Cleveland is famous for its sports teams, lively music scene, and delicious food. Delis in Cleveland serve up tasty and unique meats and sandwiches that can keep you warm in the winter and full of energy in the summer. Here at Nissan of Streetsboro, we love a good classic Italian deli sandwich. Here’s some information about our top picks for the top delis in Cleveland.
Barrister’s Deli Restaurant
Barrister’s Deli Restaurant offers pickup, dine-in, and delivery. Opened in 1964, this deli offers half-pound burgers from hand-pressed fresh beef that they make daily. They hand trim their chicken and beef and serve fresh-cut fries, coleslaw, potato salad, and pasta salad on the side as a perfect complement to their sandwiches and meats. In addition to regular dining options, Barristers also offer catering options for parties, gatherings, and corporate events. Other delicious items on their menu include house-made hummus with pita, potato skins, salads and power bowls, and sandwiches like the classic Italian and Barrister’s whopper.
Corky & Lenny’s
A Cleveland landmark since 1956, Corky’s & Lenny’s serves up deli options like hot corned beef, turkey breast pastrami, and imported baked ham sandwiches. Corky and Lenny, the guys who gave the deli its name, got together in the 1950s and came up with an idea to open a deli that offered up their favorite American and Eastern European foods. As the deli grew, it opened additional locations.
Those who head to Corky & Lenny’s early in the day can try their Ham & Eggs, Tongue & Eggs, Sturgeon, or Danielle’s Breakfast Platter. For a sweet breakfast, try the Challah French Toast or oatmeal with brown sugar and raisins. If you’re stopping in for lunch, be sure to try the Stuffed Tomato with Mandarin Oranges and Pecan Chicken Salad or Soup and Half Sandwich option.
Danny’s Deli
Danny’s Deli was established in 1978 on St. Clair Avenue, and continues to serve great corned beef to this day. Danny’s is great because of the large sandwiches, fast service, and wonderful Midwest hospitality. Danny’s offers dine-in service, take-out, and catering services, the latter of which you can use to get party trays, desserts, breakfasts, and deli meat by the pound.
For breakfast, stop by Danny’s to try the Downtown Special, Grand Slam, pancakes, or French toast. If you’re looking for lunch, the Jaw Breaker, traditional Hot Corned Beef, Philadelphian, and Grilled Reuben are some favorites on the menu. Grab a slice of cheesecake or a cookie to finish off your meal with a great dessert.
Gentile’s Bakery
Gentile’s Bakery was founded in 1993 by siblings Filippo and Rachele in Parma. With homemade cannolis, American deli foods, Italian meals, catering, and fresh-baked bread, Gentile’s has something to offer for everyone. Stop in for lunch to try their hot or cold subs, including meatball, sausage, eggplant, corned beef, Italian, prosciutto, and veggie options.
Their homemade lasagna and chicken parm are some of their best pasta options, and you can follow up your meal with a tasty treat from their bakery. For a refreshing and delicious dessert, choose Gentile’s signature cake, the Strawberry Cassta. This cake has layers of sponge cake, pastry cream, and freshly sliced strawberries that can complement your meal from Gentile’s perfectly.
Jack’s Deli & Restaurant
At Jack’s Deli & Restaurant, you can try food that’s been in the Cleveland tradition for more than 30 years. Jack Markowitz and his children, Alvie and Harry, started the deli in 1980, and the dishes today are still prepared with the same focus on quality. Jack’s deli sources the finest ingredients and uses traditional methods when creating their meals.
If you’re heading to Jack’s in the morning, you can enjoy breakfast options like omelets, French toast, and pancakes. For sandwiches, you can go for options like Jack’s Juicy Corned Beef, Tyler’s Pickled Tongue, Chopped Liver, or Hot Brisket Barbeque. Wrap up with a slice of Jack’s scrumptious blueberry pie or strawberry cheesecake.
Joe’s Deli & Restaurant
The Reuben Classic, Downtowner, and Under the Sea sandwiches are some favorites you can try at Joe’s Deli & Restaurant on Hillard Boulevard. Joe’s Deli started in 1977 with a focus on serving stacked sandwiches, daily specials, and Lebanese cuisine. Joe’s has options for everyone, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, kids’ food, and catering options.
In addition to their classic deli sandwiches, they also serve featured dinners and burgers. Some of these include the Deluxe Burger, Portobello Vegetarian Sandwich, Hawaiian Chicken, and Liver and Onions. After your meal, try one of Joe’s European-style tortes, pies, or specialty cheesecakes.
Larder Delicatessen and Bakery
Larder Delicatessen and Bakery is a newer deli in the Cleveland area, as it was established in 2018. Three culinary professionals moved to Cleveland, held pop-up events, and eventually opened up the deli in the Historic Ohio City Firehouse. Their mission is to create unique, approachable, and creative foods from local ingredients.
Larder offers sandwiches, soups, pastries, fresh-baked breads, and vegetarian boards. Some favorites from Larder’s include the Pastrami Sandwich, Daily Catch Sandwich, and Fried Chicken. For dessert, you can grab a Black & White cookie, brownies, cheesecake, or rugelach.
Lehman’s Deli & Bakery
At Lehman’s Deli & Bakery, the servers and chefs take great pride in the quality and freshness of the food they serve. The deli started in 1983, and the culinary specialists for Lehman’s cook all the roast beef, pastrami, chicken breast, corned beef, and turkey breast themselves. With over 140 different soups and 100 different sandwiches on the menu, they’re sure to have something for everyone.
If you’re in the mood for breakfast, head over to Lehman’s on Saturdays for one of their all-day breakfast sandwiches. One element that sets Lehman’s apart is their surprise sandwich option, which allows you to ask for a sandwich with surprise fillings if you’re looking to try something new. Or, if you’re in the mood for customization, you can create your own combination from the ingredients they have on hand, and they’ll whip it up for you.
These are our top picks for the best delis in Cleveland. Is there a deli you know and love that didn’t make the list? Contact us and we’ll be happy to add it to the guide.
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