Where to Get the Best Corned Beef in Cleveland, Ohio

Cleveland has become known as a foodie town, and it offers everything from gourmet cuisine to old-fashioned favorites. At Kia of Streetsboro, one of our favorite Cleveland meals is its famous corned beef. It’s actually so well-known for the dish that some say it’s the best place to find corned beef outside of New York City. Here are five of the hottest spots in and around Cleveland for this classic savory treat.

Slyman’s

“Corned Beef Sandwich” by Larry Hoffman is licensed under CC BY 2.0

It’s impossible for us to tell you if you’ll think Slyman’s has the best corned beef in Cleveland, but we will say many local newspapers, websites, and residents rank it as their top pick year after year. In fact, if you want to get your hands on Slyman’s corned beef for St. Patrick’s Day, you’d better call your pre-order in early! While the deli limits pre-orders, you can still visit the deli and order there. Just get ready for a crowd and a wait for the self-proclaimed “biggest and best” in the city.

The deli’s most popular dish is its corned beef sandwich, of course, which comes piled high on rye. Order a “natural” if you just want the bread and beef, or ask for an “original” if you want to add mustard. Mix it up even more with a “smurf” (Swiss cheese and mustard), “Zinger” (just horseradish), “Sumo” (Swiss cheese, mayonnaise, and horseradish), or a “Blaster” (Swiss and American cheese, mayonnaise, and mustard). You can also take corned beef to go by the pound, or pop in for a homestyle breakfast.

Address: 3106 St. Clair Ave. NE

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–2 p.m.

Corky & Lenny’s

Another longstanding Cleveland locale famous for heaping corned beef sandwiches is Corky & Lenny’s. The New York-style deli got its start in 1956 when friends Sanford “Corky” Kurland and Lenny Kaden teamed up to provide Northeast Ohio residents with traditional American and Eastern European foods. After finding success with its delicatessen delights, the pair opened in more locations throughout the area, and Corky’s son Kenny continues to run the business today.

Corky & Lenny’s serves its hot corned beef sandwich in a regular size and, for those with a bigger appetite, a king-size. Although the sandwich is a big hit with restaurant guests, the deli also serves many other corned beef dishes, including Reuben, wraps, and quesadillas. If you’re craving a different Jewish classic, you’re in luck. Corky & Lenny’s also offers homemade favorites like latkes, challah, lox, and gefilte fish. Grab a bakery or deli tray for your next event, too!

Address: 27091 Chagrin Blvd.

Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 8 a.m–5 p.m.

Flannery’s Pub

After its opening in 1997, Flannery’s Pub in Cleveland has delighted locals and visitors with its Irish food, drinks, and atmosphere. Denis Flannery opened the downtown staple with the philosophy that all people from all backgrounds can gather to shake off the day and have some fun. Guests of all ages can count on a delicious meal and a great time at this restaurant, bar, and small event venue all rolled into one, which often hosts viewing parties for some of the biggest sports games of the year.

Flannery’s pub has a huge food and drink menu full of Irish classics. Unlike some of the other locations on this list, Flannery’s house-made corned beef is more of a hidden gem than a centerpiece. Once you get a taste of their Reuben, though, you’ll understand why we couldn’t pass over this one. If you prefer your corned beef breadless, you cannot go wrong with the traditional corned beef and cabbage platter. Order online for takeout or bring the crew for lunch, dinner, drinks, and music!

Address: 323 Prospect Ave. E

Hours: Tuesday, 3 p.m.–12 a.m.; Wednesday and Thursday, 11:30 a.m.–12 a.m.; Friday, 11:30 a.m.–2 a.m.; Saturday, 12 p.m.–2 a.m.; Sunday, 12 p.m.–10 p.m.

Danny’s Deli

A downtown Cleveland landmark, Danny’s Deli has been serving customers since 1978. The family-owned business serves breakfast and lunch, and they work their famous corned beef into many of their customers’ favorite dishes. Besides dine-in and takeout, guests can enjoy some of the city’s finest corned beef at their next party! The deli offers party trays, box lunches, desserts, and more.

Danny’s Deli offers a cold and hot version of their corned beef sandwich in two sizes each. They pile the classic cold sandwich with thinly sliced corned beef and add a bit of mustard to top it off. If you prefer a hot bite, you can get the deli’s most sought-after meat in Reuben form, complete with sauerkraut and Swiss cheese. Order the regular to play it safe, or go for the gut-busting Jaw Breaker size if you’re feeling brave!

Address: 1658 St. Clair Ave.

Hours: Monday–Friday, 6 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

The Harp

The Harp is an Irish pub and restaurant in Cleveland offering a wide variety of drinks, food, and live music. A cozy, warmly lit building with a traditional wood interior, the place feels like an Irish bar should. Fortunately, their Irish spin on a classic corned beef is as impressive as the venue.

The Harp’s regular corned beef sandwich comes with house-made brisket and Swiss cheese on toasted rye. If you’re a Reuben fan, you can jazz it up with sauerkraut and Russian dressing. Keep it on the rye or take it off the beaten path by switching out the traditional slices for a boxty, or a folded potato pancake. With reviews comparing The Harp’s corned beef to some top Cleveland competitors, we think this one definitely deserves a spot on the list.

Address: 4408 Detroit Ave.

Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday, 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m.; Thursday–Saturday, 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.

What do you think of the list? Did we miss any of your top spots? Let us know if you didn’t see your favorite place for corned beef in Cleveland on the list so we can add it—and try it ourselves!