When you’re on the road, there’s nothing like a good old-fashioned diner to make you feel (temporarily) right at home. Thankfully, Ohio is home to several diners that feature nostalgic decor, delicious home cooking and the classic American cheeseburger that will make you feel just that. The following are seven of the best diners in Ohio that will make you feel right at home.
- Buckeye Express Diner (Bellville)
Buckeye Express Diner/Facebook
Buckeye Express Diner/Facebook If you take exit 165 off of Interstate 71, you’ll find this iconic not-your-average diner. (Note: Michigan fans must park across the street.) Buckeye Express Diner is located at 810 State Rt. 97 W., Bellville, OH 44813. To learn more, visit the Buckeye Express Diner website.
- Diner 23 (Waverly)
Diner 23/Facebook
Diner 23/Facebook This local favorite will charm the first-timer and regular alike. Diner 23 is located at 300 West Emmitt Ave., Waverly, OH 45690. Check out the Diner 23 Facebook page for the latest information.
- Nancy’s Main Street Diner (Grafton)
Nancy’s Diner/Facebook
Nancy’s Diner/Facebook Don’t make the mistake of skipping out on dessert or a fountain soda at this old-fashioned, beloved diner. Nancy’s Main Street Diner is located at 426 Main St., Grafton, OH 44044. Visit the website for Nancy’s Main Street Diner to learn more.
- Union Street Diner (Athens)
Union Street Diner/Facebook
Union Street Diner/Facebook This 24/7 college town diner (complete with free wifi and breakfast served anytime) is a true home away from home for the college student pulling an all-nighter. Union Street Diner is located at 70 W. Union St, Athens, OH 45701. To learn more, visit Union Street Diner’s website.
- Mayberry Diner (Sylvania)
Mayberry Diner Inc./Facebook
Mayberry Diner Inc./Facebook For the heartiest, most satisfying breakfast of your life, visit Mayberry Diner, located at 8253 Mayberry Sq., Sylvania, OH 43560. Visit Mayberry Diner’s website to learn more.
- Nutcracker Family Restaurant (Pataskala)
Nutcracker Family Restaurant /Facebook This family favorite 50s style diner features authentic jukeboxes and some of the best burgers, sandwiches and hotdogs around. Nutcracker Family Restaurant is located at 63 E. Broad St., Pataskala, OH 43062. To learn more, visit the website for Nutcracker Family Restaurant.
- Carl’s Townhouse (Chillicothe)
Carl’s Townhouse/Facebook
Carl’s Townhouse/Facebook Come for the nostalgic 1950s vibe; stay (and come back) for the double cheeseburger basket. Carl’s Townhouse is located at 95 W. 2nd St., Chillicothe, OH 45601. To learn more, visit the Facebook page for Carl’s Townhouse.
Have you been to any of the best diners in Ohio? Which one is your favorite? Share your experiences and photos with us in the comments below! And if we happened to leave your favorite eatery off the list, nominate it for a chance to be featured in the future.
Buckeye Express Diner/Facebook
If you take exit 165 off of Interstate 71, you’ll find this iconic not-your-average diner. (Note: Michigan fans must park across the street.) Buckeye Express Diner is located at 810 State Rt. 97 W., Bellville, OH 44813. To learn more, visit the Buckeye Express Diner website.
Diner 23/Facebook
This local favorite will charm the first-timer and regular alike. Diner 23 is located at 300 West Emmitt Ave., Waverly, OH 45690. Check out the Diner 23 Facebook page for the latest information.
Nancy’s Diner/Facebook
Don’t make the mistake of skipping out on dessert or a fountain soda at this old-fashioned, beloved diner. Nancy’s Main Street Diner is located at 426 Main St., Grafton, OH 44044. Visit the website for Nancy’s Main Street Diner to learn more.
Union Street Diner/Facebook
This 24/7 college town diner (complete with free wifi and breakfast served anytime) is a true home away from home for the college student pulling an all-nighter. Union Street Diner is located at 70 W. Union St, Athens, OH 45701. To learn more, visit Union Street Diner’s website.
Mayberry Diner Inc./Facebook
For the heartiest, most satisfying breakfast of your life, visit Mayberry Diner, located at 8253 Mayberry Sq., Sylvania, OH 43560. Visit Mayberry Diner’s website to learn more.
Nutcracker Family Restaurant /Facebook
This family favorite 50s style diner features authentic jukeboxes and some of the best burgers, sandwiches and hotdogs around. Nutcracker Family Restaurant is located at 63 E. Broad St., Pataskala, OH 43062. To learn more, visit the website for Nutcracker Family Restaurant.
Carl’s Townhouse/Facebook
Come for the nostalgic 1950s vibe; stay (and come back) for the double cheeseburger basket. Carl’s Townhouse is located at 95 W. 2nd St., Chillicothe, OH 45601. To learn more, visit the Facebook page for Carl’s Townhouse.
Hungry for more? Feast your eyes on these iconic foods in Ohio that will make your mouth water.
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Address: Buckeye Express Diner, 810 OH-97, Bellville, OH 44813, USAAddress: Diner 23, 300 W Emmitt Ave, Waverly, OH 45690, USAAddress: 426 Main St, Grafton, OH 44044, USAAddress: 70 W Union St, Athens, OH 45701, USAAddress: 8253 Mayberry Square S, Sylvania, OH 43560, USAAddress: Nutcracker Family Restaurant, 63 E Broad St, Pataskala, OH 43062, USAAddress: 95 W 2nd St, Chillicothe, OH 45601, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best diners in Ohio November 22, 2020 Elisa Regulski What are the best mom and pop restaurants in Ohio? Brotherton’s Family Restaurant, located in Cincinnati, is one of the best mom and pop restaurants in Ohio. Whether you’re devouring a delicious burger or enjoy some of their all-day breakfast, you’ll be impressed. Don’t pass this cozy neighborhood diner by! What are the best hidden gem restaurants in Ohio? Fredneck’s Mini Mart, located in Bainbridge, is one of the best hidden gem restaurants in Ohio. Don’t let the outside fool you! Yes, it’s an unassuming convenience store. But they’re known for serving some of the best pizza in the region. Really - don’t knock it ‘til you try it. Rebecca’s Bistro, located in Walnut Creek, is another little-known eatery that’s worth seeking out. This gorgeous restaurant sits inside a restored log cabin, and the dishes are incredible. Eating here feels like you’re dining at your best friend’s house! What kind of food is Ohio known for? Food in Ohio can’t be beat. In addition to the classic cinnamon-infused chili, The Buckeye State whips up a mean sandwich. If you really want to treat your taste buds, devour a hearty corned beef sandwich from Slyman’s Restaurant. This mega meal will keep you feeling full and happy for hours on end. Everyone’s got to try it at least once! And speaking of gigantic meals, Thurman Cafe is another must-visit Ohio eatery. They’re known for their monstrous “Thurmonator,” an absolutely massive hamburger that’s big enough to share. If you want to discover more tasty eats, head to Ohio’s best food towns. No matter where you eat in these cities, you’ll be served wonderful meals.
The OIYS Visitor Center
best diners in Ohio
November 22, 2020
Elisa Regulski
What are the best mom and pop restaurants in Ohio? Brotherton’s Family Restaurant, located in Cincinnati, is one of the best mom and pop restaurants in Ohio. Whether you’re devouring a delicious burger or enjoy some of their all-day breakfast, you’ll be impressed. Don’t pass this cozy neighborhood diner by! What are the best hidden gem restaurants in Ohio? Fredneck’s Mini Mart, located in Bainbridge, is one of the best hidden gem restaurants in Ohio. Don’t let the outside fool you! Yes, it’s an unassuming convenience store. But they’re known for serving some of the best pizza in the region. Really - don’t knock it ‘til you try it. Rebecca’s Bistro, located in Walnut Creek, is another little-known eatery that’s worth seeking out. This gorgeous restaurant sits inside a restored log cabin, and the dishes are incredible. Eating here feels like you’re dining at your best friend’s house! What kind of food is Ohio known for? Food in Ohio can’t be beat. In addition to the classic cinnamon-infused chili, The Buckeye State whips up a mean sandwich. If you really want to treat your taste buds, devour a hearty corned beef sandwich from Slyman’s Restaurant. This mega meal will keep you feeling full and happy for hours on end. Everyone’s got to try it at least once! And speaking of gigantic meals, Thurman Cafe is another must-visit Ohio eatery. They’re known for their monstrous “Thurmonator,” an absolutely massive hamburger that’s big enough to share. If you want to discover more tasty eats, head to Ohio’s best food towns. No matter where you eat in these cities, you’ll be served wonderful meals.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Brotherton’s Family Restaurant, located in Cincinnati, is one of the best mom and pop restaurants in Ohio. Whether you’re devouring a delicious burger or enjoy some of their all-day breakfast, you’ll be impressed. Don’t pass this cozy neighborhood diner by!
What are the best hidden gem restaurants in Ohio?
Fredneck’s Mini Mart, located in Bainbridge, is one of the best hidden gem restaurants in Ohio. Don’t let the outside fool you! Yes, it’s an unassuming convenience store. But they’re known for serving some of the best pizza in the region. Really - don’t knock it ‘til you try it. Rebecca’s Bistro, located in Walnut Creek, is another little-known eatery that’s worth seeking out. This gorgeous restaurant sits inside a restored log cabin, and the dishes are incredible. Eating here feels like you’re dining at your best friend’s house!
What kind of food is Ohio known for?
Food in Ohio can’t be beat. In addition to the classic cinnamon-infused chili, The Buckeye State whips up a mean sandwich. If you really want to treat your taste buds, devour a hearty corned beef sandwich from Slyman’s Restaurant. This mega meal will keep you feeling full and happy for hours on end. Everyone’s got to try it at least once! And speaking of gigantic meals, Thurman Cafe is another must-visit Ohio eatery. They’re known for their monstrous “Thurmonator,” an absolutely massive hamburger that’s big enough to share. If you want to discover more tasty eats, head to Ohio’s best food towns. No matter where you eat in these cities, you’ll be served wonderful meals.
