Did you know that Ohio is home to one of the oldest burger joints in America? Most people don’t. Kewpee Hamburgers in Lima, Ohio is a little-known legend in the fast food world and a beloved treasure among locals. Complete with delicious burgers, frosted malts and a giant baby—yes, a giant baby—dining here is an experience every Ohioan needs to have at least once. Take a look at the oldest fast food restaurant in Ohio:
Although the White Castle chain is often believed to be the first fast food restaurant on the scene in America, Kewpee Hamburgers actually appeared just a few years earlier.
Kewpee Hamburgers/Facebook The very first Kewpee Hamburger shop was actually located in Flint, Michigan in 1918. Today, the only Kewpee Hamburger shops that remain are all located in Lima, Ohio.
Known for their delicious burgers topped with whatever you choose, Kewpee Hamburgers first came to Lima in 1928.
Kewpee Hamburgers/Facebook Fun fact: It’s rumored that this iconic little hamburger shop actually served as inspiration for the Wendy’s franchise.
Today, there are a total of three locations in Lima, each serving up affordable, yet delicious fast food in their humble orange booths.
Kyle L/Trip Advisor The last Kewpee location opened in the 1980s and is the largest of the three. It can seat up to 180 customers and is located on Bellefontaine Avenue.
On any given day, it’s common to see a line at the drive-thru, so be prepared to wait a little while even if you don’t plan on dining in.
Tim K/Trip Advisor Just look for the iconic giant baby and you’ll know you’ve found the best fast food in town.
We recommend getting a side of fries and a malt as well—because that’s what makes a burger complete, especially at Kewpee.
Kewpee Hamburgers/Facebook A regular hamburger here is just $2.20 and many of the toppings are free of charge. A small frosted malt here is just $1.40.
Of course, if you can manage, you’ll want to save room for some fresh baked pie.
Kewpee Hamburgers/Facebook And like everything else on the menu, these tasty slices won’t break the bank! It’s easy to see why so many people love eating at Kewpee Hamburgers in Ohio.
Kewpee Hamburgers is located at 2111 Allentown Rd., Lima, OH 45805, 111 N Elizabeth St., Lima, OH 45801 and 1350 Bellefontaine Ave., Lima, OH 45804. Have you ever been to the oldest fast food restaurant in Ohio? If so, share your memories and menu recommendations with us! And if you know another must-visit eatery in the Buckeye State, nominate it for a chance to be featured.
Kewpee Hamburgers/Facebook
The very first Kewpee Hamburger shop was actually located in Flint, Michigan in 1918. Today, the only Kewpee Hamburger shops that remain are all located in Lima, Ohio.
Fun fact: It’s rumored that this iconic little hamburger shop actually served as inspiration for the Wendy’s franchise.
Kyle L/Trip Advisor
The last Kewpee location opened in the 1980s and is the largest of the three. It can seat up to 180 customers and is located on Bellefontaine Avenue.
Tim K/Trip Advisor
Just look for the iconic giant baby and you’ll know you’ve found the best fast food in town.
A regular hamburger here is just $2.20 and many of the toppings are free of charge. A small frosted malt here is just $1.40.
And like everything else on the menu, these tasty slices won’t break the bank! It’s easy to see why so many people love eating at Kewpee Hamburgers in Ohio.
For more awesome, local restaurants in Ohio, check out our previous article: These 11 Small Town Ohio Restaurants Will Serve You The Best Meal Of Your Life.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Kewpee Hamburgers, 1350 Bellefontaine Ave, Lima, OH 45804, USAAddress: Kewpee Hamburgers, 2111 Allentown Rd, Lima, OH 45805, USAAddress: Kewpee Hamburgers, 111 N Elizabeth St, Lima, OH 45801, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
oldest fast food restaurant in Ohio August 06, 2020 Elisa Regulski What are the most famous restaurants in Ohio? Kewpee Hamburgers isn’t the only famous restaurant in the Buckeye State. Tony Packo’s, located in Toledo, is another well-known favorite. This vibrant neighborhood eatery is known for their mouthwatering hotdogs and quirky decor. Come and indulge in a tasty chili dog and gawk at the unique autographed memorabilia on the walls. There’s no other place quite like Tony Packo’s. Thurman’s Cafe, located in Columbus, is another beloved restaurant. This no-frills eatery is most famous for their massive burgers. Really, you’ll want to eat this with a knife and fork – and maybe bring along a few friends to help you finish it. What are the oldest restaurants in Ohio? The Golden Lamb, located in Lebanon, is the oldest restaurant in Ohio. This gorgeous eatery sits inside Ohio’s longest continuously running hotel, and numerous famous figures have stopped by for meals throughout the years. In fact, Harriet Beecher Stowe and numerous U.S presidents have popped by for dinner! You’ll love the elegant atmosphere and delicious dishes. This iconic Ohio restaurant belongs on everyone’s bucket list. What are the best places to get hamburgers in Ohio? If you really want to experience the best hamburgers in Ohio, embark on the ultimate burger road trip! This exciting culinary adventure is a treat for your tastebuds. On the journey, you’ll devour tasty treats from The Thurman Cafe in Columbus, Crabill’s Hamburger Shop in Urbana, The Spot To Eat in Sidney, Kewpee Hamburgers in Lima, and Wilson’s Sandwich Shop in Findlay. Come hungry, because you won’t want to miss out on a single bite.
The OIYS Visitor Center
oldest fast food restaurant in Ohio
August 06, 2020
Elisa Regulski
What are the most famous restaurants in Ohio? Kewpee Hamburgers isn’t the only famous restaurant in the Buckeye State. Tony Packo’s, located in Toledo, is another well-known favorite. This vibrant neighborhood eatery is known for their mouthwatering hotdogs and quirky decor. Come and indulge in a tasty chili dog and gawk at the unique autographed memorabilia on the walls. There’s no other place quite like Tony Packo’s. Thurman’s Cafe, located in Columbus, is another beloved restaurant. This no-frills eatery is most famous for their massive burgers. Really, you’ll want to eat this with a knife and fork – and maybe bring along a few friends to help you finish it. What are the oldest restaurants in Ohio? The Golden Lamb, located in Lebanon, is the oldest restaurant in Ohio. This gorgeous eatery sits inside Ohio’s longest continuously running hotel, and numerous famous figures have stopped by for meals throughout the years. In fact, Harriet Beecher Stowe and numerous U.S presidents have popped by for dinner! You’ll love the elegant atmosphere and delicious dishes. This iconic Ohio restaurant belongs on everyone’s bucket list. What are the best places to get hamburgers in Ohio? If you really want to experience the best hamburgers in Ohio, embark on the ultimate burger road trip! This exciting culinary adventure is a treat for your tastebuds. On the journey, you’ll devour tasty treats from The Thurman Cafe in Columbus, Crabill’s Hamburger Shop in Urbana, The Spot To Eat in Sidney, Kewpee Hamburgers in Lima, and Wilson’s Sandwich Shop in Findlay. Come hungry, because you won’t want to miss out on a single bite.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Kewpee Hamburgers isn’t the only famous restaurant in the Buckeye State. Tony Packo’s, located in Toledo, is another well-known favorite. This vibrant neighborhood eatery is known for their mouthwatering hotdogs and quirky decor. Come and indulge in a tasty chili dog and gawk at the unique autographed memorabilia on the walls. There’s no other place quite like Tony Packo’s. Thurman’s Cafe, located in Columbus, is another beloved restaurant. This no-frills eatery is most famous for their massive burgers. Really, you’ll want to eat this with a knife and fork – and maybe bring along a few friends to help you finish it.
What are the oldest restaurants in Ohio?
The Golden Lamb, located in Lebanon, is the oldest restaurant in Ohio. This gorgeous eatery sits inside Ohio’s longest continuously running hotel, and numerous famous figures have stopped by for meals throughout the years. In fact, Harriet Beecher Stowe and numerous U.S presidents have popped by for dinner! You’ll love the elegant atmosphere and delicious dishes. This iconic Ohio restaurant belongs on everyone’s bucket list.
What are the best places to get hamburgers in Ohio?
If you really want to experience the best hamburgers in Ohio, embark on the ultimate burger road trip! This exciting culinary adventure is a treat for your tastebuds. On the journey, you’ll devour tasty treats from The Thurman Cafe in Columbus, Crabill’s Hamburger Shop in Urbana, The Spot To Eat in Sidney, Kewpee Hamburgers in Lima, and Wilson’s Sandwich Shop in Findlay. Come hungry, because you won’t want to miss out on a single bite.
