Here in Ohio, there is no shortage of delicious, signature food. From world famous sandwiches to secret chicken recipes, there’s an iconic menu item just waiting for you to try at the following eight restaurants. Known for a single menu item or a specific type of food, ordering at these delicious restaurants in Ohio won’t be a problem—and you’ll definitely be back for more.

1. G & R Tavern (Waldo)
G &R Tavern/Facebook
G &R Tavern/Facebook
With a population of just a little more than 300, the tiny village of Waldo in Marion County is unexpectedly hiding a delicious secret. G & R Tavern is a must-stop when you're in the area. For more than 50 years, it's been the village's best spot to eat. The signs here don't lie; this modest, seat-yourself, no-frills tavern is home to the best bologna sandwich in the world. G & R Tavern is located at 103 N Marion St., Waldo, OH 43356. To learn more, visit the website for G & R Tavern in Waldo.
2. Hot Chicken Takeover (Columbus)
Hot Chicken Takeover/Facebook
Hot Chicken Takeover/Facebook
The "juicy, perfectly fried chicken, that's rubbed with a secret cayenne-infused paste" is what keeps the customers coming back for more at Hot Chicken Takeover in the North Market. (This homestyle eatery also offers free sweet tea and house made syrup and ranch with every order.) The line forms fast, but the line also moves fast. Once the fresh, 100% local chicken is gone, it's gone, so be sure to get in line in plenty of time here. Hot Chicken Takeover is located at 59 Spruce Street in Columbus on the second floor of the North Market. Visit the Hot Chicken Takeover website to learn more.
3. Slyman’s Restaurant (Cleveland)
Slymans/Facebook
Slymans/Facebook
This downtown Cleveland eatery is home to the best corned beef you can find in Ohio. (Fun fact: This beloved breakfast and sandwich joint appeared on Rachael Ray's "$40 a Day.") An early lunch around 11 a.m. is recommended here to avoid the lunch rush. Slyman's is located at 3106 St Clair Ave. NE, Cleveland, OH 44114. Check out the website for Slyman’s Restaurant for more information.
4. The Root Beer Stande (Dayton)
The Root Beer Stande/Facebook
The Root Beer Stande/Facebook
The Root Beer Stande is a seasonal restaurant that specializes in, (you guessed it), root beer and all kinds of tasty entrees. (While the root beer and foot-longs are definitely crowd pleasers here, the breaded tenderloin sandwich is the unsung hero of the menu.) The curbside service here will make you nostalgic for the good old days. You'll find it at 1727 Woodman Dr, Dayton, OH 45420. For more information, visit the website for The Root Beer Stande in Dayton.

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5. Boyd and Wurthmann Restaurant (Berlin)
Boyd & Wurthmann Restaurant/Facebook
Boyd & Wurthmann Restaurant/Facebook
While the food is certainly delicious, the real star of the show at Boyd and Wuthermann Restaurant is the homemade pies. You'll find more then 25 different kinds, made fresh daily. It's not uncommon to see a line out the door here. Take a seat, make yourself at home and stay awhile. You'll find it at 4819 East Main St., Berlin, OH 44610. To learn more, visit the website for Boyd and Wurthmann Restaurant.
6. Dirty Frank’s Hotdog Palace (Columbus)
Dr Bob H/Trip Advisor
Dirty Frank's Hot Dog Palace/Facebook
Take your pick of all-beef, vegan and vegetarian dogs at this epic hotdog joint in Columbus. (Pictured is the Westside Bestside Dog, Mac Attack, the CBJ, and Spicy Cauliflower Bites.) Dirty Frank's Hotdog Palace is located at 248 S 4th St., Columbus, OH 43215. Check out the website for Dirty Frank’s Hotdog Palace to learn more.
7. New Sandusky Fish Company (Sandusky)
digitaldawg2/Trip Advisor
Steve B./Trip Advisor
Located right on the shores of Lake Erie, New Sandusky Fish Company is a humble seafood shack locals can't get enough of. With fresh fish caught daily and cooked with expertise, you will experience what is arguably the best perch sandwich in Ohio here. There's only outdoor seating here — but with a view like that it's all you really need. It's located at 235 E. Shoreline Drive in Sandusky. For more information, visit the Facebook page for New Sandusky Fish Company.
8. The Maid-Rite Sandwich Shoppe (Greenville)
The Maid-Rite Sandwich Shoppe/Facebook
The Maid-Rite Sandwich Shoppe/Facebook
"Home of the famous Maid-Rite, Cheese-Rite and Big Jim," this unsuspecting sandwich shop upholds a strange tradition. Visitors stick their chewing gum outside along the "Wall of Gum" and come inside for what is arguably Ohio's best loose meat sandwich. (Pictured: Big Jim.) This unusual eatery is located at 125 N Broadway St., Greenville, OH 45331. To learn more, visit the website for The Maid-Rite Sandwich Shoppe in Greenville.

Have you been to any of these delicious restaurants in Ohio? If so, please share your experiences with us!

For more scrumptious restaurants to try in Ohio, check out our previous article: 10 Unassuming Restaurants To Add To Your Ohio Dining Bucket List.

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

More to Explore

delicious restaurants in Ohio

Elisa Regulski | October 05, 2020

What are the best restaurants in Ohio?

There are so many fantastic restaurants in Ohio, and it can be difficult to pinpoint the best ones. Really, it all depends on what you’re in the mood for. If pizza is calling your name, you can’t do much better than Two Cousin's in Mansfield. These mouthwatering pies are so good, you’ll never stop dreaming about them. For a wonderful grilled cheese sandwich, head over to Melt Bar And Grilled. With several locations scattered throughout The Buckeye State, it’s never been easier to get your comfort food fix. Craving BBQ? Head over to Cincinnati and chow down at Eli’s. Everything, from the brisket to the pulled pork, is tender and delicious.

What are the most famous restaurants in Ohio?

There are loads of incredible and famous restaurants in Ohio. Everyone adores The Golden Lamb in Lebanon, and it’s easy to see why. As the oldest restaurant in Ohio, it’s full of rich and fascinating history. Not to mention, the dishes are absolutely superb. If you’ve never been, add it to your Ohio dining bucket list. If it’s Italian you crave, pay a visit to Z Cucina di Spirito in Columbus. They have become highly renowned for their fresh dishes and authentic flavors.  Need more ideas of where to eat in Ohio? Check out our list of the most famous Ohio restaurants that are worth waiting in line for.

What kind of food is Ohio known for?

From BBQ to Italian, you’ll find a wide variety of food in Ohio. If you go to Cincinnati, you’ll find loads of tasty joints serving their special brand of chili. Cincinnati chili isn’t like anything you’ll find in the south. This dish is slightly sweet and often comes on top of a bowl of spaghetti. We wouldn’t have it any other way! Want to learn more about the signature foods in Ohio? Check out our previous article: These 10 Iconic Foods In Ohio Will Have Your Mouth Watering.

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Featured Addresses
G & R Tavern, 103 N Marion St, Waldo, OH 43356, USA
4203 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214, USA
Slyman's Restaurant and Deli, 3106 St Clair Ave NE, Cleveland, OH 44114, USA
The Root Beer Stande, 1727 Woodman Dr, Dayton, OH 45420, USA
Boyd & Wurthmann Restaurant, 4819 E Main St, Berlin, OH 44610, USA
Dirty Frank's Hot Dog Palace, 248 S 4th St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
New Sandusky Fish Company, 235 E Shoreline Dr, Sandusky, OH 44870, USA
Maid-Rite Sandwich Shoppe, 125 N Broadway St, Greenville, OH 45331, USA