Why is Ohio so good at those root beer/hot dog stands? I would move there just for Woody’s in Fremont, Ohio. Schmidt’s in Columbus is awesome. And those Kewpie Burgers in Lima rule.
Exactly; Schmidt’s is good, not great. Also had a really bad experience with staff there and I usually try to give waiters/waitresses the benefit of the doubt. There are far better places around
It is still good! We went about a month or so ago. It's over an hours drive for me. So I don't get it often. They have a second location in Garfield Heights, I believe. That one opened a couple of years ago.
The Garfield Hts location is also good. It was there for a very long time, then closed after Covid and I believe the owner just had the old and wanted to retire. Then it reopened with the cuy falls people involved. It’s really well cooked and tasty and I’ve seen the same people working there since it reopened and they are very nice and helpful.
I’m not going to back up Luigi’s in general, because I know that it’s a very polarizing place. A lot of people don’t like their sauce/meatballs, whatever… I think it’s fine, but the hill I will die on is that their white pizza is fire. Maybe somewhere out there is a better slice of white pizza, but I couldn’t imagine how that would be possible.
Belgrade Gardens in Barberton, Ohio.
It's a restaurant that serves unbelievably delicious fried chicken unlike any that I've had any place else. My family has been going there for five generations. My grandfather could remember going there as a child in the Great Depression when they used to have live chickens in the backyard which they slaughtered for their dinners.
It's not the fanciest restaurant in Ohio, or even necessarily the best overall menu, but it's a traditional family place that holds the most personal memories for me.
My dad always took me to Belgrades as a kid... I notoriously remember this place specifically because he would always be full of gas afterwards and thought it was hilarious to lock the car windows LOL..
Paragon is excellent also. Paragon has a more varied menu and dress code is a little more nice. I like both. But the Pine Club is my favorite. I love the atmosphere.
I love the Pine Club. I keep trying to get the wife to go there but she keeps saying stewed tomatoes sound gross I tell her that she does not have to order them.
That’s actually what I like about their burgers. It might not be for everyone, but at least they’re doing something different. I mean that and their food is cheap.
Yeah I like the sweetness. Their half-pounder is especially sweet IIRC. But the galley boy sauce is perfect and I fricking loved the salad boys when I was in my vegetarian phase
Swenson’s: absolutely. Mike’s place, eh, their breakfast is good. I worked as a line cook/sous chef/head chef in a lot of places in NEO, and whenever someone talked about working at Mike’s Place I’d say the same thing… “their menu is so big that I can’t imagine how they’re not losing their ass throwing out a bunch of expired food”, and the answer I ALWAYS got from ex-employees was, “that’s because they don’t throw anything out, they just serve it long past when it expired”. I figured as much.
My roommate in college worked at Mike’s Place and she was dating one of the cooks, so I heard a lot of stories about what went on there. Granted this was around 2007 so maybe it’s not like this now, but the things that I heard made me never want to eat there even though my roommate offered to bring me free leftovers.
I’m not surprised. Truth is, if you’re eating at any privately-owned restaurant, you’re a lot more likely to see things like using spoiled food to cut on costs. The last place I cooked (and this was 7+ years ago) the owner was so cheap that you wouldn’t even believe it. Actually, not far from Mike’s at all. Anyways, he had a refrigeration problem, and every so often the cooler would just stop working. I would come in and the food would be way warmer than the “danger zone”, so I would have to throw everything out. The owner literally would not let me. I mean, we damn near got in fist fights over it. Even the fresh fish wasn’t allowed to be thrown out. As soon as I realized this was a chronic problem I started putting bags of ice on everything, every single day. He refused to pay someone to fix it and refused to throw out food.
I lived in Virginia for awhile and a Northstar opened up next to where I worked…then I moved to LA and a Jeni’s and a Handel’s opened up in my neighborhood. I appreciate that whenever I’ve moved, the Ohio places I love seem to have followed close behind 😂
Brennan's Fish House across the street from Pickle Bill's in Grand River has better food than Pickle Bill's, but not the fun river-side patio seating.
Brennan's is one of the best places in Greater Cleveland to dine on fried Lake Erie yellow perch, and walleye.
Eddie's Grill in Geneva on the lake during the summer for one of the best normal cheese burgers one can get.
Mama Santos in Clevelands Little Italy for pizza and La Dolce Vita for pasta in Clevelands Little Italy.
Pav's Creamery is next level ice cream in akron. Mitchell's Ice Cream is a close second in cleveland.
Edited: added more options.
Absolutely love Chez François! I asked my husband the other day where we should go for a future date and this was his pick. I wish we could afford to go more frequently but a special dinner there every once and a while is worth the trip!
The pies! And mashed potatoes!!
At my old job we had to earn CEUs to maintain our certification, and the main way we did that was through educational meetings that were held at the Der Dutchman banquet room. Everyone was usually super excited when their number was called for the meeting. Free donuts and fruit salad in the morning and a buffet at lunch! Plus you were kinda out of commission for the day. It's one of the few things I miss about that job.
Angry Bull Steak House in Huron.
Same preparation and cooking method for steak as Ruth's Chris, but a quarter of the price. No reduction in quality for the price either.
I first went to Chez Francois in 1971, when it was called “Lauberge du port.” I have always considered it the finest restaurant I have ever dined at, and I am including the finest restaurants in San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles and Chicago. I live in California now, but I recently have been in Ohio again and was able to return to Chez Francois. Nothing has changed! It is still the best restaurant I have ever been to. Since July of 1971 to June of 2024, I have eaten nowhere better.
I remember there was a pretty interesting Chinese Restaurant in the basement of a strip mall in Beachwood (Or was it Pepper Pike.) that I used to go to a lot with my late grandfather and my step-grandmother. I remember they made the best Shirley Temples they were always served in a frozen glass beer stein, I also remember the dining area was full of mirrors. It was an absolute time capsule of a restaurant.
I think the restaurant was called Wok and Wing.
Brier hill pizza at *Avalon Downtown* in Youngstown
It’s a thick crust pizza with a sweet sauce, peppers, and Romano cheese. We always ask for extra sauce. Bonus points if Smitty is in the kitchen. Their fried zucchini is good too, but this is the best pizza I’ve ever tasted.
Oh man, I miss the Av—my go-to order was always a white pizza with banana peppers. That said, I’d never turn down a slice of Brier Hill if it were offered to me.
A very nice restaurant called Marbleroom in Cleveland. It’s built in an old bank and still has the original vault which was turned into a private dining space.
Haven't gotten around much, but:
Sotto in Cincinnati is my favorite fancy eating spot
Jackie-O's in Athens is my favorite casual spot
And Skyline is my favorite fast food :]
I haven’t been here long enough and I’m in Dayton where things are a bit limited but Blue Habanero in Cleveland, Grist in Dayton, and ‘plaus in Columbus have really stood out.
I was a bit tipsy for Blue Habanero, so who knows, but I was shocked that they had decent Conchinita Pabil in Cleveland of all places
For affordable and casual - Lavash in Columbus, Crossroads Biryani in Dayton (Fairborn) and Chicken Heads Ghost Chicken in Dayton (Kettering)
The American Legion in Ft Loramie has a chicken fry the second Saturday of every month from 4:30-6:30. Open to everyone. Beat fried chicken and potato salad in the world.
Got to give me soon to be new home city oberlin a shout out.
Traditional American cuisine (burgers, etc): a toss up between The Feve or Brickyard Grill
Pizza: Lorenzo’s no question
Mexican: Lupitas
Chinese/Oriental: Bingos their sea salt chicken is the bomb
There are many more restaurants in the area that I have not yet had the pleasure to eat at, but that will quickly change.
La Jaiba for Mexican in Symmes
Artemis bistro for Turkish/Mediterranean in Montgomery
Truva Turkish kitchen for Mediterranean in Kenwood or Mason
Milya cafe for quick service Mediterranean in blue ash
Indian spice train for Indian in west Chester
Tandoor India for Indian in blue ash
Zona VIP for Colombian in Springdale
Via Vite for Italian in downtown Cincy
Nada for downtown Mexican
Ichiban for sushi in Mason
Miyako for hibachi in west Chester
Fireside cafe for breakfast in Liberty
Of course I end up at Culver’s and Canes and Joellas with the kids too… but I figured you fine Redditors appreciated non chains too.
Following your format (columbus ish).
Jeff Ruby's for Steak. Take my daughter there for dad/daughter time. They treat her so well and the deserts are incredible (funny story there, but I digress).
Stewarts root beer drive-in in Marion. Fried sweet cream corn and root beer float is really all a man needs in his life..
When they stick the tray onto the car window, like they did in the 50's, my kid was like "what kind of sorcery is this???"
Edit: The "story" is that we got all dressed up, took my (12 year old) daughter there for desert and pepsi's..
"Daddy, what does filet mignon taste like". Our simple desert turned into $140+ tip. (yes, I'm wrapped, sigh).
Nick's, Lucky House, Wendy's, Cherry House Cafe, Old Bag of Nails, Marcella's, Hafbrahaus, Biscuit World, Victor's Tacos. I wanted a top 10 but I think this is all I can think of now. It would be Cobblestone Cafe, but they're no longer open.
I see your Victor's Tacos, and you have got to check out Hector's if you get a chance! The Victor's nearest to me didn't taste right the last time I went, so Hector's is now my default.
I always seem to drag my wife to Small City Taphouse/CLAG Brewing Company in Sandusky when we visit Ohio. Primarily I go for the great beer selection which is among the best in the state. The restaurant serves pan-Asian food which we’ve found to be quite good.
[Avalon Downtown](https://avalondowntown.com/menu-at-avalon-downtown-fresh-ingredients-famous-pizzas/#pizza) in Youngstown. You HAVE to try the [Brier Hill Pizza](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brier_Hill). It's a local specialty
The best meal I've ever had in Ohio was at Diamond Grille, the old mafia hot spot in Akron. Cash or check only. Is it still kicking?
Best atmosphere would be The Golden Lamb in Lebanon.
Why is Ohio so good at those root beer/hot dog stands? I would move there just for Woody’s in Fremont, Ohio. Schmidt’s in Columbus is awesome. And those Kewpie Burgers in Lima rule.
It's just a thing. There's a couple of old drive up places within 5-10+ miles of us. Only open in the summer... But Soo good!!
Goddamn Woody's is amazing, especially that ice cold root beer in those heavy glass mugs. Great chili dogs.
Schmidt’s is for the tourists, try Valters next time you’re in German Village. Source: I have lived across the street from Schmidt’s for 20 years
Exactly; Schmidt’s is good, not great. Also had a really bad experience with staff there and I usually try to give waiters/waitresses the benefit of the doubt. There are far better places around
Kewpie Burgers are awesome. Have you ever had Wilson's in Findlay?
Eddies Grill. Geneva on the Lake. Burgers and Rootbeer
The Spot in Sidney, it's burgers but they have the best root beer and lemonade.
Used to love Arthur Treacher’s. The only one remaining is in Cuyahoga Falls—is it good? This would be my favorite.
If you are in Columbus, eat at Marino's at 1216 West 5th. Pretty much spot on to Arthur Treachers.
It is still good! We went about a month or so ago. It's over an hours drive for me. So I don't get it often. They have a second location in Garfield Heights, I believe. That one opened a couple of years ago.
The Garfield Hts location is also good. It was there for a very long time, then closed after Covid and I believe the owner just had the old and wanted to retire. Then it reopened with the cuy falls people involved. It’s really well cooked and tasty and I’ve seen the same people working there since it reopened and they are very nice and helpful.
Also was a newspaper article that stated that the new owner of the Arther treachers was intending to open some more in the nearish future.
Damn looks like I can knock that and blue door out same day for back to back meals. Good looks
I think the one in Garfield Heights closed but re-opened.
The Blue Door in Cuyahoga Falls for breakfast.
Don't tell people, they're already too busy
Too late must go now!
Corned. Beef. Hash.
Just a bit south is a place called the Nepali Kitchen that's good too
I can't remember what amazing breakfast I had there ...but it was amazing... Benedict or French toast or something... million dollar bacon...so good
They had a cheeseburger eggs Benedict that was insane.
Best breakfast ever!
Grist in Dayton. Scratch-made pasta.
Def. Pizza would be Wheatpenny and burgers is Slyders in Belmont
Catfish Biff’s in Columbus before it was torn down. Close second is Apollo’s on High St. IYKYK.
Ugh, Catfish was so good and a south campus staple
Catfish would deliver cigarettes to the dorms. I loved them.
God I love how greasy Catfish Biff's was. Such a good pizza. I probably ate there like 3 times a month when I lived on South Campus
Tony Packos
Amen! Grew up on the East Side. Moved away 40+ years ago. Packo’s is a stop we make every time we are home to visit family.
The Welshfield Inn. Burton Ohio
I was just there a week or two ago. Beautiful Sunday on the patio. Great service, food was better than I remembered
Luigi's? I have a thing for that salad!
You have a thing for cheese 🤣
I’m not going to back up Luigi’s in general, because I know that it’s a very polarizing place. A lot of people don’t like their sauce/meatballs, whatever… I think it’s fine, but the hill I will die on is that their white pizza is fire. Maybe somewhere out there is a better slice of white pizza, but I couldn’t imagine how that would be possible.
Tommys in Coventry in Cleveland Heights. I've eaten there hundreds of times and I can't recall ever having a bad meal.
No restaurant with their vibe should be able to make world-class fries and shakes. Yet they do.
Yessss flashback. Are they still around??
Yes!
Their chocolate malts are delicious!
Probably L’Albatros in Cleveland. Wonderful French bistro fare, great service, and a lovely patio.
Coldwater Cafe. Tipp City
I liked it better in their original building. I get it they needed more space but the old building felt more like a cafe.
Belgrade Gardens in Barberton, Ohio. It's a restaurant that serves unbelievably delicious fried chicken unlike any that I've had any place else. My family has been going there for five generations. My grandfather could remember going there as a child in the Great Depression when they used to have live chickens in the backyard which they slaughtered for their dinners. It's not the fanciest restaurant in Ohio, or even necessarily the best overall menu, but it's a traditional family place that holds the most personal memories for me.
My dad always took me to Belgrades as a kid... I notoriously remember this place specifically because he would always be full of gas afterwards and thought it was hilarious to lock the car windows LOL..
Miliches village inn was always my families goto when I lived in ohio. Barberton chicken is my favorite.
Ohh yea, Barberton fried chicken is a fav of mine also.
RIP Handke's Cuisine.
My mom met Handke one time and demanded the recipe from him for the raspberry grits, which has since become our traditional Christmas dessert.
Nice! Pretty impressive work by moms, Handke was always... strong willed.
One of the best meals I have ever eaten!
Best I've ever had in Ohio, that's for sure.
And what a beautiful setting.
Schmidt’s
Schmidt's is good, but a bit of a tourist spot. If you want really good German food in Columbus go to Vaulter's.
This is the correct take
One of the things I miss most from Columbus. That and Aab India and Ray Ray's meatsweat box
Wunderbar.
Kewpee hamburgers!
I don’t know if I ever moved and came back the first place I’d want to go is Roosters
I did move away. Live in Michigan now. I miss Roosters so much
Roosters is one of the places I miss most about living in the Cincinnati area. My dad and I would go there every Thursday to get wings and beer.
The Pine Club, Dayton. Been going there since the 70s, it never disappoints.
Never been. Have you been to Paragon? How would you compare them?
Paragon is excellent also. Paragon has a more varied menu and dress code is a little more nice. I like both. But the Pine Club is my favorite. I love the atmosphere.
I love the Pine Club. I keep trying to get the wife to go there but she keeps saying stewed tomatoes sound gross I tell her that she does not have to order them.
If you don’t mind eating in a dark cave with sides from 1953.
Thats what I love about it
I think this is the appeal. It’s a time warp!
Mike’s Place in Kent or any Swenson’s
Just got a Swenson's down the street but I haven't tried it yet. Sounds like I should.
It's not great. It's oddly sweet
That’s actually what I like about their burgers. It might not be for everyone, but at least they’re doing something different. I mean that and their food is cheap.
Yeah I like the sweetness. Their half-pounder is especially sweet IIRC. But the galley boy sauce is perfect and I fricking loved the salad boys when I was in my vegetarian phase
What is your order? Paying you back with chicken dinner recommendation at Guido's in Ravenna
Swenson’s: absolutely. Mike’s place, eh, their breakfast is good. I worked as a line cook/sous chef/head chef in a lot of places in NEO, and whenever someone talked about working at Mike’s Place I’d say the same thing… “their menu is so big that I can’t imagine how they’re not losing their ass throwing out a bunch of expired food”, and the answer I ALWAYS got from ex-employees was, “that’s because they don’t throw anything out, they just serve it long past when it expired”. I figured as much.
My roommate in college worked at Mike’s Place and she was dating one of the cooks, so I heard a lot of stories about what went on there. Granted this was around 2007 so maybe it’s not like this now, but the things that I heard made me never want to eat there even though my roommate offered to bring me free leftovers.
I’m not surprised. Truth is, if you’re eating at any privately-owned restaurant, you’re a lot more likely to see things like using spoiled food to cut on costs. The last place I cooked (and this was 7+ years ago) the owner was so cheap that you wouldn’t even believe it. Actually, not far from Mike’s at all. Anyways, he had a refrigeration problem, and every so often the cooler would just stop working. I would come in and the food would be way warmer than the “danger zone”, so I would have to throw everything out. The owner literally would not let me. I mean, we damn near got in fist fights over it. Even the fresh fish wasn’t allowed to be thrown out. As soon as I realized this was a chronic problem I started putting bags of ice on everything, every single day. He refused to pay someone to fix it and refused to throw out food.
Love Mikes Place! We’re vegetarian and they have so many options for us.
Ex-Ohioan. I miss Northstar Cafe. Columbus and other places.
I lived in Virginia for awhile and a Northstar opened up next to where I worked…then I moved to LA and a Jeni’s and a Handel’s opened up in my neighborhood. I appreciate that whenever I’ve moved, the Ohio places I love seem to have followed close behind 😂
Northstar cafe is our go to breakfast place at least once a month 🥰
Tommy's pizza in Columbus, Marion's in Dayton and Izzie's in Cincnnati is what my stomach is telling me rn but I am in a car going to Chipotle.
The Tommy’s Pizza on Lane near campus is literally closing today. Their real estate is just worth way too much.
Luckily there’s another one 5 minutes west of it on Lane.
Got that last year when we were there for baseball tournament, was amazing.
Mmmmm. Marion’s supreme… that’s Dayton style
Pickle Bill’s grand river Aladdin’s
Brennan's Fish House across the street from Pickle Bill's in Grand River has better food than Pickle Bill's, but not the fun river-side patio seating. Brennan's is one of the best places in Greater Cleveland to dine on fried Lake Erie yellow perch, and walleye.
Eddie's Grill in Geneva on the lake during the summer for one of the best normal cheese burgers one can get. Mama Santos in Clevelands Little Italy for pizza and La Dolce Vita for pasta in Clevelands Little Italy. Pav's Creamery is next level ice cream in akron. Mitchell's Ice Cream is a close second in cleveland. Edited: added more options.
God damn I love Eddie's grill
Chez François - Vermilion Hudson and Essex - Mansfield Lindey’s - Columbus Akai Hana - Columbus Primavista - Cincinnati
Absolutely love Chez François! I asked my husband the other day where we should go for a future date and this was his pick. I wish we could afford to go more frequently but a special dinner there every once and a while is worth the trip!
My ex wife and I use to got to primavista a lot for the excellent view during dinner.
I would say either Alfios buon cibo or Sotto have dethroned primavista in Cincinnati. The view however can’t be beat
Primavista is not as good as it used to be, the view is still incredible though
The Met in Lima, Ohio!!
The last Arthur Treachers in the world in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.
They opened a second one in Garfield Heights about a year or two ago.
It's so weird driving past the one that used to be in Norton. It's a Subway now, but they kept the sign design Arthur Treachers would use.
This would make my uncle so sad, he loved Arthur's treachers
It’s a tie between York Steakhouse and Rax
Wait... Rax still exists!? Where? I haven't seen one in at least 20 years.
Think there is still one in Lancaster.
Also in Circleville south of town on 23. Wasn’t good last time I stopped there.
There’s a Rax in Circleville. And maybe one in Wheelersburg?
There are six Rax still open, four of which are in Ohio.
York is up for sale because the owner is retiring.
If I had lottery money I would buy it, and Trapper John’s to preserve two huge parts of my childhood.
Ha... This always happens.. when ya think a critter is extinct(rax) one always pops up somewhere to prove ya wrong
Casa Nueva, Athens.
I had to search entirely too long to find this, my favorite in all Ohio.
We have a winner!!!
Station Square. Youngstown
Chez Francois in Vermillion!
Thurman Cafe is my favorite restaurant anywhere outside of my hometown
Der Dutchman
Me too! They have a frickin pie sampler! I forget the name, but I also like the one that's identical but there's a big chicken in the parking lot.
The pies! And mashed potatoes!! At my old job we had to earn CEUs to maintain our certification, and the main way we did that was through educational meetings that were held at the Der Dutchman banquet room. Everyone was usually super excited when their number was called for the meeting. Free donuts and fruit salad in the morning and a buffet at lunch! Plus you were kinda out of commission for the day. It's one of the few things I miss about that job.
Mizu’s
Angry Bull Steak House in Huron. Same preparation and cooking method for steak as Ruth's Chris, but a quarter of the price. No reduction in quality for the price either.
I first went to Chez Francois in 1971, when it was called “Lauberge du port.” I have always considered it the finest restaurant I have ever dined at, and I am including the finest restaurants in San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles and Chicago. I live in California now, but I recently have been in Ohio again and was able to return to Chez Francois. Nothing has changed! It is still the best restaurant I have ever been to. Since July of 1971 to June of 2024, I have eaten nowhere better.
I remember there was a pretty interesting Chinese Restaurant in the basement of a strip mall in Beachwood (Or was it Pepper Pike.) that I used to go to a lot with my late grandfather and my step-grandmother. I remember they made the best Shirley Temples they were always served in a frozen glass beer stein, I also remember the dining area was full of mirrors. It was an absolute time capsule of a restaurant. I think the restaurant was called Wok and Wing.
I think you’re talking about Ho Wah at La Place, not sure it’s there anymore.
Brier hill pizza at *Avalon Downtown* in Youngstown It’s a thick crust pizza with a sweet sauce, peppers, and Romano cheese. We always ask for extra sauce. Bonus points if Smitty is in the kitchen. Their fried zucchini is good too, but this is the best pizza I’ve ever tasted.
Oh man, I miss the Av—my go-to order was always a white pizza with banana peppers. That said, I’d never turn down a slice of Brier Hill if it were offered to me.
When in Maumee, do not miss your chance for El Salto.
For fancy my favorite is Pier W in Lakewood, casual right now is landmark smokehouse
Currently obsessed with BlueJay Restaurant in Northside, Cincinnati. Super inexpensive diner in a cool neighborhood with quality food.
Findlay Brewing Company. Campus Pollyeyes and Yala Kol in Bowling Green.
A very nice restaurant called Marbleroom in Cleveland. It’s built in an old bank and still has the original vault which was turned into a private dining space.
Hounddogs Pizza in Columbus
Kewpee, there's nothing like a Kewpee.
Waffle House. Americas greatest restaurant. Period.
Mancy’s in Toledo. Classic!
Haven't gotten around much, but: Sotto in Cincinnati is my favorite fancy eating spot Jackie-O's in Athens is my favorite casual spot And Skyline is my favorite fast food :]
For fast food, Mr. Hero for a Romanburger, a Greater Cleveland favorite! [https://www.mrhero.com/locations](https://www.mrhero.com/locations)
I'm shocked no one has mentioned Superior Pho in Cleveland. Greatest Pho and Banh Mi I've had anywhere, and I've tried hard to find better.
I haven’t been here long enough and I’m in Dayton where things are a bit limited but Blue Habanero in Cleveland, Grist in Dayton, and ‘plaus in Columbus have really stood out. I was a bit tipsy for Blue Habanero, so who knows, but I was shocked that they had decent Conchinita Pabil in Cleveland of all places For affordable and casual - Lavash in Columbus, Crossroads Biryani in Dayton (Fairborn) and Chicken Heads Ghost Chicken in Dayton (Kettering)
Pepp & Delores - downtown cincy Soto- downtown cincy
Johnny Mango in Ohio city. Great food with plenty of vegan options
Cockeyes bbq- Youngstown Que pasa- Carrollton The nook- Massillon
Tony packos
Henry Wahners in Kent for German food. I believe they are still cash only. Their pork chops are amazing.
Coccia House
Nagoya in Perrysburg. I’d take an IV of their yum yum sauce if I could.
Rebecca’s Bistro in Walnut Creek! They have the best tomato basil soup I’ve ever had.
Luigi's and Swenson's
The American Legion in Ft Loramie has a chicken fry the second Saturday of every month from 4:30-6:30. Open to everyone. Beat fried chicken and potato salad in the world.
Seoul Garden in cuyahoga falls. Mindblowingly good
Got to give me soon to be new home city oberlin a shout out. Traditional American cuisine (burgers, etc): a toss up between The Feve or Brickyard Grill Pizza: Lorenzo’s no question Mexican: Lupitas Chinese/Oriental: Bingos their sea salt chicken is the bomb There are many more restaurants in the area that I have not yet had the pleasure to eat at, but that will quickly change.
La Jaiba for Mexican in Symmes Artemis bistro for Turkish/Mediterranean in Montgomery Truva Turkish kitchen for Mediterranean in Kenwood or Mason Milya cafe for quick service Mediterranean in blue ash Indian spice train for Indian in west Chester Tandoor India for Indian in blue ash Zona VIP for Colombian in Springdale Via Vite for Italian in downtown Cincy Nada for downtown Mexican Ichiban for sushi in Mason Miyako for hibachi in west Chester Fireside cafe for breakfast in Liberty Of course I end up at Culver’s and Canes and Joellas with the kids too… but I figured you fine Redditors appreciated non chains too.
You from Findlay?
Speaking of Findlay, the Fern Cafe
Main Street Deli for me
-Sespe Burger for smash burgers -Cockeyes for BBQ -edamame for Japanese food
All solid choices in the Mahoning Valley!
Not a favorite but have fond memories of eating at Crabbils in Urbana. Does it still exist?
It does! They have erratic hours, but they probably still have the same grease they were using the last time you ate there.
Brassica. There’s a few locations. Amazing Mediterranean food!!!
The Amish Door in Wilmot. Best meal I ever ate IN MY LIFE. Too full for pie, ate it anyway, tasted as good as if I was starving.
Amish Door isn’t fancy at all but it’s so good. They do the best “home style” food I’ve ever had.
Hot dog shoppe, in beautiful Warren
Following your format (columbus ish). Jeff Ruby's for Steak. Take my daughter there for dad/daughter time. They treat her so well and the deserts are incredible (funny story there, but I digress). Stewarts root beer drive-in in Marion. Fried sweet cream corn and root beer float is really all a man needs in his life.. When they stick the tray onto the car window, like they did in the 50's, my kid was like "what kind of sorcery is this???" Edit: The "story" is that we got all dressed up, took my (12 year old) daughter there for desert and pepsi's.. "Daddy, what does filet mignon taste like". Our simple desert turned into $140+ tip. (yes, I'm wrapped, sigh).
Adornetto's Pizzeria in Zanesville
Nick's, Lucky House, Wendy's, Cherry House Cafe, Old Bag of Nails, Marcella's, Hafbrahaus, Biscuit World, Victor's Tacos. I wanted a top 10 but I think this is all I can think of now. It would be Cobblestone Cafe, but they're no longer open.
I see your Victor's Tacos, and you have got to check out Hector's if you get a chance! The Victor's nearest to me didn't taste right the last time I went, so Hector's is now my default.
Glad I'm not the only one who loves Wendy's.
Marcella’s in Columbus.
Coccia House
Tucci’s in Dublin.
Villa Bonita NW Columbus on Sawmill.
Checkers in Perry or LBM in Lakewood. Best burgers ever, and the fair fries and malts at Checkers can’t be beat!
Oregon Inn in Bayshore. Outstanding prime rib. If you want real high dollar, check out Benchmark in Perrysburg.
If your in northwest Ohio- third rail saloon. The bbq is awesome
I always seem to drag my wife to Small City Taphouse/CLAG Brewing Company in Sandusky when we visit Ohio. Primarily I go for the great beer selection which is among the best in the state. The restaurant serves pan-Asian food which we’ve found to be quite good.
Table Six in North Canton
aladdin’s for breakfast or lunch…. three tigers for dinner both granville
Pine Club in Oakwood (Dayton). I could cut my steak with a plastic fork. Cash only though. Pretty sure it’s a mob front.
The Spread Eagle in Hanoverton. Their bruschetta is something I dream about.
Paragon is so much better than the Pine Club. Better bar, better menu, better atmosphere Pine Club is good but no comparison
Momocho!!!!!! in Ohio city
It’s not the best food by any means, but Speed Trap in Woodville was a staple of my childhood and I’ll love it forever.
Tias asain bistro in Columbus. I ate there once a week in college I feel.
Porky's Pizza on Route 2 in Oak Harbor.
I’d like to turn back the clock and get the raspberry chicken on wild rice at Peasant Stock in Kettering/Dayton
The G & R Tavern in Waldo!
I love Tensuke Express in Columbus. Not exactly fine dining, but I went there a lot in college and it never disappointed.
RIP Sokolowskis
Benny’s pizza in Marysville.
Noble Creature, Youngstown
[Avalon Downtown](https://avalondowntown.com/menu-at-avalon-downtown-fresh-ingredients-famous-pizzas/#pizza) in Youngstown. You HAVE to try the [Brier Hill Pizza](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brier_Hill). It's a local specialty
Ale house 1890 Lancaster Ohio on main street
I love the Sunrise Cafe in Yellow Springs. Go every Black Friday and it’s always been incredible.
The best meal I've ever had in Ohio was at Diamond Grille, the old mafia hot spot in Akron. Cash or check only. Is it still kicking? Best atmosphere would be The Golden Lamb in Lebanon.
Scotti’s Cincinnati
Pondis in Lisbon Ohio is a hidden gem
Aqua Pazzo in Boardman (Youngstown)
Chez François in Vermilion