Posted in Ohio Food & Dining November 24, 2020 by

9 Mom & Pop Restaurants In Ohio That Serve Some Of The Best Home Cooked Meals

In a day and age where food options abound, it’s refreshing to know you can still find scrumptious mom and pop restaurants in Ohio. (If you ask me, the secret to success is a family recipe.) Here are 9 family (or locally) owned and operated restaurants in Ohio that serve up some exceptional, home-cooked cuisine:

1. Mom’s Restaurant (Franklin)
Mom’s Restaurant/Facebook
Douglas H./Yelp
Nobody does it better than mom, right? Connected to a gas station, this unsuspecting restaurant is a hidden gem that serves up exceptional, home-cooked breakfast food. We recommend ordering the biscuits and gravy (pictured) here. Mom's Restaurant is located at 1111 William C Good Blvd., Franklin, OH 45005. To learn more, visit the Facebook page for Mom's Restaurant.
2. Jukebox Pizza (Waterford)
Jukebox Pizza of Waterford/Facebook
Jukebox Pizza of Waterford/Facebook
Come here for the homemade pizza and hometown feel, stay for the scrumptious desserts. Jukebox pizza is located at 650 Main St., Waterford, OH 45786. Check out Jukebox Pizza's website to learn more.
3. Whitey's Diner (Fremont)
Steve L./Yelp
Joe C./Yelp
The sign pictured above says it all. For a truly epic breakfast, stop at Whitey's Diner, where the portions are hefty and the prices are affordable. It is located at 216 E State St., Fremont, OH 43420. To learn more, visit the website for Whitey's Diner.
4. Berardi’s Family Kitchen (Sandusky)
Berardi’s Family Kitchen/Facebook
Berardi’s Family Kitchen/Facebook
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. Check out the website for Berardi’s Family Kitchen to learn more.
5. New Riegel Cafe (New Riegel)
Mark K./Yelp
Matthew C./Yelp
Two words: Barbecue ribs. Get the barbecue ribs and thank us later. New Riegel Cafe is located at 14 N Perry St., New Riegel, OH 44853. Visit New Riegel Cafe's website to learn more.
6. Watt's Family Restaurant (Utica)
Tory R./Yelp
Paul R./Yelp
For a hearty, home-cooked meal, be sure to check out Watt's Restaurant when you're in the Utica area. (Pictured is the pork chop country special.) And be sure to save room for dessert. (We recommend the coconut creme pie.) Watt's Restaurant is located at 77 South Main St., Utica, OH 43080. Check out the website for Watt's Family Restaurant to learn more.
7. K's Hamburger Shop (Troy)
Stormtropper H./Yelp
Valerie W./Yelp
This hometown diner is known for their burgers, but their breakfast options are just as satisfying. (Be sure to bring cash, as this is a cash only establishment.) K's Hamburger Shop is located at 117 E Main St., Troy, OH 45373. For more information, visit the website for K's Hamburger Shop.
8. Nutcracker Family Restaurant (Pataskala)
Nutcracker Family Restaurant/Facebook
Nutcracker Family Restaurant/Facebook
This family favorite '50s-style diner features authentic jukeboxes and some of the best burgers, sandwiches and hotdogs around. (Not to mention incredible desserts.) Nutcracker Family Restaurant is located at 63 E. Broad St., Pataskala, OH 43062. Check out Nutcracker Family Restaurant's website to learn more.
9. The Blueberry Cafe (Bellbrook)
Jed M./Yelp
Nat S./Yelp
After you find yourself stuffed from the most satisfying brunch of your life, "The Muffin Man" comes around to entice you with warm, homemade muffins you simply can't resist - no matter how stuffed you are. The Blueberry Cafe is located at 72 Bellbrook Plz, Bellbrook, OH 45305. Visit The Blueberry Cafe's Facebook page to learn more.

Have you been to any of these mom and pop restaurants in Ohio? Which one is your favorite? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below! And if we happened to leave your favorite eatery off the list, nominate it for a chance to be featured in a future article.

Looking for some classic comfort food? Try the broasted chicken at these Amish restaurants in Ohio!

Address: 1111 William C Good Blvd, Franklin, OH 45005, USA
Address: Jukebox Pizza, 650 Main St, Waterford, OH 45786, USA
Address: 216 E State St, Fremont, OH 43420, USA
Address: 1019 W Perkins Ave, Sandusky, OH 44870, USA
Address: 14 N Perry St, New Riegel, OH 44853, USA
Address: 77 S Main St, Utica, OH 43080, USA
Address: 117 E Main St, Troy, OH 45373, USA
Address: Nutcracker Family Restaurant, 63 E Broad St, Pataskala, OH 43062, USA
Address: The Blue Berry Café, 72 Bellbrook Plaza, Bellbrook, OH 45305, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

mom and pop restaurants in Ohio

November 29, 2020
Elisa Regulski

Are there any Amish restaurants in Ohio?

When it comes to Amish restaurants in Ohio, you have loads of options. You can never go wrong with a classic meal from Mrs. Yoder’s Kitchen in Mt Hope. Or, opt for the country cooking served at Der Dutchman Restaurant. Everyone raves about the food served at Dutch Kitchen in Dalton, and you’ll definitely be impressed by Boyd and Wurthmann Restaurant’s epic eats. With so many scrumptious Amish restaurants in Ohio, it can be difficult to know where to go first!

What are the best family-friendly restaurants in Ohio?

Taking the kiddos with you? There are tons of amazing family-friendly restaurants in Ohio that will satisfy the palates of both young and old. Pickle Bill’s Lobster House, located in Grand River, is always a hit. Adults love the fresh seafood creations and waterfront views while kids adore the fun atmosphere. If it’s some classic American fare you’re after, take the family to Zip’s Cafe in Cincinnati. The burgers are to-die-for!

What kind of food is Ohio known for?

When many people think about food in Ohio, they picture the famous Skyline Chili. While there’s no denying its delicious appeal, it’s only a fraction of the delicious food you can find in The Buckeye State. Our hometown is also known for the magnificent Graeter’s Ice Cream, tasty corned beef sandwiches from Slyman’s, and epic burgers served at Thurman’s Cafe. If you want to discover more tasty eats, head to Ohio’s best food towns. No matter where you eat in these cities, you’ll be served wonderful food.

Address: 1111 William C Good Blvd, Franklin, OH 45005, USA
Address: Jukebox Pizza, 650 Main St, Waterford, OH 45786, USA
Address: 216 E State St, Fremont, OH 43420, USA
Address: 1019 W Perkins Ave, Sandusky, OH 44870, USA
Address: 14 N Perry St, New Riegel, OH 44853, USA
Address: 77 S Main St, Utica, OH 43080, USA
Address: 117 E Main St, Troy, OH 45373, USA
Address: Nutcracker Family Restaurant, 63 E Broad St, Pataskala, OH 43062, USA
Address: The Blue Berry Café, 72 Bellbrook Plaza, Bellbrook, OH 45305, USA