10 Budget-Friendly But Legendary Restaurants In Ohio That Locals Love
In Ohio, great food doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Tucked into cities and small towns are beloved restaurants that serve generous portions and unforgettable flavors.
Cincinnati’s legendary chili and Cleveland’s sky-high sandwiches are just a taste of the affordable comfort awaiting hungry visitors.
1. Skyline Chili: Cincinnati’s Spaghetti Revolution
Cincinnati-style chili isn’t just food but an institution. Skyline serves their signature spiced meat sauce over spaghetti with mountains of shredded cheddar in their famous “ways.”
A 3-way (chili, spaghetti, cheese) costs around $11, making it the ultimate budget meal. The sweet-spiced chili recipe dates back to 1949 when Greek immigrant Nicholas Lambrinides opened the first location.
Back in college, I’d scrape together loose change just for their cheese coneys, proving good food doesn’t need a big price tag.
2. Swensons Drive-In: Burger Paradise on Four Wheels
Car hops still run to your vehicle at Swensons, where the legendary Galley Boy burger reigns supreme. This double-patty masterpiece with two special sauces and a signature olive on top costs about $6.59.
Founded in 1934, this Northeast Ohio institution has expanded but never changed its commitment to quality. LeBron James famously makes Swensons a priority stop whenever he returns home.
Their thick milkshakes come in over 18 flavors, making the perfect complement to their crispy fried sides.
3. Eli’s BBQ: Smokehouse Simplicity in Cincinnati
Smoke rises from Eli’s unassuming building, beckoning barbecue lovers to one of Cincinnati’s greatest food treasures. Their pulled pork sandwich with homemade slaw runs about $9–$10 (sides extra).
The BYOB policy keeps costs down while creating a community picnic vibe. I still remember my first visit, sitting on their patio with a grocery store six-pack while the record player spun vinyl classics.
Their hickory-smoked ribs fall off the bone, while the mac and cheese rivals any southern grandma’s recipe.
4. The Thurman Cafe: Columbus’ Burger Mountain Challenge
The Thurmanator isn’t just a burger – it’s a dare. This massive tower of beef, bacon, cheese, and toppings has been challenging hungry Columbus residents since 1942.
Despite its intimidating size, many menu items now run $15–$18, making it accessible for everyday dining. The German Village institution keeps things simple with paper plates and no-nonsense service.
Their walls covered with signed dollar bills tell stories of decades of satisfied customers who’ve conquered their legendary burgers.
5. Slyman’s Restaurant: Cleveland’s Corned Beef Mountain
Slyman’s serves sandwiches so tall they should come with an engineering degree. Their famous corned beef sandwich, nearly a pound of meat between two slices of rye, costs around $16 but easily feeds two hungry people.
Presidents and celebrities make pilgrimages to this Cleveland institution that’s been family-owned since 1964. The line often stretches out the door, but locals know it moves quickly.
When my uncle visited from New York, he scoffed at the idea of great deli in Ohio, until his jaw dropped at the sight of his Slyman’s sandwich.
6. Tony Packo’s: Toledo’s Hot Dog Legacy
M*A*S*H star Jamie Farr put Tony Packo’s on the map when his character mentioned these famous Hungarian hot dogs on national television. Their signature dogs with spicy chili sauce cost around $4 each.
Celebrity-signed hot dog buns line the walls of this Toledo institution that’s been serving comfort food since 1932. I still remember my grandfather pointing out Burt Reynolds’ signature during my first visit.
Their paprika-dusted pickles and chicken paprikash rival anything you’d find in Budapest, but at Midwest prices.
7. Schmidt’s Sausage Haus: German Village’s Wurst Wonder
Schmidt’s half-pound cream puffs have finished countless Columbus meals since 1886, but their sausage platters are the real stars. For around $15, you get two massive sausages, German potato salad, and sauerkraut.
The restaurant’s German Village location preserves authentic recipes brought by immigrants generations ago. Live polka bands on weekends transform dinner into a cultural experience.
Fifth-generation family members still work the kitchen, ensuring recipes remain true to their Bavarian roots.
8. Camp Washington Chili: Cincinnati’s 24-Hour Chili Fix
Night owls rejoice at Camp Washington Chili, serving Cincinnati’s signature dish since 1940, 24 hours a day six days a week (closed Sundays). Their 5-way chili (spaghetti, chili, beans, onions, cheese) costs under $10 and satisfies even the heartiest appetite.
This James Beard Award winner proves exceptional food doesn’t require fancy settings. The original neon sign still glows above the diner that’s barely changed in decades.
When I worked third shift in college, nothing beat watching the sunrise with a plate of their chili-covered home fries after a long night.
9. Tommy’s Diner: Columbus’ Classic American Time Capsule
Chrome stools and checkered floors transport you to the 1950s at Tommy’s Diner in Franklinton. Their breakfast special – two eggs, meat, home fries, and toast – costs about $12 and fuels Columbus workers from dawn till dusk.
Owner Tommy Pappas greets regulars by name in this authentic diner that hasn’t succumbed to retro-themed gimmicks. It’s the real deal, serving blue-collar portions at blue-collar prices.
Their gyro omelet combines Tommy’s Greek heritage with American diner traditions, creating a unique breakfast experience.
10. Buckeye Donuts: OSU’s 24/7 Sweet Spot
Generations of Ohio State students have pulled all-nighters fueled by Buckeye Donuts’ signature peanut butter and chocolate treats. Open 24/7 since 1969, their donuts cost about $2–$3 each.
The campus institution serves more than just pastries – their gyro plate at 3 AM has saved countless students from hunger after late nights.
The same Greek family has operated it for over 50 years, maintaining quality while prices stay remarkably low.
The tiny shop barely fits a dozen customers, but that’s part of its charm.