12 Classic Restaurants In Ohio That Every Local Must Experience At Least Once
There are some restaurants that are truly iconic. From signature chili dogs to German cuisine, Ohio is full of one-of-a-kind eateries that every Ohioan needs to experience at least once. Here are 12 of our favorite classic restaurants in Ohio. Be sure to add them all to your dining bucket list.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
This downtown Cleveland eatery is home to the best corned beef you can find in Ohio. (Fun fact: This beloved breakfast and sandwich joint appeared on Rachael Ray's "$40 a Day.") An early lunch/brunch around 11 a.m. is recommended here to avoid the lunch rush. Slyman's is located at 3106 St Clair Ave. NE, Cleveland, OH 44114. To learn more, visit the official website for Slyman's Restaurant.
2. Schmidt’s Sausage Haus und Restaurant (Columbus)
For the best German cuisine in Ohio (and a friendly ghost sighting or two), go to 240 E Kossuth St., Columbus, OH 43206. This popular German Village eatery has been a well-known sausage haus in central Ohio since 1886. Visit the official website for Schmidt’s Sausage Haus und Restaurant to learn more.
Out of all the unique places to eat in Ohio,
Mike’s Place is undeniably Ohio’s quirkiest. From palm trees and tiki bars to Star Wars memorabilia and castles, it’s hard to pinpoint the overall theme of this unforgettable restaurant that truly marches to the beat of its own drum. (When it comes to the food, you'll find a wide variety of hefty American cuisine, appetizers and breakfast served all day.) Mike's Place is located at 1700 S Water St., Kent, OH 44240.
Ohio’s oldest continuously operated hotel was established in 1803 and holds a unique dining experience, complete with antique furnishings, themed dining rooms and historic rooms upstairs where famous individuals such as Harriet Beecher Stowe and several U.S. Presidents have stayed. Visitors can either dine in The Lebanon Room (pictured,) The Dickens Room, Buckeye Dining Room or The Shaker Room. The Golden Lamb is located at 27 S Broadway St., Lebanon, OH 45036.
Both literally and figuratively, this is the spot to go to for a tasty, classic cheeseburger in Sidney. What started out as a chuck wagon more than 100 years ago is now a stationary old fashioned eatery that will make you feel like you've temporarily stepped foot into a Happy Day's episode. The Spot To Eat is located at 201 S Ohio Ave., Sidney, OH 45365.
The unbelievably delicious family-made french fries here have been around since 1939, when they were first served at Cedar Point Amusement Park. Make a trip to 1019 W. Perkins Ave. in Sandusky to try out these iconic fries. To learn more, visit the official website for Berardi’s Family Kitchen.
"Home of the famous Maid-Rite, Cheese-Rite and Big Jim," this unsuspecting sandwich shop upholds a strange tradition. Visitors stick their chewing gum outside along the "Wall of Gum" and come inside for what is arguably Ohio's best loose meat sandwich. (Pictured: Big Jim.) This unusual eatery is located at 125 N Broadway St., Greenville, OH 45331. Visit the official website for The Maid-Rite Sandwich Shoppe to learn more.
You don't necessarily have to board an operating train for a locomotive themed dining experience. If you take exit 165 off of Interstate 71, you'll find this iconic not-your-average diner. (Note: Michigan fans must park across the street.)
Buckeye Express Diner is located at 810 State Rt. 97 W., Bellville, OH 44813.
Since 1950,
Tom's Ice Cream Bowl has served up the area's best homemade ice cream. Its homey, 1950s style makes it a nostalgic stop for many. (You can't go wrong with any flavor here but if you like nuts on your sundae, definitely get them. Their nuts are roasted fresh daily and all of their toppings are processed in-house.) Tom’s Ice Cream Bowl is located at 532 McIntire Ave., Zanesville, OH 43701.
If something has been around for more than 80 years, there's a reason why. This popular fast food joint features the world famous Galleyboy, milkshakes and fries. There are three Swenson's locations, with one in West Akron, North Akron and Stow/Kent. To learn more, visit the official website for
Swenson's Drive-In.
For a truly epic chili dog, check out this iconic hotdog joint, with multiple locations in Toledo. A strange tradition of displaying autographed hotdog buns began here in 1972 when Jamie Farr of M*A*S*H signed a bun. While that bun is no longer in existence, today the cafe proudly showcases Styrofoam bun look-alikes signed by various celebrities, including five U.S. presidents. The original
Tony Packo's is located at 1902 Front St., Toledo, OH 43605.
Within the fictionalized setting of “Glee,” this signature eatery in Lima has three locations that serve up the city's best burgers. french fries and malts. When you're in town or passing through, you've got to stop for a Kewpee burger. To learn more about the oldest fast food restaurant in Ohio, visit the official website for Kewpee Hamburgers.
Have you been to any of these classic restaurants in Ohio? Which one is your favorite? Share your thoughts and experiences with us! And if you know another incredible eatery in the Buckeye State, nominate it for a chance to be featured.
If you need more dining inspiration, check out these hometown restaurants in Ohio that will take you back in time.
Address: 3106 St Clair Ave NE, Cleveland, OH 44114, USA
Address: 240 E Kossuth St, Columbus, OH 43206, USA
Address: Mikes Way, Stevensville, MD 21666, USA
Address: 201 S Ohio Ave, Sidney, OH 45365, USA
Address: 1019 W Perkins Ave, Sandusky, OH 44870, USA
Address: 125 N Broadway St, Greenville, OH 45331, USA
Address: 810 OH-97, Bellville, OH 44813, USA
Address: 532 McIntire Ave, Zanesville, OH 43701, USA
Address: 2012 Ikea Way, Columbus, OH 43240, USA
Address: 1902 Front St, Toledo, OH 43605, USA
Address: 1350 Bellefontaine Ave, Lima, OH 45804, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
classic restaurants in Ohio
August 20, 2020
Elisa Regulski
What are some quirky traits of people from Ohio?
People in Ohio are definitely a little unusual. We make the names of grocery stores possessive, accidentally add “r”s to the end of words, and we love anything that’s decorated to look like our beautiful state. If you want to know some more quirky habits all people from Ohio have, check out our previous article: 10 Undying Habits That Prove You Can Never Take Ohio Out Of The Ohioan.
What are the most famous restaurants in Ohio?
Melt Bar and Grill, located all throughout the state, is one of the most famous restaurants in Ohio. There’s hardly anyone who doesn’t love a good grilled cheese! So it’s easy to see why so many Ohioans adore this tasty eatery. Covered Bridge Pizza Parlor is another beloved restaurant in the Buckeye State. With scrumptious meals and top-notch service, this restaurant continues to dazzle diners.
What kind of food is Ohio known for?
There are so many wonderful iconic dishes in Ohio that locals love. From the tasty Buckeye treats to our classic chili, our state serves up some truly spectacular meals. If you want to learn more about the best dishes in Ohio, read our previous article: These 10 Iconic Foods In Ohio Will Have Your Mouth Watering.
April is the Ohio staff writer for Only in Your State. She is an Ohio native with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. With more than 10 years of writing experience and a background in news reporting for Ohio newspapers, she's published pieces in multiple print and online publications. When she's not on deadline or chasing after her toddler, she's hunting for hidden gems in Ohio or getting lost in a good book.
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