Slyman's Restaurant
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Slymans is one of those places you go for hearty sandwich, a big pickle, and friendly faces and service. The staff is tremendously kind and friendly despite the heavy volume of work they do from open to close. The feeling is like a great Jewish New York/philly-style deli and the decor is so neat to look at; seeing all the big names who've visited over the years or paid tribute to the kings of corned-beef.
I could not stop taking pictures of this corned beef sandwich. It's a work of art, assembled by a team of artisans working an assembly line of meat and bread. The slicer never stops. They just keep placing another brisket on, and the ribbons of beef keep falling. The order counter is tiny, with a line out the door: regulars, tourists like me, and food delivery drivers all waiting their turn. There are meat trimmings everywhere, tubs of pickles, and the sense that the folks behind the counter know exactly what they are doing. The small dining room is packed with people sitting elbow to elbow, gripping massive sandwiches with stadium mustard in the corners of their mouths. It is loud, cramped, messy, and glorious. I've gone to heaven.
How cool to be here and especially on St. Patrick's Day 2026! I had a medical appointment this morning and it's just a couple of blocks from the Clinic so I came here for lunch on my way back to work. I joined the line just before 11 and got inside about 11:50 AM. I'm currently standing in line waiting on my sandwich which is a corned beef melt. I ordered a corned beef melt, which is toasted rye, cornbeef, double Swiss cheese - hot & melted with Kraut on the side and dressing. I got a side of potato pancakes, and also coleslaw. The folks were extremely friendly on the inside, very welcoming and very efficient as they worked to make who knows how many meals. And you'll be glad to know every sandwich comes with a dill pickle, wrapped in its own paper and ready for delicious consumption! The dill is a big deal to me because I like spears, as in the pickle not necessarily (in this case) the pop star! Come early and be ready to wait! The place is really kitchsy and has a great atmosphere. And the folks really make it awesome to be there. It has the feel of a destination restaurant the kind of place that is an experience to visit not just because of the food because of the culture and the people and the phenom that it has become.
I'd consider the corned beef sandwich here a must on any food tour of Cleveland. Upon entering, you're greeted with big smiles and friendly banter. My biggest regret was coming here solo because I would have loved to try several other items on the menu. And no, the pictures of the corned beef sandwich are not enlarged, it really is that gargantuan. It's delicious but rich. Definitely needs that pickle to cut the richness. The decor is legitimately old school: a brick facade, minimalist interior, wood paneling, and utilitarian tables and chairs. Nothing fancy, nothing trendy--just an authentic deli serving an iconic sandwich. What a great spot.
Good spot for corned beef and pastrami. Not too stacked where you have to eat with a fork. Got the Cleveland melt, corned beef and pastrami with swiss. Wish it had a bit more cheese. Pickle goes well with the sandwich. Order upfront and the get seated. They bring the food to you.
I moved to South Carolina 27 years ago but my recent visit back home to Cleveland found me at Slyman's. Classic-fabulous-original
classic sandwich shop that I've been wanting to try for a long time. Walk in the door and place your order have a seat. Massive sandwiches come out quickly. Mouthwatering meats, great bread, Great atmosphere. A little bit off the beaten path in Cleveland, but worth finding.
Ok, full disclosure: fairly or unfairly, rightly or wrongly, my gold standard is Manny's Deli in Chicago. My out-of-town friend and I visited Slyman's for the first time (even though I grew up here). We arrived at 11 am to find a line already forming out the door! Thankfully, it moves quickly. Plus, this is a line where people talk to each other. It's where you make friends and get to know people. It's a small, unassuming little "dive," but don't let that fool you. It's the tastiest pastrami I've ever had in my life! It beats Manny's pastrami, hands down. The Reuben was excellent. Great cole slaw, could use a thicker slice of Swiss on there, but it was an excellent, excellent sandwich. The rye bread was quality rye and perfectly grilled. The staff was seriously the most kind group of people you could meet, right down to the very thoughtful busboy. Slyman's even has Thousand Island dressing on the tables, so you can pour as much of it as you need to eat that huge sandwich. There are three things Manny's has over Slyman's. Manny's gives you a latke with every sandwich; Manny's gives you a bigger sandwich, and they still have Gino.
The corned beef was so tender and made a perfect complement to the crisp fries and cheddar sauce. The potato soup had bits of their various meat in it, giving it a smoky taste. The staff was extremely efficient trying to move customers through the tiny space to prevent the line out the door from getting too long. The space was charming and classic in design, clearly focused on efficiency.
The sandwiches are so large I had to take half to go. The sandwiches are full of flavor! Everyone working is so nice and welcoming! I would recommend this place!
It has been many years since my last visit here and many medicore Corned Beef sandwiches. Today it ended upon my return to the city of my birth and a trip to the best Cleveland has to offer, Slyman's. I had forgotten that they run an abbreviated schedule, dedicated to breakfast and lunch, and arrived a paltry 15 minutes before closing. So I had expected that only take out would be available, but no, while the table section was closed, they said the counter area was open. I ordered a Corned Beef sandwich and onion rings. The sandwich was nearly the size you get in an NYC deli and the onion rings were sufficient in portion for a side. My initial instinct was to put some mustard on the sandwich, but decided to take a bite first. Grateful that I skipped it, as the sandwich was incredible tasting from the first to the last bite. I'm guessing they batter their own rings, as it was crunchy, and unlike frozen rings, had the taste of onions. During my brief time there, the staff was incredibly gracious and at no point did I feel pressure to finish and get out. We had momentary chats, making one almost feel like they were part of the family. From the outside, some might wonder if this is a place they should be visiting, but to let this facade turn you away would be a huge mistake. The food was incredibly good and was matched by a great staff! So if you're a Clevelander and haven't been there, pay a visit. If you're visiting from out of the city, make sure you find time to stop by.
Great Food and Service! A must visit! Can't wait to go back! Cleveland Best Sandwich Spot!
I recently went here for a weekday lunch with a friend to try this Cleveland icon. While we had to wait in a line that went out the door to order, it moved quickly and we were able to place and receive our order in under 10 minutes. Slyman's was once a Jewish-style deli; although there are still vestiges on the menu, this is no longer the case. I got the house special corned beef sandwich and intended to split the potato pancakes with my friend. Although the sandwich was pricey ($20), it come with a ton of meat. The corned beef was good, although extremely salty and a bit difficult to eat by the end. The potato pancakes looked like they had been taken straight from a package frozen and halfheartedly thrown into a cooking vessel; I took one look at them and couldn't eat them (my friend tried and confirmed my suspicion). I'm glad I tried Slyman's; I got my fill.
25 days ago
16 days ago
Easy to find location. Quickly found street parking and arrived just before the line was down the street. Service was very quick and we were able to dine in. Staff was friendly read more
2 months ago
Slymans is one of those places you go for hearty sandwich, a big pickle, and friendly faces and service. The staff is tremendously kind and friendly despite the heavy volume of work they do from open to close. The feeling is like a great Jewish New York/philly-style deli and the decor is so neat to look at; seeing all the big names who've visited over the years or paid tribute to the kings of corned-beef. read more
I could not stop taking pictures of this corned beef sandwich. It's a work of art, assembled by a team of artisans working an assembly line of meat and bread. The slicer never stops. They just keep placing another brisket on, and the ribbons of beef keep falling. The order counter is tiny, with a line out the door: regulars, tourists like me, and food delivery drivers all waiting their turn. There are meat trimmings everywhere, tubs of pickles, and the sense that the folks behind the counter know exactly what they are doing. The small dining room is packed with people sitting elbow to elbow, gripping massive sandwiches with stadium mustard in the corners of their mouths. It is loud, cramped, messy, and glorious. I've gone to heaven. read more
How cool to be here and especially on St. Patrick's Day 2026! I had a medical appointment this morning and it's just a couple of blocks from the Clinic so I came here for lunch on my way back to work. I joined the line just before 11 and got inside about 11:50 AM. I'm currently standing in line waiting on my sandwich which is a corned beef melt. I ordered a corned beef melt, which is toasted rye, cornbeef, double Swiss cheese - hot & melted with Kraut on the side and dressing. I got a side of potato pancakes, and also coleslaw. The folks were extremely friendly on the inside, very welcoming and very efficient as they worked to make who knows how many meals. And you'll be glad to know every sandwich comes with a dill pickle, wrapped in its own paper and ready for delicious consumption! The dill is a big deal to me because I like spears, as in the pickle not necessarily (in this case) the pop star! Come early and be ready to wait! The place is really kitchsy and has a great atmosphere. And the folks really make it awesome to be there. It has the feel of a destination restaurant the kind of place that is an experience to visit not just because of the food because of the culture and the people and the phenom that it has become. read more
I'd consider the corned beef sandwich here a must on any food tour of Cleveland. Upon entering, you're greeted with big smiles and friendly banter. My biggest regret was coming here solo because I would have loved to try several other items on the menu. And no, the pictures of the corned beef sandwich are not enlarged, it really is that gargantuan. It's delicious but rich. Definitely needs that pickle to cut the richness. The decor is legitimately old school: a brick facade, minimalist interior, wood paneling, and utilitarian tables and chairs. Nothing fancy, nothing trendy--just an authentic deli serving an iconic sandwich. What a great spot. read more
Good spot for corned beef and pastrami. Not too stacked where you have to eat with a fork. Got the Cleveland melt, corned beef and pastrami with swiss. Wish it had a bit more cheese. Pickle goes well with the sandwich. Order upfront and the get seated. They bring the food to you. read more
2 months ago
I moved to South Carolina 27 years ago but my recent visit back home to Cleveland found me at Slyman's. Classic-fabulous-original read more
classic sandwich shop that I've been wanting to try for a long time. Walk in the door and place your order have a seat. Massive sandwiches come out quickly. Mouthwatering meats, great bread, Great atmosphere. A little bit off the beaten path in Cleveland, but worth finding. read more
Ok, full disclosure: fairly or unfairly, rightly or wrongly, my gold standard is Manny's Deli in Chicago. My out-of-town friend and I visited Slyman's for the first time (even though I grew up here). We arrived at 11 am to find a line already forming out the door! Thankfully, it moves quickly. Plus, this is a line where people talk to each other. It's where you make friends and get to know people. It's a small, unassuming little "dive," but don't let that fool you. It's the tastiest pastrami I've ever had in my life! It beats Manny's pastrami, hands down. The Reuben was excellent. Great cole slaw, could use a thicker slice of Swiss on there, but it was an excellent, excellent sandwich. The rye bread was quality rye and perfectly grilled. The staff was seriously the most kind group of people you could meet, right down to the very thoughtful busboy. Slyman's even has Thousand Island dressing on the tables, so you can pour as much of it as you need to eat that huge sandwich. There are three things Manny's has over Slyman's. Manny's gives you a latke with every sandwich; Manny's gives you a bigger sandwich, and they still have Gino. read more
3 months ago
The corned beef was so tender and made a perfect complement to the crisp fries and cheddar sauce. The potato soup had bits of their various meat in it, giving it a smoky taste. The staff was extremely efficient trying to move customers through the tiny space to prevent the line out the door from getting too long. The space was charming and classic in design, clearly focused on efficiency. read more
3 months ago
The sandwiches are so large I had to take half to go. The sandwiches are full of flavor! Everyone working is so nice and welcoming! I would recommend this place! read more
It has been many years since my last visit here and many medicore Corned Beef sandwiches. Today it ended upon my return to the city of my birth and a trip to the best Cleveland has to offer, Slyman's. I had forgotten that they run an abbreviated schedule, dedicated to breakfast and lunch, and arrived a paltry 15 minutes before closing. So I had expected that only take out would be available, but no, while the table section was closed, they said the counter area was open. I ordered a Corned Beef sandwich and onion rings. The sandwich was nearly the size you get in an NYC deli and the onion rings were sufficient in portion for a side. My initial instinct was to put some mustard on the sandwich, but decided to take a bite first. Grateful that I skipped it, as the sandwich was incredible tasting from the first to the last bite. I'm guessing they batter their own rings, as it was crunchy, and unlike frozen rings, had the taste of onions. During my brief time there, the staff was incredibly gracious and at no point did I feel pressure to finish and get out. We had momentary chats, making one almost feel like they were part of the family. From the outside, some might wonder if this is a place they should be visiting, but to let this facade turn you away would be a huge mistake. The food was incredibly good and was matched by a great staff! So if you're a Clevelander and haven't been there, pay a visit. If you're visiting from out of the city, make sure you find time to stop by. read more
4 months ago
Great Food and Service! A must visit! Can't wait to go back! Cleveland Best Sandwich Spot! read more
11 months ago
I recently went here for a weekday lunch with a friend to try this Cleveland icon. While we had to wait in a line that went out the door to order, it moved quickly and we were able to place and receive our order in under 10 minutes. Slyman's was once a Jewish-style deli; although there are still vestiges on the menu, this is no longer the case. I got the house special corned beef sandwich and intended to split the potato pancakes with my friend. Although the sandwich was pricey ($20), it come with a ton of meat. The corned beef was good, although extremely salty and a bit difficult to eat by the end. The potato pancakes looked like they had been taken straight from a package frozen and halfheartedly thrown into a cooking vessel; I took one look at them and couldn't eat them (my friend tried and confirmed my suspicion). I'm glad I tried Slyman's; I got my fill. read more
2 months ago
We were visiting Cleveland from out-of-town and had to visit the famous Slyman's! We were not disappointed! It was about three minutes from the time we ordered to when they delivered our food. Our sandwiches were huge and absolutely perfect. The potato salad and pickles complemented the sandwiches deliciously! We will definitely be back! read more
3 months ago
10 months ago
I'm from Columbus but have family in Cleveland Had been wanting to go for a long time but I'm always up there on Sundays when Slymans are closed Well...made it on a Monday and...OMG The best ever Family run Clean Friendly The absolute best corned beef and pastrami! I get the "lite" sandwich and it's HUGE Can only eat half and then take home other half and make into another big sandwich The pastrami is to die for No questions. No more looking. Just go. The family is the best and make you feel a part of their family as soon as you walk in the door Thanks to Slymans... Food done right read more
Well I finally got to Slymans. Due to an appointment at the nearby Cleveland Clinic The sylman experience was short but oh so sweet! The experience starts by standing in line outside. You wait. You wait some more. Then you graduated to what I call the holding cell. (The breezeway between the outside and inside.) that holds four ppl tops. You stand here, squished , a minimum of a few minutes. People open the door into your face, or body, while making the same dumb jokes while you smile and wonder why they cant get thru and four by three hall in under three minutes, but instead of saying anything, you nod and smile. Finally we are inside the main restaurant! Wahoo! (Yes, intentional nod to the home town Indians, I mean the Guardians, who will always remain the Indians in my mind). After a short wait, a lady took our order and assigned us a table. (They have a small dining room.). Nom nom nom let the feasting begin! We ordered a rueben and a turkey club. My husbands rueben was enormous. Mountains of red meat. How he bit into it... I have no clue . I am certain this is not heart healthy, nor approved by my cardiologist, but it looked so amazing. Since I was in Cleveland for my heart I scan the menu and looked for the most healthy things and came up with two the tuna melt or the turkey club I chose the least healthy, which is it turkey club but thought my cardiologist would approve of that. Heck, she probably eats here herself. My turkey club was half the size of the Reuben, but still had tons of meat. It was delicious. So were the fries that came with it. I only got to eat half of it as we had to quick pack it up and get to my series of tests at Cleveland Clinic. But it was fun while we were there. Honestly you cant go wrong with anything from here. Yum times ten. read more
3 months ago
It's only right to get a Slymans corned beef sandwich at the ORIGINAL location when visiting Cleveland. Can never go wrong! I came at closing by accident and some of my other sandwiches (not pictured) were small stacks, but the staff made sure to accommodate me regardless. Always great service and food! read more
A staple in Cleveland. Still a similar experience that I had a decade ago. You most likely will start the experience waiting in line outside the door- so come prepared for weather. The line really does move fast, so don't be deterred. You order at the counter and can choose to eat in or take to go. They're known for their corned beef on the Orlando rye. Again, another Cleveland staple. You can easily split a sandwich based on the serving size of meat. The dining area might be tight depending on the rush, but the staff does a great job getting you food fast and keep g the tables clean to get more people in. read more
7 months ago
The service was friendly and fast. We got right in, but there was a line outside when we left. The sandwiches were tasty but pricey. Not nearly as much ham and turkey in a sandwich compared to the beef. It is a little pricey. read more
Not cheap but incredibly incredibly fast service with huge portions. Brunch only- open til 230pm with breakfast and lunch while they're open. Food came out within 2 minutes of ordering and I tried multiple items. Deliciously flavorful corned beef and pastrami. The pastrami melt had perfectly toasted bread and there are mayo and thousand island bottles at every table to baste your food in- as it should be. This place is no frills and all the flavor. Definitely the juiciest best corned beef and pastrami I've had in Cleveland! It's not often I have a lot to say about staff other than just "good service", but this place is unique. Without exception, every person who walked in was treated like family. Honest to God over 75% of the people who came in ended up talking to the owners- who are actively working amongst the rest of the staff- about their moms and dads, health updates and jobs, etc. Several folks sat down to eat near me and began discussing how many decades they'd been eating at Slyman's. Even as a first timer, when I left the hostess said goodbye Amy! What a fantastically warm environment to feel like family in this place. Everyone truly cares. read more
This place is a must stop when in Cleveland. My kind of place, old, no thrills, just great food. The corned beef sandwich is one of the best sandwiches I have ever had. Huge portions, enough for two people fast and friendly service. This a great place. read more
10 months ago
5 months ago
I've been craving their Corned beef sandwich since I found out we were going to Cleveland a few months back. A stacked, thinly sliced corned beef sandwich is a signature meal in this town, so I had the tough decision of choosing between Barristers and Slymans. Honestly I found Barristers first but when I seen the photos of Slymans sandwiches, my mind was made up. Today's experience goes into my food history as one of my most memorable moments. The staff are friendly, the restaurant was clean, and the food was amazing. One of the owners even came out to welcome use and chat with me about Iron Maiden, cool! Our meals arrived in record time and we're super fresh. I have to admit it is kind of expensive but you get a lot for the money. My corned beef melt was $21 and the side of potato salad was $4.50. Nancy's got two egg with cheese on the for $6 and Nancy's sister got a sausage and cheese omelette $8 with home fries with onions $5.50, and a cup of coffee $2.25. We loved all the three stooges memorabilia and how quickly we were able to get in and out in record time because we were heading out of Cleveland today. If you ever in the area I highly recommend you stop in for a bite to eat. read more
Had to travel up to CLE from CBus and needed a quick bite before for the return trip. A guys gotta eat. Everything I remember for the BEST Corned Beef sandwich you can get in Ohio. So tender and tasty. If you are a sandwich lover, add this to your list. Just get the Corned Beef on rye. Do not add cheese or any condiments. It does not need a thing. Exceptional flavor. Get there early for lunch as a line will quickly form. Service is quick and very personable. You will order at counter for take out or dine in. My takeout order was ready in about 90 seconds. Faster than fast food! If you dine in, they will serve you at your table. Dining at on a little small but true old school CLE. Such a great vibe. They are on my must stop list for and CLE runs. You will not be disappointed! read more
What's popping Yelpers? Well the fatboy was in Cleveland, OH. On my way to DC. When I figured hey why not have a corned beef sandwich?! So I stopped into Slyman's! What a great decision. The place just has a smell of deliciousness as soon as you come through the door! It's has sort of an old style diner feel to it. Pictures of celebrities on the wall. Mainly Henry Winkler (The Fonz.... Ayyyeee) and I noticed a picture of President Biden! I was greeted by such a pleasant woman who took my order with such a welcoming smile. She let the wifey & I come behind the register to sit at the counter to watch them prepare the sandwiches. We got to meet the owner. They've been in business since 1963 and I can see why. Not only was the service great but the sandwiches were excellent! We got a pastrami sandwich on rye with mustard & we ordered the corned beef Ruben. Now to start I must say the service gets a 10/10. The women who I met were so Very pleasant. The Pastrami Sandwich was so delicious. The pastrami was tender with a nice saltiness and it was complimented with a nice mild smoke flavor!! They give you extra bread because the sandwiches are LOADED with meat! The Pastrami was the best I've tasted (so far) 9/10 The Corned Beef Ruben was pretty good. The corned beef was nicely seasoned, very, very tender and they pile it on!! The 1000 didn't add the sweetness I was looking for. And the Kraut wasn't too tangy. Very good sandwich all in all. Solid 8.7/10. They also gave us real kosher dill deli pickles. So fresh and crunchy 9.5/10! My experience here was amazing! 10/10 for the experience! I'll be back in Cleveland Sunday returning back home. I'm definitely stopping by Monday morning on my way back to Chicago!! If you're ever in Cleveland, OH I advise that you go to Slyman's!! (Remember all reviews are subjective) read more
5 months ago
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Do they serve lunch all day or does that start at 11 when breakfast ends?
Breakfast until 11:00 am
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