Well, Cleveland, we’re officially in the dead of winter. With that in mind, warm up this month by grabbing a Hot Pastrami Sandwich from one of these Cleveland-area delicatessens.
Slyman’s Tavern
It’s almost impossible to talk about Cleveland sandwiches without mentioning Slyman’s Tavern. A Cleveland staple, this St. Clair Avenue delicatessen has been stacking sandwiches for more than 57 years. That legacy is on display with its pastrami sandwich ($17.49), which features plentiful heaps of peppered beef between two toasty pieces of rye bread. You’re probably going to need a fork and knife. 3106 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, 216-621-3760, slymans.com
Lehman’s Deli & Bakery
Customization is the name of the game at Lehman’s. If you want, you could walk into Lehman’s and walk out with a simple, hot pastrami sandwich ($12). And we wouldn’t judge you for it. But we also wouldn’t judge you if you took advantage of the customization offered at this West Side carry-out-only spot. Whether you want to change the bread (want it in a wrap?), size (we’d recommend getting the “large version”) or the toppings (Swiss cheese, anyone?), you’ll be able to walk out with the sandwich that’s perfect for you. 24961 Detroit Road. Westlake, 440-871-3445, lehmansdeli.com
Larder Bakery
While Larder might be the new kid on the block when it comes to local delis, it has the tastes that can compete with any institutional deli in Cleveland. This deli boasts a pastrami sandwich ($13) that features certified angus beef brisket topped with pastrami staples rye, sauerkraut and mustard. Complete your meal with soup, salad or a deli side. 1455 W. 29th St., Cleveland, 216-912-8203, larderdb.com
Mister Brisket
One stop at Mister Brisket and you’ll never want to pack your lunch again. Along with offering meat and cheese by the pound, this Cleveland Heights staple offers both brisket and BBQ pastrami ($12). Looking for a big meal? Fear not, as this menu also has “The Duke,” ($19.95), which boasts one pound of corned beef, brisket pastrami and turkey. With meals this big, you won’t have to worry about dinner, either. 2156 S. Taylor Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-932-8620, misterbrisket.com
Lox, Stock and Brisket
Since opening in 2019, Stock and Brisket has had the goal of taking Old World Jewish deli traditions and giving them a modern twist. The Upper East Side ($11) is a tangible example of that thinking, as this sandwich features in-house brined and seasoned beef brisket topped with cucumbers, dill and mustard sandwiched between two pieces of rye bread. One taste of this and you’ll never want to go back to another deli. 13892 Cedar Road, University Heights, 216-471-8175, loxstockandbrisket.com
