If you crave a Reuben that balances comfort with craft, you will find it at Nicky & Smitty’s Deli & Restaurant in Aurora, Ohio. This tiny, unfussy spot turns out big flavors and the kind of hospitality that makes you feel like a regular fast.
From hot-off-the-griddle corned beef to waffles that steam in the morning light, everything here tastes like a local secret shared with a smile. Come hungry and leave planning your next visit.
1. The Out-Of-This-World Reuben
Walk into Nicky & Smitty’s and the Reuben fragrance practically greets you at the door. Thin-sliced corned beef gets griddled until the edges sizzle, then stacked with melty Swiss, tangy sauerkraut, and just enough Thousand Island to kiss every bite.
The rye is toasted golden, sturdy enough to hold the juices yet tender so your teeth glide through.
What makes it special is balance, not bragging rights. Portions are honest for the price, and you can taste the care from a true mom and pop kitchen.
Take a bite, chase it with a dill pickle and hot fries, and you understand why regulars defend this tiny Aurora deli with genuine pride.
Ask for the grill to leave the rye a touch darker if you love extra crunch. Pair it with chicken noodle soup, famous for clear, flavorful broth.
You will leave happy, napkins dotted with Thousand Island and a grin.
2. House Corned Beef, Done Right
Corned beef is the heartbeat here, trimmed, steamed, and finished on the flat top so it stays juicy with lightly crisp edges. You can order it lean or with a little fat for flavor, and the team will happily oblige.
When the slicer hums, you know lunch rush is landing in Aurora.
Prices stay reasonable, and portions aim for satisfaction without waste. Some folks wish for skyscraper stacks, but most appreciate a balanced sandwich that comes with fries and a friendly price tag.
If something is off, ask for Nicky or Smitty, because they genuinely fix things.
Try it on rye, marble, or a bagel if you want a playful twist. Add Swiss, brown mustard, or Thousand Island to steer the flavor where you love it.
However you customize it, that first savory bite tastes like small town comfort and confident craft. It keeps you coming back often for lunch.
3. That Cozy Tiny-Diner Vibe
This place looks tiny from the road, but step inside and it opens up with cozy booths, clinking mugs, and the friendly buzz of regulars. The vibe is unfussy, warm, and proudly Aurora.
Staff call you honey, refill coffee fast, and remember your order by the second visit.
It feels like a true mom and pop diner where owners greet tables between cooking shifts. Busy hours bring lines, yet tables turn quickly and the kitchen hustles without rushing you.
You sit down a stranger and often leave swapping recommendations with the next booth.
Music stays low, the griddle sings, and the pie case near the counter tempts you after breakfast. Sunlight slides across the checkerboard floor, catching steam from waffles and bowls of soup.
It is the kind of welcoming room that makes simple food taste better, moment by moment. You feel at home the minute your plate lands here.
4. Breakfast Worth Waking Up For
Breakfast is a star, with waffles that arrive steaming and crisp, pancakes that stay fluffy, and omelets built to your cravings. Locals swear by eggs Benny and the corned beef hash with extra hollandaise.
Portions are generous without getting silly, and plates land hot from the grill.
If you like sweet-salty moments, add bacon to your waffle and a drizzle of syrup to chase every bite. Coffee pours are quick, with refills coming before you realize you are low.
The team keeps the morning rhythm easy, even when the door keeps swinging open.
Sunday and Monday are closed, so plan a midweek pick me up or a Saturday treat. Doors open at 8 AM, and the early griddle is prime time for perfect browning.
Slide into a booth, order your favorite, and let the small town sunshine do its work. You will leave energized and smiling all the way home.
5. Soups, Sides, And Sweets
Do not skip soup. The chicken noodle has a clear, deeply seasoned broth that regulars rave about, with tender noodles and comforting steam on cold Ohio days.
Matzo ball soup makes appearances too, rounding out a menu that understands classic deli cravings.
Fries arrive hot and crisp, perfect beside anything corned beef. Add a pickle spear, maybe creamy coleslaw, and settle into the happy rhythm of bites, sips, and easy conversation.
If the dessert case is stocked, that tall chocolate cake has a loyal following for a reason.
Portions respect appetite and budget, staying aligned with the diner’s promise of value. Share sides if you are sampling widely, or lean into one comforting bowl and linger over coffee.
However you order, there is real pleasure in simple things done right, served quickly, and served kindly. That is why locals keep returning, bringing friends, kids, and visiting family for more soup.
6. Prices, Hours, And Practical Tips
Nicky & Smitty’s is a true value spot, marked with a single dollar sign and a reputation for fair portions. Hours focus on daytime: Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday 8 AM to 2 PM, Friday 8 AM to 5 PM, Sunday through Tuesday closed.
Call +1 330-995-3791 if you are unsure.
There is a small convenience fee for card swipes, noted at the counter, a choice the owners made to keep menu prices steady. Bring cash if you prefer avoiding add ons.
Either way, the value lands when hot plates hit your table and friendly service keeps pace.
Find the diner at 1021 N Aurora Rd, easy to reach and easier to love once you walk in. Reviews average 4.5 stars across hundreds, which fits the feeling at the table.
Show up hungry, order with confidence, and leave a little more cheerful than you arrived. Aurora neighbors notice and appreciate consistency.
7. Order The Reuben Like A Regular
Start by choosing rye or marble, then pick lean or a little fatty corned beef. Ask for a hot grill finish so the edges crisp and the Swiss melts into every corner.
Request sauerkraut drained well, plus Thousand Island on the side if you like control.
Pair it with fries and a pickle, or upgrade the comfort with chicken noodle soup. If you want more tang, ask for extra kraut and a dab of spicy brown mustard.
Tell them you are new, and someone will steer you like a neighbor.
Fridays run later, great for an early dinner Reuben after work. Beat the crowd by arriving near open, especially on Saturdays when brunch energy spikes.
Tip kindly, say thanks by name, and enjoy the satisfying moment when the slicer hums and your sandwich lands hot. Then settle in, savor each bite, and plan your next visit with hungry friends soon.