7 Underrated Grills In Ohio That Will Have You Coming Back Again
Ohio has always been home to some seriously good eats, but the best burgers and grilled specialties often hide in places most people walk right past.
I’ve spent a lot of time tracking down spots that locals guard like secret recipes, and trust me, these grills serve up flavors that’ll make you forget about those chain restaurants.
Each place on this list brings something special to the table, and once you taste what they’re cooking, you’ll understand why regulars keep coming back week after week.
1. Ray’s Place – Kent
Downtown Kent hides a burger spot that locals have been raving about for years, and Ray’s Place lives up to every bit of hype. Order the MoFo and prepare yourself for a flavor bomb that redefines what a classic bar burger should taste like.
I stopped in last spring after a long drive, and that burger hit differently after hours on the road. The kitchen serves daily from noon until 9 pm, giving you plenty of time to grab a bite no matter your schedule.
Their huge selection of brews pairs perfectly with any burger you choose, and late bar hours most nights mean you can linger as long as you’d like.
2. Whitey’s Booze N’ Burgers – Richfield
Richfield’s Whitey’s serves a 10-ounce monster called the Whitey Way, and it’s exactly the kind of burger that makes you loosen your belt halfway through.
Their famous chili is the perfect sidekick, rich and hearty with a homemade taste that warms you from the inside out.
Cash or check only here, so leave the plastic at home and come prepared. Burgers are available from 4 to 11 pm Monday through Saturday, and on Sundays, you can grab one between 1 and 9 pm.
The no-frills approach keeps everything simple and delicious, just how a great burger joint should be.
3. Johnnie’s Tavern – Columbus
Johnnie’s Tavern on Trabue Road is the kind of neighborhood dive that makes Columbus feel like home, even if you’ve never been there before.
Their griddled cheeseburger comes with onions cooked right into the patty, creating crispy, caramelized edges that add incredible flavor to every bite.
Wednesdays bring coney specials that draw crowds, so if you’re a fan of classic diner dogs, that’s your day. Daily specials and steady hours make it easy to plan a visit, and their site keeps you updated on current promos.
Simple, satisfying, and always reliable, this spot earns its regulars one burger at a time.
4. The Thurman Café – Columbus
German Village’s Thurman Café has built a reputation around the legendary Thurmanator, a towering burger that looks more like a challenge than a meal.
If you’re not ready for that level of commitment, their classic bacon cheeseburger delivers all the flavor without requiring a nap afterward.
Reservations aren’t accepted here, so expect a wait during peak hours, but the line moves steadily and the payoff is absolutely worth it. I’ve watched people’s eyes widen when their burger arrives, and that reaction never gets old.
Open daily until late, this spot accommodates night owls and burger lovers who crave quality no matter the hour.
5. Zip’s Cafe – Cincinnati
Mt. Lookout Square’s Zip’s Cafe knows exactly what makes a burger unforgettable, and the Zipburger with American cheese and grilled onions proves it every single time.
The onions add sweetness and depth, while the cheese melts into every nook and cranny of the perfectly cooked patty.
Onion rings here are crispy, golden, and dangerously addictive, making them the ideal sidekick to your burger. Open seven days a week, Zip’s makes it easy to satisfy your craving whenever it strikes.
Bar seats turn quickly during peak hours, so grab a spot fast and settle in for a meal you won’t soon forget.
6. The Turf Club – Cincinnati
Columbia-Tusculum’s Turf Club lets you build your burger exactly how you want it, and I highly recommend loading it up with grilled mushrooms and Swiss for a combo that’s pure magic.
The mushrooms are tender and flavorful, and the Swiss melts beautifully over the hot patty.
Their onion rings are another must-try, perfectly crispy on the outside and tender inside. Dinner service runs Wednesday through Thursday, while lunch and dinner are available Friday through Sunday.
They’re closed Monday and Tuesday, so plan accordingly and make your visit count when the kitchen is firing on all cylinders.
7. Tony Packo’s – Toledo
Toledo’s original Tony Packo’s on Front Street serves up a Hungarian hot dog that’s become a local legend, topped with chili, mustard, and onions that create a flavor explosion in every bite.
Fried pickles on the side add a tangy crunch that balances the richness of the hot dog perfectly.
This original location stays open daily, making it easy to stop by whenever the craving hits. The downtown location at the Park now operates for events only, so head to Front Street for the full experience.
It’s a Toledo tradition that tastes just as good today as it did decades ago.