12 Of The Coolest, Most Unusual Places To Dine In Ohio
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April Dray
Author
Here in Ohio, dining out can be quite an adventure. (Be sure to check out these unique dinner adventures.) From converted jail houses to superhero-themed restaurants, the following are 12 of the coolest and most unique restaurants in Ohio. Let us know which ones you’ve been to before, which ones you’re adding to your dining bucket list, and which ones we left out!
1. The Olde Jaol Steakhouse and Tavern (Wooster)
215 N Walnut St, Wooster, OH 44691, USA
Are you looking for "unique restaurants near me?" Well, here's one -- 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.) To learn more, visit the Olde Jaol Steakhouse and Tavern website.
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2. Mike's Place (Kent)
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1700 S Water St, Kent, OH 44240, USA
Out of all the unique places to eat in Ohio, Mike’s Place is undeniably the state’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.) To learn more, visit the Mike's Place website.
3. Terry's Turf Club (Cincinnati)
4618 Eastern Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA
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. To learn more, visit the Terry's Turf Club website.
4. The Whitehouse Inn (Whitehouse)
10835 Waterville St, Whitehouse, OH 43571, USA
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. To learn more, visit The Whitehouse Inn's website.
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5. The Maid-Rite Sandwich Shoppe (Greenville)
125 N Broadway St, Greenville, OH 45331, USA
"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. To learn more, visit the Maid-Rite website.
6. Tackle Box 2 (Fremont)
420 Sandusky Ave, Fremont, OH 43420, USA
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 popular and one of the most fun restaurants in Ohio for locals and visitors alike. The wait time can be a little long, but it's worth it. To learn more, visit the Tackle Box 2 Facebook page.
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7. The Black Forest Cafe (Oregon)
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3624 Seaman Rd, Oregon, OH 43616, USA
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 storybook. To learn more, visit The Black Forest Cafe website.
8. Tilton Hilton (Lakeview)
10861 Co Rd 293, Lakeview, OH 43331, USA
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. To learn more, visit the Tilton Hilton Facebook page.
9. Tony Packo’s Restaurant (Toledo)
1902 Front St, Toledo, OH 43605, USA
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. To learn more, visit Tony Packo's website.
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10. Sugar n' Spice (Cincinnati)
4381 Reading Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
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. It's one of the most fun restaurants in Ohio! To learn more, visit the Sugar n' Spice website.
11. Melt Bar and Grilled (Various locations)
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 and to find a location near you, visit the Melt Bar and Grilled website.
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11566 Reading Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45241, USA
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. To learn more, visit The Root Beer Stand's website.
Have you been to any of these quirky and unique restaurants in Ohio? If so, we want to know what your experience was like! For other food experiences, consider taking a food tour in Ohio.
For more fun and unusual restaurants in Ohio, check out our previous article: One-Of-A-Kind Dinner Adventures You Can Only Have In Ohio.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
More to Explore
Unique Restaurants In Ohio
What are the most fun restaurants in Ohio?
One of the most fun restaurants in Ohio is on wheels. For a super fun dining experience, hop aboard the Cincinnati Dinner Train. Here's more:
- Aboard the dinner train, you'll 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?
The following are among 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 unique restaurants in Ohio?
If you’re looking for more fun restaurants in Ohio, you’re in luck! Take a look at these unique restaurants:
- 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.