The 25 Best Sandwiches in Cleveland

By Scene Staff on Fri, Jan 17, 2020 at 3:22 pm

Meaty? Check. Hearty? Definitely. Delicious? Duh. That's what we're searching for when looking for a delicious sandwich, and one that tastes like Cleveland when you're biting in. These sandwiches from restaurants around Northeast Ohio help define the region by not only being delicious but incorporating the various cultures and cuisines that make up the area. Take a bite.

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The Lincoln Park From Lox, Stock and Brisket

13892 Cedar Rd., University Heights

You'll find the best chicken sandwich on the east side at Anthony Zappola's new-school Jewish deli. Lox's Lincoln Park sandwich, served on an egg roll from Unger's Kosher Bakery in Cleveland Heights, comes with an enormous triangle of buttermilk battered schnitzel set off with fluorescent pickles, slaw and a touch of spicy mayo. This sandwich is a masterclass in balance: buttery, sweet and crispy with just a hint of spice.

Photo by Karin McKenna

Hot Chicken Sandwich at Parkview Nite Club

1261 West 58th St., Cleveland

Short-lived Chow Chow in Lakewood provided many Clevelanders with their first taste of Nashville hot chicken. That business was rolled into the Parkview when the chef joined the team, bringing many adoring fans of that crispy, high-octane delicacy with him. Get the hot chicken sandwich here and prepare to be blasted with spicy, crunchy-fried chicken on a soft bun capped with refreshing cabbage slaw while enjoying a tasty adult beverage from the bar.

Photo via Scene Archives

Bravacado Sandwich at Beet Jar

1432 West 29th St., Cleveland

It's a strange sensation to not feel bloated and tired after demolishing a sandwich, but the Bravacado from the Beet Jar manages to leave diners feeling blissfully energized. This avocado toast on steroids includes toasty coconut, red onion, greens and creamy housemade cashew spread, all tidily stacked atop toasted Sicilian bread from Stone Oven.

Photo via Beet Jar/Facebook

Philly Cheesesteak at Original Steaks & Hoagies

Multiple Locations

We have yet to find a better version of this Philly-born classic. From the Amoroso rolls and shaved ribeye, which is chip-chopped to perfection on the griddle, to the fried onions and Cheez Whiz (or provolone if you so choose), these sandwiches would fool a Flyers fan. Since launching in Twinsburg 10 years ago, this homegrown "steak shop" has added five additional spots.

Photo via Scene Archives

French Dip from Rosewood Grill

Multiple Locations

Call your sandwich the "Killer French Dip" and it damn well better be good. Oh, it is. A crusty French roll is stuffed with shaved Certified Angus Beef prime rib and Gruyere cheese. But it’s that salty, beefy au jus on the side that transforms this sandwich into the stuff of legends.

Photo via @TheMiddletonLife/Instagram

Fried BBQ Shrimp Po’ Boy from Battiste and Dupree Cajun Grill

1992 Warrensville Center Rd., Cleveland

This mammoth foot-long sammie features good French bread, Cajun-spiced-battered-and-fried shrimp, lettuce, tomato, onion and a schmear of Junior’s killer remoulade sauce. (It also comes with American cheese, which we kindly ask the boss to omit).

Photo via Scene Archives

Steve Gyro’s at the West Side Market

1979 West 25th St., Cleveland

When a gyro is featured on Food Network’s “Best Thing I Ever Ate," you know it’s serious. A heaping pile of absolutely lamb is placed upon a fresh pita and served with lettuce, tomato and tzatziki sauce for the best gyro around.

Photo via Steve’s Gyros/Facebook

Polish Boy at Seti’s Polish Boys

On Wheels All Around Town

One of the foods Cleveland can claim as its own is the Polish Boy. Rooted in our Eastern European past, the hefty kielbasa-and-fries-based fistwich is the model of economy. Rolled into one baby-size bundle are meat, veg, starch and sauce, which combine to form one of the world’s messiest and most delicious meals.

Photo via Scene Archives