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Ohio’s food scene is full of surprises and not just the ones you’d expect.
While the Buckeye State is known for chili, pierogies, and everything fried at the fair, some restaurants made headlines and gained cult followings for dishes no one saw coming. These 12 eateries took bold, unexpected menu moves and it totally paid off.
Melt Bar and Grilled Cheese
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Located in Cleveland, this comfort food paradise went viral for a deep-fried lasagna grilled cheese. Stuffed with layers of pasta and dripping with sauce, it’s the grilled cheese remix you didn’t know you needed.
Schmidt’s Sausage Haus
Over in Columbus, this classic German eatery became unexpectedly famous for its jumbo cream puffs. Nearly half a pound each, they’ve become just as iconic as the bratwurst they were never meant to outshine.
The Golden Lamb
In the historic town of Lebanon, this centuries-old inn surprised diners with peanut butter chicken. The sweet and savory pairing raised eyebrows, then won hearts.
Tony Packo’s
Toledo locals have long loved this spot, but it was the Hungarian hot dogs topped with pickled peppers and pickles that turned it into a foodie curiosity across the state.
Pierogi Mountain
Tucked away in Columbus, this humble pierogi shop shook things up when it introduced Korean BBQ fillings. Traditional on the outside, wildly bold on the inside.
Hot Chicken Takeover
Also in Columbus, this spicy chicken joint stunned diners with a banana pudding side dish that quietly became the must-have order. Sweet, creamy, and totally crave-worthy.
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Thurman Café
In the heart of Columbus, this legendary burger joint caught attention for its outrageous doughnut burger. By replacing traditional buns with glazed doughnuts, they created a sweet-and-savory combo that’s equal parts shocking and satisfying.
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Ray Ray’s Hog Pit
This BBQ gem in Columbus turned heads by offering smoked jackfruit, a vegan twist that even meat-lovers couldn’t deny. Proof that pitmasters can think beyond brisket.
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Kengo Sushi & Yakitori
In Toledo, this upscale sushi bar earned unexpected acclaim for its rich, smoky duck ramen. It’s a left-turn from raw fish, but it hits all the right notes.
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The Root Café
Located in Lakewood, this cozy spot blew up for its vegan buffalo cauliflower tacos. Spicy and crispy, they became a surprise staple, even among meat eaters.
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Mama Mimi’s Take ‘N Bake Pizza
Columbus is also home to this pizza shop that dared to launch a mac and cheese pizza. Comfort food meets comfort crust and somehow, it just works.
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Tom’s Ice Cream Bowl
Nestled in Zanesville, this nostalgic ice cream parlor is a favorite for its classic scoops and sundaes. But what really surprises visitors is the popularity of their thick-cut bologna sandwiches, a quirky, old-school pairing that somehow just feels right.
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Ohio’s food scene is full of bold surprises that break the mold. These unexpected dishes prove that creativity can turn any meal into a local legend. Keep an open mind, you might just find your new favorite bite where you least expect it.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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