10 Ohio Mac & Cheese Joints So Good, Even Grandma Would Ask For The Recipe
Everyone thinks their grandma makes the best mac and cheese. It’s practically a culinary commandment, passed down through generations. The secret blend of cheeses, the perfect crumb topping, the whispered family secrets – it’s sacred.
But what if I told you there are places in Ohio where the mac and cheese is so profoundly good, so exquisitely crafted, that even the most seasoned, blue-ribbon-winning grandmas would humbly ask for the recipe? Yes, I dare say it.
Ohio’s kitchens are producing cheesy masterpieces that challenge the very foundation of homemade comfort. Prepare to have your perceptions shattered and your taste buds sing, because we’re about to dive into ten spots that prove Ohio truly is the capital of magnificent macaroni.
1. Keystone’s Mac Shack
Cheese lovers rejoice at this fast-casual haven where personalization reigns supreme. The build-your-own concept lets you craft your perfect mac masterpiece with dozens of mix-ins from buffalo chicken to lobster.
Students from nearby University of Cincinnati flock here for late-night cheese fixes, making it a campus institution. The Athens location serves the same creamy goodness to Ohio University crowds.
Their signature five-cheese blend forms the foundation for every bowl, creating a silky smooth sauce that clings perfectly to each pasta curve. Vegetarian and vegan options ensure nobody misses out on the cheesy fun.
2. Soli Mac And Cheese
Tucked away in Akron’s bustling downtown, Soli breaks barriers with halal and gluten-free options that never sacrifice flavor. The kitchen uses imported cheeses alongside locally-sourced ingredients for a unique fusion experience.
Their signature truffle mac combines three artisanal cheeses with black truffle oil, creating an earthy depth that transforms the humble dish into something extraordinary. The cozy interior features exposed brick walls and communal tables where strangers become friends over shared cheese pulls.
Weekend specials often feature seasonal ingredients like roasted butternut squash in fall or garden-fresh herbs in summer.
3. Mac Daddy’s
When I first visited Mac Daddy’s in Columbus, I expected just another casual eatery. Instead, I discovered a flavor wonderland where chicken and cheese create perfect harmony. Their buffalo chicken mac comes loaded with crispy fried chicken chunks tossed in house-made hot sauce.
The signature cast-iron presentation ensures each serving stays bubbling hot throughout your meal. College students pile in on weekends, creating an energetic atmosphere that matches the bold flavors.
Don’t miss their seasonal specials like the autumn harvest mac featuring roasted pumpkin and sage brown butter or the summer BBQ mac topped with pulled pork and crispy onions.
4. Sol
I stumbled upon Sol in Willoughby during a summer road trip and immediately felt transported to a family reunion. Their cookout-style mac delivers nostalgic flavors with a gourmet twist.
Pulled pork smoked for 12 hours nestles atop creamy white cheddar pasta, while crushed potato chips add satisfying crunch. The outdoor patio fills with locals on summer evenings, creating a community vibe that enhances the homestyle cooking.
What sets Sol apart is their commitment to local ingredients, with cheese sourced from Amish country and vegetables from nearby farms. Each bite tastes like summer in Ohio, regardless of the season.
5. Ninja City
Bold flavors collide at this Cleveland hotspot where traditional Korean kimchi meets all-American mac and cheese. The fermented cabbage adds tangy complexity and gentle heat that transforms the comfort food classic into something entirely new.
Ninja City’s industrial-chic setting features anime-inspired artwork and communal seating that encourages conversation. Adventurous eaters can request add-ons like bulgogi beef or gochujang-glazed bacon for extra dimension.
Their clever fusion extends to the drink menu, where craft cocktails incorporate Asian ingredients that pair perfectly with the kimchi mac. Weekend brunch brings a special edition topped with a fried egg and crispy scallion pancake crumbles.
6. Pink Piggy BBQ
Barbecue royalty meets mac and cheese majesty at Cleveland’s Pink Piggy. Their white cheddar brisket mac showcases meat that’s been smoked for 14 hours until it practically melts into the creamy pasta.
The smoke-infused cheese sauce contains a secret blend of spices that the owners guard zealously. My barbecue-obsessed uncle tried for months to recreate it at home before finally admitting defeat and becoming a weekly regular.
Pink Piggy’s rustic interior features reclaimed barn wood and vintage barbecue signs that set the perfect backdrop for comfort food indulgence. Each generous portion comes with house-pickled vegetables that cut through the richness perfectly.
7. Hatfield’s Goode Grub
Mushroom skeptics become believers after one bite of Hatfield’s shroomy Swiss mac. Wild fungi foraged from Ohio woodlands are sautéed with garlic and thyme before meeting creamy Swiss cheese sauce and al dente pasta.
The earthy, umami-rich result tastes like autumn in a bowl. Located in Cleveland’s western neighborhoods, this unassuming spot has developed a cult following among food enthusiasts who appreciate the seasonal approach.
Black truffle oil drizzled on top adds aromatic luxury without overwhelming the delicate mushroom flavors. Pair it with their house-made sourdough garlic bread for the ultimate comfort food experience that elevates humble ingredients to gourmet heights.
8. The South Side
Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood houses this culinary gem where mac and cheese becomes high art. The South Side’s brisket gouda creation uses ear-shaped orecchiette pasta that cradles sauce perfectly in its curves.
Tender brisket chunks provide savory richness while mustard seeds add unexpected pops of flavor and texture. During my last visit, I watched three different tables order this dish within five minutes of being seated, a testament to its legendary status.
The restaurant’s historic building features exposed brick and large windows overlooking Lincoln Park, creating an ambiance as refined as the food. Weekend brunch brings a special variation topped with a poached egg and hollandaise.
9. OddFellows
Chagrin Falls’ most elegant restaurant transforms humble mac and cheese into a sophisticated culinary experience. Their cheddar and caramelized onion creation comes topped with fork-tender short rib that’s been braised for eight hours.
The sweet depth of slow-cooked onions creates perfect harmony with sharp cheddar, while microgreens add fresh contrast. Located in a historic building overlooking the iconic waterfall, OddFellows combines upscale dining with comfort food nostalgia.
Reservations become essential on weekends as locals and tourists alike seek out this signature dish. The chef changes cheese varieties seasonally, making each visit a new experience worth documenting for social media.
10. The Brass Tap
The Brass Tap is not just a bar; it’s a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Ohio. Known for its rich, cheesy mac and cheese topped with crispy bacon, it’s a dish that pairs perfectly with their extensive craft drink selection.
The atmosphere is lively, with a cozy wooden interior that invites patrons to stay awhile. What sets The Brass Tap apart is its commitment to using quality ingredients, ensuring every bite is a flavorful experience.
The combination of gooey cheese and savory bacon creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. It’s a must-try for any mac and cheese enthusiast visiting Ohio.