Mike & Rosy’s Deli: A Springfield, Ohio Institution

I had a friend in high school, Joanna, whose father was a professor at nearby Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio. I always admired her because she was so smart and had such great experiences having access to the nearby college campus and its restaurants.

I remembered that she talked about hanging out at Mike & Rosy’s deli, located on McCreight Avenue. The deli was considered a Wittenberg institution for local college students for as long as I could remember. The closest I had ever been to the restaurant was passing by in our car on our way to church on Sundays.

Mike Rosencrans (“Rosy”) Mike Wagner founded Springfield’s local deli in March of 1977, forty-five years ago. I couldn’t wait to try their famous steamed Reuben Sandwich, a bag of kettle chips and delicatessen pickles.

Waiting for my made-to-order sandwich, I climbed the stairs to check out Rosy’s press box where locals stop by to watch the latest sports game with access to a full-service bar. There are also televisions in each room for overflow that seats up to 50 visitors.

As a former Athletic Director at Wittenberg University, Rosy knew a lot about sports, was a friendly guy and loved to great the deli’s customers.

The refrigerators are a great place to pick up a couple of take-out side items in addition to their the sandwiches.

From the counter where I ordered my lunch, I could watch the servers making several sandwiches ahead of mine. The location of the deli was once a gas station in the 1960s and 70s but expanded in 1981 with the addition of the dining room. In 1983, Mike and Rosy’s expanded their kitchen and added the Pressbox in 2006. The walls in the dining room display all types of sports memorabilia including photos and a variety of jerseys from college and professional sports.

I spent a few minutes browsing the jerseys on the wall and soon my Reuben was ready. I found a seat near one of the televisions mounted on the wall to watch the Cincinnati Bengals game and enjoyed my sandwich dripping with Thousand Island dressing and sauerkraut. In addition to creating thick, juicy sandwiches from Boar’s Head meats, Mike & Rosy’s success comes from their continued support of local sports teams and their deep love of the Springfield community.

Have you visited Mike & Rosy’s Deli in Springfield, Ohio? What did you order? I would love to hear about your stop at one of my favorite hometown restaurants if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.

What to See and What to Do:

Mike & Rosy’s Deli
330 W. McCreight Avenue
Springfield, OH 45202
Telephone: 937 390 3511

Where to Stay:

Courtyard Marriott Springfield
100 S. Fountain Avenue
Springfield, OH 45502
Telephone: 937 322 3600

Where to Eat:

Heart of Country Gift Shoppe and Teaberries Cafe
1600 E. Leffel Lane
Springfield, OH 45505
Telephone: 937 325 3030

I could spend hours strolling the Heart of Country Shoppe, but when I visit, I can’t wait to have lunch at Teaberries. I always start my lunch with a piece of yummy, moist orange bread. Known for their wide varieties of chicken salad sandwiches, I always revert to the House Favorite, the Midwest Delight, served on a butter croissant. If you have room, try their homemade carrot cake or peanut butter pie.

More favorite Springfield eateries:

Schuler’s Donuts: Their chocolate cream-filled doughnut is their best seller…”home of homemade”. The bakery has several locations in Springfield.
Simon Kenton Inn: This historical home is an inn, restaurant and entertainment venue. With great food, I love the atmosphere of the Simon Kenton Inn.
Guerra’s Krazy Tacos: One of my favorite places to eat in Springfield, Guerra’s is known for their unique gourmet tacos.
Salato Deli: I love stopping by this deli for their charcuterie board
Le Torte Dolci Bakery; Located next to the Salato Deli, this European French bakery also serves amazing gelato.
Mike & Rosie’s Deli: This staple of Springfield is located near the Wittenberg campus and I am extremely fond of their Reuben sandwich.