Do you ever find yourself wondering “What food is Ohio known for?” The Buckeye State has quite the culinary repertoire, so it’s only natural. There are some foods, in fact, that Ohio is known across the country for — we like our chili dogs piled high with cheese, our ice cream flavors perfected, and our burgers as big as possible. The following are 10 iconic Ohio foods that pretty much every local knows and loves.

1. Buckeyes

Steven Depolo/Flickr
Usually made around the holidays, this signature homemade Ohio candy is downright mouthwatering to peanut butter and chocolate lovers.

2. Tony Packo’s chili dogs

Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Although there are several excellent chili dog joints in Ohio, nobody does it like Tony Packo's. For a truly epic chili dog with a wide variety of options, check out this iconic hotdog joint, (and its famous bun museum,) at one of its multiple locations in Toledo. Want to learn more about these famous Ohio hot dogs? Visit the website for Tony Packo's Cafe.

3. The Thurmanator

Nheyob/Wikipedia
The Thurman Cafe in German Village is home to Ohio's most serious burger. This beloved Columbus burger and restaurant has been featured on television several times, first appearing on the Travel Channel in 2008 in an episode of "Man vs. Food." It's one of the most iconic Ohio foods.

4. Slyman's corned beef

Slymans/Facebook
Here in Ohio, we have a special place in our hearts for a delicious corned beef sandwich—and Slyman's Restaurant fills that void beautifully. This downtown Cleveland eatery is home to what is arguably the best corned beef you can find in Ohio.

5. The 3-Way...

Susy Morris/Flickr
Spaghetti noodles, heaps of shredded cheddar cheese, and chili with a hint of cinnamon come together to create this interesting dish. The Cincinnati area's Skyline Chili chain challenges the norm, and many (though not all) find it delicious.

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6... and cheese coneys!

Amanda/Flickr
If the 3-way isn't your preference, Skyline's cheese coneys (topped with the signature chili, onions, mustard and mounds of cheese) are an excellent alternative. Or try one of the many other local chili parlors that serve up these Ohio favorites.

7. Wendy's frosty with fries

Gabriel Saldana/Flickr
No matter what anyone tries to tell you, we started the genius frosty-french-fry-combo creation—just like we started the beloved fast food chain itself.

8. Paw paws

Richard/Flickr
America’s largest tree fruit is celebrated annually at the Ohio Paw Paw Festival in Albany. (This delicious fruit tastes like a cross between a cantaloupe and a banana to me...)

9. Graeter’s Ice Cream

stu_spivack/Flickr
AKA, the King of Ice Cream. If you've never eaten Graeter’s Ice Cream, can you even call yourself an Ohioan? Living in Ohio is a little bit sweeter because of this sweet treat!

10. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

Denise Mattox/Flickr
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams - AKA: the Queen of Ice Cream. It's some of the best of what is Ohio known for.

 

So there you have it: the answer to the age-old “What food is Ohio known for” question. What are your favorite iconic foods in Ohio? Did we leave any off the list? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

If you’re hungry for more delectable eats, check out these long-standing restaurants in Ohio. You can also take a food tour like the Little Italy Neighborhood Food Tour of Cleveland to explore a bit of the state’s food scene.

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More to Explore

Ohio Food

Elisa Regulski | November 06, 2020

What kind of food is Ohio known for?

When many people think about food in Ohio, they picture the famous Skyline Chili. While there’s no denying its delicious appeal, it’s only a fraction of the delicious food you can find in The Buckeye State. If you want to discover more tasty eats, head to Ohio’s best food towns. No matter where you eat in these cities, you’ll be served wonderful food.

What are the most famous restaurants in Ohio?

The following are among the most famous restaurants in Ohio:

  • Schmidt’s Sausage Haus und Restaurant, located in Columbus, is one of the most famous restaurants in Ohio. If you love classic German fare, you don’t want to miss this place!
  • If you’re looking for a hearty sandwich, visit Slyman’s Restaurant in Cleveland. Their massive meals will keep you feeling full and happy all afternoon long.
  • Eli’s BBQ, located in Cincinnati, is another famous eatery that people know and love. Their smoky BBQ sandwiches are absolute perfection.

 

What are the best small-town restaurants in Ohio?

There are tons of amazing small-town restaurants in Ohio. Here are a few:

  • For starters, head over to Uncle Beth’s BBQ in North Lewisburg. These eats are so good, that they’ll make you swear you’re munching on BBQ in the Deep South.
  • For some classic burgers and fries, pay a visit to Arch & Eddie's in Jackson. There’s nothing quite as satisfying as their wonderful comfort food dishes.
  • Craving more? Head over to G & R Tavern in Waldo. Everyone raves about their wonderful sandwiches.

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