A Cleveland icon since 1967, Corky and Lenny's closed unexpectedly this week. Locals were left shocked and upset, leaving comments of their endearing memories of the New York-style Jewish deli. Here’s what some Cleveland Magazine readers had to say on Facebook and Instagram.
Corky & Lenny’s was a favorite Restaurant to so many people on the east side of Cleveland starting at Cedar Center to Chagrin Blvd.!!! A true classic!!! So very sad!! We will miss it!!!!
-@joyce_f_difranco on Instagram
This one really hurts. Of course I am craving mish mosh soup and a chocolate phosphate now.
-@mmkiller5 on Instagram
Best pickles and corned beef outside of nyc. Kind of shitty to not give warning, would like to have stocked up on some stuff. I really hope they open back up. Understand the owner is getting old and has horrible people interactions, but that food was worth putting up with all that.
-@mutt_funley on Instagram
💔 another childhood memory
-@melindabratkeeper on Instagram
In the labyrinth of culinary experiences that dot the American landscape, certain institutions stand as monuments to tradition, flavor, and a bygone era. Corky & Lenny's Restaurant Deli, nestled in Woodmere, OH, was one such hallowed ground—a temple of taste that first welcomed patrons in the year 1956. Its sudden closure has left a void, a culinary lacuna that echoes through the hearts of many, myself included.
-Anthony Prusak on Facebook
ooooh noooo ! Now I won't be able to get my fix of that most marvelous sandwich: hot pastrami between two latkes ! It was the absolute BEST. I started going to Corky and Lenny's with my dad back in the 60's... and made a pilgrimage back to the restaurant every time I returned to Cleveland over the years. RIP BEST SANDWICH. 💔
-Kathryn Reiss on Facebook
My mouth is watering just seeing that Matzoh ball soup! I used to love it along with a corned beef sandwich sliced thin with rye bread and mustard at Diamonds in the old Richmond mall. How I miss that meal! I’m in California now, and can’t find anything even close to it out here.
-Dave Bambauer on Facebook
SUGGESTED: Remembering Corky & Lenny’s After 67 Years on Cleveland’s East Side
Soooo sad! Cabbage soup to die for.. My very first Knish… ohhh soooo many great lunches with co-workers and friends. Sorry to see you go😔Corky and Lenny’s you will be missed❤️🩹
-Linda Giuliano Steblinski on Facebook
Thanks for the wonderful comfort food, and a great meeting spot for so many years and all the familiar faces. We came to you to celebrate and ordered from you when we suffered a loss. You were so much more than just a neighbor hood Deli. Best wishes and thank you to Kenny, his family and staff. ❤️🙏
-Shirley Holman on Facebook
I really hope they don't close forever! Every time I go back to Cleveland I go have some kind of great meal.......and I loved the matzo ball soup!
-Beth Main Charlillo on Facebook
I LIVE IN FLORIDA NOW BUT ORIGINAL FROM CLEVELAND I WILL MISS GOING BACK TO CORKY AND LENNY
-Bruce Simon on Facebook
SUGGESTED: Here’s the Recipe for Corky & Lenny’s Famous Matzo Ball Soup
I never imagine this would ever happen.😔
-Melissa Jean Hamilton on Facebook
I remember going there with my date after he got off of work. I loved the corned beef and matzah ball soup. So sad they are closed!
-Sharon Shapiro on Facebook
Loved that place! I went there since I was a toddler! When I do visit Cleveland Corky’s was always on my to do list! End of an Era?
-Rhonda Lou Kaiser on Facebook
I used to go there every Sunday with my Dad! Great memories!! I was a young girl and still talk about the Turkey dinner!!
-Janice Zaidman Guilliams on Facebook
To see such rich history close its doors is heartbreaking. It's like all of the Cleveland traditions are slowly dying off.
-Raymond Isham on Facebook
