We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – Cincinnati loves good food. We have countless options for everything from greasy diner fare to an elegant fine dining experience. Most of us prefer to frequent places that fall somewhere in the middle of those extremes, and a perfect example of that is the classic sandwich. Everyone loves a good sandwich and we have many delis and restaurants that serve up some mouthwatering ones. Prepare to bookmark this one and get your tastebuds ready; here are 9 Cincinnati sandwiches you have to try before you die.
- Any sandwich from Carl’s Deli - 2836 Observatory Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45208
Facebook/Carl’s Deli
Zomato/Ed Paff Jr. Choosing a favorite sandwich from the vast menu at Carl’s Deli is like choosing a favorite child. You just can’t. So step inside this charming, family-owned deli in Hyde Park and choose whatever sounds good at the moment. We assure you, it’ll be good.
- A Big Boy from Frisch’s - Various Locations
Facebook/Frisch’s Big Boy of Ironton
Facebook/Frisch’s Big Boy I know, I know. We just had to include this classic burger on the list. Big Boy may be a chain now, but it all started humbly here in Cincinnati and the Big Boy really is incredible. I prefer mine “combo” style without the bread in the middle and with extra tartar sauce, but no matter how you enjoy this favorite sandwich, it’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
- The Ridge from Grand Central Delicatessen - 6085 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45213
Facebook/Grand Central Delicatessen
Facebook/Grand Central Delicatessen We’ve raved about this neighborhood favorite in Pleasant Ridge before and of course they had to be included in our list of best sandwiches in Cincy. All of the options here, even beyond the sandwiches, are outstanding, but The Ridge is an Italian masterpiece on the best ciabatta ever, so it’s a great place to start.
- Anything that’s not sold out from Scherpies Produce & Deli - 503 E. Ross Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45217
GoogleMaps
Zomato/PollysArepaTruck Scherpies is a hidden gem of a deli and shop in St. Bernard that serves up incredible sandwiches. They are so amazing, in fact, that they are known to sell out of the favorites shortly after lunch time. The Hot Brown Sandwich, shown above, is a top choice if you can get your hands on one!
- A BLT from Red Fox Grill - 232 E. 6th St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
GoogleMaps
FourSquare/Trey D. Red Fox Grill is a downtown Cincinnati legend that does not have a bad item on their menu. They are perhaps best known for their sandwiches and breakfast choices, and the BLT is definitely at the top of the list.
- A Double Decker from J & J Restaurant - 6159 Glenway Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45211
GoogleMaps
TripAdvisor/Paula R. J & J Restaurant is a hidden gem on Glenway that happens to have a number of incredible sandwiches. Their Double Deckers are massive and even big enough to share, but you’ll probably still want one all to yourself.
- The Chicken Salad from Silverglades on 8th - 236 E. 8th St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
Facebook/Silverglades on 8th
Zomato/Ed Paff Jr. Do you love chicken salad? Many say you’ll find the best in the city at the oldest family-owned and operated deli in Cincinnati. Silverglades is a quintessential deli that you can visit as a restaurant at 8th and Sycamore and as a favorite stand within Findlay Market.
- A Cuban from Cuban Pete Sandwiches - 133 E. Court St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
Facebook/Cuban Pete Sandwiches
Facebook/Cuban Pete Sandwiches Remember that scene from the Jim Carrey movie The Mask? Is the Cuban Pete song stuck in your head now? Whether it is or isn’t, do yourself a favor and head to Cuban Pete Sandwiches on Court Street for the best authentic Cuban in Cincinnati.
- A Reuben from Izzy’s - Various Locations
Facebook/Izzy’s
Facebook/Izzy’s With 9 locations in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, there is no excuse for you not to try the best reuben in the city. This classic sandwich is heaven on rye bread and is best enjoyed alongside Izzy’s famous pickles.
Craving a sandwich now? Luckily, you don’t have to go far to find an amazing one in Cincinnati. Have you already crossed all of these delicious sandwiches off the list? Where do you visit for the best sandwich in town? We’re completely open to a “Part 2” of this list, so feel free to share in the comments!
Facebook/Carl’s Deli
Zomato/Ed Paff Jr.
Choosing a favorite sandwich from the vast menu at Carl’s Deli is like choosing a favorite child. You just can’t. So step inside this charming, family-owned deli in Hyde Park and choose whatever sounds good at the moment. We assure you, it’ll be good.
Facebook/Frisch’s Big Boy of Ironton
Facebook/Frisch’s Big Boy
I know, I know. We just had to include this classic burger on the list. Big Boy may be a chain now, but it all started humbly here in Cincinnati and the Big Boy really is incredible. I prefer mine “combo” style without the bread in the middle and with extra tartar sauce, but no matter how you enjoy this favorite sandwich, it’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
Facebook/Grand Central Delicatessen
We’ve raved about this neighborhood favorite in Pleasant Ridge before and of course they had to be included in our list of best sandwiches in Cincy. All of the options here, even beyond the sandwiches, are outstanding, but The Ridge is an Italian masterpiece on the best ciabatta ever, so it’s a great place to start.
GoogleMaps
Zomato/PollysArepaTruck
Scherpies is a hidden gem of a deli and shop in St. Bernard that serves up incredible sandwiches. They are so amazing, in fact, that they are known to sell out of the favorites shortly after lunch time. The Hot Brown Sandwich, shown above, is a top choice if you can get your hands on one!
FourSquare/Trey D.
Red Fox Grill is a downtown Cincinnati legend that does not have a bad item on their menu. They are perhaps best known for their sandwiches and breakfast choices, and the BLT is definitely at the top of the list.
TripAdvisor/Paula R.
J & J Restaurant is a hidden gem on Glenway that happens to have a number of incredible sandwiches. Their Double Deckers are massive and even big enough to share, but you’ll probably still want one all to yourself.
Facebook/Silverglades on 8th
Zomato/Ed Paff Jr.
Do you love chicken salad? Many say you’ll find the best in the city at the oldest family-owned and operated deli in Cincinnati. Silverglades is a quintessential deli that you can visit as a restaurant at 8th and Sycamore and as a favorite stand within Findlay Market.
Facebook/Cuban Pete Sandwiches
Remember that scene from the Jim Carrey movie The Mask? Is the Cuban Pete song stuck in your head now? Whether it is or isn’t, do yourself a favor and head to Cuban Pete Sandwiches on Court Street for the best authentic Cuban in Cincinnati.
Facebook/Izzy’s
With 9 locations in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, there is no excuse for you not to try the best reuben in the city. This classic sandwich is heaven on rye bread and is best enjoyed alongside Izzy’s famous pickles.
For more information on two of our favorites on this list, check out our previous article featuring Carl’s Deli here and Grand Central Delicatessen here.
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Address: 6159 Glenway Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45211Address: 2836 Observatory Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45208Address: 133 E. Court St., Cincinnati, OH 45202Address: 236 E. 8th St., Cincinnati, OH 45202Address: 232 E. 6th St., Cincinnati, OH 45202Address: 503 E. Ross Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45217Address: 6085 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45213
