Slyman's Restaurant and Deli
A legendary Cleveland deli famous for its towering corned beef sandwiches, generous portions, and friendly, old-school service.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Slyman's Restaurant and Deli
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A legendary Cleveland deli famous for its towering corned beef sandwiches, generous portions, and friendly, old-school service.
"This St. Clair Avenue staple has been serving up legendary corned beef since 1964, and let me tell you — it lives up to the hype."
Share Your Meal
Portions are huge! Consider visiting with a group or as a couple to share multiple dishes and try different offerings.
Half Sandwich is Plenty
A half roast beef sandwich is more than enough for an average person. Consider this for a lighter, yet still substantial, meal.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Deli, American
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Iconic Corned Beef Sandwich
Experience Cleveland's legendary corned beef sandwich, piled impossibly high with tender, flavorful meat on fresh rye bread.
Generous Portions
Slyman's is renowned for its massive portions, with sandwiches that are perfect for sharing or satisfying the heartiest appetite.
Friendly, Homely Atmosphere
Enjoy a welcoming and friendly dining experience from the staff, making you feel right at home in this retro deli.
Plans like a pro.
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Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Share Your Meal
Portions are huge! Consider visiting with a group or as a couple to share multiple dishes and try different offerings.
Half Sandwich is Plenty
A half roast beef sandwich is more than enough for an average person. Consider this for a lighter, yet still substantial, meal.
Extra Pickles, Anyone?
If you love pickles, consider asking for extra. Reviewers note they are small and sometimes not enough to complement the large sandwiches.
Takeout for Speed
Opt for takeout during busy periods like St. Patrick's Day for quick service, often under 10 minutes.
Tips
from all over the internet
Share Your Meal
Portions are huge! Consider visiting with a group or as a couple to share multiple dishes and try different offerings.
Half Sandwich is Plenty
A half roast beef sandwich is more than enough for an average person. Consider this for a lighter, yet still substantial, meal.
Extra Pickles, Anyone?
If you love pickles, consider asking for extra. Reviewers note they are small and sometimes not enough to complement the large sandwiches.
Takeout for Speed
Opt for takeout during busy periods like St. Patrick's Day for quick service, often under 10 minutes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Slyman's is a Cleveland institution celebrated for its colossal corned beef sandwiches, consistently delivering tender, flavorful meat piled high on fresh rye bread. Diners rave about the generous portions, friendly service, and classic deli atmosphere, though some note the pickles could be larger. It's a must-visit for anyone craving an authentic and satisfying deli experience.
"I always visit Slyman’s when I’m in the mod for a Corned Beef Sandwich or a Rueben. They are consistent when it comes to the tenderness of the corned beef. Not too much fat on your sandwich, but the sandwich is so big it’s hard to eat it all at once. The pickle is really small though. That’s a little disappointing because I actually like pickles and the sandwich is so big it could use a little more pickle without extra cost.
The sandwich itself is $22, but they do have different portions and options to choose from. Sometimes I order their crinkle cut fries or sometimes I enjoy my sandwich with a bag of chips from the store. Either way, Slyman’s never disappoints. Also I’ve never had an issue with customer service here. The family that owns it are nice, down to earth people. Take out never there longer that 10 minutes, unless it’s St. Patrick’s Day."
Brittany
"“If you’re from Cleveland and haven’t been to Slyman’s — are you even from Cleveland?”
This St. Clair Avenue staple has been serving up legendary corned beef since 1964, and let me tell you — it lives up to the hype. Whether you’re a regular or just passing through, Slyman’s delivers that perfect blend of flavor, tradition, and heart.
I ordered the Lite Classic Corned Beef sandwich with Swiss — still stacked high, just not the full beast. The corned beef was insanely tender, juicy, and full of flavor. No dryness, no chew — just pure deli greatness. The Swiss added that perfect salty punch, and the rye bread was soft and fresh, holding it all together like a champ.
I paired it with the bacon cheese fries, which were everything you’d hope for — golden fries smothered in melted cheddar and topped with crispy bacon. Zero regrets. Pure indulgence.
Food-wise? 8.5/10. Portion, quality, and taste were all on point. Presentation was clean and solid, especially for a quick-turnaround deli. But the best part? The woman at the register.
As she ran my card, she looked up, smiled, and said, “Thank you, Justin, for stopping by. People from out of town really make this place magical for us.”
That moment stuck with me. It was simple, heartfelt, and reminded me why Slyman’s is more than just a sandwich shop — it’s a piece of Cleveland’s soul. I didn’t catch her name, but that kindness is something I won’t forget.
Slyman’s is open Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 2:30 PM. No weekends. So plan ahead and show up hungry.
Bottom line: Slyman’s isn’t trendy, it’s timeless. It’s the kind of place that makes locals proud and visitors feel welcome. If you’re in town, go experience it for yourself — one bite, and you’ll get it."
Justin Cook
"A must-visit if you’re craving a solid corned beef sandwich. I ordered one and asked for it melted—the toasted bread made
a big difference and took it to the next level. I also tried the Reuben hotdog, and both items were packed with flavor
and super satisfying. The portions were generous, and the meats were tender and well-seasoned. It’s the kind of place that
knows how to do deli food right. I’ll definitely be going back the next time I’m in the area. Great food, fast service, and worth every bite."
Stephen Dockery
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Slyman's is most famous for its iconic, sky-high corned beef sandwiches, which are a must-try for any visitor.
Yes, Slyman's is known for its incredibly generous portions, especially their sandwiches, which are often large enough to share.
Many reviewers agree that the wait is worth it for the quality and size of the sandwiches. For quicker service, consider takeout.
Slyman's is typically open Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 2:30 PM. They are closed on weekends.
Yes, takeout is available and is often a faster option during peak hours and holidays like St. Patrick's Day.
While corned beef is the star, reviewers also enjoy the pastrami sandwiches, bacon cheese fries, and the Reuben hotdog.
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The Best Restaurants In Downtown Cleveland, Ohio
There is no better spot in Cleveland to find New York-style deli food than Slyman’s Restaurant on the East Side. It is a simple diner setting with friendly and attentive staff who serve up traditional American fare, from Ruebens to sweet hotcakes. Don’t miss the classic pastrami and corned beef sandwiches, which are rumored to be the best in the Midwest.
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There is almost nothing left to say about Slyman’s nationally renowned corned beef sandwich at this point. Esquire wrote about it. Dubya came to Cleveland to eat it.
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Opened: 1964Located: DowntownSeats: About 30 Style of Cuisine: Old school deliKey Players: Owner Freddie Slyman, chef Sam Slyman. Slyman’s isn’t just corned beef ($19.50). Of course, when the lunch rush brings an influx of families, laborers, office workers and cops, pink shrapnels of brisket — brined with a proprietary, garlic-heavy recipe from Grobbel Meats in Detroit — fly off the automatic slicer, as frantic workers pile fistfuls on rye bread.
The Best Food to Try in Cleveland
The mothership on St. Clair has been slinging sandwiches for more than a half-century, and there are also offshoots in Independence and Beachwood, and a food truck as well. Beachwood is also home to Corky and Lenny’s (which is also part of the food court at the Jack Cleveland Casino). On the west side is Cleveland Corned Beef, in a plaza at the corner of Pearl and Brookpark roads.
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This is a 7 star experience…I can only compare this sandwich to Kaufman's New Jersey Bypass. This sandwich at Slyman's is taller, juicier and tastier. I loved every bite and they grill the rye bread over butter on the flat top - that's what makes you say, "Shut the front door!" You get a healthy amount of sauerkraut and a snappy pickle with it…The coleslaw was great too.
A Local's Guide to Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Cleveland, Ohio
Slyman’sis famous for its delicious and ginormous corned beef sandwiches, and is a perfect choice to soak up any beer from St. Patrick’s Day celebrations!. Enjoy their roast beef, corned beef, or pastrami on a sandwich or have it for breakfast with eggs and homefries. This place is buzzing all day during St. Patrick’s Day and serves over 1,000 pounds of corned beef!
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It’s like a time capsule where things are still done and made as they were back in 1964. My first experience at Slyman’s was over the holiday weekend, and it was a line out the door for one of the famous sandwiches. Since they are known for their huge corned beef sandwiches, I advise you to order one of these two-handed sandwiches.
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3106 St Clair Ave NE, Cleveland, OH 44114Phone: 216-621-3760 Visit Website. A post shared by Jimmy Ho | BBQ | Food | Austin (@thesmokingho). Nestled in the heart of the New Chinatown neighborhood, overlooking Sterling Park, stands Slyman’s Restaurant and Deli, a laid-back, retro eatery serving the best corned beef in the city.
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What’s left to say about Slyman’s, home to one of the most famous sandwiches in the nation. Stacked a mile high with warm, plush beef, these dreamy sandwiches set the bar. If you can pry yourself away from the CB on rye, the Reuben, tuna melt, and cheeseburger deluxe are all worthy of note.
Best Breakfast in Cleveland, OH (2025) — 30 Top Places!
3106 Saint Clair Ave NECleveland, OH 44114-4007(216) 621-3760. Slyman’s Deli is a locally-owned restaurant that’s a continuation of the original legacy of Cleveland, the Slyman’s Restaurant, and serves American comfort diner dishes and other deli classics.
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– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (1,399 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (5.0/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)– Type of cuisine: American, Deli– Price: $$ – $$$– Address: 3106 Saint Clair Ave NE, Cleveland, OH 44114-4007– Read more on Tripadvisor
Highest-rated Restaurants in Cleveland, According to Tripadvisor
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (1,407 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (5.0/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)- Type of cuisine: American, Deli- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 3106 Saint Clair Ave NE, Cleveland, OH 44114-4007- Read more on Tripadvisor
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Slyman's Restaurant has been a Cleveland institution since 1963, serving up hearty, mouthwatering deli fare for generations. This iconic eatery stands out for its friendly service, making it a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike.
Cleveland Favorites
They say it’s the Home of the Biggest and Best Corned Beef and it’s hard to argue. The sandwiches are huge and the corned beef is delicious. We usually stay traditional and get a corned beef on rye with some mustard and a dill pickle.
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A photo posted by chicago food-obsessed 🍽 (@agirlaboutchicago) on Jul 23, 2016 at 7:09am PDT. Wondering where to go for St. Patrick’s day?. Slyman’s is the best place in Cleveland to get a huge corned beef sandwich.
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Slyman's has become a staple in Cleveland for its massive corned beef sandwiches. Does massive even cover it?. It's gigantic and you're gonna need to bring your extra stomach along to eat it all at once.
The Best Sandwiches in Cleveland
Nothing is more Cleveland than a gargantuan corned beef sandwich (on rye, of course) from this downtown delicatessen. And don’t forget to crown this baddie with a slice of Swiss cheese.
according to Tripadvisor
The restaurants range from Cleveland legends such Slyman’s Deli, The Rowley Inn and Corky & Lenny’s to fine-dining destinations such as EDWINS, Marble Room, L’Albatro & much more.
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