Jacks Deli and Restaurant

Business Details

46 Years

experience

Authentic Deli Food in Cleveland Since 1980

Founded in 1980 by Jack Markowitz and his sons Alvie and Harry, Jacks Deli and Restaurant brings authentic Eastern European deli traditions to Cleveland. Our commitment to scratch-made dishes using premium ingredients reflects Jacks legacy of culinary excellence. With over four decades of service, we preserve time-honored recipes while innovating to meet modern tastes. Our team of experienced chefs prepares everything from classic matzo ball soup to hand-sliced corned beef daily. As a family-owned institution, we maintain rigorous quality standards across all menu items, including our house-baked breads and pastries.

Our catering services extend this dedication to special events, offering made-to-order trays and hot meals for gatherings of all sizes. Regular patrons attest to our consistent execution of traditional flavors and exceptional value. Located in University Heights, we serve both loyal locals and Cleveland Clinic visitors seeking quality deli fare. Our operational history demonstrates deep industry knowledge through multiple generations of ownership. Every dish we prepare reflects our commitment to preserving deli heritage while meeting contemporary expectations for freshness and presentation.

Services

Deli Meats Catering Services Baked Goods Salad Trays Lox Platters Hot Meal Delivery Box Lunches Pastry Assortments

Details

Year established: 1980

Highlights and features

We serve house-made corned beef and pastrami prepared using original 1980 recipes
Our catering division offers 24-hour order preparation with delivery options
We maintain daily fresh baking of traditional Jewish pastries and breads
Our menu combines classic deli fare with modern health-conscious options
We offer portion-controlled meals alongside traditional oversized deli portions

What people say

Best Corned Beef In Town Great service Great pickles Everything is good Classic Deli

Website

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Services

Deli Meats

Our deli meats are sliced fresh daily from premium cuts. Options include house-made corned beef, Romanian pastrami, and rare roast beef. Each order comes with traditional accompaniments like house-pickled cucumbers and rye bread.

Catering Services

We provide full-service catering for events with minimum 24-hour notice. Our catering includes hot meal delivery, assorted platters, and boxed lunches. All orders serve minimum eight people with included paper products upon request.

Baked Goods

Daily baked goods feature traditional Jewish pastries and modern desserts. Our offerings include black & white cookies, rugelach, and seven-layer bars. We also bake fresh bagels, challah, and specialty breads for deli sandwiches.

Salad Trays

Homemade salad trays feature eight specialty options including chopped liver and white fish salad. Each tray includes fresh vegetables, cheeses, and bread accompaniments. Available in standard and health-conscious portion sizes.

Lox Platters

Our lox platters feature hand-sliced Nova lox with traditional toppings. Each order includes fresh bagels, cream cheese, and garnishes. We also offer full dairy trays with smoked fish varieties and herring options.

People

Jack Markowitz

Founder

Jack Markowitz established Jacks Deli in 1980 after emigrating from Czechoslovakia. He brought traditional deli techniques to Cleveland, creating the foundation for our authentic recipes. His legacy continues through daily operations.

Alvie Markowitz

Co-Owner

Alvie Markowitz has operated the deli since its founding in 1980. He maintains his fathers culinary standards while expanding the business. His expertise ensures consistent quality across all menu items and catering services.

Gary Lebowitz

Partner

Gary Lebowitz joined the business in 1997 as Alvie's partner. He oversees daily operations and menu development. His leadership maintains the deli's reputation for traditional quality with modern improvements.

Questions

What traditional Jewish dishes do you offer?

We serve classic deli items including matzo ball soup, knishes, kugel, and house-cured corned beef. Our menu also features blintzes, stuffed cabbage, and traditional holiday specialties.

Do you cater events?

Yes, we cater events with minimum 24-hour notice. Our catering includes deli trays, hot meals, and boxed lunches serving eight or more guests with delivery options.

What are your catering minimums?

All catering orders require minimum eight servings. We offer tray sizes for 8-12, 12-16, and larger groups with pricing based on portion counts and menu selections.

Do you offer dietary-specific options?

We provide weight-conscious portions and low-fat alternatives for many menu items. Our staff can suggest lighter choices for sandwiches, salads, and entrees while maintaining traditional flavors.

What breads do you use?

We bake traditional Jewish breads daily including challah, bagels, and rye. Our sandwich menu features house-baked Pullman wheat, white, and peppered turkey breads for authentic deli sandwiches.

How far in advance should I order?

Catering orders require minimum 24-hour notice. For large events or specialty requests, we recommend placing orders three to five business days in advance to ensure availability.

Reviews (5)

Write a Review

Kate Pitrone

Jan 29, 2022 Report

Just what I wanted, a proper deli experience with a proper corned beef sandwich. When she came to check on me, I told my waitress, "You guys are really good," and she said, "We try."
It's completely believable that they really mean to be good here. Good people, good food, what's not to love about this place?

Mf Stitch

Jan 12, 2022 Report

Fantastic deli! I had a New Yorker with pastrami, which I typically call a Rachel. It was great. Excellent service. The dining area was very clean and comfortable. I was seated right away. Sizeable pickle tray was served before my sandwich. I arrived early for a typical lunch, 10:45, but my food came out very quickly. With tax the sandwich and potato salad, plus pickles and a glass of water totalled just shy of $17.50. I have eaten here many times over the years and will definitely return. The location is great, even if the parking is a bit screwy.

Kathycleveland

Jan 11, 2022 Report

The matzo balls in the soup are tender and fluffy. Just so good. We've been Jack's fans patrons for years. My friend really enjoyed his lunch and plans to go back again!

Dee Williams

Dec 31, 2021 Report

I have no been to this restaurant in several years. We went here on 12/21/21. It was not too crowded. The man who seated us was funny, efficient and started the meal off with a smile. We appreciated the plastic dividers between each booth. The waitress timed her presence well, checking on us without hovering over us too often. The classic corn beef sandwich was so good. We enjoyed our meal.

Malia N.

Dec 15, 2021 Report

Jack's Deli has a great variety of traditional deli fare. I had one of the recommended dishes smoked salmon over their potatoes pancake with cream cheese and capers and onions. Wow! Husband had corned beef hash which was massive and delicious.We took home the BEST cheesecake too. Daughter had an egg sandwich and moved it. The omlete that the other person had was reported to have had runny cheese however. Service was great. The prices are a little steep. But we would go back in a heartbeat. Because it was worth it.