Unearth The Voyage
When hunger strikes in the Buckeye State, sandwich lovers have plenty of options to choose from. Ohio has birthed some of America’s most beloved sandwich shops, from roast beef giants to Philly cheesesteak specialists. These homegrown chains understand what makes a truly satisfying sandwich – quality ingredients, consistent preparation, and flavors that keep customers coming back for more.
Arby’s – The Roast Beef Pioneer
Back in 1964, two brothers in Boardman had a simple idea: create a fast-food restaurant that wasn’t just another burger joint. Their roast beef sandwiches quickly won over Ohioans before conquering America’s appetite.
The magic happens when that perfectly pink, thinly-sliced beef gets piled high on a toasted bun. Their signature Horsey Sauce and Arby’s Sauce add just the right tangy kick to complement the meat.
While the Classic Roast Beef remains the star, don’t overlook their Beef ‘n Cheddar with its gooey cheese sauce and red ranch on an onion roll. Their curly fries – seasoned and crispy – make the perfect sidekick to any sandwich on the menu.
Charleys Philly Steaks – Campus Creation Gone Global
From a small campus spot at Ohio State University to international sandwich stardom, Charleys has been grilling up authentic Philly cheesesteaks since 1986. Founder Charley Shin brought his cheesesteak vision to life after falling in love with the sandwich during a trip to Philadelphia.
What sets them apart? Each sandwich features USDA choice steak grilled fresh to order with onions and peppers, then smothered in melted provolone. The soft, airy roll soaks up all those savory juices without falling apart.
Beyond the Original Philly, their chicken varieties and loaded gourmet fries have built loyal followings. Their real-fruit lemonades provide the perfect sweet counterpoint to the savory sandwiches.
Dave’s Cosmic Subs – Rockin’ Sandwiches with Personality
Walking into Dave’s feels like stepping into a time machine back to the psychedelic 60s. Founder Dave Lombardy created this Northeast Ohio gem in Chagrin Falls, combining his love for rock ‘n’ roll with seriously good sandwiches.
The walls covered in vintage concert posters and music memorabilia set the stage, but it’s the sandwiches that deserve the standing ovation. Each creation comes loaded with premium meats and cheeses on fresh Italian bread, but the real headliner is Dave’s Cosmic Sauce – a secret blend with just the right amount of kick.
The Original Dave’s Cosmic Sub layers Italian meats and provolone with that famous sauce. Vegetarians rock out too with options like the “Veggie Dave” that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Penn Station East Coast Subs – Fresh-Cut Excellence
Since 1985, this Cincinnati-born chain has followed a refreshingly simple formula: do a few things extremely well. Their commitment to quality shows in every aspect, from bread baked throughout the day to fries cut fresh by hand.
The menu keeps it straightforward with hot and cold subs that spotlight quality ingredients rather than gimmicks. Their Philly Cheesesteak remains the bestseller, featuring tender steak grilled with onions and your choice of cheese and toppings.
Those fresh-cut fries deserve special mention – they’re cooked in peanut oil for extra crispness, then served piping hot. Wash it all down with their freshly-squeezed lemonade, made daily with real lemons, not from concentrate or syrup.
Rax Roast Beef – Nostalgic Fast Food Survivor
Once a mighty fast-food empire with over 500 locations nationwide, Rax Roast Beef represents a fascinating slice of Ohio restaurant history. Founded in Springfield, this chain pioneered concepts like extensive salad bars and healthier fast-food options long before they became industry trends.
The signature roast beef sandwiches feature thin-sliced beef piled on soft buns – simple but satisfying. Many fans make special trips to the remaining locations just to recapture that distinctive flavor from their childhood.
Though now limited to just a handful of restaurants, Rax maintains a cult following among Ohioans. Their BBC (beef, bacon and cheddar) sandwich and famous shakes continue to draw loyal customers who appreciate this surviving piece of fast-food nostalgia.
Tony Packo’s Cafe – Celebrity-Endorsed Hungarian Hot Dogs
When M*A*S*H character Corporal Klinger (played by Toledo native Jamie Farr) mentioned Tony Packo’s on national television, this humble Hungarian hot dog joint became an overnight sensation. Founded in 1932, this Toledo institution serves a unique twist on the traditional sandwich.
Their signature item isn’t technically a sandwich in the traditional sense, but their Hungarian hot dog – featuring a spicy Hungarian sausage topped with their famous meat sauce and served on rye bread – certainly qualifies in spirit. The walls lined with hot dog buns signed by celebrities add to the quirky charm.
Don’t miss their pickle and pepper bar for adding extra zing. While they’ve expanded beyond the original location, each restaurant maintains that family-run feel that’s made them a beloved Ohio institution for generations.
Olga’s Kitchen – Greek-American Bread Brilliance
Though founded in Michigan, Olga’s has won enough Ohio hearts to earn a spot on this list. The secret to their sandwich success lies in their signature Olga Bread – a cross between pita and flatbread that’s grilled to perfection and wraps around every filling.
The Original Olga combines seasoned beef and lamb with sweet onions, tomatoes, and tangy Olgasauce. Each sandwich gets wrapped in a warm, slightly crispy yet soft bread that elevates even simple ingredients to something special.
Beyond sandwiches, their snackers (small pieces of Olga Bread served with Swiss almond cheese) have developed their own cult following. The Three Cheese Olga offers a delicious vegetarian option with a blend of cheeses and vegetables wrapped in that amazing bread.
Isaly’s – The Chipped Chopped Ham Legends
While most Isaly’s deli-dairy stores have vanished from Ohio’s landscape, their sandwich legacy lives on through their iconic deli meats and cheese. Founded in Mansfield, this family business introduced America to chipped chopped ham – paper-thin slices of ham with a uniquely tender texture that made for incredible sandwiches.
Old-timers still reminisce about Skyscraper ice cream cones and Klondike bars, but it’s the sandwiches that cemented Isaly’s place in Ohio food history. Their meats and cheeses can still be found in some grocery stores, allowing sandwich enthusiasts to recreate those classic flavors at home.
The classic Isaly’s sandwich featured their famous ham on fresh bakery bread with a swipe of mustard – simple perfection that demonstrates why quality ingredients matter more than complicated recipes.
Katzinger’s Delicatessen – Columbus’ Gourmet Sandwich Institution
While not a sprawling chain, Katzinger’s has earned its legendary status in Central Ohio’s sandwich scene since 1984. This authentic Jewish deli in Columbus’ German Village neighborhood creates sandwiches so memorable that locals measure all others against them.
Towering creations like the Katzinger’s Reuben feature house-made corned beef piled impossibly high on rye bread. Their famous pickle barrels invite customers to fish out the perfect accompaniment to their meal.
Beyond sandwiches, their impressive selection of specialty foods, artisanal cheeses, and imported ingredients makes this a food lover’s paradise. The Reagan, named after the president who once visited, combines hot pastrami and chopped liver – an unexpected combination that somehow works brilliantly.
