Downtown Akron Ohio’s Legendary Corned Beef Masterpiece
Some sandwiches whisper, but the Reuben at Diamond Deli roars with layers of tender corned beef stacked impossibly high.
For nearly three decades, this downtown Akron landmark has served up edible monuments that turn ordinary lunch breaks into something worth celebrating. This isn’t just food; it’s a family tradition wrapped in grilled rye and tied together with secret sauce.
1. A Family Affair That Started in 1997
Brothers Brett and Chad Magilavy didn’t just inherit a business from their father Chuck and aunt Lynda Slikkerveer. They inherited something far more valuable, a legacy built on quality ingredients and a corned beef recipe older than their family’s ownership.
The building’s deli roots stretch back through multiple generations, each one keeping corned beef as the star attraction. Consistent execution and dedication to the craft have kept customers coming back year after year.
Today, the brothers continue the tradition with the same attention to detail their family established decades ago.
2. The Secret Lies in Homemade Dressing
What transforms a good Reuben into something worth waiting in line for? The answer hides between those grilled rye slices, and it’s not what you’d expect.
While mountains of thinly sliced corned beef grab your attention first, Diamond Deli’s homemade Thousand Island dressing does the real work. This proprietary blend ties together sharp sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, and tender meat into something magical.
The recipe remains a closely guarded secret, known only to family members who’ve perfected the balance over thousands of sandwiches. Every ingredient plays its part in creating harmony.
3. Watch It Come Together
Diamond Deli operates on a cafeteria-style assembly line model that lets hungry customers witness their sandwich’s construction from start to finish. Rye bread hits the heated press first, followed by careful layering of each precious component.
Lines often snake out the front door during peak lunch hours, but don’t let that scare you away. The system moves with practiced efficiency, a well-choreographed dance perfected over thousands of midday rushes.
Watching your Reuben take shape becomes part of the experience, building anticipation with every layer added. The wait becomes worthwhile entertainment.
4. Atmosphere Tells Its Own Story
Walking into Diamond Deli feels like stepping into someone’s beloved basement rec room where memories hang on every wall. Sports memorabilia crowds every available surface, bats, vintage jerseys, and bobbleheads collecting dust in the best possible way.
Family photos occupy ledges above worn booths that have supported countless lunch conversations. Bread loaves and glass-bottled sodas create still-life displays on windowsills, adding character to every corner.
Recently, local artists Donna Webb and Joseph Bluesky added a vibrant mosaic to the exterior, depicting the building’s journey from jewelry shop to sandwich sanctuary.
5. More Than Just Reubens
The menu branches beyond its famous corned beef into territory marked by playful sandwich names like “Old Bald Guy” and “Chuck’s Working Hard, Lynda Isn’t.” These names hint at the brothers’ willingness to have fun with their craft.
Every stuffed creation maintains the quality standards their father established while showcasing creativity and personality. The sandwiches taste as good as their names are memorable.
Each order comes with a pickle spear tucked into the red and white paper basket, a tart, crunchy counterpoint to rich sandwich flavors. Small touches like this show attention to the complete dining experience.
6. Finding Your Way There
Diamond Deli holds court at 378 S. Main St., serving downtown Akron Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Orders can be placed in person, via phone at 330-762-5877, or online for convenience.
The operation remains strictly carryout, so plan accordingly when you visit. Limited hours and weekday-only schedule make each visit feel slightly precious, a midweek ritual rather than everyday occurrence.
This scarcity turns ordinary lunch breaks into something worth anticipating. Mark your calendar and make the trip downtown before they close for the day.
