Imagine a sandwich so tall, you’d need a stepladder just to take a bite.
Welcome to Slyman’s, where corned beef dreams come true!
Ladies and gentlemen, food enthusiasts, and sandwich aficionados, gather ’round for a tale of epic proportions – quite literally.
We’re about to embark on a journey to the heart of Cleveland, Ohio, where a legendary deli has been serving up sandwiches that defy gravity and satisfy even the most colossal of appetites.
Nestled in the bustling streets of Cleveland, Slyman’s Restaurant stands as a beacon of hope for the perpetually hungry and a shrine to the art of sandwich-making.
This isn’t just any old deli, folks.
Oh no, this is the home of Cleveland’s BIGGEST corned beef sandwich.
Now, when I say “biggest,” I don’t mean it in that cute, exaggerated way that your aunt uses to describe her meatloaf.
I’m talking about a sandwich so monumental, it makes the Tower of Pisa look like a toothpick.
Picture this: you walk into Slyman’s, and the first thing that hits you is the intoxicating aroma of perfectly seasoned corned beef.
It’s like a warm, meaty hug for your nostrils.
The second thing you notice?
The line of eager patrons stretching out the door, all with a gleam in their eyes that says, “I’m about to conquer a mountain of deliciousness.”
As you approach the entrance, you’ll spot the iconic red sign proudly proclaiming Slyman’s Restaurant as the home of Cleveland’s biggest corned beef sandwich.
It’s not just a sign; it’s a promise, a challenge, and a declaration of sandwich supremacy all rolled into one.
Step inside, and you’re transported to a world where calories don’t count and jaw exercises are mandatory.
The interior of Slyman’s is a no-frills affair, with simple tables and chairs that have witnessed countless food comas over the years.
But let’s be honest, you’re not here for the décor.
You’re here for the main event: the sandwich that has put Slyman’s on the map and in the hearts (and arteries) of sandwich lovers everywhere.
Now, let’s talk about this behemoth of a sandwich.
When they bring it to your table, you might mistake it for a small building or perhaps a meat-based sculpture.
The corned beef is piled so high, it’s like they’re trying to reach the stratosphere one slice at a time.
You’ll find yourself wondering, “Is this a sandwich or a Jenga tower made of meat?”
But fear not, brave eater!
This towering testament to excess is as delicious as it is intimidating.
The corned beef is tender, juicy, and seasoned to perfection.
Each bite is a harmonious blend of flavors that will make your taste buds do a happy dance.
And let’s not forget about the bread – it’s the unsung hero of this culinary masterpiece.
Soft yet sturdy, it somehow manages to contain the mountain of meat without buckling under the pressure.
It’s like the Atlas of the sandwich world, carrying the weight of deliciousness on its shoulders.
Now, I know what you’re thinking.
“How am I supposed to eat this thing? Do I need special equipment? A permit?”
Fear not, my friends.
The art of consuming a Slyman’s sandwich is part of the experience.
You can try the direct approach, opening wide and diving in like a snake unhinging its jaw to swallow its prey.
Or, if you’re feeling less adventurous (or just value the integrity of your facial structure), you can opt for the divide-and-conquer method.
This involves carefully deconstructing the sandwich into more manageable portions.
It’s like a delicious game of Tetris, only with more protein and less electronic beeping.
But Slyman’s isn’t just about quantity – although let’s face it, that’s a big part of the appeal.
The quality of their corned beef is second to none.
It’s so good, you’ll find yourself wondering if they have a secret farm somewhere with cows that are massaged daily and fed a diet of rainbows and unicorn tears.
The meat is cooked to perfection, with just the right amount of fat to keep it moist and flavorful.
It’s the kind of corned beef that makes you question all other corned beef you’ve had in your life.
“Was that even corned beef?” you’ll ask yourself, thinking back to lesser sandwiches of your past.
But wait, there’s more! (I’ve always wanted to say that.)
While the corned beef sandwich is undoubtedly the star of the show, Slyman’s menu is like a supporting cast of delicious characters.
They offer a variety of other sandwiches that, while not quite as towering as their famous corned beef, are still impressive in their own right.
Take the Reuben, for instance.
It’s like the corned beef sandwich’s fancy cousin, dressed up with sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing.
It’s the kind of sandwich that makes you want to put on a monocle and sip tea with your pinky out – while still using both hands to hold it, of course.
For those who prefer their meat of the bovine variety without the curing process, there’s the roast beef sandwich.
It’s like the corned beef’s laid-back brother who didn’t feel the need to go to finishing school.
Still delicious, still generously portioned, but with a different flavor profile that’ll have you saying, “Moo-ve over, I need to try that!”
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And let’s not forget about the turkey sandwich.
It’s the option for those who want to pretend they’re being healthy while still indulging in Slyman’s generous portions.
It’s like wearing sweatpants to a fancy restaurant – you’re not fooling anyone, but hey, at least you’re comfortable.
Now, I know what some of you health-conscious folks out there are thinking.
“But what about vegetables? What about balance?”
To which I say: have you seen the size of these sandwiches?
There’s plenty of room for a token piece of lettuce or tomato in there.
It’s like finding a needle in a haystack, except the haystack is made of delicious, delicious meat.
But seriously, Slyman’s does offer some sides to round out your meal.
There are crispy french fries that are the perfect vehicle for soaking up any stray juices that might escape your sandwich.
And for those who insist on getting their daily dose of vegetables, there’s coleslaw – because nothing says “health food” like shredded cabbage swimming in mayonnaise, right?
One of the things that makes Slyman’s so special is its history.
This isn’t some fly-by-night operation that popped up to capitalize on the latest food trend.
Slyman’s has been serving up their gargantuan sandwiches since 1964.
That’s over half a century of meat-stacking expertise!
It’s a family-owned business that has been passed down through generations, each one seemingly trying to outdo the last in terms of sandwich height.
I like to imagine there’s a secret family ritual where they pass down the sacred tongs of sandwich assembly, along with the family’s closely guarded corned beef recipe.
Over the years, Slyman’s has become more than just a restaurant – it’s a Cleveland institution.
It’s the kind of place where locals bring out-of-town guests to show off their city’s culinary prowess.
“Sure, you’ve got the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame,” they’ll say, “but have you seen our sandwiches?”
It’s a point of pride, a tourist attraction, and a test of jaw strength all rolled into one.
The atmosphere at Slyman’s is part of what makes it so special.
It’s bustling, it’s lively, and there’s an air of anticipation as people wait for their monstrous sandwiches to arrive.
You’ll hear the sizzle of meat on the grill, the chatter of excited diners, and the occasional gasp as someone sees their sandwich for the first time.
It’s like a carnival for your senses, only instead of cotton candy, you get corned beef.
The staff at Slyman’s are a breed apart.
They’re like sandwich sherpas, guiding you through the treacherous terrain of their menu with expert knowledge and a healthy dose of humor.
They’ve seen it all – from first-timers staring wide-eyed at their sandwiches to regulars who have developed strategies for tackling their meals that would impress military tacticians.
They’re quick with a joke, generous with the napkins, and always ready to offer a word of encouragement as you embark on your sandwich-eating journey.
Now, I know some of you might be thinking, “But I can’t possibly finish one of these sandwiches!”
To which I say: that’s quitter talk!
But also, don’t worry.
Slyman’s sandwiches are the gift that keeps on giving.
Whatever you can’t finish becomes tomorrow’s lunch, or dinner, or midnight snack.
It’s like a delicious time capsule you can send to your future self.
Future you will thank present you for your foresight and generosity.
As you stumble out of Slyman’s, feeling both victorious and slightly dazed, you’ll understand why this place has become a Cleveland legend.
It’s not just about the size of the sandwiches, although that’s certainly part of it.
It’s about the experience, the history, the sense of community that comes from sharing in this delicious, slightly ridiculous culinary tradition.
You’ll leave with a full belly, a sense of accomplishment, and probably a few meat-based stains on your shirt.
But most importantly, you’ll leave with a story to tell.
Because let’s face it, in a world of trendy food fads and Instagram-worthy dishes, there’s something refreshingly honest about a sandwich that requires two hands and a big appetite.
Slyman’s doesn’t need gimmicks or fancy presentation.
They let the food speak for itself – and boy, does it have a lot to say.
So, the next time you find yourself in Cleveland, do yourself a favor and make a pilgrimage to Slyman’s.
Bring your appetite, your sense of adventure, and maybe a backup pair of pants with an elastic waistband.
You’ll be participating in a time-honored tradition, testing the limits of your jaw’s expansion capabilities, and experiencing one of Ohio’s true culinary treasures.
Just remember: it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey.
And in this case, the journey involves navigating your way through a sandwich that’s taller than some small children.
Bon appétit, and may the corned beef be with you!
For more information and to plan your visit, check out Slyman’s Restaurant’s website or Facebook page.
And don’t forget to use this map to find your way to sandwich paradise!
Where: 3106 St Clair Ave NE, Cleveland, OH 44114
In the end, Slyman’s isn’t just a meal – it’s a memory, a challenge, and a Cleveland rite of passage all rolled into one delicious package.
Your stomach may never be the same, but trust me, it’ll thank you.