At first glance, this place looks like any other typical Cleveland eatery. The décor is lacking, the beverages are straight from the can, and random memorabilia is prominently displayed throughout the establishment. This is all part of the experience--the illusion of a long-forgotten diner, the out-dated tables and chairs. This is simply to keep away the unworthy. Look closer, and notice the Steve Harvey Awards on the shelves. Corned Beef bigger than a baby calf. Welcome to your new favorite sandwich joint. read more

This place we heard is the place for corned beef on St.Patrick's Day...they're correct, the price is a little high, but the food is amazing

Vegetarians need not enter. Fuck Winne Dixie. THESE ARE THE BEEF PEOPLE! Since I am not a 300+ man, I was never going to be able to eat one of their sandwiches in one sitting. I got the Pastrami melt. Best I've ever had. Like nothing else has ever come close. But I took half the meat off and put it in a to go box. Heats up well at home. They are incredibly busy at lunch. They have desserts, but dude, "how can you have any pudding if you don't eat your meat?" read more

I'd like to give the staff five stars, and management zero. Since Yelp doesn't let me do that yet, I'm just going to go right down the middle and give Slyman's three stars. Food was phenomenal as always, but my most recent visit left a bad taste in my mouth, nonetheless. The condescending nature in which management treated the staff in front of me left me feeling second-hand humiliation. I'm torn on whether I should continue to frequent the establishment. It would feel morally wrong for me to do so. Shame that the sandwiches are so good. It's such a waste. The owners need to save their business before it completely goes down the drain, and find management who can lead instead of belittle. read more

Slyman's is one of Cleveland's most beloved hot spots and for a dang good reason. It's one of those places that doesn't dabble in anything that they can't blow out of the park. It's no lie that Slyman's has the best Corned Beef on the planet - simply because the beef is the star. There are no shenanigans going on in your sandwich. It's just a mass of mouth watering, high-blood-pressure-inducing corned beef on rye bread. Although the rye is also pretty good, it doesn't really matter because the meat is what people come for. And believe me, the people flock in masses. Don't plan on making it a quick in-and-out run because there is always a line out the door - a good sign for any restaurant. The staff are no-nonsense type of people but they are helpful and work hard to get you tasting their meat as soon as humanly possible. I also have to give major props on the thousand island dressing they use which is some of the best I've had. I could drink the stuff it is so good. While everything I've tried is great, the Reuben is my favorite. Don't be too shocked by the slightly hefty prices as you will be eating enough food to satiate a small village. You could probably make this meal last for 3 lunches if you wanted to... which you won't because it is just that good. My only real complaint is that the hours are terrible. They close at 2 pm most days so if you were wanting some corned beef for dinner, you better plan on buying by the pound at lunchtime (which you fortunately can do). read more

I was driving back home from a trip to Ohio and had time for a brief stop in Cleveland. Yelp told me I should go here and so I did. The place is in an industrial-like area, closes fairly early, and inside looks like they haven't redecorated in decades. And I wouldn't change it for the world. It was no question the best Reuben sandwich I've ever had and I don't even love corned beef. Me and a friend shared as the sandwiches are so huge and I still couldn't finish all the meat on my half. Service was also incredibly pleasant which was an added bonus. read more

I've had some good corned beef in my time, but this seriously blew my mind. My boyfriend and I stopped in here on a roadtrip from NYC to IL. Upon entering, we noticed how ridiculously large the sandwiches were and decided to split one for lunch. I have been daydreaming about that sandwich ever since.... The corned beef was tender and moist and the taste was absolutely amazing, everything about this sandwich was just right. There are condiments on the table, but I didn't want to add anything at all to my corned beef and change it's amazing flavor. If you're in the area, please do yourself a favor and stop by here. Living in NYC I have had sandwiches from some amazing delis, but nothing has compared to this. Also, I recommend ordering a plain corned beef sandwich, they also offer things like reubens, but I feel that adding anything on top of that amazing meat would almost be a sin! So glad we stopped in, and I wish this place were close to home!!! read more

Slyman's Restaurant - Absolutely out of this world!!! Corned beef sandwich at Slyman's in Cleveland, OH. - American Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

The best corned beef outside of the five boroughs and perhaps anywhere. It comes thinly sliced and piled high and is tender and lean. The bread and cheese on this sandwich are mere hood ornaments. This place isn't fancy, and it isn't cheap, but it's the real deal and a good value. I live on the West Coast, but I can't wait to go back. read more

SALTY SALTY SALTY!!!PASTRAMI-OVER RATED CLE ICON--The service was poor and the prices are simply not worth it-this is the first place they opened in the suburbs and they should of just stayed downtown-they are money hungry and expanding without consideration of aesthetics of neighboring structures-the outside of the building is a gross black red orange white toned with a pitch black parking lot that stinks like heavy tar and shockingly bright white lines that resemble what the attica state prison faciltiy must of looked like in the day - the inside for lack of a better way to explain is simply the dinky tavern look with no rhyme or reason--not a fan-if you want to get ripped off just go to blaze pizza around the corner for a skimpy piece of toast with ketchup sauce for 15 dollars-they simply add to all the the junk in the area, thats for sure read more

My first positive review in many has to be a 5er for the finest corned beef I've ever eaten, and that includes you New York City, quit resting on your reputation Yankee tossers. They could charge double for this sandwich, and I'd still pay it, be happy to pay it, stand in line for 30 minutes looking at the endless Three Stooges paraphernalia to pay it, let the waitress constantly bump my chair with her ass to pay it, share a table with sweaty strangers to pay it, wait outside for a seat in the middle of winter to pay it, then I'd still have half of it for leftovers. Haters can suck it. There isn't anything more Cleveland than Slyman's. Not one thing. (and I bet all the bad reviews are from Jewish New Yorkers cheesed off that a Lebanese Clevelander PWNS their shit). read more

In my opinion, this is one of Cleveland's best gems! I will never forget the first time my parents took me to Slyman's as a little girl - the experience was life changing! Why, you ask?? Because I would eat one of the best sandwiches EVER for the first time! I have since become a HUGE fan and look forward to the days when I can get my hands on one of these monsters! Be advised that this place gets packed (and I mean PACKED!) for lunch - many times the line is out the door (hey, it's that good!) You'll be happy you waited once your order comes up - trust me. Definitely know what you want when you get up there - they like to keep the pace moving. I LOVE LOVE LOVEEE the corned beef sandwiches. You don't need to put much on it (I like mine with just mustard and TONS of horseradish) and I always ask for 2 extra slices of bread to make a second sandwich out of the one I just ordered (it's A LOT of meat!). I've also had the hot turkey dinner, which was also awesome. Lastly, don't forget to order the fries - I always ask for some gravy on the side to dip 'em in (DELICIOUSNESS!). By far the best deli I've ever been to. If it's good enough for a former President, then it's good enough for me! P.S. Check the hours before you go - they open really early (heard the breakfasts are incredible), which also means they close early. Don't expect to pick up dinner here. read more

We CAN NOT visit Cleveland without visiting Slymans! One sandwich could easily fill the bellies of 2 people, but what would the fun be in that? One of the best parts is eating your sandwichs' other half later that night or next day, yummo! My 6 month old was even trying to grab a bite - he already has good taste! read more

I love love slymanns only thing is the toned beef sandwiches I have ordered have been small as compared to previously.where is my beef

EXCELLENT CORNED BEEF! Fries are plane jane. The boss at the slicer needs to take a chill pill. Smile buddy, life is short. It's no Carnegie Deli but it's good stuff. Get there early for lunch as it does get busy. Oh yeah, and the road is awful so don't drive too fast on your way to the place. =P read more

Oh, my, god. We visited Cleveland during a long road for which I'd done a lot of research, and made lots of little notes and reminders of things to do upon arrival in different places. Among them was Slyman's, and as we approached, I couldn't remember what was so special that I'd made a note of "Corned Beef at Slyman's" in advance. The line protruding out the front door was a good omen. We each ordered our corned beef sandwiches and took a seat, which was easy since most of the people in line were waiting on food to go. You've got to be kidding me with this sandwich. It was so packed full of meat that I had to press it down considerably before I could fit a bite into my mouth. I've never in my life seen a bigger corned beef sandwich, and let's not forget to mention the terrific flavor of the meat. Made with love, this sandwich was, for a lunchtime nosh that kept my appetite satiated until very late at night. If I'm ever back in Cleveland for any reason at all, this is it. read more

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I was introduced to Slymans about 18 months ago, and I'm a better person for it. Okay, maybe that's exaggerating a bit, but I can't think of any place I know in the US, that I'd rather go to for corned beef. They bill themselves as the "biggest corned beef sandwich in Cleveland," but they're being modest, because it's not just big, it's delicious. From about 11 a.m. until the close at 2:30 p.m. they have someone behind the counter doing nothing by manning the deli slicer, because they're pumping out sandwich after sandwich and it's all freshly sliced. Be warned, they are packed at lunch time, and service can be a little slow at the rush, but not frustratingly so. I really like their rueben, and one half of the sandwich is enough to satisfy me and give me a snack for later or lunch the next day. I have actually eaten an entire Slyman's sandwich, but I regretted it because I was too full for the rest of the day. And mind you, I'm not one of those waifish types who eats three bites and stops. I like to clean a plate, but it's not advisable here. I have also been there for breakfast, which is good, inexpensive and fast. The staff have been there forever it seems, and it's still family owned and operated. This is the kind of place where the same people have been going there for decades, so it's not unusual for people to come in and get greeted by name. But even if you're not a regular, the staff are chatty and jocular, and unless you're a vegetarian, I think you'll really like it. I know I will keep going back. read more

Heard this was the place to get corned beef and pastrami in Cleveland. Had a Monday off from work, so the husband and I headed out to get there before the lunch rush. Originally from NJ, I'll preface this with my metric for a great corned beef or pastrami is Katz' Deli in NY - where they still hand cut the meat for a simply delicious sandwich, with a chewy/crusty rye bread and the best spicy mustard. We got in before the rush, were seated in the tiny dining room space and greeted by our friendly waitress. The corned beef sandwich was huge (1/2 went home with the extra bread), with LOTS of thinly sliced, lean corned beef on some okay (not especially flavorful) rye bread. But the meat seemed to be dry - it might just be a local thing, cuz everyone seems to love it - but I prefer a jucier corned beef. Everyone from the door to the cash register was friendly - which gives Slyman's the edge over Katz' in that department - but I am still on the lookout for a juicy corned beef on a noticeably rye bread here in Cleveland. read more

I would second all the five star reviews on Yelp. Best pastrami I have ever had, better than the best in NY, LA. Definitely, the crown jewel of CLE's culinary scene. No need to waste any more ink (or pixels) on how great they are at their craft. Pro tip: order the pastrami, corned beef, and every other sandwich on the menu. Take a bite of each for your meal, pack it to go, and then repeat for the next 10 meals. You may die from all the unhealth-fulness, but it would be a good way to go. read more

I was visiting a friend in Cleveland so we had to go to all the touristy and famous restaurants. However we didn't have much time, so we just picked up a corned beef sandwich to go. We were a tad put off by the price - $15 - but it was on the Food Network, so whatever. We also weren't hungry, so we decided to save it for later. 3 hours later....we tried the sandwich and it was deeeeeelicious! I'm not a huge fan of corned beef or sandwiches in general, but somehow the texture of the beef is super thin and kind of indescribable. They give an inordinate amount of meat on the sandwich, and the 3 of us could barely finish the sandwich. It's really simple - just corned beef, mustard, and cheese on rye - but it really is super yum. Warning : wear a bib. I had tiny bits of corned beef all over my shirt. read more

Frankly, You need to look for something on your plate or your box that's actually healthy for you. The fact that your only have meat on your plate (and no balance between your nutrition) is somewhat disturbing. Just because this grandfathered whole in the wall place does exist does not make justice to the people who really started this place with a warm heart and feeling. Now this place rest's on his reputation earned by the ancestors that fought hard for this being a place to come to. I can not and will not settle for an overstuffed piece of shit sandwich with more meat one can swallow to make it to even "ONE" * on my books. If you are local and need to impress somebody, take them to Subway. Their food still sucks too, but at least you know it. The closing statement is ; "Just because you smoother customers with to much food does not make you stand out of the crowd in taste of what you serve." I personally won't be back again ever. Good luck. read more

I've been going to this restaurant since I was young it is a great place to go either by yourself or with you're family you will have a unforgettable experience that will be you until you pass. read more

Sorry had to correct my spelling from the first time. So I'd love to be able to tell you that I've tried a bunch of different things on the menu and that everything has been excellent and that is why I'm giving Slyman's 5 stars. But sadly, I can't, I'm giving it a 5 because every time I go I get the biggest best damn corned beef sandwhich I've ever had and I'd hate to miss out on it by trying something different. I'm sure that all of their monstrous sandwiches are excellent but to date I haven't been able to try anything else. Its a huge sandwich easily enough for two people in share, I may attempt to order a pastrami next time or maybe i'll bite the bullet and order two sandwiches and then I can still have my love along with trying something new. read more

Incomparable Corned Beef! Slyman's has the best corned beef in town, hands down! The dining area in the restaurant is very small and don't be surprised if you're seated next to another customer once in a while. Once you've had the food, you'll understand why this place is so popular during the lunch rush. Most of their business is for pick up orders. Sandwiches are expensive, but enormous and delicious. Give this place a try and you'll understand the meat-eating, sandwich-driven demographic of Cleveland, OH. read more

Even though I'm about as Irish as you can get, I don't even eat corned beef on St. Patty's day. Since it's the specialty here, however, I couldn't really not get corned beef. So I ordered it and my entire view on corned beef has been reversed! First of all the sandwich is HUGE I ate half, but I was actually full before I even finished that half. I bagged up the other half to take home to my dad because he called me in the middle of lunch and was so jealous that I was eating here! The restaurant itself is pretty small but you don't have to sit at a table and be waited on. There's also a line where you can get served cafeteria-style as well if you don't want to wait for a table. I sat at a table during this visit and I enjoyed looking around at all the Cleveland memorabilia on the walls. I will for sure go back, but I'll probably just go through the line and get my food to go because the wait for a table was kinda long (obv because this place is a Cleveland classic). read more

omg ... that was one heck of a corned beef sandwich. I had to order an extra "brick" of grilled bread which balanced out the ginormous stack of meat. Meat was nice and red + tender too! Had the sandwich delivered to the office so I didn't get to truly get the whole experience of dining in. Tried the soup of the day which wasn't bad, but since I'm pretty sure that Slyman's isn't going to be reading this review ... it was so freakin salty! Not sure if this is just a ploy to get us to buy more beer or water. But my goodness. Would definitely go back to try out some of the other stuff on the menu. read more

Sly Man's Sandwich Intro: I found this place on Yelp right out of the airport and I'm really glad I did. Cleveland is a very American city, so sandwiches appear to be the closest thing to a signature delicacy. Can you get more American than that. I believe if Fred Flinstone were alive in 2015, this is where he would go for lunch, probably driving a Ford F-150 instead his feet. Ambiance: This is a true lunch pail place. it has the feel of a diner. It is definitely a place for people to go during lunch and take a break from the boss. It's a homely feel where you can familiarize yourself with the workers. They are very busy though. The place was crowded when I got there, but everything moved fast. Food: I ordered one of the signature sandwiches, the corned beef. When I think "sandwich" I'm thinking.. lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo, etc. Well, Slyman's idea of a corned beef sandwich is two pieces of bread, a slice of cheese and a hunk of sliced meat. This is one of those places where there's no guaranteed that you'll finish the meal, but I punished mine. I'm no corned beef expert, but it was a nice flavor and texture. The meat was very soft and sliced to perfection. I got it with a sandwich and chips and went to work. I think the lady was surprised that I finished all of it. I'm a big proponent of eating local cuisine the way it's supposed to be eaten, so I accepted the sandwich without all the fixin's. I did add the orange sauce that was on the table (thousand island type sauce) and added that to my sandwich. Customer service: My waitress, the lady with salt and pepper hair was nice. This is a busy, family owned business, so they don't really have time to be chummy. keep in mind, this is a Midwestern, hard-hat type establishment. Closing: Give it a shot! President Bush did and he's never been wrong about anything. lol Bonus Points: Easy parking and they have my favorite book at the counter... the Bible! read more

Five stars for the corned beef! Have you ever been to the famous Carnegie Deli in New York City? I bet you were blown away by their sandwich... and their prices. If so, you have got to check out Slymans. The corned beef sandwich is of that calibre! However, the place is more chill, way better service, and the best part... half the price. Loved this place. I hear it gets busy sometimes, but I sat right down at noon on a weekday. If you like corned beef sandwiches- you simply have to go! read more

A friend brought Slyman's over to a party, so I can't speak to the service or the ambiance of the place. The sandwich, though, was alright. I really like corned beef, and the meat on the sammy is good, but a bit dry. I mitigated the situation with extra mustard, but then flavor is lost. There is A LOT of meat on each sandwich! I prefer the corned beef from Mr. Brisket on S Taylor. read more

Best corned beef sandwich I've ever had. Everything about it was good. It was as good as any sandwich I've had in a New York deli. The Thousand Island Dressing and Horseradish they provide are spectacular as well. read more

Slyman's Restaurant - American Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

There is nothing that my review will add to the 292 other reviews already written for Slyman's, except for me to say that if you are in Cleveland, you have to go. Sure the neighborhood is a little sketchy, sure it isn't as fancy as you may want it to be, but damn the corned beef sandwich is delicious (and one order is big enough for 2 people), and the people who work there are super friendly. Go now, and let me know how you enjoyed the Ballpark mustard. read more

Was overpriced purchased Ruben looked up prices on website not what I paid slower service. Cashier wasn't pleasant ,had to ask for condiments. Called to let management know first thing he said our website is up to date .Then of course I was the first person to say the meat was not that moist and the slither of cheese not slice was what my sandwich had. Just overall bad experience. And Management couldn't accept criticism. read more

It only took me 27 years to finally decide to eat at Slyman's. Not sure what I was waiting for. My seldom exposure to anything corned beef and lack thereof of any craving? My skeptic thoughts on rye bread? The concept of sauerkraut, corned beef, swiss cheese, and rye? The infamous, neverending line out the door of die-hard Slyman's fans? Fuck it, today was the day to go, and I'm glad I did. Rolled in just after 11:15 or so, and was guided to an open table. We already decided before hand it would be best to share. The galpal never had corned beef, nor sauerkraut, but if that's you and need some exposure then damn it Slyman's is a required start.b Got a Reuben as is, fries, potato salad. Less than 5 minutes everything was hot, fresh, and ready to eat. Everything was fucking great. Just amazing corned beef. Great Reuben just as it is, great with mustard, great with the dressing. We came in at the perfect time, because not long after the tables filled and lines started forming. It was impressive watching everything unfold and our server bouncing around from table to table taking care o everyone and refilling drinks any chance she got. They do NOT fuck around here, and I appreciated that. Definitely coming back soon. read more

This place is legit! First of all I appreciated the fact that they have a decent amount of seating so for a Wednesday around 10:30 5 of us were able to just sit down. By the time we left... Completely different story! After eating breakfast here, I totally get why it was packed when we left! (I promise I will get to the corned beef soon). The service was pretty good. The women must have been working there forever and they really are excited to see people come in. We got our food super fast and had as much coffee available to us that we could ever want. The menu was pretty basic, but let's face it we were all there for one thing and one thing only. They had other breakfast and lunch items if you are the one person in Cleveland that doesn't like corned beef. When first looking through the menu I thought the corned beef prices were pretty high, and then I saw what they gave you and it all made sense. The sandwiches are HUGE! No one actually needs that much food but this corned beef basically melts in your mouth so I can totally see how people eat it all! I ordered a corned beef breakfast sandwich with corned beef, egg, and Swiss cheese, of course in rye bread. So good! Our table also ordered the corned beef hash with eggs. Also amazing! This was totally worth the trip. If you are a corned beef fan you MUST come here. It is worth the drive downtown! You will leave happy and with a full belly! read more

There were white out conditions in downtown Cleveland this weekend, but I waited it out to make sure I hit Slyman's before leaving. The sandwiches are just that good. The corn beef is the star, but both roast beef and pastrami are delicious too. Preference is always to drag someone along you can split a few of the monster sandwiches. And the plate of fries drenched in gravy is perfect complement on the side. I've been here more than a few times, and the staff is always friendly even when the place is packed. A great balance of being personable and courteous, without going overboard. This isn't a five-start rating grading a Cleveland curve, this is definitely one of the elite places in country to grab a sandwich. Highly recommended. read more

Delicious!! Like everyone else, I have to agree that slyman's has some of the tastiest corned beef sandwiches ever. It's true -- the sandwich is about 5-6 inches high. Corned beef is definitely the way to go if it's your first time there. Besides the terrific corned beef sandwiches, here are 5 more reasons why I enjoyed slyman's: 5) I think it's terrific that you can get "shavings" and create more sandwiches at home. 4) The service was amazing. I went during lunchtime with a large group of friends, and my one friend said it was her first time there and asked what to get. The owner was so welcoming and definitely suggested the corned beef. I enjoyed the friendliness and the attention paid to the customer. 3) Fun banter. "You're ordering the corned beef sandwich for the first time? Great, see you tomorrow. It's that good." 2) Excellent, hole-in-the-wall surprise. There's nothing more that I love than hole-in-the-wall finds. 1) Cleveland pride. This is definitely one of those Cleveland gems. You must go! read more

I saw a man pick up a Slyman's sandwich too fast and the shift of weight made him so top heavy he tipped right off his chair and onto the floor. Despite his recent plunge, the man laid on his back, clearly enjoying his sandwich. OK! OK! That didn't happen, but if you've been, one could certainly imagine. When you walk into Slyman's, it's evident they've been around for a while. I sorta feel like I'm in the 70's. That's a good thing by the way. You get that feeling that not a lot has changed inside here. Their also clearly popular, as there's a flow of people coming in and out of here and there's either a line by the counter and majority of the tables are full. The food is quite simple. Corned Beef or Pastrami is the way to go, but I want to try their Roast Beef next time I visit. You can enjoy these gigantic sandwiches in a multitude of ways, share with a friend, tear it all up if your hungry, or even separate the bread immediately and bring the components of the sandwich home with you. The sandwiches are delicious. They've even got breakfast that I'd be interested in giving a shot. On my last visit, the service was superb. Greeted nicely, our server was funny and provided just the right amount of conversation. Slyman's offers up some of the biggest and tastiest sandwiches in the Cleve. read more

"You know what it is, everything I do, I do it big." -Wiz Khalifa Ya, I just quoted a rapper. It's all about the corned beef, I want some now. read more

Philadelphia has the cheese steak, but locals argue between two spots. Cleveland has the Corned Beef Reuben, and there is an undisputed champion. Slymans also has fantastic Roast Beef (while it lasts). There's a reason presidents, entertainers and anyone else visiting Cleveland stops here for a sandwich. Stop by... I bet you'll need a doggy bag. read more

I stopped here last fall while visiting Cleveland for a Browns football game. I have forever been a corned beef fan and when my mother would visit me in Florida on her long drive from Shaker Heights she would bring me several pounds of corned beef with her. This is the best anywhere!! I can only tell you about the corned beef sandwich - it is all I order . I make sure when I fly in that I have enough time to get here before it closes. Otherwise - I change my incoming flight! I don't even set myself up for disappointment by eating it somewhere else. I just wait until I can get the best!! I am 6'6 with large hands and I have to really fight to be able to hold this big boy without dropping it! It is a meal and is sooooooo good!!!!! read more

If you want a sandwich, they'll give you a sandwich. 12 oz of corned beef and 2 slices of bread. This sandwich was enormous and flavorful. Had it with a little mustard and thousand island dressing. Was a bit salty, but it should be expected. Only complaint was I wish it was open a bit later. Would definitely come back again. read more

Slyman's Restaurant - 12 oz Corned beef sandwich. - American Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio