Jack's Deli & Restaurant

Business Details

46 Years

experience

Traditional Deli & Catering Services in University Heights

Founded in 1980 by Jack Markowitz and his sons Alvie and Harry, Jack's Deli & Restaurant has been a cornerstone of Cleveland's culinary scene for over four decades. Drawing from Jack's upbringing in Czechoslovakia, the deli was established to share authentic Eastern European deli traditions and family recipes with the community. After Jack's passing in 2002, his legacy continued through Alvie and partner Gary Lebowitz, who maintain the original commitment to scratch-made preparations using premium ingredients.

The menu features time-honored classics like house-cured corned beef, hand-sliced pastrami, and homemade matzo ball soup alongside modern additions such as portion-controlled options and fresh salads. With a reputation for exceptional catering services and a beloved deli counter offering over 20 meats and 15 salads daily, the business remains a family-operated institution that combines generational expertise with contemporary culinary demands.

Services

Deli Counter Catering Services House-Cured Meats Homemade Pastries Event Platters Soup Bar Sandwiches Salad Bar Breakfast Menu Takeout Orders

Details

Year established: 1980

Highlights and features

Family-owned since 1980 with fourth-generation deli expertise
All dishes prepared from scratch daily using premium ingredients
Award-winning catering services for corporate and personal events
Extensive menu featuring 20+ deli meats and 15 homemade salads
Maintains original Czechoslovakian deli traditions in every recipe

What people say

Best Corned Beef In Town Great service and food Always great food Love this place Fantastic food/sandwichs

Website

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Services

Deli Counter

Our full-service deli counter offers over 20 premium meats sliced to order, including house-cured corned beef and pastrami. Patrons choose from traditional rye breads, fresh-baked bagels, and specialty cheeses to create authentic deli sandwiches. Every order includes house-made pickles and condiments for complete flavor profiles.

Catering Services

Jack's Deli & Restaurant provides full-service catering for events up to 100 guests, featuring made-to-order platters and hot meals. Our catering menu includes classic deli trays, salad combinations, and hot dinner options prepared fresh daily. Orders require 24-hour notice with delivery available throughout Cleveland.

House-Made Pastries

Our pastry kitchen produces daily fresh baked goods including rugelach, knishes, and seven-layer cookie bars. Specialties include Oreo cheesecake and traditional pecan rolls made from family recipes. All desserts use premium ingredients with gluten-free options available upon request.

Soup Bar

Jack's Deli & Restaurant offers six homemade soups daily, featuring classic chicken noodle with hand-rolled matzo balls and traditional borscht with beets and beef. Each soup uses slow-simmered broths and fresh vegetables, available in quart containers for takeout or as part of combo meals.

Breakfast Menu

Weekday breakfast service features made-to-order omelets, bagel sandwiches with Nova lox, and traditional shakshuka. Our breakfast menu combines classic deli fare with modern twists, served with house-made applesauce or cherry sauce. Available until 11:30 AM daily.

People

Jack Markowitz

Founder

Jack Markowitz brought authentic Czechoslovakian deli traditions to Cleveland after immigrating in 1980. His recipes formed the foundation of Jack's Deli & Restaurant's menu, emphasizing scratch-made preparations and quality ingredients. His legacy continues through his sons' stewardship.

Alvie Markowitz

Co-Owner

Alvie Markowitz has operated Jack's Deli & Restaurant since 1980, maintaining his father's culinary standards while expanding the business. He oversees daily operations and menu development, ensuring consistency in flavor and preparation methods across all offerings.

Gary Lebowitz

Partner

Joining the business in 1997, Gary Lebowitz brought operational expertise that helped modernize Jack's Deli & Restaurant while preserving its traditional character. He manages catering services and supply chain logistics to maintain product quality and consistency.

Harry Markowitz

Co-Founder

Harry Markowitz helped establish Jack's Deli & Restaurant before relocating to Los Angeles in 1982. His early contributions shaped the business's initial success, working alongside his father and brother to implement traditional deli practices from their Czechoslovakian heritage.

Questions

What catering options are available for large events?

Jacks Deli offers full-service catering for groups of 8-100+ with hot meals, deli trays, salad platters, and dessert options. All catering requires 24-hour notice with delivery available.

Do you offer gluten-free menu items?

While we don't have dedicated gluten-free facilities, we offer salads, meats, and certain desserts that can accommodate gluten-free diets when prepared separately.

What are your most popular menu items?

Our house-cured corned beef, pastrami, and matzo ball soup consistently receive the highest customer ratings. The Nova lox platter and rugelach pastries are also customer favorites.

Are catering orders available for pickup or delivery?

Both pickup and delivery options are available for catering orders. Delivery charges vary based on location within Cleveland and surrounding areas.

What are your current operating hours?

We're open Sunday-Wednesday 8 AM-3 PM, Thursday-Saturday 8 AM-7 PM. Closed on Thursdays for private events and kitchen preparation.

Reviews (6)

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Dmytro Buldakov

Jun 21, 2022 Report

Very good Jewish restaurant. Simple service, classic and tasty food. I stopped for a quick lunch and had a corned beef knish. Very nice.

Yakima White

May 30, 2022 Report

I LITERALLY eat here all the time (over 10 years). The food is always great. It's really the only place I'll get breakfast from. Decided to order out for the first time instead of dining in. big mistake! The order was made wrong, no problem, it could be fixed. But when the young lady at the front counter asked the cook to remake my eggs he wanted to argue that there was cheese added in the eggs. Umm sir. are you eating this food or am I?

Better yet. are you PAYING for this food, or am I? I eat here very often but after today I won't be returning ever again. I'm huge on customer service and all it takes is one time and I'm done. Very disappointed customer.

Robert Howard

Apr 23, 2022 Report

Best Deli in Ohio! Great menu and friendly people working there. Great tasting dishes from soup to Corned beef to eggs and smoked fish. Can't wait to go back!

Tk Rowan

Apr 13, 2022 Report

Corned beef on rye pilled high! So tender and delicious! Many handmade meats and sides like potatoe salad and coleslaw. Super friendly and attentive staff.

Cal W.

Apr 08, 2022 Report

I'm not from Cleveland. I sometimes fly in for work. The FIRST place I go is Jack's. I discovered it on my first work trip and now each time I'm there I have to go. I've even paid someone to bring some back for me. It's THAT good.

Christina Martin

Mar 31, 2022 Report

GREAT food and bread! Waitresses are very nice too! Prices are a little on the high side, however it's worth it.