Corky and Lenny's

The 38 Essential Cleveland Restaurants

"Lenny Kaden passed away this year at the ripe old age of 92, but the iconic Jewish deli that he and partner Corky Kurland created lives on. The original Corky & Lenny’s opened in 1956 and was later replaced by the current iteration in 1973. As one of the longest-running Jewish delis in the region, Corky & Lenny’s has introduced multiple generations to the matchless joys of knishes, potato pancakes, smoked fish, chopped liver, sliced beef tongue, and mile-high corned beef and pastrami sandwiches. Breakfasts star lox, onions, and eggs; luscious cheese blintzes; and local bagels with cream cheese. Grab some airy coconut bars, flaky rugelach, or jam-filled Russian tea biscuits on your way out." - Douglas Trattner