwich! I recommend this place for a tasty sandwich,” Mario P. on Yelp
Photo via Scene Archives Credit: Scene ArchivesLa Bodega
869 Jefferson Ave., Cleveland
“La Bodega is my favorite lunch spot in Tremont. Well, Tremont barely has any lunch options, so I’ll even go as far as to say my favorite in Cleveland. The sandwiches are always huge and they have tons of choices. I always get the #48 on Asiago – basically a grilled cheese, on cheese bread, with bacon. I mean, how could one ever go wrong with this?! The mac & cheese salad is also really great,” Alicia B. on Yelp
Photo via Scene ArchivesDanny’s Deli
1658 St Clair Ave. NE., Cleveland
“In advance of St. Patrick’s Day, my co-workers celebrated with some sandwiches from Danny’s Deli. Looking back, celebrating in advance while the world was still ‘normal’ was a great idea. I ordered a traditional corned beef sandwich platter with an additional side of coleslaw. The platter included the sammich, french fries, and a dill pickle. The corned beef was juicy and very tasty – just perfect. The coleslaw and pickle were good, but the fries were cold, as expected, because our order was to go and we didn’t eat until about 30 minutes after they were made. I’d definitely eat here again. In fact, we’ll probably do this again next year,” Rodney W. on Yelp
Photo via Scene ArchivesLuna Bakery and Cafe
Cleveland Heights and Moreland Hills
“I’ve been here twice now, once for breakfast and once for lunch. I’ve gotten their herb scrambled panini with avocado. The eggs are perfectly seasoned. I’ve also gotten the roasted veggie panini and lentil soup, both of which are delicious and very filling. Highly recommend their siliciano bread for sandwiches! They have a lot of seating in the back and plenty of outlets, making it a perfect place for studying or working,” Sonali P. on Yelp
Photo via @LunaBakeryCafe/InstagramUJerk Caribbean Eatery
850 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
A little taste of Jamaica recently made its way downtown thanks to UJerk Caribbean Eatery, which opened in the former Cleveland Pickle/Hatfield’s Goode Grub space in the City Club Building. The fast-casual restaurant specializes in jerk chicken in various forms and is a fresh new concept with nothing like it around.
Photo courtesy Scene ArchivesTJ’s Butcher Block
14115 Detroit Ave., Lakewood
“TJ’s Is one of the best kept LOCALLY OWNED sandwich shops just west of Cleveland. Located on Detroit rd just before you enter Downtown Lakewood, TJ’s sits on the south side of the street. TJ’s values their time-tested motto of only supplying the best meats, and freshest cuts to Lakewoodites. The hometown eatery brings some of the best sandwiches at a low-cost which is why I come here often. I usually end up buying dinner too!!!” Seth S. on Yelp
Photo via TJ’s Butcher Block/FacebookGourmand’s Deli
5345 Canal Rd., Valley View
“Service was absolutely amazing. If you get a chance to stop by, you should. We had the Hawaii 5.0 and the not your regular baloney. Talk about amazing. The Hawaii gets a 4.5/5 but the baloney, talk about out of this world. Made by an artisan nearby, the flavor was unbelievable. The flavor was natural and juicy with just the right amount of cheesiness. To be honest this place is on point with Katz’s Deli in NY city. Amazing, and tons of options to choose from.” Aleksander P. on Yelp
Photo via Scene ArchivesChicken Ranch
13892 Cedar Rd., University Heights
No, it’s not your imagination. Cleveland, like many American cities, is awash in fried chicken places. It’s nearly impossible to take a step without feeling the crunch of runaway breading beneath one’s feet. While many modern fried chicken projects seem to have been formulated in a boardroom to achieve peak profitability, Chicken Ranch clearly originates from the mind of an obsessive chef. Given his years as chef-partner at places like Forage Public House, Oak Barrel and Bold, all of which boasted lengthy and eclectic menus, there are few foods Demetrios Atheneos doesn’t excel at. But fried chicken has been omnipresent, a pet dating clear back to his days at Deagan’s, and something he clearly excels at, which you can tell within one bite of trying Chicken Ranch.
Photo via Scene ArchivesLehman’s Deli
24961 Detroit Rd., Westlake
“From the moment you walk into Lehman’s Deli, you may not immediately expect to be blown away by anything in particular. But just notice the customers waiting in line in front of you, behind you, beside you – there’s a reason why people are willing to stand patiently in a small cramped space. One bite of the Pastrami Rueben Sub or the Philly Cheese Steak, and you’ll know why.
This place knows their meats. Any sandwich or sub off of the “Hot Sandwiches” or “Philly cheese” section of the menu is a delicious and perfect combination of bread, tender meat, and melted cheese..” Stephanie K. on Yelp
Photo via Scene ArchivesCapo Steaks
11332 Superior Ave., Cleveland
“Just ordered from them tonight, the customer service was top notch. The Philly mushroom steaks were amazing, the best Philly cheese steaks by far since I lived in Philly, I definitely will be back, everything was top notch, 5 star service, I definitely recommend this place,” John J. M. on Yelp
Photo via Capo Steaks/Facebook Credit:Scene ArchivesHerb’n Twine
4309 Lorain Ave., Cleveland
“One of my favorite sandwich shops in North America! Yeah I said it…The portions are huge, flavor combinations are complementary, and the bread is homemade/fresh. The homemade/fresh bread is such a game changer. My favorite is the Cubano…the perfect sandwich really. If there was a location in Chicago I would frequent weekly,” Daniel W. on Yelp
Photo by Tim Harrison Credit: Scene archivesOriginal Steaks & Hoagies
Multiple Locations
“I was informed of the existence of this establishment sometime around 2006. When I joined Yelp in 2009, I bookmarked it. Well, it’s 2018, and I finally made it to Original Steaks and Hoagies. I’m wishing that I hadn’t waited this long, but it’s the first time I’ve been near it in Twinsburg.I ordered the Original with everything on it with a side of fries. Damn, it was a great sandwich. Turns out they use real rib-eye steak, fresh peppers, onions, mushrooms, and cheese. It was very tasty and the steamed, yet crunchy bread was on point. Wow!..My daughter was starving after her volleyball tournament and she ordered the chicken teriyaki sub. She said “That was the best thing I’ve ever eaten!” Rodney W. on Yelp
Photo via Scene ArchivesLocal West
7400 Detroit Ave., Cleveland
“I enjoy going here and trying new sandwiches. They surely don’t disappoint me. Great food, always clean and friendly and funny staff, always making you feel like a local. Today I had the Cubano Sandwich with sweet potato fries and it was really tasty. Every time I see it on a menu at a restaurant it is a must for me to give it a try. I sure will be back to try more,” David T. on Yelp
Photo via Scene ArchivesFerrara’s Imported Foods
5750 Mayfield Rd., Mayfield Heights
“There are simply not enough stars for this place. I’ve only purchased sandwiches here from the deli. THIS is the place to get the freshest, biggest, tastiest sub sandwich in the area. You walk in, and the small of the deli assaults your senses in a very good way. You are completely aware that the place sells fresh deli. OMG, yes.Walk to the right hand wall for fresh sandwiches. The guys behind the counter are awesome, friendly, helpful, and funny. I LOVE these guys..There is a menu on the back wall of sandwich options, but of course, they can make anything you want – it’s a deli. I’ve never had a need to deviate from the menu options. The meatball or the meatloaf subs are incredible. You will not move for another day. They are huge, but typically go fast. The hot Italian beef sandwich is also huge. This is a good sandwich to split if you are so inclined. The Italian subs are amazing. All subs can come with hot or sweet peppers. Do not skip this part. I love both, and mix it up depending on my mood. Most subs are around $6. They are huge. The sub buns are incredible. Perfectly crisp, crunchy, chewy,” Karyn C. on Yelp
Photo via Ferrara’s Imported Food/FacebookLarder
1455 West 29th St., Cleveland
Since opening in 2018, Larder has established itself as not only one of the best delis in Cleveland but possibly the country. Chefs/owners Allie LaValle-Umansky, Jeremy Umansky and Kenny Scott were named semifinalists for a James Beard Award. And world renowned chefs Daniel Boulud of Danel and Thomas Keller of The French Laundry came to Cleveland to eat at Larder. The fried chicken and the pastrami are the stars of the show but really everything is top notch.
Photo via @LarderB/InstagramSlyman’s
3106 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland
“Had to see what it was all about! No indoor dining and masks required to come in and order, very fast service so you won’t wait long. Two of us got the corned beef Reuben and the potato pancakes, both were HUGE! Everything was so delicious, probably the best corned beef I’ve ever tasted! Highly recommended and felt like I was getting a true taste of Cleveland while visiting!” Janet S. on Yelp
Photo via Scene ArchivesExpress Deli
5185 Smith Rd., Cleveland
“One of the best customer experiences I’ve ever had. And when I say experience, I’m not joking. They make you feel so welcome here, and obviously take so much pride in everything they do. I love the first time customer sample platter. What an awesome touch. The corned beef Mac and cheese and Reuben wrap were to die for. I’d come out if my way to eat here, even though it’s just a little convenience store deli,” Adam R. on Yelp
Photo by Douglas TrattnerBlack Box Fix
25359 Cedar Rd., Lyndhurst
“Black Box serves up my dream sandwiches yeah. Chicken and shrimp cheese everything else, Yes please! What about steak and shrimp? We can do that too! How about some Cajun catfish? Absolutely phenomenal! I made a point of visiting this location while in the area,” Jennifer D. on Yelp
Photo via Scene ArchivesLeavened
1633 Auburn Ave., Cleveland
Ian Herrington devoted a decade of his life to the art and practice of baking before opening Leavened, a European-style artisan bakery in Tremont. The sleek, modern storefront anchors the Tappan, a new residential building on Auburn. Visitors can expect fresh-brewed coffee, fresh-baked loaves and a light café menu of soups and sandwiches. Don’t miss the rustic sourdoughs, rosemary focaccia, cardamom buns and fruit-filled Danish.
Photo via Scene Archives
