Family recipes are the best recipes. And the best places to find those recipes are in the small towns that started them. We have several small town restaurants in Ohio, and people keep coming back for more. The following are 8 of our favorites (listed in no particular order). See how many you’re familiar with!

1. Nancy's Home Cooking (Columbus)
Nancy's Home Cooking/Facebook
Nancy's Home Cooking/Facebook
This Ohio neighborhood eatery serves up hearty meals with an atmosphere that truly makes you feel at home. See what's cooking at this beloved hometown diner, which is located at 52 E. Lynn Street Columbus, OH 43215. To learn more, visit the website for Nancy's Home Cooking in Columbus.
2. New Riegel Cafe (New Riegel)
Thom D/Trip Advisor
Matthew C./Yelp
Two words: Barbecue ribs. Get the barbecue ribs and thank us later. New Riegel Cafe is located at 14 N Perry St., New Riegel, OH 44853. For more information, visit the website for New Riegel Cafe.
3. 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. Visit the website for Berardi’s Family Kitchen to learn more.
4. 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 the website for Grandpa’s Cheesebarn.

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5. 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. Visit the website for Sam's Place to learn more.
6. Boyd and Wurthmann Restaurant (Berlin)
Evan F./Yelp
Boyd & Wurthmann Restaurant /Facebook
What was once a grocery store in the 1930s is now a beloved Amish restaurant that locals and visitors alike can't get enough of. Boyd and Wurthmann Restaurant is located at 4819 East Main St., Berlin, OH 44610. To learn more, visit the website for Boyd and Wurthmann Restaurant.
7. Watts Restaurant (Utica)
Watts Restaurant/Facebook
Paul R./Yelp
For a hearty, home-cooked meal, be sure to check out Watts Restaurant when you're in the Utica area. Even though the restaurant recently changed ownership from its founding family, much of the meals and recipes of this family kitchen remain. (Pictured is the pork chop country special.) Be sure to save room for dessert (we recommend the coconut creme pie.) Really, there is so much to love about Watts Restaurant in Utica. Visit them at 77 South Main St., Utica, OH 43080.
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. For more information, visit the Facebook page for The Boondocks BBQ & Grill in McConnelsville.

Have you been to any of these small town restaurants in Ohio? If so, share your favorite menu items and experiences with us!

If you’re hungry for more mouthwatering meals, check out these 13 famous Ohio restaurants that are so worth waiting in line for.

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More to Explore

small town restaurants in Ohio

Elisa Regulski | September 23, 2020

What are the best mom and pop restaurants in Ohio?

There is something so special about mom and pop restaurants in Ohio. With homemade meals, cozy atmospheres, and friendly service, these eateries always keep us coming back for more. If you’re hungry for some good old fashioned cooking, head over to Mom’s Restaurant in Franklin. Here, you’ll find buttery biscuits smothered in creamy gravy. Yes, this unassuming hidden gem is attached to a gas station, but don’t let that deter you. This place is definitely worth seeking out.

Where can I find the best comfort food in Ohio?

For some classic comfort food in Ohio, head out to K's Hamburger Shop. This retro eatery in Troy serves some of the tastiest burgers around, but that’s not the only appeal. They’re also known for their gigantic breakfasts and delicious cups of coffee. Remember to bring cash with you when you go! This old school establishment doesn’t take cards or checks. For more tasty eats, head over to Nutcracker Family Restaurant in Pataskala. When you eat here, you’ll feel like you were transported back to the 1950s. Devour a delicious hamburger by the jukebox and finish off your meal with an impressive brownie sundae. This is one eatery you’ll want to return to again and again.

What are the best diners in Ohio?

Looking for the best diners in Ohio? We know just the place. Take a trip out to Fremont and enjoy a hearty meal at Whitey's Diner. This no-frills eatery specializes in epic breakfast platters. Bring your appetite and scarf down heaping helpings of hash browns, eggs, and bacon. To make things even sweeter, Whitney’s is known for its affordable prices. You don’t need to spend an arm and a leg in order to leave happy and full!

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Featured Addresses
Nancy's Home Cooking, 3133 N High St, Columbus, OH 43202, USA
14 N Perry St, New Riegel, OH 44853, USA
1019 W Perkins Ave, Sandusky, OH 44870, USA
Grandpa's Cheesebarn & Sweeties Chocolates, 668 US-250, Ashland, OH 44805, USA
230 Washington St, Blakeslee, OH 43505, USA
Boyd & Wurthmann Restaurant, 4819 E Main St, Berlin, OH 44610, USA
77 S Main St, Utica, OH 43080, USA
The Boondocks BBQ & Grill, 4651 OH-60, McConnelsville, OH 43756, USA