The 10 Wackiest Restaurants In Ohio Where Dining Is Downright Fun
Sometimes, when you’re going out to eat, you’re looking for a little more than just delicious food. That’s why unusual, quirky restaurants are great options. They’re not only delicious places to eat—they’re downright fun. The following are 10 of the wackiest restaurants in Ohio where dining can be a blast. You’ll want to take your family (or a group of friends) to each and every one of these unique restaurants when you get the chance.
Out of all the unique places to eat in Ohio, Mike’s Place is undeniably Ohio’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.) Mike's Place is located at 1700 S Water St., Kent, OH 44240. To learn more, visit their website here.
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. You'll find it at 4618 Eastern Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45226. To learn more, visit their website here.
"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. This unusual eatery is located at 125 N Broadway St., Greenville, OH 45331. Click here to learn more.
This popular breakfast joint specializes in superhero themed dishes that are just as delicious as they are creative. (Pictured is "The Hulk.") Both Marvel and DC fans will appreciate the decor here. And you never know what super hero costumes the servers will be decked out in. Super Chef’s Breakfast & More is located at 1344 Cherry Bottom Rd., Gahanna, OH 43230. Click here to learn more.
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. Tilton Hilton is located at 10861 Country Rd, 293, Lakeview, OH 43331. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
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. The original Tony Packo's is located at 1902 Front St., Toledo, OH 43605. To learn more, visit their website here.
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. (White Castle's sliders will make you laugh after you've dined here.) Crabill's Hamburger Shop is located at 727 Miami St., Urbana, OH 43078. To learn more, visit their website here.
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. You'll find it at 4381 Reading Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45229. Click here to learn more.
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 a popular restaurant for locals and visitors alike. The wait time can be a little long, but it's worth it. Tackle Box 2 is located at 420 Sandusky Ave., Fremont, OH 43420. Click here to learn more.
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.") Click here to learn more about their menu and locations.
Have you been to any of these fun Ohio restaurants? What other restaurants would you add to this list? Let us know! If you want to check out more unique restaurants in Ohio, visit this historic steakhouse or this restaurant tucked inside an old jail.
Know some other local businesses in Ohio we should feature? Nominate your favorites in our online form here!
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Address: 1700 S Water St, Kent, OH 44240, USA
Address: 4618 Eastern Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA
Address: 125 N Broadway St, Greenville, OH 45331, USA
Address: 1344 Cherry Bottom Rd, Gahanna, OH 43230, USA
Address: 10861 Township Rd 293, Lakeview, OH 43331, USA
Address: 1902 Front St, Toledo, OH 43605, USA
Address: 727 Miami St, Urbana, OH 43078, USA
Address: 4381 Reading Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
Address: 420 Sandusky Ave, Fremont, OH 43420, USA
Address: 6700 Rockside Rd, Independence, OH 44131, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
wackiest restaurants in Ohio
April 30, 2020
Elisa Regulski
What are the most unique restaurants in Ohio?
There’s no shortage of fun restaurants in Ohio. Whether you’re looking for a restaurant with a view or an eatery with a kooky atmosphere, the Buckeye State is home to dozens of amazing places to enjoy a meal. If you need some dining inspiration, visit these 11 unique restaurants in Ohio. Each and every place on this list will blow you away.
What are the best themed restaurants in Ohio?
The School House Restaurant, located in Camp Dennison, is one of the most incredible themed restaurants in Ohio. Like its name suggests, this iconic Ohio restaurant sits inside a historic school house that dates back to 1864. Some even believe this building was the first two-room, two-story school house in the region. If you’re hungry for some good old fashioned comfort food, this is the place to go. Each dish is absolutely wonderful.
What are the most famous restaurants in Ohio?
While we love a good hidden gem, Ohio’s famous restaurants are beloved for a reason. If you want to visit a tried-and-true eatery that’s full of scrumptious flavor, you can’t go wrong at any of these famous restaurants in Ohio. You may have to wait in line for a while, but it’s absolutely worth it. Plan your night in advance and get ready for a magnificent meal you’ll never forget.
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April is the Ohio staff writer for Only in Your State. She is an Ohio native with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. With more than 10 years of writing experience and a background in news reporting for Ohio newspapers, she's published pieces in multiple print and online publications. When she's not on deadline or chasing after her toddler, she's hunting for hidden gems in Ohio or getting lost in a good book.
