Just because you haven’t heard of a restaurant before doesn’t mean it’s not delicious. Sometimes, all the fancy frills and advertisements distract visitors from what’s really important. (Which is the food, of course. Case in point: these ‘Hole In The Wall’ Restaurants In Ohio That Will Blow Your Taste Buds Away.) The following are 12 of some of the best little known restaurants in Ohio that you won’t find in big cities. According to locals, these places are absolutely worth the search.

1. Jay's Famous Hot Dogs (Youngstown)
Joe P./Yelp
William E./Yelp
This delightful dive features some pretty epic chili dogs, chili cheese fries and gyros. (Yes, gyros.) Check it out for yourself at 68 Boardman Canfield Rd., Youngstown, OH 44512. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
2. K's Hamburger Shop (Troy)
Jennifer A./Yelp
Jessica B./Yelp
Where the burgers are delicious, the crinkle cut fries are just a few bucks, and the pies are plentiful, this seat-yourself diner is a must if you really want to eat like a local. You can find K's Hamburger Shop at 117 E Main St., Troy, OH 45373. To learn more, visit their website here.
3. Peach's Place (Crooksville)
Peachs Place Family Restaurant & Pizza/Facebook
A beloved eatery among locals, this is the perfect place to stop for homemade meals and pizza, depending on what you're in the mood for. (Tip: It's usually best to go with the daily special.) Peach's Place is located at 121 E Main St., Crooksville, OH 43731. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
4. Two Cousin's Pizza (Mansfield)
Brad K./Yelp
Brad K./Yelp
You've never had pizza options like this before. Choose from Buffalo Chicken, Coney Dog, Reuben, Mac 'n Cheese and other unconventional options—or just order a classic style of pizza—and brace yourself for the deliciousness. (Also, try the Stromboli. Make the room. You won't regret it.) Visit Two Cousin's Pizza at 103 N Main St., Mansfield, OH 44902. To learn more, visit their website here.
5. Mike's Dairy Bar (Upper Sandusky)
Mike's Dairy Bar/Facebook
Mike's Dairy Bar/Facebook
"Home of the Mighty Mike," this local dive serves up some of the area's best ice cream, as well as delicious burgers, sandwiches and hot dogs. It is located at 129 N Warpole St., Upper Sandusky, OH 43351. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
6. Rod's Capricorn Inn Restaurant (Wilmington)
David L./Yelp
Ron R./Yelp
At this beloved local dive, we recommend The Rod Burger (pictured) with a side of onion rings. (You can thank us later.) Check it out at 6660 State Rt. 730 Wilmington, OH 45177. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.

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7. Bud's Pizza (Minster)
Bud's Pizza/Facbook
Bud's Pizza/Facbook
You'll find more than just delicious pizza at this local favorite. (As well as an impressive beer selection.) Bud's Pizza is located at 6 S Main St., Minster, OH 45865. To learn more, visit their website here.
8. Fatheads Restaurant (Republic)
Fatheads Family Restaurant Official Site/Facebook
Fatheads Family Restaurant Official Site/Facebook
This classic hole-in-the-wall eatery features some of the most mouthwatering burgers you will ever have the pleasure of devouring. They also serve exceptional homemade pizza, fresh cut steaks and daily specials. Fatheads Restaurant is located at 216 Washington St., Republic, OH 44867. To learn more, visit their website here.
9. The Scioto Ribber (Portsmouth)
The Scioto Ribber/Facebook
The Scioto Ribber/Facebook
At this local favorite steakhouse, you can watch your steak cook on one of the five wood-fired grills out back. (FYI: A "small" steak is 16 oz. and a "large" steak is 32 oz.) The Scioto Ribber is located at 1024 Gallia St., Portsmouth, OH 45662. To learn more, visit their website here.
10. Blue Ash Chili (Blue Ash, Mason and Tri-County)
April Dray/Only In Your State
Marybeth T./Yelp
With three locations in the Cincinnati area, this beloved deli and chili parlor has been serving up exceptional chili (and cheese) smothered creations since 1969. Visit them at 9565 Kenwood Rd, 4200 Aero Drive, or 11711 Princeton Pike. To learn more, visit their website here.
11. Arch & Eddie's (Jackson)
Arch & Eddie's/Facebook
Arch & Eddie's/Facebook
This beloved local favorite features a variety of American, Italian, Mexican and seafood cuisine at affordable prices. The atmosphere is cozy, and the house setting will make you feel right at home. Arch & Eddies is located at 181 E Main St., Jackson, OH 45640. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
12. Scooter's World Famous Dawg House (Mentor)
Scooter's World Famous Dawg House/Facebook
Scooter's World Famous Dawg House/Facebook
Visit this local favorite to try The Scooter Dawg, (made with cheese sauce, coney sauce, ketchup, mustard, relish and onion.) You'll be so glad you did. (And we'll take the credit for it.) Scooter's World Famous Hot Dawg House is located at 9600 Blackbrook Rd., Mentor, OH 44060. To learn more, visit their website here.

Have you ever been to any of the best little known restaurants in Ohio? If so, let us know what your experience was like! And if you know another incredible place to enjoy a meal, nominate it for a chance to be featured.

And be sure to check out our previous article, The Best ‘Hole In The Wall’ Restaurants In Ohio That Will Blow Your Taste Buds Away.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

best little known restaurants in Ohio

Elisa Regulski | June 16, 2020

What are the best mom and pop restaurants in Ohio?

If you’re looking for a magnificent home-cooked meal, you have to visit one of the mom and pop restaurants in Ohio. Mom’s Restaurant, located in Franklin, is one of the best. Don’t be deterred by its exterior. Yes, it’s connected to a gas station, but like we mentioned above, some of the best restaurants in Ohio are found in unexpected places. At Mom’s Restaurant, you can chow down on comforting biscuits and gravy and fill up on good old fashioned cooking. This eatery is worth going out of your way for. It’s easily one of the best hidden gem restaurants in Ohio!

What are the most famous restaurants in Ohio?

Melt Bar and Grill is one of the most famous restaurants in Ohio. If you love ooey gooey grilled cheese sandwiches, this is the perfect place for you. And with several locations scattered across the Buckeye State, it’s never been easier to get your comfort food fix. Go ahead and indulge a little. This eatery is so worth it. The Golden Lamb, located in Lebanon, is another famous restaurant in Ohio. In fact, it’s one of the oldest in the whole state! Relax in the antique beauty and enjoy an exquisite meal. This place belongs on every Ohioan’s bucket list.

What are the best small town restaurants in Ohio?

While there’s no denying the appeal of big city restaurants, nothing beats the charm of a small town eatery. For a nostalgic and homey experience, visit Carl's Townhouse in Chillicothe. This classic diner serves all of the hits -- juicy cheeseburgers and homemade pies are just the beginning. Bring your appetite and devour a comforting meal inside this welcoming Ohio eatery. If you loved this place, you should also visit Nancy's Main Street Diner in Grafton. As soon as you walk inside, you’ll feel like a member of the family.

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Featured Addresses
68 Boardman-Canfield Rd, Youngstown, OH 44512, USA
117 E Main St, Troy, OH 45373, USA
121 E Main St, Crooksville, OH 43731, USA
103 N Main St, Mansfield, OH 44902, USA
129 N Warpole St, Upper Sandusky, OH 43351, USA
6660 OH-730, Wilmington, OH 45177, USA
6 S Main St, Minster, OH 45865, USA
218 Washington St, Republic, OH 44867, USA
1026 Gallia St, Portsmouth, OH 45662, USA
9565 Kenwood Rd, Blue Ash, OH 45242, USA
11711 Princeton Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45246, USA
4200 Aero Dr, Mason, OH 45040, USA
181 Main St, Jackson, OH 45640, USA
9600 Blackbrook Rd, Mentor, OH 44060, USA