15 Ohio Restaurants Former Locals Still Plan Visits Around
Ohio might not be the first state that comes to mind when people talk about food destinations, but anyone who has lived here knows the truth.
The restaurants scattered across this state have a way of sticking with you long after you move away.
They become part of your identity, woven into memories of family dinners, late-night cravings, and celebrations that mattered.
Former Ohioans know this feeling well.
No matter how far they travel or how many new places they try, certain restaurants back home remain irreplaceable.
These spots offer more than just meals; they serve nostalgia on a plate, comfort in every bite, and a reason to plan entire trips back to the Buckeye State.
The menus might not change much over the years, but that consistency is exactly what keeps people coming back.
Here are 15 Ohio restaurants that former locals still build their visits around, proving that some flavors are simply impossible to forget.
1. Schmidt’s Sausage Haus und Restaurant, Columbus
Walking through the doors at Schmidt’s Sausage Haus und Restaurant in Columbus feels like stepping into a Bavarian village, complete with authentic German decor and the unmistakable aroma of grilled sausages.
Located at 240 E Kossuth St, Columbus, OH 43206, this German Village staple has been serving up traditional fare since 1886.
The menu features massive cream puffs that have achieved legendary status among former residents who plan entire trips just to taste them again.
Ordering the Bahama Mama sausage platter means committing to a feast that includes sauerkraut, German potato salad, and enough meat to satisfy even the heartiest appetite.
The restaurant’s commitment to authentic recipes passed down through generations creates an experience that chain restaurants simply cannot replicate.
Former Columbus residents often describe Schmidt’s as their first stop after landing at the airport, proving that some cravings run deeper than hunger.
2. Tony Packo’s Cafe, Toledo
Fame came knocking when a certain TV character from M*A*S*H couldn’t stop talking about this Toledo institution, but Tony Packo’s Cafe earned its reputation long before Hollywood noticed.
Situated at 1902 Front St, Toledo, OH 43605, this Hungarian hot dog haven has been feeding Toledo families since 1932.
The walls display hundreds of autographed hot dog buns from celebrities who have visited over the decades.
Their signature Hungarian hot dogs come smothered in a secret chili sauce that former locals dream about during cold winter nights far from Ohio.
The sweet hot pickles and chili make perfect companions to the dogs, creating flavor combinations that stick in your memory for years.
People who grew up in Toledo often bring out-of-state friends here first, eager to share the tastes that shaped their childhoods and prove that their hometown food scene deserves respect.
3. Slyman’s Restaurant, Cleveland
Corned beef sandwiches reach architectural heights at Slyman’s Restaurant in Cleveland, where the meat gets piled so high that eating one requires both hands and a strategic plan.
Located at 3106 St Clair Ave NE, Cleveland, OH 44114, this deli has perfected the art of the corned beef sandwich since opening in 1965.
The meat arrives tender, perfectly seasoned, and stacked between fresh rye bread in portions that defy logic.
Former Clevelanders schedule lunch at Slyman’s the moment they book flights home, knowing that nowhere else produces corned beef quite like this.
The casual atmosphere and no-nonsense service let the food speak for itself, which it does loudly through every satisfying bite.
Many locals swear that attempting to finish an entire sandwich in one sitting counts as an Olympic-level feat, yet they keep trying every single time they visit.
4. Camp Washington Chili, Cincinnati
Cincinnati-style chili divides people into passionate camps, but those who love it will travel hundreds of miles for the version served at Camp Washington Chili.
This 24-hour spot at 3005 Colerain Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45225 has been ladling out their signature chili since 1940, serving it over spaghetti in ways that confuse outsiders but delight locals.
The counter seating and vintage diner vibe transport visitors back to a simpler time when diners ruled the restaurant world.
Ordering a three-way means getting spaghetti topped with chili and a mountain of shredded cheddar cheese, while brave souls opt for the five-way that adds beans and onions.
The chili itself contains secret spices, including cinnamon, that create a flavor profile unlike anything else in American cuisine.
Former Cincinnati residents often find themselves defending this regional specialty to skeptics, but one taste usually converts the doubters into believers.
5. The Thurman Cafe, Columbus
Burger enthusiasts make pilgrimages to The Thurman Cafe in Columbus, where the namesake Thurman burger has achieved cult status among food lovers nationwide.
Found at 183 Thurman Ave, Columbus, OH 43206 in the German Village neighborhood, this unpretentious tavern has been flipping burgers since 1942.
The Thurman burger itself weighs in at nearly two pounds and gets topped with everything from bacon and cheese to mushrooms, onions, and tomatoes.
Wait times can stretch beyond an hour during peak hours, but former locals insist the burger justifies every minute spent standing outside.
The casual pub atmosphere and friendly staff create an environment where strangers bond over their shared anticipation of massive burgers.
Many people who move away from Columbus admit that they measure every burger they eat against The Thurman, and most fall disappointingly short of that golden standard.
6. Swensons Drive-In, Akron
Drive-in restaurants mostly disappeared decades ago, but Swensons Drive-In keeps the tradition alive at 40 S Hawkins Ave, Akron, OH 44313 and several other Northeast Ohio locations.
The carhops still run out to take orders and deliver food directly to your vehicle, creating an experience that feels lifted straight from the 1950s.
Their Galley Boy burger features two beef patties with a special sauce that former locals crave intensely when living elsewhere.
The hand-dipped milkshakes arrive thick enough to require serious effort with a straw, made with real ice cream that puts fast-food versions to shame.
Potato Teezers, their signature crispy potato, cheese, and jalapeño bites, provide the perfect salty accompaniment to every burger.
Former Akron residents often bring their own children here to share the same drive-in experience they enjoyed growing up, passing down traditions one Galley Boy at a time.
7. The Pine Club, Dayton
Steakhouses come and go, but The Pine Club has been grilling perfect steaks at 1926 Brown St, Dayton, OH 45409 since 1947 without changing much of anything.
The wood-paneled interior and red leather booths create an old-school supper club atmosphere that modern restaurants try desperately to recreate but rarely achieve.
Every steak gets hand-cut and grilled over an open flame, resulting in a char and flavor that makes former Daytonians weak in the knees.
Reservations remain impossible because The Pine Club operates on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning wait times can test patience during busy evenings.
The sides arrive simple and classic, from baked potatoes to salads with house-made dressings that complement rather than compete with the star attraction.
People who leave Dayton often rank The Pine Club among their top three reasons for returning, right alongside family and friends.
8. The Golden Lamb, Lebanon
History practically drips from the walls at The Golden Lamb, Ohio’s oldest restaurant, which has been serving travelers at 27 S Broadway St, Lebanon, OH 45036 since 1803.
Twelve presidents have dined here over the centuries, and the building houses a collection of Shaker furniture and antiques that create a museum-like atmosphere.
The dining rooms spread across multiple floors, each decorated with period pieces that transport diners back through American history.
Their fried chicken arrives crispy and golden, prepared using recipes that have changed little since the 19th century.
The turkey and dressing earn similar praise from regulars who appreciate traditional Midwestern comfort food done right.
Former Ohio residents often bring visiting relatives here to showcase a piece of state history while enjoying a meal that tastes exactly as it did during their own childhoods decades earlier.
9. Buckeye Donuts, Columbus
Late-night cravings and early-morning study sessions converge at Buckeye Donuts, located at 1998 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201, near the Ohio State University campus.
This 24-hour institution has been frying donuts and grilling burgers around the clock since 1969, creating a haven for students, night-shift workers, and anyone else wandering Columbus at odd hours.
The combination of fresh donuts and greasy burgers might seem unusual, but it works perfectly at 2 a.m.
Their donuts emerge from the fryer throughout the day and night, ensuring that customers always get warm, fresh pastries regardless of when they visit.
The burgers get cooked on a well-seasoned griddle that adds decades of flavor to every patty.
Former OSU students living elsewhere often cite Buckeye Donuts as the place they miss most, proving that nostalgia tastes sweetest when it comes covered in glaze.
10. Angelo’s Pizza, Lakewood
Pizza reaches legendary status at Angelo’s Pizza in Lakewood, where the pies have been baking at 13715 Madison Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107 since 1958.
The crust arrives with a slightly thicker, chewy base and crisped edges that can stand up to generous toppings, keeping every slice sturdy from first bite to last.
Their secret sauce and perfectly balanced cheese-to-topping ratio create pizzas that former Clevelanders insist cannot be replicated anywhere else in the country.
The no-frills interior focuses attention entirely on the pizza, with minimal decor and straightforward service that lets the food shine.
Locals know to order their pizza well-done for extra crispiness that holds up even when loaded with toppings.
Former residents often schedule their visits home around Angelo’s hours, refusing to waste precious Ohio time eating anywhere else when this perfection exists just minutes away.
11. G & R Tavern, Waldo
Finding exceptional food in a tiny town of fewer than 400 people seems unlikely until you discover G & R Tavern at 103 N Marion St, Waldo, OH 43356.
This unassuming spot gained fame for serving some of Ohio’s most famous fried bologna sandwiches and homemade pies, drawing crowds from Columbus and beyond to this rural Marion County community.
The dining room feels like eating in someone’s home, with mismatched chairs and a cozy atmosphere that big-city restaurants cannot manufacture.
Their signature fried bologna sandwich comes out thick-cut on a simple bun, often paired with classic sides, while the pies rotate based on seasonal availability and baker inspiration.
The small-town hospitality means servers remember regular customers even after years of absence.
Former locals sometimes drive hours out of their way during Ohio visits just to grab lunch here, proving that great food exists far from major cities.
12. Berardi’s Family Restaurant, Huron
Lake Erie perch tastes better when eaten near the water where it was caught, which explains the crowds at Berardi’s Family Restaurant at 218 Cleveland Rd E, Huron, OH 44839.
This family-owned spot has been serving fresh lake fish and Italian specialties since opening decades ago, creating a menu that reflects both the local catch and the owners’ heritage.
The perch arrives lightly breaded and fried until golden, with meat so sweet and flaky it converts even seafood skeptics.
Their pasta dishes showcase traditional Italian recipes passed through family generations, offering comfort food that pairs surprisingly well with the fresh fish options.
The casual atmosphere welcomes families, boaters, and anyone else seeking honest food without pretension.
Former northern Ohio residents often plan summer trips back home specifically to hit Berardi’s during peak perch season when the fish tastes absolutely perfect.
13. Hartville Kitchen Restaurant & Bakery, Hartville
Amish country cooking reaches magnificent proportions at Hartville Kitchen Restaurant & Bakery, located at 1015 Edison St NW, Hartville, OH 44632 in the heart of Northeast Ohio’s Amish region.
The menu stretches across fried chicken, roast beef, mashed potatoes, fresh vegetables, and dozens of other homestyle dishes that embody Midwestern comfort food.
The attached bakery produces pies, cookies, and breads that disappear within hours of coming out of the oven.
Breakfast draws particularly devoted crowds who arrive early for the fresh-baked cinnamon rolls and made-to-order omelets loaded with farm-fresh ingredients.
The portions run generous even by Ohio standards, with servers encouraging diners to sample favorite entrées, sides, and desserts.
Former locals often bring out-of-state guests here to showcase authentic Ohio country cooking, knowing that one meal creates memories that last for years.
14. Schmucker’s Restaurant, Toledo
Pennsylvania Dutch cooking finds a devoted following at Schmucker’s Restaurant, situated at 2103 N Reynolds Rd, Toledo, OH 43615 where it has been serving hearty meals since 1948.
The restaurant specializes in traditional dishes like chicken and noodles, roast beef, and ham that arrive in portions designed to fuel farmhands through long workdays.
Everything gets made from scratch using recipes that prioritize flavor and substance over trendy techniques or exotic ingredients.
Their pies deserve special mention, with fruit fillings that taste like summer regardless of season and crusts that achieve the perfect balance between flaky and tender.
The dining room maintains a simple, clean aesthetic that keeps focus on the food rather than fancy decor.
Former Toledo residents often cite Schmucker’s when explaining what real Ohio comfort food tastes like, using it as the measuring stick for all other homestyle restaurants.
15. Boyd & Wurthmann Restaurant, Berlin
Stepping into Boyd & Wurthmann Restaurant at 4819 E Main St, Berlin, OH 44610 means entering Ohio’s Amish heartland, where simple living and exceptional cooking intersect beautifully.
This restaurant serves traditional Amish and Mennonite dishes made with locally sourced ingredients and time-honored techniques that produce unforgettable flavors.
The broasted chicken achieves legendary status among regulars who appreciate the pressure-cooking method that seals in moisture while creating crispy skin.
Their menu offers rotating selections of country-style dishes, including fresh vegetables, homemade noodles, and desserts that showcase seasonal fruits and berries.
The family-friendly atmosphere welcomes everyone from tour groups exploring Amish country to locals grabbing an early dinner after a day in town.
Former residents of Holmes County often name this restaurant first when asked what they miss most about home, proving that great food creates powerful emotional connections.