These Classic Midwest Comfort Foods Are Worth The Drive Across Ohio
Ohio is full of comfort foods that feel like a warm hug on a plate. From cheesy casseroles to hearty fried dishes and sweet treats, these classic Midwest favorites are worth driving across the state to enjoy.
Each bite is packed with flavor, nostalgia, and the kind of satisfaction only homemade-style cooking can deliver.
For anyone craving meals that warm the heart and fill the belly, these spots are must-visit destinations.
1. Cincinnati Chili
Picture this: spaghetti topped with chili that tastes like no other chili you’ve ever had. Cincinnati chili packs cinnamon, chocolate, and a secret spice blend that locals guard fiercely.
Served three-way (spaghetti, chili, cheese), four-way (add onions or beans), or five-way (pile on everything), it’s a carb-loaded masterpiece. People either worship it or scratch their heads in confusion.
Skyline and Gold Star duke it out for supremacy, but honestly, both deliver that weird, wonderful flavor only Cincinnati understands.
2. Buckeye Candies
Ohio State fans know these peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate aren’t just candy, they’re a religion.
Named after the state tree’s nuts, buckeyes leave a little peanut butter exposed at the top, mimicking the real deal.
Grandmas across Ohio make batches every holiday season, and honestly, store-bought versions never quite measure up.
The ratio of peanut butter to chocolate is critical, borderline scientific.
Pop one in your mouth and try not to eat twelve more. Spoiler alert: you will fail that challenge every single time.
3. Lake Erie Perch Fry
Freshwater fish doesn’t get better than Lake Erie perch, lightly breaded and fried until golden.
Coastal restaurants along the lake serve it with coleslaw, fries, and tartar sauce that could make cardboard taste good.
Perch season brings out crowds who wait hours for a table, because nothing beats fish pulled from the lake that morning. The meat is sweet, flaky, and mild enough to convert even fish skeptics.
Pair it with a local beer and watch the sunset over the water. Peak Ohio right there, no contest.
4. Goetta
German immigrants brought this pork-and-oats breakfast sausage to Cincinnati, and locals never looked back. Goetta gets sliced thick, fried crispy, and served alongside eggs like the meaty, grainy gift it is.
The texture throws people off at first, kind of like scrapple’s Midwestern cousin, but that crispy exterior seals the deal. Some folks crumble it into omelets or pile it on sandwiches for maximum impact.
Glier’s is the most famous brand, but homemade versions passed down through families hit different. Breakfast will never be boring again, guaranteed.
5. Barberton Fried Chicken
Barberton, a small city near Akron, turned fried chicken into an art form that rivals the South’s best efforts. The chicken gets a light breading, deep-fried in lard (yes, lard), and comes out unbelievably crispy yet juicy.
Served with hot rice, coleslaw, and tangy tomato sauce, this isn’t your typical fried chicken dinner. Belgrade Gardens, Hopocan Gardens, and White House lead the pack, each claiming the crown.
Locals argue passionately about which spot reigns supreme. Honestly, trying all three is the only solution to this delicious debate.
6. Polish Boy
Cleveland’s Polish Boy sounds simple but delivers chaos in the best way possible. A grilled kielbasa sits in a bun, topped with fries, coleslaw, and barbecue sauce, creating a carb-on-carb masterpiece.
This sandwich doesn’t apologize for being messy, indulgent, or slightly ridiculous. Food trucks and dive bars serve it to late-night crowds who need serious fuel.
Seti’s Polish Boys on the east side is legendary, drawing fans from across the city. One bite and you’ll understand why Clevelanders defend this sandwich like it’s family.
7. Shredded Chicken Sandwiches (Ohio-Style)
Forget pulled pork, Ohio does shredded chicken sandwiches that’ll ruin you for other versions. Slow-cooked chicken gets shredded, mixed with a tangy, slightly sweet sauce, and piled high on a soft bun.
Church fundraisers, school cafeterias, and backyard cookouts all feature this understated hero. The sauce varies by family recipe, some adding pickles or hot sauce for extra kick.
It’s comfort food that doesn’t try too hard but somehow nails it every time. Simple, satisfying, and deeply Ohioan in the best possible way.
8. Pierogi
Polish communities across Ohio brought pierogi, and we’re forever grateful for these pillowy dumplings. Stuffed with potato and cheese, sauerkraut, or even fruit, they get boiled then pan-fried in butter until crispy.
Church basements host pierogi dinners where volunteers hand-pinch hundreds, selling out within hours. Topped with sour cream and onions, they’re pure Eastern European comfort.
Cleveland’s Slavic Village neighborhood is pierogi central, but you’ll find amazing versions statewide. Warning: eating just three is physically impossible, so plan accordingly and pace yourself.
9. City Chicken
Despite its name, city chicken contains zero poultry, just cubed pork or veal skewered, breaded, and fried like chicken.
Born during the Depression when chicken was pricey, this dish stuck around because it’s delicious.
The breading gets super crunchy while the meat stays tender, creating a texture contrast that works beautifully. Served with mashed potatoes and gravy, it’s classic Midwest comfort on a stick.
Older generations remember it fondly, and some restaurants keep the tradition alive. Try it once and you’ll understand why Ohio refuses to let this oddball dish fade away.
10. Sauerkraut Balls
Deep-fried balls of sauerkraut, sausage, and cream cheese sound weird until you taste them and suddenly everything makes sense. These appetizers are crunchy outside, tangy and savory inside, perfect with mustard for dipping.
Bars across Ohio serve them as game-day snacks, and they disappear faster than you’d think possible. The kraut’s tanginess cuts through the richness, keeping things balanced.
Some versions add caraway seeds or extra spices for depth. Fair warning: once you start eating sauerkraut balls, stopping becomes a real challenge you probably won’t win.