Restaurants get famous for a reason. Some of the best, most classic Ohio restaurants are the neighborhood “hole-in-wall” joints. Others are nationally known eateries that have been around for more than a century. Here in the Buckeye State, we truly have it all when it comes to exceptional food. Here are 12 wildly famous restaurants in Ohio that totally live up to the hype — and you need to visit them for yourself.

1. Schmidt’s Sausage Haus und Restaurant (Columbus)
Gregg W./Yelp
Helen S./Yelp
For the best German cuisine in Ohio (and a friendly ghost sighting or two), go to 240 E Kossuth St., Columbus, OH 43206. This popular German Village eatery has been a well-known sausage haus in central Ohio since 1886. To learn more, visit the website for Schmidt’s Sausage Haus und Restaurant in Columbus.
2. G & R Tavern (Waldo)
G &R Tavern/Facebook
G &R Tavern/Facebook
With a population of just a little more than 300, the tiny village of Waldo in Marion County is unexpectedly hiding a delicious secret. G & R Tavern is a must-stop when you're in the area. For more than 50 years, it's been the village's best spot to eat. The signs here don't lie; this modest, seat-yourself, no-frills tavern is home to the best bologna sandwich in the world. G & R Tavern is located at 103 N Marion St., Waldo, OH 43356. Visit the website for G & R Tavern to learn more.
3. Slyman’s Restaurant (Cleveland)
Slymans/Facebook
Slymans/Facebook
This downtown Cleveland eatery is home to the best corned beef you can find in Ohio. (Fun fact: This beloved breakfast and sandwich joint appeared on Rachael Ray's "$40 a Day.") An early lunch around 11 a.m. is recommended here to avoid the lunch rush. Slyman's is located at 3106 St Clair Ave. NE, Cleveland, OH 44114. Check out the website for Slyman’s Restaurant to learn more.
4. Eli’s BBQ (Cincinnati)
Jonathan R./Yelp
Jonathan R./Yelp
In 2016, Business Insider ranked "The 50 best barbecue joints in America," and Cincinnati’s very own Eli’s BBQ ranked as #3 on that list. For the best BBQ, mac and cheese and jalapeño cornbread you'll ever have, brave the possibility of a long line at Eli's BBQ. It's located at 3313 Riverside Dr. Cincinnati, OH 45226. For more information, visit the website for Eli’s BBQ in Cincinnati.
5. Katzinger’s Delicatessen (Columbus)
Mark P./Yelp
Carolyn H./Yelp
Sandwiches come in two sizes here, where Rueben's, tuna melts and corned beef are just the start of the sandwich menu—which features a total of 77 different sandwiches. (FYI: You can never go wrong with a #1.) Katzinger’s Delicatessen is located at 475 S 3rd St., Columbus, OH 43215. Check out the Katzinger’s Delicatessen website to learn more.
6. Pier W (Lakewood)
Pier W/Facebook
Pier W/Facebook
This landmark Cleveland area restaurant is suspended over Lake Erie to give customers a cruise-like dining experience. The unique waterfront restaurant in Ohio serves up exceptional seafood and offers lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. The views alone make this one of the most famous restaurants in Ohio. Pier W is located at 12700 Lake Avenue (Winton Place) Lakewood, OH 44107. For more information, visit the website for Pier W in Lakewood.
7. Tony Packo’s (Toledo)
Tony Packo's/Facebook
Tony Packo's/Facebook
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. Check out Tony Packo’s website to learn more.
8. Melt Bar and Grilled (Various locations)
Melt Bar & Grilled/Yelp
Cory O./Yelp
Ohio is home to a pretty epic grilled cheese joint that takes the simple, mouthwatering sandwich to a whole other level. If you’ve yet to eat at Melt Bar and Grilled in central and northeast Ohio, then you’re truly missing out. Melt Bar and Grilled has locations in Lakewood, Cleveland Heights, Independence, Mentor, Akron and Columbus’ Short North and Easton Town Center. For more information, visit the website for Melt Bar and Grilled.
9. Crabill’s Hamburger Shop (Urbana)
Crabill’s Hamburger Shop/Facebook
Keith B./Yelp
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, check out the website for Crabill’s Hamburger Shop.
10. Tom's Ice Cream Bowl (Zanesville)
April Dray/Only In Your State
April Dray/Only In Your State
Since 1950, Tom's Ice Cream Bowl has served up the area's best homemade ice cream. Its homey, 1950s style makes it a nostalgic stop for many. (You can't go wrong with any flavor here but if you like nuts on your sundae, definitely get them. Their nuts are roasted fresh daily and all of their toppings are processed in-house.) Tom’s Ice Cream Bowl is located at 532 McIntire Ave., Zanesville, OH 43701. Visit the website for Tom's Ice Cream Bowl to learn more.
11. Oler’s Bar and Grill (Findlay)
Oler’s Bar and Grill/Facebook
Oler’s Bar and Grill/Facebook
This "hole in the wall" Mexican restaurant is a family owned and operated diamond in the rough. The Tex-Mex here is out of this world, as are their margaritas. Oler's Bar & Grill is located at 708 Lima Ave., Findlay, OH 45840. Check out the website for Oler’s Bar and Grill for more information.
12. The Thurman Cafe (Columbus)
Gregg W./Yelp
The Thurman Cafe/Facebook
Tucked away in Columbus’s historic and charming German Village sits The Thurman Cafe. Their mouthwatering, overloaded burgers are just waiting for a contender to take on the joint’s specialty: The Thurmanator. This beloved Columbus burger and restaurant first appeared on the Travel Channel in 2008 via "Man vs. Food," and has since then been featured on multiple other shows. It's easy to see why this is one of the most famous restaurants in Ohio! The Thurman Cafe is located at 183 Thurman Ave., Columbus, OH, 43206. To learn more, visit the website for The Thurman Cafe in Ohio.

Have you been to any of these famous restaurants in Ohio? What’s your favorite restaurant in The Buckeye State? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments below!

Looking for more exceptional places to eat? Check out our previous article: 12 Classic Restaurants In Ohio That Every Local Must Experience At Least Once.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

More to Explore

famous restaurants in Ohio

Elisa Regulski | October 05, 2020

What are the most famous foods in Ohio?

Food in Ohio is definitely unique. From the sweet and delicious Buckeye treats to the classic Cincinnati chili, this state has its own unique flavor and flair. If you want to learn more, check out our article about the most iconic foods in Ohio.

Who makes the best hamburgers in Ohio?

There are so many great places to get hamburgers in Ohio. In addition to The Thurman Cafe, listed above, you should check out The Spot To Eat in Sidney. This welcoming diner serves classic American comfort food in a nostalgic setting. Be sure to save room for dessert! Their sweet treats are absolutely incredible. If you want even more mouthwatering eats, follow our Ohio burger trail! It’s the perfect itinerary for foodies.

Where can I find the best pizza in Ohio?

Looking for the best pizza in Ohio? We know all of the great places to satisfy your hunger pains. Check out our list of the best pizza joints in Ohio for more information!

Related Articles

Featured Addresses
Schmidt’s Sausage Haus, 240 E Kossuth St, Columbus, OH 43206, USA
G & R Tavern, 103 N Marion St, Waldo, OH 43356, USA
Slyman's Restaurant and Deli, 3106 St Clair Ave NE, Cleveland, OH 44114, USA
Eli's BBQ - Riverside, 3313 Riverside Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA
Katzinger's Delicatessen, 475 S 3rd St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
Pier W, 12700 Lake Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107, USA
Tony Packo's Restaurant, 1902 Front St, Toledo, OH 43605, USA
Melt Bar and Grilled, 2733 Fairfield Cmns Unit C, Beavercreek, OH 45431, USA
Crabill's Hamburger Shoppe, 727 Miami St, Urbana, OH 43078, USA
532 McIntire Ave, Zanesville, OH 43701, USA
708 Lima Ave, Findlay, OH 45840, USA
The Thurman Cafe, 183 Thurman Ave, Columbus, OH 43206, USA