FAVORITE OHIO DINERS
Yep. I have thing for diners. Not sure if it’s the cute bar stools, the down home cookin’ or how they have become such a part of my traveling road life. There is nothing like a small town diner. I think I have an addiction. My friends think so too.
Time to share.
During my road trip travels through Ohio, I have enjoyed many of Ohio’s diners. Below are just a few of the notable diners I have found. In order to make my diner list, a diner must have diner stools or it needs to offer that diner experience.
This list will be updated as I visit more diners.
(Last update: January 14, 2026)
(Please be courteous when sharing our diner list. Give My Ohio Fun credit and linkage.*)
OHIO DINER STOPS
Things to know before you go:
– All diners are listed by Ohio county and then in alphabetical order.
– Check the diners open times before heading out. What is listed may change.
ASHTABULA COUNTY (NE OH)
MARY’S DINER
Address: 666 E. Main St., Geneva, OH 44041 (Ashtabula County NE OH)
Tele: 440-466-6393 | marysdiner.com
Sit me down with a cup of coffee and a good book and I could spend all day at this busy little diner, located in the heart of Ohio’s Wine Country.
CUYAHOGA COUNTY (NE OH)
DINER ON 55TH
Address: 1328 E 55th St, Cleveland, OH 44103 (Cuyahoga County NE OH)
Tele: 216-417-8001 | dineron55th.com
JIM’S OPEN KITCHEN
Address: 33779 Aurora Road, Solon, OH
Tele: 440-349-1678 | Facebook page.
This small diner has been serving up breakfast and lunch since 1959. Favorites include their homemade sausage gravy, special breakfast and lunch combinations. The kitchen is only open from 7am-1pm daily.
SOUTHSIDE DINER
Address: 10705 W. Pleasant Valley Rd., Parma, OH 44130
Tele: 440.842.6888 | southsidediner.net
This retro family-friendly, family owned small diner located in Parma is known for serving up a hot cup of coffee and a delicious plate of food.
Their made from scratch menu items include all the classic American breakfast favorites, eggs benedict, various breakfast hash, biscuits and gravy, chicken and waffles, breakfast burritos, omelettes, and more. For lunch enjoy one of their Southside Reuben sandwiches, BLT’s, wraps or a gyros. Daily soups, chili, salads and a variety of hot dog choices can also be found on their menu. Make sure you check their daily special list. A kids menu is available and the diner is handicapped accessible.
photo credit: Diane Rock
ORIGINAL HARLEY DINER
inside South East Harley-Davidson
Address: 23105 Aurora Rd, Bedford Heights, OH 44146 (Cuyahoga County NE OH)
Tele: 440-439-5900 |southeastharley.com/Diner
Hours: Check website.
In 1946, the Diner, named Leo’s Diner, was originally located in Rochester, New Hampshire. In 1989 the Meyers brought the diner to their dealership, where it has been located inside the South East Harley-Davidson store ever since. The diner menu consists of breakfast and lunch diner favorites, including burgers, hot dogs, tuna sandwiches and wraps, hot dogs, salads, breakfast plates and sandwiches and more. You will even find an Elvis owned motorcycle sitting in front of the diner. Who knows, after you enjoy your meal and start looking around you may even leave with a new Harley.
THE VILLAGE DINER
Address: 28149 Miles Rd., Chagrin Falls, OH 44022
440.248.1332 |thevillagediner.com
Breakfast, burgers, sandwiches, corned beef, homemade soups and specials is what you will find being served at The Village Diner.
DARKE COUNTY (SW OH)
Maid-Rite Sandwich Shoppe – “The Gum Wall”
Address: 125 N. Broadway St., Greenville, OH 45331
Tele: 937-548-9340 | maidrite-greenville.com
DEFIANCE COUNTY (NW OH)
BUD’S DINER
Address: 505 W. @nd St., Defiance, OH 43512
Tele: 419-782-9101 | budsrestaurantdefiance.com
LICKING COUNTY (CENTRAL OH)
Nutcracker Family Restaurant
Address: 63 E. Broad St., Pataskala, OH 43062
Tele: 740-964-0058 | nutcrackerfamilyrestaurant.com
LUCAS COUNTY (NW OH)
Schmucker’s Restaurant
Address: 2103 N Reynolds Rd., Toledo, OH 43615 (Lucas County NW OH)
Tele: 419-535-9116 | schmuckersrestaurant.com
MAHONING COUNTY (NE OH)
JR GRINDER
Address: 400 W Main St #1478, Canfield, OH 44406 (Mahoning County NE OH)
330.702.8782 | jrgrinder.com
Step inside JR Grinder and you will be taken back to the 50’s & 60’s. This local diner with bright colors serves up subs, hand-dipped milkshakes, floats, malts, breakfast items, pizza, as well as grinders. Order a sandwich and you will be treated to a piece of bubble gum. How retro is that?
Side trips:
If you enjoy looking for hidden treasurers, the Mahoning County Visitor & Convention Bureau has put together a shopping trail for you. Details can be found here.
Another cool stop is the TP Tools Auto Museum.
Location: 7075 State Route 446,Canfield, OH 44406
1.800.321.9260 | LEARN MORE.
Open every Saturday from 10am to 3pm.
If your road trip brings you to the area on a Saturday, and you love cars, a pit stop at the TP Tools Auto Museum should be on your itinerary. Over 500 classic cars are on display. Don’t forget to bring your camera, because not only are you going to want to take photos of the cars, you are going to want to take photos of all the different store themes recreated. Did I mention FREE ADMISSION?
MEDINA COUNTY (NE OH)
NANCY’S MAIN STREET DINER
Address: 426 Main St., Grafton, OH 44044
Tele: 440-926-2462 |nancysdiner.net
This charming diner will take you back to the 50’s. All your favorite homestyle dishes are served.
OTTAWA COUNTY (NW OH)
THE TIN GOOSE DINER
Address: 3515 E. State Rd., Port Clinton, OH 43452
Tele: 419.732.0236 |tingoosediner.com
There is just something unique and fun about eating at an old-fashioned diner. Maybe it’s the 50’s music, or the home-style foods, or the taste of a real milk-shake or malt from an old-fashioned soda-fountain. Every time seems special.
Click here to read more.
PIKE COUNTY (NE OH)
DINER 23
Address: 300 W Emmitt Ave, Waverly, OH 45690 (Pike County SW OH)
Tele: 740-941-1144 | diner23.com
PORTAGE COUNTY (NE OH)
CIRCLE RESTAURANT
Address: 1290 OH-14, Deerfield, OH (Portage County NE OH)
website
Can you say “HUGE” pancakes? Serving breakfast anytime, the Circle Restaurant is the area’s go to place for homestyle cooking. The Circle Restaurant less than 6 miles south from I-76.
Side trip: Just down the road is the Deerfield Cemetery. One its a historic site of Rachel Grant, U.S. President’s grandmother. Second the cemetery is the resting place for a little Indian boy.
HORSESHOE DINER
Address: 250 West Main St., Unit 204, Downtown Ravenna
(Inside Buckeye Mall)
330-325-8100 | facebook.com/HorseshoeDinerRavenna
If you find yourself in Ravenna, take time to stop and enjoy a meal at the Horseshoe Diner. One thing for sure you will not find on other diner menus is their famous “Slop Bowl”. Smoked pulled pork topped with mac-n-cheese, corn, potato cake, and barbeque sauce. (The dish is one of their most requested dishes served out of their food truck.) They also pour a nice hot cup of coffee.
Parking is on Main Street and around back.
RICHLAND COUNTY (NE OH)
BUCKEYE EXPRESS DINER
Address: 810 State Route 97 W Bellville, Ohio 44813
buckeyeexpressdiner.com
You might have spotted this diner as you travel I-71 heading north or south.
If you love trains and you are an Ohio State Buckeye fan, this diner is for you. Located high on a hill overlooking I-71, this roadside stop has been serving American favorites to tourist and locals. Not only is it a unique stop, the food is pretty good too. They even rent out one of the train cars as a B&B.
Open every day, you will find a selection of burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs, wraps, sides, salads, and their homemade fries.
Make sure you grab a picture of the world’s largest bobblehead while you are there.
SANDUSKY COUNTY (NW OH)
WHITEY’S DINER
Address: 216 E. State St., Fremont, OH 43420
419.334.9183 |
Step inside in this unassuming diner and you will be treated to a plate of delicious food. While traveling along I-80 (Ohio turnpike) in Sandusky County, we decided to make a pit stop. So we searched for a local diner, not too far off the turnpike to enjoy lunch. What a treat we found. The staff was wonderful and the burger was by far one of the best we have had in awhile. Shout out to our waitress who suggested we get a plate of their onion rings. Everyone was so nice, they even sent us home with our own “Whitey’s” coffee mugs. Guess they knew we would be adding them as one of our stops whenever we passed through again. We can see why the locals support this diner.
Credit cards are not accepted.
STARK COUNTY (NE OH)
CHLOE’S DINER
Address: 112 1st St. NE, Massillon, OH 44646
330.880.0104 | chloesdiner.com
Car enthusiasts rejoice. This diner not only makes famous sliders, you get to enjoy your meal while taking in the views of classic cars and memorabilia.
Minerva Classic A 50’s Diner
Address: 317 E. Lincolnway, Minerva, OH 44657 (Stark County NE OH)
Tele: 330-868-3684 | Facebook
SUMMIT COUNTY (NE OH)
EAT-N-RUN
Address: 1323 Kenmore Blvd., Akron
I found this little diner just by chance. The staff will tell you they are the best kept secret in the area. Don’t bring your credit cards, this diner is cash only.
Serving breakfast and lunch. Soups, sandwiches, dinners and more.
Things to know before you go:
🔹Closed on Mondays. T-F 6am-2pm
Sat-Sun 6am-1pm (breakfast only)
🔹 Parking is in the center of the road. Directly across the entrance.
🔹 CASH only.
🔹 Walker accessible. Not wheelchair.
CISSY’S DINER
Address: 465 W. Park Ave., Barberton, OH
Facebook
This family owned diner is located inside the old Barberton post office, You can even see some of the boxes on the back wall. Local favorite that only accepts CASH.
Side trip: Al’s Meats. Just around the corner is Al’s Meat and Restaurant, If you love Hungarian sausage, paprikash, cabbage rolls and meat from the butcher, you might want to make a quick stop.
DEE’S 50’S PLACE DINER
Address: 581 Norton Ave., Barberton, OH
facebook.com
Listen to 50’s music as you enjoy your meal at Dee’s. Dee’s serves breakfast, lunch and dinner items. All the American classics. Make sure to check the daily special list before ordering.
THE ENCHANTED CAFE
Address: 559 Norton Ave., Barberton, OH (Summit County NE OH)
Facebook
This family run breakfast spot is sure to find its way on to your Ohio diner list. Everyone is just so friendly. Their breakfast selections include everything from breakfast platters, sandwiches, biscuits and gravy to eggs benedict. For lunch try one of their burgers, Reuben sandwiches, homemade soups, salads, or one of their daily specials. Don’t forget their award-winning chili! For dessert, order a few pieces of their delicious baklava. Take time to view the charming “enchanted” artwork throughout the cafe. It’s not a large cafe, but you will find plenty of warmth and charm, as well as a nice cup of coffee.
FRED’S DINER
Address: 930 Home Ave., Akron, OH 44310
fredsdiner.net
All I can say is, it’s a “Baconfest” when you order their breakfast with bacon. Not just one or two pieces, you get a nice portion of their “fried” bacon. No wonder this unassuming diner is such an area favorite.
Menu includes breakfast items, sandwiches, salads, soup, burgers, dinner selections including pork chops and fried ocean perch.
Things to know before you go:
🔹 Open: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday from 6 am to 3 pm, except major holidays. (Posted on website.)
🔹Parking is available on-site.
🔹Seating area fills up. Allow time if crowded. Word is out.
🔹Cash and credit cards accepted.
FRESH START DINER
Address: 9810 Ravenna Rd., Twinsburg, OH 44087
This small diner packs them in. First diner I have been in where a bell is rung when the kitchen staff receives a tip. Parking can get tight. Additional parking is available in public parking on the square.
Pictured:
Bacon Guacamole Benedict (delicious)
The Dan Wrap
JOHNNY’S DINER
Address: 180 W. Streetsboro Road, Hudson, OH 44236
johnnysdinerhudson.com
Grab breakfast, lunch or dinner at this diner. Located in a shopping plaza, you will find all those diner selections, as well as, Johnny’s famous chili, Grand Slam burgers and ice cream sundaes. This diner get’s extra points for the leg lamp.
Side trip: Allow time to shop Hudson’s Main Street and First & Main.
WAYNE COUNTY (NE OH)
GIGI’S DINER
Address: 1 N Main St., Marshallville, OH
Facebook
Wayne County NE OH
Bar stool lovers rejoice. This little diner, located in the small town of Marshallville is serving up a delicious plate of diner favorites. From biscuits and gravy to sandwich favorites like a classic BLT served with fresh cut fries; this diner’s kitchen leaves you wanting to come back.
🔹Classic breakfast and lunch items.
🔹Hot and delicious cup of coffee.
🔹Tuesday-Sunday 7am-2pm
🔹Dog-friendly patio when weather permits.
The next time I swing through the area, I am going to have to try the chicken and waffles.
SIDE TRIP:
The Johnson Woods Nature Preserve is nearby so whatever you eat you can walk off. “Johnson Woods is one of Ohio’s largest and best remaining old-growth forests. Many trees rise 40-50 feet before the first limbs occur and several are more than 400 years old.” Visit ohiodnr.gov for more info.
THE DEPOT
Address: 80 Grant St, Rittman, OH 44270 (Wayne County NE OH)
Tele: 330-925-2600 | Facebook
This stop may not have diner stools, but a repurposed train station always makes my list. Family owned, this adorable diner serves a variety of breakfast and lunch items, including biscuits and gravy, homemade soups, salads and sandwiches.
List
Buckeye Express Diner – Bellville
Eat-N-Run – Akron
Bud’s Diner – Defiance
Chloe’s Diner – Massillon
Circle Restaurant – Deerfield
Cissy’s Diner – Barberton
Dee’s 50’s Place Diner – Barberton
Diner 23 – Waverly
Diner on 55th – Cleveland
Fred’s Diner – Akron
Fresh Start Diner – Twinsburg
Gigi’s Diner – Marshallville
Horseshoe Diner – Ravenna
Jim’s Open Kitchen – Solon
Johnny’s Diner – Hudson
JR Grinder – Canfield
Lava Rock Grill – West Lafayette
Maid-Rite Sandwich Shoppe – Greenville
Mary’s Diner – Geneva
Minerva Classic A 50’s Diner – Minerva
Nancy’s Main Street Diner – Grafton
Nutcracker Family Restaurant – Pataskala
Oldies & Goodies Family Diner – Akron (Permanently closed,)
Schmucker’s Restaurant – Toledo
Original Harley Diner – Bedford Heights
The Coffee Pot – Barberton (Update: Permanently closed 12/25.)
The Depot – Rittman
The Enchanted Cafe – Barberton
The Tin Goose Diner – Port Clinton
Whitey’s Diner – Fremont
Are you diner looking to be added to our list?
Reach out and request a visit.
IF YOU LIKE ROOT BEER STOPS
Article and photos, unless noted by: Diane, MyOhioFun.com
Diane is the owner and editor of MyOhioFun.com. She is an avid baker, gardener, Little Free Library owner, who loves to read and travel. She spends most of her days sharing her love of things to do in Ohio, as well as creating destinations and itineraries for group tours and individual travelers.
*Editor’s note: Any use of the above article or images without prior permission, will be in violation of copyright laws. We will file accordingly.
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