13 Of The Coolest, Most Unusual Places To Dine In Ohio
Here in Ohio, dining out can be quite the adventure. (Be sure to check out these unique dinner adventures.) From converted jail houses to super hero-themed restaurants, the following are 13 of the coolest and most unusual restaurants in Ohio. Let us know which ones you’ve been to before, which ones you’re adding to dining bucket list and which ones we left out!
What was once the Wayne County Jail is now a special restaurant that both locals and visitors alike can't get enough of. The Olde Jaol Steakhouse and Tavern in Wooster, Ohio is a true historic gem that’s perfect for a special evening out. Between the unique atmosphere and the delicious cuisine, you’re sure to remember your visit here. (You can even dine in the former cell rooms, if you wish.) You'll find it at 215 N. Walnut St., Wooster, OH 44691. To learn more, visit their website here.
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. To learn more, visit their website here.
3. 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant (Columbus)
April Dray/Only In Your State
April Dray/Only In Your State
Located near John Glenn International Airport, you’ll find 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant. It’s an aviation themed restaurant that features delicious food, World War I & II memorabilia and great views of planes taking flight and landing. This is a hidden gem plane enthusiasts and history buffs alike will especially appreciate. You'll find it at 5030 Sawyer Rd., Columbus, OH 43219. To learn more, visit their website here.
With jumbo burgers, a neon-lit room and exceptional beers, this local dive is a classic you don't want to miss out on. Come for the food; stay for the quirky atmosphere. You'll find it at 4618 Eastern Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45226. To learn more, visit their website here.
When you’re feeling extra patriotic and proud to be an American, there’s one Toledo area restaurant you should check out. The Whitehouse Inn in Whitehouse, Ohio is a delicious, family-owned restaurant with a patriotic flare. Inside, you'll find elegant decor that pays homage to our country's presidential history and a large collection of presidential portraits. You'll find it at 10835 Waterville S., Whitehouse, OH 43571. To learn more, visit their website here.
"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. This unusual eatery is located at 125 N Broadway St., Greenville, OH 45331. To learn more, visit their website here.
Tucked away along the Sandusky River, you'll find this quirky restaurant that's known for its excellent perch and walleye. With the freshest fish around and a whimsical atmosphere, it's a popular restaurant for locals and visitors alike. The wait time can be a little long, but it's worth it. Tackle Box 2 is located at 420 Sandusky Ave., Fremont, OH 43420. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
Nestled in a small forest at the scenic Oak Shade Grove in Oregon, Ohio, you’ll find the Black Forest Cafe. It’s a gorgeous German restaurant that’s less than 10 miles from Toledo—but when you visit you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled upon Snow White and the Seven Dwarves’ cottage. From the setting to the decor, this restaurant looks straight out of a story book. You'll find it at 3624 Seaman Rd., Oregon, OH 43616. To learn more, visit their website here.
Where the burgers are bigger than your head and the floors are tilted, this local favorite is a fun, quirky stop after a day on Indian Lake. You can even dock your boat right alongside the restaurant. Tilton Hilton is located at 10861 Country Rd, 293, Lakeview, OH 43331. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
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. To learn more, visit their website here.
You'll come for the epic breakfast food and leave with a souvenir rubber ducky. Sugar n' Spice is one of the most colorful and iconic Cincinnati area restaurants. Locals and visitors alike will come back for more. You'll find it at 4381 Reading Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45229. To learn more, visit their website here.
With an array of specialty sandwiches and several shop locations in Columbus and Cleveland, this sandwich joint has made quite an impression on locals. In addition to mouthwatering sandwiches and eclectic decor, this shop is known for its "Melt Challenge," which features more than 5 lbs. of food; composed of 13 different cheeses, three slices of grilled bread and a pile of hand-cut fries and slaw. (Pictured: "The Big Popper.") To learn more, visit their website here.
Every spring and summer season, there's a Cincinnati, Ohio classic that thrives with long lines, delicious footlongs and famous root beer. With limited indoor seating, this place has all the charm and nostalgia you'd imagine a classic root beer stand would have. This family-owned joint features a variety of root beer flavors and other American favorites. You'll find it at 11566 Reading Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45241. To learn more, visit their website here.
Have you been to any of these restaurants quirky restaurants in Ohio? If so, we want to know what your experience was like!
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Address: 215 N Walnut St, Wooster, OH 44691, USA
Address: Mike's Place, 1700 S Water St #4447, Kent, OH 44240, USA
Address: 5030 Sawyer Rd, Columbus, OH 43219, USA
Address: 4618 Eastern Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA
Address: 10853 Waterville St, Whitehouse, OH 43571, USA
Address: 125 N Broadway St, Greenville, OH 45331, USA
Address: 420 Sandusky Ave, Fremont, OH 43420, USA
Address: 3624 Seaman Rd, Oregon, OH 43616, USA
Address: 10861 Township Rd 293, Lakeview, OH 43331, USA
Address: Tony Packo's Restaurant, 1902 Front St, Toledo, OH 43605, USA
Address: 4381 Reading Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
Address: Melt Bar and Grilled, 840 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
Address: 11566 Reading Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45241, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
unusual restaurants in Ohio
February 10, 2020
Elisa Regulski
What are the most fun restaurants in Ohio?
For a super fun dining experience, hop aboard the The Cincinnati Dinner Train. Here, you can sit in a restored 1950s train car and watch the gorgeous scenery roll by. This three-hour train ride includes a four-course meal that’s packed with scrumptious eats. You’ll definitely want to add this to your Ohio dining bucket list. If you loved this adventure, you should also plan a trip with BB Riverboats in Newport, Kentucky. Yes, you’ll have to cross state lines for this one, but it’s totally worth it. The family dinner cruise is both beautiful and delicious. You’ll make memories you’ll cherish forever.
What are the most famous restaurants in Ohio?
Schmidt’s Sausage Haus and Restaurant, located in Columbus, is one of the most classic restaurants in Ohio. It’s easy to see why it’s been around for so long. They serve authentic and casual German food in a fun and lively setting. You’ll adore their flavorful schnitzel and bratwursts. Pair it with a pint of beer, and you’ll be in business! The Spot To Eat, located in Sidney, is another must-visit Ohio establishment. This no-frills diner serves wonderful cheeseburgers and fries. Eating here is like stepping back in time! You definitely don’t want to pass this place by.
Are there any more unusual restaurants in Ohio?
If you’re looking for more fun restaurants in Ohio, you’re in luck! The Buckeye Express Diner, located in Bellville, is one of the best. Located inside an old train car, this nostalgic eatery bursts with charm. Everywhere you look, you’ll see Buckeye memorabilia and happy faces. If you’re craving some stick-to-your-ribs comfort food, this is the place to go. Crabill’s Hamburger Shop, located in Urbana, is also an unusual place to dine. This tiny eatery only has 8 seats and it sells tiny burgers. Cozy up at the counter and stuff your face full of scrumptious food. You’ll be so glad you did.
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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.
