The local, historic restaurants tucked away in small towns are the best kind of restaurants. With at-home atmospheres, interesting backstories and delicious home-cooked cuisine, these are the kinds of restaurants that can whisk you back to a simpler time―and make you want to stay awhile. Here are 9 of our favorite hometown restaurants in Ohio that will take you back in time.

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Have you been to any of these hometown restaurants in Ohio? What other local eateries take you back in time? Share your thoughts, photos and experiences with us! And if you know another must-visit eatery in the Buckeye State, nominate it for a chance to be featured.

For more classic restaurants in Ohio, check out our previous article, 13 Small Town Restaurants In Ohio Where Everyone Knows Your Name.

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hometown restaurants in Ohio

What are the best old fashioned restaurants in Ohio?

Craving a taste of the past? Slide into a booth at The Spot To Eat in Sidney. This retro diner is one of the best nostalgic restaurants in Ohio. The menu is classic and to-the-point -- no unnecessary frills here! But you can rest assured that everything you order is made fresh and with love. After you’ve scarfed down one of their scrumptious hamburgers, order yourself a slice of pie. You won’t regret it. If you loved this place, you should also visit Coney Island Diner in Mansfield. Here, you can relax in their ‘50s-themed ambiance while munching on comfort food staples like meatloaf, onion rings, and -- of course -- coney dogs. This place is a delicious slice of Americana.

What are the best small town restaurants in Ohio?

Some of the most delicious meals can be found in Ohio’s small towns. Uncle Beth’s BBQ, located in North Lewisburg, is a prime example. Travel off the beaten path and enjoy some wonderful, smoky barbecue from this unassuming little gem. After you scarf down one of their magnificent pulled pork sandwiches, order yourself some dessert. Everything on the menu is absolutely delicious. For the best bologna sandwich in Ohio, visit G & R Tavern. This welcoming eatery is located in the small town of Waldo, and it’s worth going out of your way for.

What are the most famous restaurants in Ohio?

Slyman’s Restaurant, located in Cleveland, is one of the most famous restaurants in Ohio. They’re known for their scrumptious corned beef and deli sandwiches. Sure, this place isn’t fancy or attention-grabbing, but their meals speak for themselves. After your first bite, you’ll see what the fuss is all about. You’ll want to come back again and again. Eli’s BBQ, located in Cincinnati, is another famous Ohio restaurant. This place is so good, it was named the third best BBQ joint in America by Business Insider. Stop by for yourself and see why. For even more beloved eats, visit Katzinger’s Delicatessen in Columbus. While they’re most known for their reubens, everything on the menu is absolutely wonderful. In fact, they have 77 different kinds of sandwiches! Which will you try first?