16 Ohio Comfort Food Spots That Locals Secretly Think Beat Grandma’s Cooking
Every Ohioan knows that nothing beats Grandma’s home cooking—or so we’ve always been told.
But hidden across the Buckeye State are diners, cafes, and restaurants serving up plates so good that locals whisper they might just rival those legendary family recipes.
From crispy fried chicken to buttery mashed potatoes and pies that’ll make you weep with joy, these 16 spots are dishing out comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a cold day.
Get ready to discover the secret places where Ohioans go when they want all the love of home cooking without doing the dishes.
1. Tommy’s Diner – Columbus (Franklinton)
Nestled in Columbus’s historic Franklinton neighborhood, Tommy’s Diner has been winning hearts since it opened its doors with a mission to serve soul-satisfying classics.
The moment you slide into one of those vinyl booths, you’ll smell bacon sizzling on the griddle and coffee brewing fresh.
Their breakfast game is legendary—think fluffy pancakes the size of dinner plates, crispy hash browns that crunch just right, and omelets stuffed with more cheese than you thought possible.
Locals swear by the biscuits and gravy, which arrive smothered in a peppery sausage gravy that could make a grown person cry happy tears.
The lunch crowd packs in for burgers and homemade meatloaf that tastes suspiciously better than any family gathering version.
Visit them at 914 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43222, and prepare to loosen your belt.
2. Abner’s Casual Dining – Hilliard
When your stomach starts growling for the kind of food that reminds you of Sunday dinners, Abner’s Casual Dining in Hilliard answers the call with gusto.
This family-friendly spot doesn’t mess around when it comes to portion sizes—plates arrive heaping with golden fried chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, and vegetables cooked with just enough butter to make them dangerous.
Their chicken is famous among locals for being extra crispy and juicy.
The salad bar stretches longer than a football field, offering everything from fresh greens to pudding cups for dessert.
Weekends see families piling in after church, creating a bustling atmosphere that feels like one giant neighborhood potluck.
Find this treasure at 4051 Main St, Hilliard, OH 43026, where comfort meets casual in the best possible way.
3. Ringside Café – Columbus (Downtown)
Boxing posters line the walls at Ringside Café, but the real knockout punches come from the kitchen in the form of hearty burgers and classic bar-style comfort food that Downtown regulars swear by.
This downtown Columbus institution has been serving locals since 1897, making it one of the oldest continuously operating restaurants in the city.
While they’re not known for breakfast, their burgers—especially the signature “Haymaker”—have earned a devoted following.
Guests come for thick patties, hand-cut fries, and sandwiches served in one of the city’s most historic bars.
Located at 9 N Pearl St, Columbus, OH 43215, this place packs more history than your grandma’s recipe box.
4. Der Dutchman – Plain City
If you’ve ever wondered what heaven’s buffet looks like, Der Dutchman in Plain City might just be your answer.
This Amish-inspired restaurant serves up comfort food with a side of tradition, featuring recipes passed down through generations of Ohio’s Amish communities.
The buffet groans under the weight of fried chicken, tender roast beef, buttery noodles, and fresh-baked bread that’s still warm from the oven.
Their homemade pies deserve their own zip code—towering slices of coconut cream, cherry, and peanut butter that make dessert the most important meal of the day.
Everything tastes like it was made with love by someone’s great-grandmother, because honestly, it probably was inspired by exactly that.
The portions are generous enough to require a nap afterward, and nobody judges you for going back for thirds. Visit at 445 Jefferson Ave, Plain City, OH 43064.
5. Comfort CLE – Cleveland
Cleveland’s Comfort CLE takes traditional comfort food and gives it a trendy makeover without losing any of that cozy, soul-warming goodness.
Their menu reads like a greatest hits album of American comfort classics—think loaded mac and cheese that stretches when you lift your fork, buttermilk fried chicken sandwiches that require both hands and several napkins, and grilled cheese combinations that would make your childhood self jealous.
The Nashville hot chicken has just enough kick to make things interesting without sending you running for milk.
Locals love that they can grab a drink alongside their comfort food, making it perfect for both casual lunches and date nights.
The atmosphere strikes that sweet spot between laid-back and polished, with exposed brick and warm lighting creating an inviting space.
Find them at 1400 E 105th St, Cleveland, OH 44106, serving happiness one plate at a time.
6. Little Polish Diner – Parma
Parma’s Little Polish Diner proves that comfort food speaks many delicious languages, and Polish might just be the tastiest dialect.
This family-run spot serves up pierogi so good they’ll make you want to learn Polish just to properly express your appreciation.
The potato and cheese version comes pan-fried to crispy perfection, while the sauerkraut pierogi offers a tangy twist that keeps you coming back for more.
Their stuffed cabbage rolls swim in a rich tomato sauce that tastes like it simmered all day, because it probably did.
The kielbasa platter arrives sizzling hot with caramelized onions and sides of creamy mashed potatoes that could compete with any grandma’s recipe.
Portions are generous enough to share, but you probably won’t want to. Located at 5772 Ridge Rd, Parma, OH 44129, it’s where Cleveland’s Polish heritage meets your hungry stomach.
7. Your Place & Mine – Cleveland
Southern comfort food finds a loving home in Cleveland at Your Place & Mine, where the menu reads like a tour through the best of soul food country.
Their fried catfish comes out golden and flaky, with a cornmeal crust that shatters perfectly with each bite.
The collard greens are cooked low and slow with just the right amount of smokiness, while the mac and cheese achieves that perfect balance between creamy and baked-to-golden-perfection.
Cornbread arrives in thick, sweet slices that soak up pot liquor like edible sponges. Locals rave about the oxtails, which fall off the bone after hours of braising in rich gravy.
The atmosphere feels like visiting a favorite aunt’s house—warm, welcoming, and filled with the kind of cooking that makes you feel cared for. Find this gem at 3376 E 55th St, Cleveland, OH 44127, where every meal feels personal.
8. Nolia Kitchen – Cincinnati (Over-the-Rhine)
Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood got a delicious dose of New Orleans flavor when Nolia Kitchen opened its doors, bringing Creole comfort to the Midwest.
Their shrimp and grits could start a friendly argument about which city does them better—the shrimp arrive plump and perfectly seasoned, nestled in creamy stone-ground grits that taste like a warm Southern hug.
The fried chicken and waffles combo balances sweet and savory so well it should win awards.
Beignets dust everything within a three-foot radius with powdered sugar, but nobody minds because they’re pillowy, warm, and absolutely worth the mess.
The jambalaya packs enough spice to remind you of its Louisiana roots without overwhelming your taste buds.
Brunch here is a competitive sport, so arrive early or be prepared to wait. Located at 1405 Clay St, Cincinnati, OH 45202.
9. The Eagle OTR – Cincinnati (Over-the-Rhine)
Fried chicken fanatics consider The Eagle OTR a sacred pilgrimage site, where the bird is fried to such crispy perfection it practically crackles when you bite into it.
This Over-the-Rhine hotspot specializes in Southern comfort with an emphasis on doing chicken right—brined, seasoned, and fried in small batches to ensure maximum crunch and juiciness.
The spicy version brings heat that builds gradually, letting you taste the chicken before the fire kicks in.
Their sides deserve equal billing, especially the pimento mac and cheese that’s become Instagram-famous for good reason.
Buttermilk biscuits arrive tall and flaky, perfect for soaking up honey or the addictive sausage gravy.
The atmosphere channels rustic charm with communal tables and exposed brick, creating a lively scene that’s perfect for groups. Find them at 1342 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, where comfort food gets taken seriously but never stuffily.
10. Skyline Chili – Multiple Ohio Locations
Ohio’s most divisive comfort food comes from Skyline Chili, where the controversial Cincinnati-style chili has been starting passionate debates since 1949.
Newcomers might be confused when their “three-way” arrives—spaghetti topped with chili and a mountain of shredded cheddar cheese—but locals know this sweet-spiced, Mediterranean-influenced chili is pure magic.
The cheese coneys are even better, with hot dogs smothered in chili, mustard, onions, and enough cheese to require structural engineering.
The secret recipe includes chocolate and cinnamon among other mysterious spices, creating a flavor profile that’s uniquely Ohio. You either love it with religious fervor or politely decline, but there’s no middle ground.
With locations throughout Ohio (headquarters at 290 Ludlow Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45220), it’s the comfort food that defines a region and confuses everyone else in the most delicious way possible.
11. The Golden Lamb Restaurant – Lebanon
Operating continuously since 1803, The Golden Lamb in Lebanon is Ohio’s oldest restaurant and has been serving comfort food longer than most states have existed.
Walking through the door feels like time travel—antique furnishings, creaky wooden floors, and walls covered in historical artifacts create an atmosphere that’s part museum, part grandmother’s dining room.
Their turkey dinner with sage dressing has been perfecting itself for over two centuries, arriving with all the fixings that make Thanksgiving special.
The pot roast practically melts on your fork, braised until it achieves that fall-apart tenderness that modern cooking shortcuts can’t replicate.
Shaker sugar pie offers a sweet finish with a history lesson—it’s based on recipes from the nearby Shaker community.
Twelve presidents have eaten here, but you don’t need political connections to enjoy their legendary hospitality. Visit at 27 S Broadway St, Lebanon, OH 45036, where history tastes delicious.
12. George’s Family Restaurant – Dayton
Dayton locals have been filling the booths at George’s Family Restaurant for decades, drawn by the kind of reliable comfort food that never goes out of style.
This no-frills spot doesn’t bother with trendy fusion or fancy plating—they just cook honest, hearty food that reminds you why simple is often best.
Their breakfast menu runs all day because they understand that sometimes you need pancakes at dinner time, and their fluffy stacks with real butter prove they’re right.
The burgers are thick, juicy, and come with hand-cut fries that taste like actual potatoes instead of cardboard.
Daily specials rotate through classics like meatloaf, fried chicken, and pot roast, each prepared with the kind of care that makes you feel like family.
Prices remain refreshingly reasonable, proving great comfort food doesn’t need to break the bank. Located at 5216 North Dixie Drive, Dayton, OH 45414, where regulars have been returning for generations.
13. Maid-Rite Sandwich Shoppe – Greenville
Greenville’s Maid-Rite Sandwich Shoppe has been perfecting the loose meat sandwich since 1934, proving that sometimes the simplest concepts are the most satisfying.
These aren’t your typical burgers—the seasoned ground beef is steamed rather than formed into patties, creating a unique texture that’s somehow both familiar and completely different. Piled high on a soft bun with mustard, pickles, and onions, they’re messy in the best possible way.
The counter service and swivel stools create an old-fashioned soda fountain vibe that feels like stepping into a time capsule.
Their homemade pies rotate daily, with cream varieties that rival any grandmother’s secret recipe.
Locals know to grab extra napkins and embrace the delicious chaos of eating a Maid-Rite while perched at the counter.
Find this slice of Americana at 125 N Broadway St, Greenville, OH 45331, where simple done right beats fancy every time.
14. The Original Tony Packo’s Restaurant – Toledo
Tony Packo’s achieved national fame when Corporal Klinger kept mentioning it on the TV show M*A*S*H, but Toledo locals knew about their legendary Hungarian hot dogs long before Hollywood caught on.
The signature dog comes smothered in a sweet-spicy chili sauce that’s been perfected over generations, topped with cheese and onions in a combination that’s become synonymous with Toledo itself.
Their Hungarian stuffed cabbage offers a taste of Eastern European comfort, with tender cabbage leaves wrapped around seasoned meat and rice in tomato sauce.
The walls are covered with hot dog buns signed by celebrities—a quirky tradition that started with Burt Reynolds and now includes hundreds of famous names.
Pickles and peppers arrive at the table before you even order, because they know you’ll want them.
Located at 1902 Front St, Toledo, OH 43605, it’s where Hungarian heritage meets all-American comfort in the most delicious way.
15. Carbrys BBQ & Soul Food – North Randall
When you’re craving soul food that tastes like it was made with actual soul, Carbrys BBQ & Soul Food in North Randall delivers plates that’ll make you want to call everyone you love.
Their ribs come fall-off-the-bone tender, glazed with a barbecue sauce that balances sweet, tangy, and smoky in perfect harmony.
The fried chicken achieves that crispy-outside, juicy-inside perfection that seems simple but requires real skill to execute consistently.
Sides are where soul food really shines, and Carbrys doesn’t disappoint—their mac and cheese is creamy and rich, collard greens are cooked with just enough pork to make them interesting, and the candied yams are sweet enough to count as dessert.
Cornbread arrives warm and crumbly, perfect for soaking up every last drop of flavor on your plate.
Visit them at 4550 Warrensville Center Rd, North Randall, OH 44128, where comfort food comes with extra love and generous portions.
16. Blue Ash Chili – Blue Ash
Blue Ash Chili represents another chapter in Ohio’s ongoing love affair with Cincinnati-style chili, serving up the region’s signature comfort food with hometown pride.
Their cheese coneys arrive perfectly constructed—hot dogs nestled in steamed buns, topped with chili that’s been simmering to perfection, finished with mustard, onions, and a generous blanket of shredded cheese.
The four-way (adding beans or onions to the three-way) transforms simple spaghetti into something that shouldn’t work but absolutely does.
Chili cheese fries are dangerous—crispy fries buried under chili and cheese create a combination that’s impossible to eat gracefully but totally worth the mess.
The family-friendly atmosphere makes it perfect for introducing kids to this uniquely Ohio tradition.
Locals appreciate the consistent quality and quick service that makes it ideal for both lunch breaks and family dinners.
Located at 9525 Kenwood Rd Suite 5, Blue Ash, OH 45242, it’s proof that regional comfort food creates community.