A small town restaurant with a homey atmosphere is just what you need sometimes. With little-to-no frills and delicious, home-cooked meals, they just hit the spot. The following are 8 of the best family-owned restaurants in Ohio that you simply have to try. See if we featured your hometown restaurant:

1. Schmucker's (Toledo)
Schmuckers Restaurant/Facebook
Schmuckers Restaruant/Facebook
In addition to their unbelievably delicious homemade pies, this third-generation family diner has been serving up what is arguably the Toledo area's best breakfast since 1948. Pictured are fresh blueberry pancakes with a side of bacon. Schmucker's is located at 2103 N. Reynolds Rd., Toledo, OH 43615. To learn more, visit their website here.
2. Sam's Place (Blakslee)
Sam's Place/Facebook
Sam's Place/Facebook
Since 1922, this family-owned establishment's been serving up exceptional food at reasonable prices in the small town of Blakeslee. When you stop at Sam's Place, you've got to try one of their signature steaks. You'll find this local favorite at 230 Washington St. Blakeslee, OH 43505. To learn more, visit their website here.
3. Crabill’s Hamburger Shoppe (Urbana)
Crabills Hamburger Shoppe/Facebook
Keith B./Yelp
Now in its third generation of local owners, this tiny burger joint —with just eight dine-at-the-counter seats—appropriately specializes in tiny burgers. (White Castle's sliders will make you laugh after you've dined here.) Crabill's Hamburger Shoppe is located at 727 Miami St., Urbana, OH 43078. To learn more, visit their website here.
4. Tom's Ice Cream Bowl (Zanesville)
April Dray/Only In Your State
April Dray/Only In Your State
Since 1950, Tom's Ice Cream Bowl has served up the area's best homemade ice cream. Its homey, 1950s style makes it a nostalgic stop for many. (You can't go wrong with any flavor here but if you like nuts on your sundae, definitely get them. Their nuts are roasted fresh daily and all of their toppings are processed in-house.) Tom’s Ice Cream Bowl is located at 532 McIntire Ave., Zanesville, OH 43701. To learn more, visit their website here.

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5. Oler’s Bar and Grill (Findlay)
Oler’s Bar and Grill/Facebook
Oler’s Bar and Grill/Facebook
This "hole in the wall" Mexican restaurant is a family owned and operated diamond in the rough. The Tex-Mex here is out of this world, as are their margaritas. Oler's Bar & Grill is located at 708 Lima Ave., Findlay, OH 45840. To learn more, visit their website here.
6. Grandpa’s Cheesebarn (Ashland)
Grandpa's Cheesebarn Inc./Facebook
Grandpa's Cheesebarn Inc./Facebook
What was once a working dairy farm is now a truly epic cheese barn right off of Interstate 71. It's a family-owned, charming store, gift shop and eatery the whole family will love. Since 1978, Grandpa Baum (and Grandma Baum) have been serving up exceptional cheese and other goodies along with their family at this iconic stop. You'll find it at 668 US-250, Ashland, OH 44805. To learn more, visit their website here.
7. Berardi’s Family Kitchen (Sandusky)
Berardi’s Family Kitchen/Facebook
Berardi’s Family Kitchen/Facebook
The unbelievably delicious family-made french fries here have been around since 1939, when they were first served at Cedar Point Amusement Park. Make a trip to 1019 W. Perkins Ave. in Sandusky to try out these iconic fries. To learn more, visit their website here.
8. The Boondocks BBQ & Grill (McConnelsville)
The Boondocks BBQ & Grill/Facebook
The Boondocks BBQ & Grill/Facebook
This award-winning southeast Ohio barbecue joint features a diverse menu, from Louisiana Crab Cakes to slow cooked ribs and pulled pork. It is located at 4653 N State Route 60 NW, McConnelsville, OH 43756. To learn more, visit their website here.

Have you been to any of these delicious eateries? What (and where) are your favorite family-owned restaurants in Ohio? Share your recommendations with us in the comments below or nominate them for a chance to be featured.

If you’re hungry for some stick-to-your-ribs comfort food, visit this small town biscuit restaurant in Ohio.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

best family-owned restaurants in Ohio

Elisa Regulski | June 06, 2020

What are the best mom and pop restaurants in Ohio?

There are so many amazing mom and pop restaurants in Ohio. For some truly comforting meals, visit Mom’s Restaurant in Franklin. Eating here is as wonderful as being wrapped up in a hug. Enjoy hearty plates of biscuits and gravy and pancakes. Their breakfast dishes can’t be beat. If you loved this eatery, you’ll also want to visit Whitey's Diner in Fremont. They also serve mouthwatering breakfast plates, and it’s the best way to start your day. Pair your epic omelettes and eggs with a hot cup of coffee -- it’s the recipe for an amazing morning.

What are the most famous restaurants in Ohio?

Melt Bar and Grill is definitely one of the best classic Ohio restaurants. There are very few people who don’t love grilled cheese sandwiches, and this eatery makes some of the best. With inventive fillings and a lively atmosphere, this Ohio chain restaurant continually dazzles diners. The Golden Lamb, located in Lebanon, is another famous Ohio restaurant. It’s not just known for its exceptional meals -- it’s also the oldest continuously operated hotel in Ohio. Experience a bit of history and atmosphere at this iconic Ohio destination.

What are the best remote restaurants in Ohio?

Eating out is always an adventure, and if a restaurant is really special, it’s worthy of a road trip. For a fun and unique outing, visit Stockport Mill Inn and Restaurant. The restaurant serves a wide variety of steakhouse classics and seafood dishes. But why not make an entire weekend out of it? You can also spend a night inside the cozy hotel and wash away your worries.

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Featured Addresses
2103 N Reynolds Rd, Toledo, OH 43615, USA
230 Washington St, Blakeslee, OH 43505, USA
727 Miami St, Urbana, OH 43078, USA
532 McIntire Ave, Zanesville, OH 43701, USA
708 Lima Ave, Findlay, OH 45840, USA
668 US-250, Ashland, OH 44805, USA
1019 W Perkins Ave, Sandusky, OH 44870, USA
The Boondocks BBQ & Grill, 4651 OH-60, McConnelsville, OH 43756, USA