When you're craving a big, beefy, behemoth burger, where do you go? While there are lots of great burger joints in the Buckeye State, none quite compares to Zip's Cafe. This tiny-but-mighty cafe has been serving up some of the best burgers in Ohio for nearly a century, and the burgers here are nothing short of legendary.
There's nothing quite as soul-satisfying as a burger and fries. It's a classic, All-American meal you can find at pretty much any restaurant across the country.
But when a local burger joint has gained a cult following in its nearly 100-year run, you know it's someplace special. And Zip's Cafe is certainly someplace special.
Located in the charming little neighborhood of Mt. Lookout, just north of Cincinnati, Zip's Cafe opened in 1926 and earned numerous accolades over the years.
Friends, meet the Zip Burger -- or rather, the Zip Cheeseburger. Simple yet oh-so-delicious, it's the ingredients and care with which this burger is prepared that sets it apart from the rest.
Zip's has fresh meat delivered daily from Avril-Bleh Meat Market & Deli that's hand-formed and flame broiled, served on toasted honey-egg buns from locally owned Klosterman Bakery. The result? A burger that's big, beefy, and legendary in its own right.
With a side of fries or onion rings, there's nothing better. If you want the full Ohio experience, pair your meal with a Cincinnati brew from Rhinegeist!
Have you had the pleasure at enjoying a burger at Zip's Cafe before? This longstanding restaurant in Ohio certainly belongs on your dining bucket list!
Looking for a way to work off that behemoth burger? Why not head to Old Milford for a afternoon of window shopping?
One of the most magical things about Ohio dining is the superabundance of local farmers. This means that farm-to-table restaurants can easily ensure the freshest ingredients possible, and diners can enjoy an experience they won't soon forget. Today, we're going to take a road trip to the scenic countryside of Medina County, where The Tilted Farmer is serving up deliciousness on a stretch of country road between two cities. This rustic yet modern eatery is a newcomer on the local dining scene, but it's already got locals talking. If you're visiting from beyond Northeast Ohio, you might consider booking a hotel... there's so much to explore in this area.
Medina County is located just south of Cuyahoga County, barely beyond the Cleveland Metropolitan area yet boasting a distinct vibe. With nearly 200,000 residents spread across 423 square miles, this area isn't quite rural, but many of its communities are small with wide, open, and undeveloped natural areas. To help visualize its historic roots, Louisa May Alcott's uncle owned a house here... I like to imagine Little Women was written in part in the area, though that's more than a longshot.
To get to The Tilted Farmer, you'll likely pass through Medina Square, as one of its main roads turns into Wooster Pike. I highly recommend taking some time to explore the historic area! With gorgeous architecture, mom and pop shops galore, and frequent farmers markets and events, you'll have plenty to keep you entertained. The Farmers Exchange is a great way to sample what local growers and producers are up to before you even arrive at the restaurant!
Heading south from the Square, you'll start making your way toward Seville, Ohio. This community also has historic roots, but it has a much more storied past. This area was once home to the Bates family, two giants who found love and craved a quiet life. Martin Van Buren Bates was nearly eight feet tall, and his wife, Anna Bates (née Swan), was just one inch below eight feet. The pair charmed everyone they met, and Queen Victoria even gifted them a wedding present. The Tilted Farmer is right between Medina and Seville, so if you're itching to discover some history, keep heading south to see their historic home and final resting places.
I'm a sucker for cauliflower wings, and these guys genuinely served some of the best I've had in Ohio. Deliciously crispy and served with a side of homemade ranch, they're an easy start to any meal. Honestly, though, any of the apps are a great way to connect with the core of The Tilted Farmer's philosophy: commitment to fresh, high-quality food. The restaurant takes a farm-to-table approach, partnering with local farmers and producers whenever possible. Local ingredients mean that every dish served is brimming with seasonal flavors, supporting the area's agricultural community and giving you a dish you won't forget. Whatever apps you decide, you'll have to promise me you'll try the cheese curds. Holy cow, were those good. They tasted like fair food without the tummy ache of fair food.
When it comes to entrees, they've got your traditional gastropub offerings. Burgers, pastas, wood-fired flatbread pizzas... you name it! If you're stumped on what to choose, don't hesitate to ask the servers for their recommendations. The staff is friendly and passionate about the flavors they serve.
If you've brought a designated driver along, you'll also love their tap wall and selection of local brews and wines. With an ever-rotating selection that showcases local breweries and small-batch wineries, the tap wall allows patrons to sample a wide variety of beverages, giving them a true taste of Ohio's rich brewing and winemaking scene. It's one more layer of local support, in a nutshell, so don't be afraid to get your sample on!
If you plan your visit accordingly, you might also be able to enjoy one of their live events. Live music is weather-permitting, and you'll want to bring a lawn chair. Despite its rural location, the restaurant feels like a cozy home away from home. The rustic décor, complete with wooden accents, warm lighting, and old farming tools, invites guests to settle in for a comfortable and laid-back dining experience. You'll love the vibe whether you're listening to music outside or digging into dinner at a table.
The restaurant is open for dinner daily, and it also has lunch hours on Sundays. Swing by, bring your appetite, and don't forget to explore all that Medina County has to offer. With gorgeous parks and friendly small towns, you'll love this little corner of Ohio.
Want to take a hike before your meal? A visit to Lake Medina is an easy addition to the trip, and it's right off the highway!
Ohioans know that if you're looking for pumpkin-flavored delicacies, Circleville, Ohio is always a solid bet. This quirky community's annual Pumpkin Show has made it famous far beyond The Buckeye State, and whether or not your visit during the festivities, you can bet the local businesses know how to prepare some memorable pumpkin-flavored goodies. Today, we're going to take a virtual visit to the town to get to know Lindsey's Bakery, a friendly little business that has been serving up pumpkin (and other autumnal) goodies for over five decades. So grab your pumpkin pie merch and get ready for a road trip, because this cool community in Ohio is calling your name.
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Circleville is located about 25 miles south of Columbus, and it's a community of under 14,000 residents. By city standards, this cozy suburban town is small and welcoming, though it may feel large to visitors from more rural areas. The area gets its name from indigenous earthworks that once dotted the area... in fact, the city was built around the existing feng shui back in 1810, though it was later changed to a more traditional grid-style layout. Interestingly, this town has produced a number of famous faces, including Conchata Ferrell from Two and a Half Men, Tony Laubach, a storm chaser known for his work on the Discovery Channel, and Kohl Sudduth, who starred alongside Tom Selleck in nine Jesse Stone films.
This town is also famous in the true crime community for the infamous Circleville Letters. Starting in the 1970s, a series of mysterious and threatening letters began appearing in mailboxes throughout the community, namely targeting a few specific families in particular. For nearly two decades, the letters continued to appear, though their author has not been identified to this day.
Today, the community remains quaint and humble despite a star-studded roster of historic residents and one very big mystery. And places like Lindsey's Bakery continue to shape a new reputation for Circleville, thanks in part to their iconic pumpkin pies.
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Each year during the Circleville Pumpkin Show, they create a pumpkin pie that has been recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's largest. The very biggest recipes have turned out to be 18 feet in diameter, and yes, it takes over one thousand pounds of ingredients to bring these massive pies to life. This ain't your grandma's pumpkin pie.
While the gargantuan pie is just a Pumpkin Show specialty, you can grab a normal pumpkin pie here as seasonal demand picks up. Other coveted flavors, like pecan pie and mint chocolate cream pie, are also available. Check out the Lindsey's Bakery Facebook page to keep a pulse on what's available before your visit.
Fortunately, if pumpkin pie isn't available, there's one pumpkin delicacy that's offered all year-round: pumpkin donuts.
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For some visitors, the pumpkin donuts at Lindsey's Bakery are worth the drive all on their own. Fried to perfection, deliciously fluffy, surprisingly moist, and packed with fall flavor, these are worth writing home about. Pick up a dozen during your visit... you might have to share them, though, because it's easy to want to eat the whole package yourself.
The pumpkin donuts are also a staple of the Pumpkin Show, but they're in hot demand. If you're hoping to score a few during that event, don't be surprised if there's a line.
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Beyond pumpkin-flavored goodies, Lindsey's Bakery specializes in all sorts of delicacies that you might expect from your standard Ohio bakery. Cookies, eclairs, cakes, cupcakes... you name it, they've probably got it. (And if they don't, they might have sold out. As with any bakery, you'll want to visit early in the day if you can swing it!)
When it comes to delicious indulgences, you're going to love visiting Lindsey's Bakery in Circleville. Take some time to explore the town during your visit, as autumn is truly magical in this area.
Want to make your autumn road trip to Circleville even more memorable? Check out the Columbus-area waterfalls to add a few to your itinerary.
