Ever walk into a place and immediately feel like you’ve been there a hundred times, even if it’s your first visit? That’s the vibe at Goldie's Deli & Restaurant. Tucked away in Strongsville, Ohio, at 13359 Pearl Rd, this isn't some polished corporate chain with a focus-grouped interior. It’s a family-run staple where the coffee is hot, the portions are massive, and the walls are covered with photos of classic Hollywood legends like Clark Gable and Judy Garland.
Honestly, in a world of "fast-casual" dining that feels more like an assembly line, Goldie’s is a bit of a time capsule. It’s the kind of spot where the owners, Mounir and Gay Ina, are actually on-site, and their kids are usually running around helping out. It’s a neighborhood anchor.
What Really Makes Goldie's Deli & Restaurant Stand Out
If you’re heading there, you need to know about the "Baseball." No, they don't host sports games. I’m talking about their Matzo Ball Soup. It’s one of the most-ordered items for a reason. The matzo ball is basically the size of a fist, floating in a broth that tastes like someone’s grandmother spent all day simmering it. It’s comfort food in its purest form.
Then there’s the corned beef. Most delis give you a sad, thin layer of meat. Not here. At Goldie's Deli & Restaurant, the corned beef is piled high on rye. You can get it "Regular," "Extra Lean," or "King Size" if you’re feeling particularly ambitious. The "Clevelander"—a mountain of corned beef and pastrami topped with coleslaw—is a local rite of passage.
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The menu is honestly huge. Like, "how do they keep all this in the kitchen" huge. We're talking:
- The Breakfast Bar: A buffet style that’s legendary on weekends.
- Pierogies: Topped with sautéed onions, because this is Northeast Ohio after all.
- Stuffed Cabbage: A Friday night dinner favorite.
- The "Yenta": An open-faced bagel with smoked salmon lox, capers, and red onion.
A Story of Resilience on Pearl Road
It hasn’t always been smooth sailing for the Ina family. People who’ve lived in Strongsville for a while remember when a fire destroyed the original restaurant. It was a massive hit to the community. But instead of throwing in the towel, they re-established the restaurant in 2018 in a new location—literally just across the street.
They kept the soul of the old place but refreshed the space. You still get that "classic diner" feel, but with a patio that’s dog-friendly during the warmer months. It’s rare to find a place that survives a total loss and comes back even busier.
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Why the Breakfast Crowd Wins
If you're a morning person, you've probably heard about their pancakes. They are huge. Seriously, don't order a stack of three unless you plan on taking half of them home in a box. The croissant breakfast sandwich with fruit is another heavy hitter if you want something that feels slightly less like a food coma.
The hours are a bit specific, so don't show up for dinner on a Tuesday. They generally run from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm most days. The big exception is Friday, when they stay open until 8:00 pm for the dinner crowd seeking meatloaf or the all-you-can-eat fish fry.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
If you're planning to drop by, here's the "insider" way to do it:
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Timing is Everything
Weekends are slammed. If you show up at 10:30 am on a Sunday, expect a wait. If you want a quiet meal, go on a Tuesday morning.
Order the "King Size" only if you mean it
The regular sandwiches are already big. The King Size is a two-meal commitment. Be honest with your hunger levels.
Check the Friday Specials
The Friday dinner menu is different from the daily lunch/breakfast vibe. If you want the stuffed cabbage or the fish fry, Friday is your only window.
Ask About Catering
They do a lot of party trays and family meal deals. If you’re hosting a graduation or a Sunday football party, their corned beef trays are a massive time-saver compared to DIY.
Goldie's Deli & Restaurant remains a rare example of a family business that hasn't traded its soul for efficiency. Whether you're there for the matzo ball soup or a "Clevelander" sandwich, it's about as authentic as an Ohio deli gets.