You’re driving down Chippewa Road in Brecksville, and if you aren't looking closely, you might miss the low-profile sign for Simon's Deli Brecksville Ohio. But the parking lot? That’s usually packed. There is a reason for that.
Simon’s isn’t trying to be a trendy, minimalist bistro with small plates and high-concept foam. It is a time capsule. Since 1976, George Simon Sr. and his family have been running this spot with a philosophy that feels increasingly rare: big portions, house-cooked meats, and a dessert case that looks like it belongs in a movie.
The Corned Beef Obsession
Let’s talk about the Reuben. Honestly, if you go to a deli in Northeast Ohio and they can’t nail the corned beef, they shouldn't be in business. Simon's doesn't just nail it; they dominate it. They cook their corned beef in-house, which is a detail many modern "delis" skip by ordering pre-sliced plastic bags of meat.
When that sandwich hits the table, it’s a structural hazard. It’s piled so high with Swiss cheese and sauerkraut that you’re basically performing surgery to get a clean bite. You have options here—the classic Reuben, the New Yorker with coleslaw and Thousand Island, or the "King" version if you're actually trying to challenge your cardiovascular system.
It’s messy. It’s salty. It’s exactly what a deli sandwich should be.
Beyond the Deli Counter
While the sandwiches are the headliners, the "Restaurant" part of Simon’s Restaurant & Delicatessen matters just as much. This is where the comfort food kicks in.
We’re talking about things like:
- Stuffed Cabbage: It tastes like someone’s grandmother spent six hours in the kitchen.
- Chicken Paprikash: Served over spaetzle, it’s the ultimate "it’s raining and I’m sad" food.
- City Chicken: For the uninitiated, this isn't actually chicken—it’s cubes of pork or veal on a skewer, breaded and fried. It’s a Rust Belt staple that Simon’s does better than most.
The interior is, shall we say, "classic." It’s got that lived-in, wood-paneled, booths-and-nooks vibe that makes you want to stay for a second cup of coffee. It isn't updated every three years to match the latest Pinterest board, and that’s a feature, not a bug.
The Dessert Case Trap
You will tell yourself you aren't going to look at the dessert case. You will fail.
As you walk in or out, you’re forced to pass a glass display filled with eclairs the size of footballs, massive cream puffs, and slices of cake that could serve three people. The carrot cake and the chocolate chip cookies are local legends. Even if you’re stuffed from a brisket melt, you’ll probably end up leaving with a white cardboard box tied with string.
What to Know Before You Go
It’s important to remember that Simon’s is a family-run operation, not a fast-food chain. If it’s a Saturday afternoon, it’s going to be busy. The service is friendly, but they are often hustling to keep up with a dining room full of regulars who have been coming there for forty years.
Location and Hours:
Simon’s is located at 7770 Chippewa Rd, Brecksville, OH 44141.
They are generally open Monday through Saturday, but they are closed on Sundays.
Monday hours usually end a bit earlier (around 8:00 PM), while Tuesday through Saturday they stay open until 9:00 PM. Always check ahead if it’s a holiday, though, because they value their family time.
Why It Still Matters in 2026
In a world of "ghost kitchens" and QR code menus, Simon’s Deli Brecksville Ohio feels human. You can hear the kitchen clattering, see the owners walking the floor, and smell the matzo ball soup the second you open the door. It’s a piece of Brecksville history that hasn't traded its soul for a sleeker logo.
If you’re looking for a place to have a quiet, three-hour conversation over a bowl of onion soup or just want a sandwich that requires a nap afterward, this is the spot.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Check the Daily Specials: They often have items like Beef Stroganoff or Baked Meatloaf that aren't on the standard lunch menu.
- Order the Kraut Balls: They are house-made and come with a specific sauce that people get surprisingly defensive about.
- Bring a Friend: The portions are huge. Sharing a sandwich and a side of potato pancakes is a pro move.
- Catering: If you're hosting a graduation or a work event, they do massive deli trays that are significantly better than the stuff you get at the grocery store.
Keep it local and don't forget to grab a slice of cake on the way out.