Ohio Surprises Travelers With Food But Lacks Big Attractions

Ohio has a way of sneaking up on you, especially if you arrive with low expectations. I’ve driven through the Buckeye State more times than I can count, usually thinking of it as just a place between bigger destinations.

But every time I stop, Ohio proves me wrong with its incredible food scene. From chili-topped spaghetti in Cincinnati to pierogies in Cleveland, the flavors here are bold, quirky, and unforgettable.

The meals often outshine the attractions, which tend to feel smaller compared to nearby states. Still, that contrast makes Ohio one of the most surprising places to eat your way through on a road trip.

1. Hidden Food Gems Across Cincinnati

Cincinnati’s food scene flies under the radar nationally but delivers memorable culinary experiences that rival bigger cities. The city’s crown jewel remains its unique Cincinnati chili – a Mediterranean-spiced meat sauce served over spaghetti and topped with an impressive mountain of finely shredded cheddar cheese. Local chains like Skyline and Gold Star have perfected this regional specialty, but countless family-owned parlors offer their own special twists.

Beyond chili, Cincinnati proudly showcases its German heritage through its food. Goetta, a breakfast meat made from ground pork and steel-cut oats, remains a local favorite you’ll rarely find elsewhere. The historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood has transformed from troubled to trendy, now housing some of the city’s most innovative restaurants alongside traditional German beer halls.

Findlay Market stands as Ohio’s oldest continuously operated public market, dating back to 1852. The market bustles with local vendors selling everything from fresh produce to artisanal cheeses and specialty meats. Food trucks regularly gather around the market, creating a diverse culinary playground for visitors.

2. Cleveland’s Culinary Revival

Cleveland’s food scene has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade, emerging from the shadows of its Rust Belt reputation. The West Side Market, a historic indoor/outdoor marketplace dating back to 1912, serves as the beating heart of this revival. Under its soaring brick arches, nearly 100 vendors offer everything from fresh pierogies to exotic spices, creating a food lover’s paradise that attracts locals and tourists alike.

The city’s ethnic diversity shines through its neighborhood restaurants. Little Italy delivers authentic pasta dishes in century-old establishments where recipes have been passed down through generations. AsiaTown’s restaurants serve regional Chinese specialties rarely found elsewhere in the Midwest. Tremont and Ohio City neighborhoods have transformed into culinary hotspots where innovative chefs experiment with local ingredients.

Cleveland’s Polish and Eastern European influences appear throughout the city’s food landscape. Pierogi, kielbasa, and stuffed cabbage remain menu staples, though often with modern twists. The city’s proximity to Lake Erie also means fresh fish appears prominently on many menus, with walleye and perch being local favorites.

3. Columbus: Foodie City Without Famous Landmarks

Columbus has quietly developed one of the Midwest’s most exciting food scenes while remaining virtually invisible on most travelers’ must-visit lists. The city serves as a test market for national restaurant chains due to its demographic diversity, but the real story lies in its thriving independent restaurant ecosystem. The Short North Arts District corridor features dozens of chef-owned establishments serving everything from elevated comfort food to sophisticated international cuisine.

The North Market, established in 1876, provides a concentrated taste of Columbus’ food offerings under one historic roof. Here, visitors can sample Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, which began as a market stall before expanding nationwide. Hot Chicken Takeover delivers Nashville-style spicy chicken with a social mission, employing individuals facing barriers to employment. The market’s mixture of established vendors and entrepreneurial newcomers creates a dynamic food environment that changes with each visit.

German Village, with its brick streets and preserved 19th-century homes, houses some of Columbus’ most beloved restaurants. Schmidt’s Sausage Haus has served authentic German fare since 1886, complete with cream puffs the size of softballs. The neighborhood’s charming architecture creates perfect pre-meal walking opportunities to build an appetite.

4. Small Town Surprises: Unexpected Rural Delights

Ohio’s countryside hides culinary treasures that catch travelers completely off guard. Amish Country in Holmes County serves as the epicenter of this rural food phenomenon. Family-style restaurants like Der Dutchman and Dutch Valley Restaurant serve hearty, made-from-scratch meals that draw visitors from hundreds of miles away. The region’s commitment to traditional cooking methods and locally-sourced ingredients creates dining experiences increasingly rare in our fast-food world.

These Amish Country restaurants specialize in comfort classics executed perfectly – fried chicken with impossibly crisp exteriors and juicy interiors, mashed potatoes with gravy made from real drippings, and pies featuring handmade crusts and seasonal fruits. The portions typically overwhelm first-time visitors, with most meals served family-style and including multiple sides, breads, and desserts.

Beyond Amish Country, small towns throughout Ohio maintain distinctive food traditions that surprise travelers. Lebanon’s Golden Lamb, operating since 1803 as Ohio’s oldest continuously running business, serves historic recipes in rooms where 12 U.S. presidents have dined. Chillicothe celebrates its Appalachian heritage through restaurants specializing in pawpaw desserts, spoonbread, and other regional specialties rarely found elsewhere.

5. The Tourist Attraction Gap: What Ohio Is Missing

Ohio’s shortage of major tourist attractions creates a noticeable gap in the visitor experience that even excellent food can’t completely fill. The state lacks a signature natural wonder on par with the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, or even neighboring Kentucky’s Mammoth Cave. Ohio’s pleasant but modest landscapes – rolling hills, woodlands, and Lake Erie shoreline – provide pleasant backgrounds rather than primary destinations.

Man-made attractions similarly fall short of national significance. The state houses respectable museums, pleasant parks, and historic sites of regional importance, but few compelling enough to anchor vacation itineraries. Cedar Point amusement park stands as a notable exception, drawing roller coaster enthusiasts from around the world, but represents a specialized rather than general interest attraction.

The state’s rich history, including its crucial role in the Underground Railroad and industrial development, remains underutilized as a tourism asset. Historic sites often suffer from limited funding, resulting in modest visitor experiences compared to similar historic attractions in other states. This represents a missed opportunity to develop compelling attractions based on authentic Ohio stories.

For travelers accustomed to destination-dense states like California or New York, Ohio’s attraction scarcity requires adjustment. Successful Ohio visits typically involve slower-paced itineraries with fewer scheduled activities and more unstructured exploration time. This relaxed approach allows travelers to appreciate the state’s subtle charms and exceptional food without constant comparison to more tourist-oriented destinations.