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National travel guide says these are the top 3 delis in Columbus

National travel guide says these are the top 3 delis in Columbus

Sav McKee

Even in a rapidly changing city like Columbus, one thing remains constant: our longstanding delis.

So many of our local delis have been slinging sandwiches for years – even decades – proving that the combination of good bread, sliced meat, cheese, and vegetables, will never go out of style.

Our Big Escape, a travel guide that names some of the best of the best restaurants in cities around the country, named three delis in Columbus that have been going above and beyond for years. 

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#3 Cornerstone Deli & Cafe – 3296 N. High St.
In the mood for a cheesy breakfast sandwich? Or perhaps…sushi? A Rueben? Fried tofu pad Thai? A traditional cold cut sandwich? Or maybe keeping it light with a build-your-own-salad bar? How about all of the above, please.

Cornerstone offers all of this and more, and they do it really well. We know, we know – it’s sometimes concerning when a restaurant has a very eclectic menu with a bunch of various items to choose from, but every single item that comes out of the kitchen here is perfect – and extremely affordable. I’m talking $6 for a loaded steak-and-egg or French dip sandwich.

Despite its unassuming appearance, this cozy spot on the corner of High & E. Longview Ave., it has been a local, under-the-radar favorite for nearly two decades, known for their not-so-secret-anymore Asian food and all-American breakfast sandwiches. The sunlit atmosphere adds to its allure, evoking a nostalgic ambiance almost reminiscent of a Brooklyn cafe from the 90s. This is the kind of spot you can go to alone with a newspaper and feel like the main character from a sitcom.

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Photo by James Hall via Google Photos

#2 Howdy’s Deli – 3651 Karl Rd.
Since 1992, Howdy’s has been a family owned & operated neighborhood staple, and mostly known for their delicious yet no frills breakfast and lunch menu. You can snag tasty breakfast favorites, like traditional platters, biscuits & gravy, and pancakes, and their lunch menu boasts dozens of deli sandwiches to choose from, ranging from hot ham & cheeses to giant smoked turkey sandwiches, piled high with toppings. You can’t really go wrong with any item you choose here, but Our Big Escape suggests the Italian Sub!

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Photo by Michael Gravely via Google Photos

#1 Scotty’s Cafe – 2980 E. Broad St.
Sometimes, simplicity is key, and that’s why this local diner and cafe has been winning awards for their no-frills breakfasts and lunch since 1989. 35 years later, Scotty’s Cafe is still that go-to spot for simple yet incredible breakfast platters and deli sandwiches as big as your head. Scotty’s offers a variety of classic breakfast options, such as bacon, eggs, pancakes, omelets, and bagels, as well as homemade soups and giant classic deli sandwiches. They’re also known for their incredible catering options, like cakes, cookies, and hand-held bites. The deli was also considered the sixth best independently owned restaurant in the entire United States, according to a study by OnDeck, who used thousands of Yelp reviews to compile this data! Our Big Escape suggests ordering the Reuben, featuring tender corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing, all served on perfectly toasted rye bread.

Photo of cafe atmosphere
Photo by Elizabeth Marsch via Google Photos

Do you think Our Big Escape did our deli scene justice? Let us know!

Want to read more? Check out our print publications, (614) Magazine and Stock & Barrel. Learn where you can find free copies of our newest issues here!

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