11 Small Town Burger Joints In Ohio That Beat Fast Food Chains Any Day
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April Dray
Author
Everyone loves their hometown diner or burger joint. Here in Ohio, we’re fortunate to have so many local, delicious (and affordable) burger joints that beat fast food chains any day. The next time you find yourself out of town when traveling across the Buckeye State, consider stopping at the following burger joints for a quick lunch rather than going through a fast food drive-thru.
Did you know that Ohio is home to one of the oldest burger joints in America? Few people do. Kewpee Hamburgers in Lima, Ohio is a little-known legend in the fast food world and a beloved treasure among locals. It’s Ohio’s oldest burger restaurant and it’s more than worthy of your dining bucket list. Complete with delicious burgers, frosted malts and a giant baby—yes, a giant baby—dining here is an experience every Ohioan needs to have at least once.
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Now in its third generation of local owners, this tiny burger joint —with just eight dine-at-the-counter seats—appropriately specializes in tiny burgers. They're simple but irresistible. Trust us; this tiny hamburger restaurant in Ohio is worth going out of your way for.
When you find yourself in southern Ohio and you're craving a burger, there's no better place to stop than Hickie's Hamburger Inn. The legendary sliders are downright mouthwatering. And if you really want to do it right, order the gravy fries. They're just as delicious as they sound and totally worth the extra calories.
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. Be sure to bring cash, as this is a cash-only establishment—and bring your best appetite; you're going to need it.
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Lu Lu’s Kitchen in Bucyrus, Ohio is home to some of the state’s biggest and best burgers. There are 7 different burger options and you can add an extra patty for just $3.75.
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A rolling cart that's served burgers in the same location for nearly 100 years features a serious burger. The catch? You'll find no cheese, ketchup or mustard here. The onions and pickles only method gives the wagon its distinct reputation and allows your taste buds to focus more on the main, tastiest feature: the burger itself.
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Burger lovers near and far will swoon over the massive ones served at Rod’s Capricorn Inn in Wilmington, Ohio. They barley fit on the plate—so come prepared and bring your appetite.
Tucked away in western Ohio you'll find this nostalgic gem, serving up delicious grub with a friendly staff since 1935. You simply can't go to K's Hamburger Shop without ordering one of the restaurant's famous, yet humble burgers, complete with your choice of toppings.
Welcome to Red's Hamburger Shop, a tiny but mighty burger joint that's truly a local legend. The original sign displayed on the wall and the counter seating will make you long for yesteryear. And the burgers? They're cheesy, tasty and grilled to perfection.
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Carl’s Townhouse in Chillicothe, Ohio is a hidden gem that serves up some iconic sliders in a friendly, nostalgic setting. Back in the day, you’d buy the sliders by the sack. Today, you simply can't go to Carl's without ordering one of the restaurant's famous yet humble cheese burger baskets, complete with your choice of toppings.
Known for their burgers and homemade chili, this local joint has been in business since 1936—and for good reason. It's beloved by locals and a pleasant surprise for visitors who aren't from the area.
Have you been to any of these small town burger joints before? What others would you add to this list? Share your recommendations with us!
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Featured Addresses
Kewpee Hamburgers, 1350 Bellefontaine Ave, Lima, OH 45804, USA
Crabill's Hamburger Shoppe, 727 Miami St, Urbana, OH 43078, USA
Hickie's Hamburger Inn, 3800 Rhodes Ave, New Boston, OH 45662, USA
Tilton Hilton, 10861 Township Rd 293, Lakeview, OH 43331, USA
1640 Marion Rd, Bucyrus, OH 44820, USA
12 E Central Ave, Miamisburg, OH 45342, USA
6660 OH-730, Wilmington, OH 45177, USA
117 E Main St, Troy, OH 45373, USA
103 S Riverside Dr, Hamilton, OH 45011, USA
95 W 2nd St, Chillicothe, OH 45601, USA
Wilson's Sandwich Shop, 600 S Main St, Findlay, OH 45840, USA