Delicatessen

Local Deli Named Best In Ohio

January 7, 2026 By Lisa Grigsby

All The Best Delicatessen has been officially named the Best Deli in Ohio in The Best Deli in Every State That Locals Defend Fiercely, a nationwide guide published by Family Vacations U.S. The article highlights beloved delis that local residents passionately defend for their quality, character, and local appeal.

Featured under the Ohio section of the Family Vacations U.S. article, All The Best Delicatessen was recognized as a “culinary gem” in Dayton, celebrated for its gourmet sandwiches, welcoming atmosphere, and commitment to fresh, flavorful ingredients. According to the feature, the moment guests walk through the doors they’re greeted by enticing aromas from the kitchen, while the lively décor and friendly staff reflect the energy of a community-driven local favorite.

“We’re incredibly honored to be named Ohio’s best deli by Family Vacations U.S.,” said Lee Schear, owner of All The Best Delicatessen. “Our team works every day to deliver authentic deli favorites made from scratch, and to build a place where locals and visitors alike feel at home. This recognition validates the passion we pour into every sandwich, pickle, and smile that we serve.”

With a menu that ranges from classic reubens to traditional matzo ball soup, All The Best has become a community hub for lovers of authentic deli cuisine — earning a loyal following across Dayton and beyond. The Family Vacations U.S. write-up highlights not only the quality of the food and service but also the sense of connection and hospitality that define the deli experience.

The article showcases one stand-out deli for each state — establishments that locals “defend fiercely” because of their story, flavor, and significance to their communities. Being featured as Ohio’s representative places All The Best alongside iconic delis from across the country.

All The Best Delicatessen

5940 Far Hills Ave.
Dayton, OH 45429

937-999-4204

Open 7 Days a Week
M-F: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Sat-Sun: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Local Deli Celebrates First Anniversary

June 21, 2024 By Lisa Grigsby

This New York-style deli right here in Dayton, Ohio,marks its first anniversary with a week long celebration. Since opening its doors, All The Best Delicatessen has become a cornerstone of the community. Owner, Lee Schear, believes it’s a mix of great food and good service, “At All The Best Deli, we’re more than just a place to eat; we’re a restaurant where every meal is a celebration,” says Schear.

To celebrate, from June 22nd – June 30th bring the entire family for our KIDS-EAT-FREE dine in special, where children 12 and under eat free, up to 5 kids per adult. While you’re there, make sure to congratulate our “original 9” employees. These 9 have been with ATB since they first opened our doors, so come out and experience all the exciting things happening at All The Best Delicatessen.

Since opening they’ve continued to add to their menu, with five salads to choose from inluding classic garden greens to international inspirations. The newest addition to the menu, the ultimate sandwich squad: ‘The Besties’ are here! Whether you choose pastrami, corned beef, or brisket, on a soft, buttery challah roll, you’ll be sure to say these are the best.

In January they added breakfast service from 7-11am seven days a week. They even have an express menu, where you pick up at their drive-through window.

They’ve also rolled out a loyalty program that awards points for each dollar spent. At 50 points you’ll receive a $5 off an order and you’ll also get a special birthday treat.

More than just a sit down eatery, All The Best has a deli counter where you can pick up smoked meats, cut meats, pickles, olives, kosher cheese, salads and desserts. They also offer catering service.

All The Best Delicatessen

5940 Far Hills Ave

Dayton, OH, 45429

937-999-4204

Open daily 7am – 8pm

All The Best Deli Opens Tuesday in Centerville

June 18, 2023 By Lisa Grigsby

Lee Schear, “obsessed with delis, created a team to visit many of the major delis in the U.S. to determine what the perfect mix of recipes, ingredients and atmosphere is.” Schear shared with us that this has been his dream for about the last ten years. When in New York City he’d eat at the Stage Door Delicatessen or Carnegie Center Deli twice a day.

And now he’ll open his own deli, All The Best Delicatessen opens this Tuesday, June 20th on Far Hills Avenue. It will be open seven days a week from 11am – 7pm. It’s a full service deli with 80 seats and servers, as well as a deli counter.

They don’t try to hide the fact that they have “shamelessly taken the best of the best ingredients from across the country sourced from traditional delis, groceries and bakeries.” They actually promote it by sharing where they’ve sourced their ingredients. Their motto is they are “bringing you the All The Best and only the best from coast to coast!”

They’ve got smoked fish from Brooklyn, corned beef and pastrami straight from Detroit, chopped chicken liver ‘inspired by’ Zabar’s in Manhattan, rugelach from Cincinnati, rye bread sourced right here at home from Dorothy Lane Market. And Rachel Bakes will be providing their cheesecakes and seven layer cake.
They’ve printed their source list and you can pick up a copy at the deli.

sample of source list

matzo ball soup

Chopped liver

I was fortunate enough to attend a sneak preview and started my meal with matzo ball soup, which instantly brought me back to my Chicago days when my jewish neighbor would make this.
Other soup options include chicken soup with noodles, a split pea, mushroom beef barley, tomato basil bisque or cold or hot beet borscht. Our table sampled quite a few menu items:

Jewish Cobb Salad

Pastrami sandwich

Rugelach

Cheesecake

The sandwiches served on seeded rye bread were huge and half portions are available. Each table has a condiment tray and Schear was quick to point out that tums are offered at each table.

Also on the menu, a pickle plate, herring, knishes, and a smoke fish plate. Don’t be afraid to ask for a to go box so you can save room for dessert which includes Russian tea biscuits, cookies, a coconut bark, mandel bread and chocolate babka bread.

There is also a full service deli featuring smoked fish, deli cut meats and cheeses, pickles, olives, salads and desserts. Here’s a sample of their offerings:

Come July they will also be offering to-go platters for your party needs that can be picked up through their drive through window.

Can’t wait to go back and try more of the menu. All The Best offers a true deli experience you won’t find anywhere else in Dayton. Here’s a peck at the menu to temp you: