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Order Up! These 9 Ohio Diners Serve Up Nostalgia and Great Food
There's a reason why Food Network star Guy Fieri chose Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives as the subject of his hit show. The combination of unpretentious decor, friendly service, and delicious food gives these establishments a timeless appeal.
It's no surprise that diners are especially popular in Ohio. Head to these classic eateries around Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati for tasty meals that always hit the spot.
NORTHEAST OHIO
Guerne Heights Drive-In
3004 Dover Rd., Wooster, OH 44691
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Opened in 1956, Guerne Heights Drive-In is an authentic mid-20th-century diner. Throughout its history, the restaurant has been owned and operated by local families, adding to the nostalgic feel. Hot dogs and burgers are the main event on the menu, which is rounded out with classic sandwiches such as grilled cheese and BBQ pulled pork. In true '50s style, Guerne Heights Drive-In also serves an incredible variety of ice cream treats, including milkshakes, floats, flurries, and eight types of sundaes. Follow them on Facebook for updates on weekly ice cream flavors and limited-time specials. Guerne Heights Drive-In serves lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday.
Nick's Diner
4116 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113
Nick's Diner takes pride in maintaining the same commitment to quality over the years, but you'd be forgiven for thinking the prices haven't changed either. A breakfast combo of three eggs any style, hash browns or grits, and toast is only $3.95. Most dishes on the menu, including the signature black cast iron skillets, come in huge portions with a price tag of $10 or less. Breakfast and lunch are served every day but Tuesday.
Honeymoon Grille
3458 Manchester Rd., Akron, OH 44319
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Don't let the name fool you. Singles, friends, and families will all have a great time at Honeymoon Grille. Once housed in the former Honeymoon Donuts building, the recently remodeled diner boasts a genuine '50s-style dining counter along with the addition of a modern drive-thru window. The extensive menu offers something for everyone, from omelets, French toast, and corned beef hash for breakfast to egg salad sandwiches, French dip, and pork chops for lunch and dinner. Watch their Facebook page for news about all-day fish fries, Pizza Night, and other special events. Honeymoon Grill is open seven days a week, with dinner served after 4 p.m. while breakfast and lunch are available all day.
COLUMBUS
Nutcracker Family Restaurant
63 E. Broad St., Pataskala, OH 43062
Nutcracker Family Restaurant is celebrating its silver anniversary in 2020, but a visit will take you back to the golden days of the 1950s. The name may have a holiday feel, but it's actually a remnant from the restaurant's original incarnation as a candy and dessert shop called Nutcracker Sweets. While the shop has expanded into a full-service diner, it still holds an incredible assortment of nutcrackers in all sizes, shapes, and styles. Play some Chuck Berry on the jukebox while you wait for your meal of meatloaf, chicken Parmigiana, open-face beef sandwich, and other comfort food favorites. Nutcracker Family Restaurant opens bright and early at 7 a.m. every day but Monday.
Tommy's Diner
914 W. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43222
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For Tom and Kathy Pappas, Tommy's Diner is truly their American dream come to life. Tom immigrated to Columbus from Greece, while Kathy is the first-generation daughter of Greek parents. The restaurant business is definitely in the family's blood, with younger son Michael working in the diner and older son Louis owning a catering business. How outstanding is their customer service? One guest tells a story about being unable to decide between a Reuben sandwich and an omelet, so the staff made him a Reuben omelet. Visit the website or Facebook page to see the list of daily specials. Tommy's Diner is open for breakfast and lunch seven days a week.
Canal Wigwam
4 S. High St., Canal Winchester, OH 43110
The sign outside the front of Canal Wigwam welcomes you to "The Gathering Place." Canal Wigwam's roots extend all the way back to 1899, when the combination restaurant, bakery, and bowling lane was the place to be for local residents. Over the years, the consistent thread has been a focus on home cooking that warms the heart and stomach. The menu features classic dishes such as chicken and waffles, BLT sandwich, and tuna salad, along with daily specials like baked pork loin and ham and bean soup. Canal Wigwam's website now allows online ordering for pickup. Breakfast and lunch are served daily.
CINCINNATI
Hathaway's Diner
441 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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Breakfast and lunch at Hathaway's Diner has been a downtown Cincinnati tradition since 1956. The iconic checkerboard-style floor, brightly-lit red-and-aqua color scheme, and dining counter create the kitschy, comfy ambiance that's such a traditional element of diners. Goetta, the meat-and-grain sausage uniquely beloved in Cincinnati, is a staple of Hathaway's menu. Other traditional diner favorites include country fried steak, club sandwich, and patty melt. Be sure to save room for a slice of apple pie or a Creamsicle milkshake. Hathaway's is open for business seven days a week.
Sacred Beast Diner
1437 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
While nostalgia is the name of the game at most diners, Sacred Beast takes the traditional concept and adds a contemporary twist for the 21st century. The decor is clean and elegant, with modern touches such as an open floor plan and floor-to-ceiling windows. Most importantly, the diner's slogan, "Simple Food. Taken Seriously." lets you know you're in for some good eating. The Diner Breakfast is an upscale combo of scrambled eggs, lemon ricotta pancakes, and pork belly, while the European-influenced Dirty French burger is topped with Gruyere cheese, caramelized onions, au poivre sauce, and Mornay. Sacred Beast is open for dinner Thursday and Friday and all day on weekends.
Sugar n' Spice Diner
4381 Reading Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45229
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In business for 79 years and counting, Sugar n' Spice Diner is clearly doing it up right. Generations of families keep coming back for the cartoon wall art, vividly colored decor, trademark rubber ducks, and quality food. Signature dishes such as Wispy Thin pancakes, Cuddlin' Puppy hot dogs, and Spanish Bull burgers remain largely unchanged since Mort Keller opened the original Reading Road location in 1941. In July, current owner Adam Myerson opened a second location in Cincinnati's Over-the-Rhine neighborhood inside a one-time railroad dining car. Both locations are open daily for breakfast and lunch.
Food Is Love
What comfort food classic most reminds you of Mom's home cooking?
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