Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Some sandwiches are just lunch, and some sandwiches become the yardstick you hold every other sub up to for years. This story is about the second kind.
On a busy stretch of road in Columbus, a family-run deli has been toasting subs since 1960, long before most of today’s chain shops even existed. Locals drive past it, then stop once, then never really stop coming back.
The star of the show is a toasted meatball sub that has a quiet fan club all its own. Along the way, there are homemade sides, cookies worth saving room for, and prices that can make a family of four do a double take at the register.
Keep reading to find out where it is, when to go, what else is on the menu, and why so many Ohioans call it a true neighborhood treasure.
A North High Street Landmark Since 1960
The address to plug into the map is Smith’s | Restaurant & Deli, 3737 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214, in the Clintonville neighborhood on the north side of the city.
It sits right on North High Street, one of the main roads running through Columbus. That makes it an easy detour for anyone heading up from downtown or cutting across from the northern suburbs.
The building itself does not shout for attention. From the outside, it looks plain and a little old-fashioned, the kind of spot people admit they drove past hundreds of times before finally pulling in.
That modest face is part of the charm. Inside, the place turns out to be bigger than it appears from the curb, and it is laid out in a tidy, organized way.
Officially, it is listed as an Italian restaurant. In practice, it works as a full neighborhood deli, serving hearty subs, pasta, pizza, and sides made in-house.
The family behind it has been running the show since 1960. That is more than six decades of feeding Clintonville, which in restaurant years is practically royalty.
For Ohio road-trippers coming from Dayton, Cleveland, or Cincinnati, Columbus is already a common stop. This deli gives that stop a reason to happen around lunchtime.
Six Decades of One Family Behind the Counter
Plenty of restaurants come and go in Columbus before anyone learns their name. Smith’s took the opposite route and simply stayed put.
Established in 1960, the deli is still family-owned and run across generations. Regulars often point out that it has an intergenerational feel, with the family connection obvious in how the room is managed.
The owner is known for running a tight ship. The staff tends to be attentive and friendly, and many diners say they feel at home within minutes of sitting down.
That kind of steadiness matters in a neighborhood that has seen plenty of change. Locals take comfort in knowing that this place is likely to keep doing what it does, the same way, for a long time to come.
Some folks who moved away from Clintonville make a point of returning. For them, a meal here is less about a sandwich and more about coming home.
A family business lasting this long is not luck. It comes from showing up six days a week, keeping prices fair, and treating customers like neighbors rather than ticket numbers.
That loyalty runs both directions. The deli serves the community, and the community keeps filling its tables.
The Toasted Meatball Sub That Starts Arguments
Let’s get to the sandwich that sparked this whole article. The meatball sub at Smith’s is one of the most talked-about items on the menu, and for good reason.
Like many of the subs here, it comes toasted. Diners regularly describe their subs as toasted to perfection, with bread that turns crisp instead of soggy.
The sauce is a big part of the appeal. Regulars note it tastes homemade rather than poured out of a can, which is exactly what you want spooned over meatballs.
The meatball sub also pairs well with a friend’s order. One common move is to split it alongside a turkey sandwich, so the table gets a little of everything.
Is it the fanciest sub in Ohio? Probably not, and it does not try to be.
What it offers is something a little rarer. It is a straightforward, well-made, family-recipe sandwich that has been earning loyal fans one lunch hour at a time.
Once you have had it, the drive-thru version at a chain shop may start to feel like a sad substitute. Consider yourself warned.
A Sub Menu Deeper Than Expected
Subs are the backbone of this place, and the lineup goes well past meatballs.
The Super Smith Sub has its own following. People who try it often come back specifically to order it again, and it shows up as a dinner pick just as much as a lunch one.
There is also a regular Smith’s sub, which many first-timers order with two sides and a cookie. That combo makes a full meal without much effort.
The chicken parmesan sub is another favorite. Fans describe tender chicken, an excellent marinara, and a sandwich that stays hot from start to finish.
The toasted club gets attention too, stacked with ham and turkey and finished with crispy bacon. It is a classic done the classic way.
A fair heads-up: not every sandwich wins over every diner, and a few folks have wished for a bit more cheese or filling on certain orders. Most, though, walk away full and happy.
The real lesson is that one visit is not enough. Plenty of newcomers leave saying they wish they had come sooner, simply because there is more menu left to explore.
Reubens, Croissants, and Other Rivals
Here is a twist. The meatball sub may lead the headline, but the Reuben might be its biggest competitor in the building.
It is one of the most mentioned items at Smith’s. Fans say the bread comes out crispy, the sandwich is not messy, and it holds up without going soggy.
Some people call it the best Reuben they have ever had. Others add it to their regular sandwich rotation after just one try.
Croissant sandwiches are another quiet hit. They offer a lighter, flakier option for anyone who wants a break from a full sub roll.
Not everyone agrees on every sandwich, of course. A few diners have found certain portions smaller than expected, so it can help to pair a sandwich with a side if hunger is serious.
That mix of options is part of what keeps groups happy. One person can go for the meatball sub while another grabs the Reuben, and nobody has to compromise.
Friendly competition between sandwiches is a good problem to have. The only real loser is the person who ordered just one.
Pizza, Stromboli, and Pasta in the Background
Surprise number two comes from the back of the room. Many first-timers do not realize Smith’s makes pizza until they spot one on the next table, then notice the pizza oven.
The crust gets credit for being crispy, and the cheese earns praise too. A few pizza fans wish for a little more sauce, which is an easy request to keep in mind.
Stromboli is another popular order, showing up often in conversations about the place. It makes a solid pick for anyone who wants pizza flavors in a more portable form.
Pasta has its own fan base. The spaghetti and meatball gets mentions, and the lasagna has inspired some genuinely dramatic praise from people who keep thinking about it long after the meal.
Family Size offerings are available as well. For households feeding a crowd, that can turn one pickup order into dinner for everyone.
It is a smart move to order a pizza to take home after a sit-down sandwich lunch. Some diners do exactly that, and nobody at home complains.
The Italian side of the menu is the deli’s best-kept secret hiding in plain sight.
Homemade Sides and the Cookie Rule
Rule one at Smith’s: do not skip the cookies. Regulars repeat this advice so often it might as well be printed on the menu.
Some suggest grabbing one, while others recommend two or three. A cookie also comes bundled with the popular sub and two sides combo.
The sides are made in-house. Potato salad and pasta salad get noticed for tasting homemade, which is exactly what they are.
Macaroni salad is a frequent add-on, mostly because it is priced low enough to be an easy yes. Opinions vary a little here, with some wishing for a bit more mayo, but plenty of people order extra.
Soups are also made in-house. On a cool fall day, that alone can be a reason to stop by.
Salads round out the lineup for lighter appetites. Seasonal specials sometimes appear too, such as a fall salad loaded with chicken, cranberries, and walnuts over mixed greens.
The pickle on the side even gets a shoutout now and then. Small details like that are part of the deli tradition.
Save room, plan ahead, and let the cookie be the victory lap.
Chrome Tables and Clintonville Memorabilia
Time works differently inside this deli. The decor has barely changed over the years, and longtime fans would not want it any other way.
Tables are old diner-style, edged in chrome. The walls feature historic Columbus memorabilia and murals that give the room a classic, old-time personality.
Many people say the space resembles a traditional New York family-style deli. Others describe it simply as a step back to an earlier era.
There is even a local Clintonville newspaper available to take home. It is a small touch that connects the deli to the neighborhood around it.
An open kitchen lets diners see their food being made. That transparency is part of why the place feels honest and unfussy.
Not everyone loves the look. Some find the interior dated, and the lighting runs on the dim side, so it is not the spot for a bright, modern lunch photo shoot.
For most, though, the never-changing aesthetic is a feature, not a bug. In a city full of new openings, an unchanged dining room is its own kind of attraction.
A Room Full of Every Generation
Look around the tables on any given afternoon and the age range tells a story. Young couples, families, workers on lunch break, and older regulars all share the same room.
The crowd often leans toward local residents, especially longtime neighbors. When a place stays packed with people who have been coming for decades, it usually means it earned that loyalty.
The vibe stays laid-back. Soft background music, friendly chatter, and fountain drinks make it a comfortable stop rather than a rushed one.
Families will appreciate the generous portions and Family Size options. Couples like the low-key setting, a welcome change from the hustle of a busy chain restaurant.
Nearby workers treat it as a dependable takeout lunch spot. Calling in an order for pickup is common, and the process tends to be quick once you arrive.
Visitors from out of town also fit right in. Locals love bringing friends here to show off a slice of real Clintonville.
Nobody needs a dress code or a reservation. Just bring an appetite and maybe a little patience.
Big Portions at Small-Town Prices
Here is the number that gets attention: some couples manage to order a big spread of food here and still keep the bill under $30.
That kind of value is a major reason the deli has such a devoted following. Diners consistently describe the prices as very reasonable for the portion size and quality.
Generous portions mean leftovers are a real possibility. Pair that with Family Size offerings, and feeding a group becomes much less painful on the wallet.
Sides like macaroni salad are priced low enough that adding one feels like an easy decision. Cookies, naturally, are also hard to pass up.
Exact menu prices can change, so checking the official website at smithsdeli.com before a visit is a smart move. That way there are no surprises at the register.
For Ohio families watching their budget, this is the kind of meal that feels like a treat without acting like one. It fits neatly into a day trip to Columbus.
Fair prices, full plates, and a family name on the door have kept this deli going for decades. Value, it turns out, never goes out of style.
Hours, Parking, and Timing Tips
Timing matters here, so mark the calendar. Smith’s is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 AM to 9 PM.
It is closed on Sunday and Monday. Plenty of hungry folks have learned that lesson the hard way, so plan a weekday or Saturday trip.
Everything is made to order, which is great for quality but not always fast. Even during slower hours, food may take a little while, and peak times can mean a longer wait.
Saturday afternoons make a relaxed lunch window for many diners. Midday on a weekday can also be fairly calm.
Parking is the other thing to plan around. The lot is limited, so carpooling with your group is a smart idea when possible.
Calling ahead for pickup is a handy option. Many people stop in, grab their order, and are on their way with little delay.
A few unique drinks are on hand too, including specialty sodas like Stewart’s root beer. That is a nice bonus for anyone who loves a classic bottled soda with a sub.
A little planning keeps the visit smooth from start to finish.
Why the Drive Is Worth It
So, does this little Clintonville deli deserve a spot on an Ohio road trip list? For sandwich fans, the answer leans strongly toward yes.
The toasted meatball sub is reason enough to go. Add the Reuben, the Super Smith, the pizza, and those cookies, and one visit quickly becomes a plan for the next.
It is not flashy, and it does not try to be. The lighting is dim, the decor is vintage, and the wait can stretch when the kitchen is busy.
Yet those are the same traits that make it feel real. A family has been running this place since 1960, and that history shows up in every made-to-order plate.
Families get value, couples get a cozy lunch, and locals get a piece of their neighborhood that has refused to change. Out-of-towners get a true taste of Columbus that most chain-hopping travelers miss.
Go hungry, go Tuesday through Saturday, and carpool if you can. Then just try to order a sub anywhere else without comparing it to this one.
Good luck with that.
