It Should Be Illegal To Drive Through Greater Cleveland Without Stopping At Corky and Lenny's
By Nikki Rhoades|Published April 04, 2023
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
When you think of an old-school Jewish deli, what comes to mind? A cold cut platter, bagels, or maybe a slice of challah? You’re probably imagining this destination in a highly trafficked spot like New York City, but there’s a mouthwatering restaurant and deli in Greater Cleveland that has this and more. Enter Corky & Lenny’s, a long-standing stalwart of classic Cleveland cuisine whose menu is as wide-ranging as its clientele. It’s located in a no-frills strip mall that may be hard to miss at first glance, but this iconic restaurant is modestly legendary. Check it out:
Back in 1956, Sanford “Corky” Kurland and Lenny Kaden dreamed up a New York-style deli in Cleveland.
Thus, Corky & Lenny's was born. Their first location opened in South Euclid Cedar Center, and it was an instant hit. Ever since their debut, locals have raved about the delicious offerings at this cool Cleveland restaurant.
While it has occupied a few different spots over the years, the current location of this restaurant and deli opened in Woodmere in 1973.
And, as mentioned, it is both a restaurant and deli. You can dine in, carry out, or grab some goodies to go from the deli counter. Whatever you decide to do, you'll be treated with service that has been legendary since 1956.
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At first glance, it's easy to miss Corky & Lenny's. But one visit is enough to show you that this Cleveland staple is beloved.
The ambiance is surprisingly energetic, as Corky & Lenny's is truly where people meet to eat. Families and friends come together over the promise of good food, but the free smells and home-away-from-home milieu makes it easy to stay for a spell.
The soups at Corky & Lenny's are truly delicious, but their matzo balls are what diners rave about most. If you've never had a matzo ball, it's a Ashkenazi Jewish soup dumpling that's particularly popular in Eastern Europe. Corky & Lenny's is one of the most palatable places to try this dish!
There's truly something for everyone here. The menu is almost unbelievably lengthy, and even the pickiest of eaters will find something delicious to tickle their taste buds.
Of course, there's something to be said for their delicious carryout, too!
Corned beef is a Cleveland staple, and this restaurant and deli does it with a particular flare. But if you're a fan of corned beef, then this dish belongs on your local dining bucket list!
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...But don't fill up too much, because there's a mouthwatering dessert waiting at the end of your meal.
Visit this landmark restaurant and deli at 27091 Chagrin Blvd, Woodmere, OH 44122.
Patrons from all over the state adore this Greater Cleveland restaurant and deli, and it’s plain to see why. They say a picture is worth a thousand words but, believe it or not, these dishes look even better IRL. What’s your favorite item at Corky & Lenny’s? Tell us in the comments!
