We all know the old adage, “good things come in small packages.” This is particularly true when it comes to tiny restaurants in Ohio. In some of the most unsuspecting places in The Buckeye State, locals know for a fact that smaller restaurants just sometimes have better food. The following are 11 tiny restaurants in Ohio — seating approximately less than 30 people — that prove that no matter how limited the seating may be, people will keep filing in if the cuisine is memorable enough.
- Crabill’s Hamburger Shoppe (Urbana)
Crabill’s Hamburger Shop/Facebook
Kimberly J./Yelp Now in its third generation of local owners, this tiny burger joint —with just eight dine-at-the-counter seats—appropriately specializes in tiny burgers. (White Castle’s sliders will make you laugh after you’ve dined here.) When this local landmark first opened in 1927, its delicious burgers sold for only a nickel. History comes to life in the flavors of this small town eatery. Crabill’s Hamburger Shop is located at 727 Miami St., Urbana, OH 43078.
- Cheapside Cafe (Cincinnati)
Cindy G./Yelp
Cindy G./Yelp With a white base and playful hints of wood accent, this quaint cafe offers a minimalist atmosphere. It also boasts delicious breakfast, brunch and lunch options until 3 p.m. every day. (If it’s a nice day and you find the inside too crowded, take a seat on the patio at the teepee picnic table.) Cheapside is located at 326 E 8th St., Cincinnati, OH 45202.
- Kengo Sushi & Yakitori (Toledo)
Kengo Sushi & Yakitori/Facebook
Young C./Yelp For the best sushi of your life and what might be the most authentic omakase experience in Ohio, head over to this small sushi and yakitori spot in downtown Toledo. Be sure to come early or call ahead, as this upscale eatery has a mere 23 seats. Reservations can be made for omakase only, so plan your visit accordingly. This intimate dining experience will become one of your favorite eateries in no time! Kengo Sushi & Yakitori is open Tuesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. It is located at 38 S Saint Clair St., Toledo, OH 43604.
- Bagel Street Deli (Athens)
Bagel Street Deli-Athens, Ohio/Facebook
Bagel Street Deli-Athens, Ohio/Facebook There’s nothing quite like small, neighborhood bagel shops in small towns. As it turns out, you’ll never look at a bagel the same again after you experience what a bagel can truly be at this unique deli in Athens. Bagel Street Deli features several signature bagel sandwiches. The seating is limited, but that doesn’t stop locals and visitors from squeezing in — especially during Picklefest, as pictured. Bagel Street Deli is located at 27 S Court St., Athens, OH 45701.
- Thai Express (Cincinnati)
Thai Express/Yelp
Lisha J./Yelp Don’t forget to visit the ATM before a visit to Thai Express, because this small but might eatery is cash only. For some of the Cincinnati area’s best authentic Pad Thai, you’ll want to check out Thai Express. Carry-out is a popular option here, as there are only two tables available. It’s worth a visit as one of the best tiny restaurants in Ohio. Thai Express is located at 213 W McMillan St., Cincinnati, OH 45219.
- Katalina (Columbus)
Maggie B./Yelp
Fido M./Yelp Even in Ohio’s big cities, locals and visitors alike can still find quaint eateries reminiscent of our state’s small towns. This lovely little Columbus cafe features unique and delicious brunch options such as Mexican French toast, sweet and spicy bacon and Nutella pancake balls. Katalina is located at 1105 Pennsylvania Ave., Columbus, OH 43201.
- SilOHs (a.k.a. Historic Marcy Store and Diner) (Canal Winchester)
Historic Marcy Store & Diner/Facebook
Historic Marcy Store & Diner/Facebook What used to be the Broast’s Store in the 1840s is now a casual American eatery, which is now in its second building (but located on the original site.) Though formerly known as Historic Macy Store and Diner (and still called this locally), this long-standing eatery is under new ownership and is now known as SilOHs. It features old-fashioned service as well as an ambitious menu. SilOHs is located at 1004 Winchester S Rd., Canal Winchester, OH 43110.
- Ginko (Cleveland)
April R./Yelp
Jess H./Yelp When it comes to dining in Cleveland, Tremont is a foodie’s paradise. There’s much to discover in this quirky neighborhood, but Ginko is one of its most colorful establishments. This Toyko inspired sushi bar features exceptional sushi and a U-shaped bar that holds approximately 30 people. Ginko is located at 2247 Professor Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113.
- Skillet (Columbus)
Brittany L./Yelp
Bob L./Yelp Farm-to-table dining is in right now, but it’s a tried-and-true treat for the taste buds that’s something of a rarity in big city settings. Nonetheless, this quaint yet popular brunch spot in Columbus is known for its exceptional omelets, biscuits, and gravy. Skillet is located at 410 E Whittier St., Columbus, OH 43206.
- Big Mama’s Burritos (Athens)
Rob P./Yelp
Carmilla B./Yelp Modest, airy, and bright, Big Mama’s Burritos proves that you don’t need an over-the-top setting to serve up delicious food. Where the seating is limited and the burritos are more than satisfying, this local favorite is especially popular among Ohio University students. Big Mama’s Burritos has two locations in Athens. Pictured is the South Court Street location.
- Le Petit Triangle Café (Cleveland)
Le Petit Triangle Cafe/Facebook
Ashley C./Yelp If you’re craving international flavors, Cleveland, Ohio is the place to be. Le Petit Triangle serves visitors and locals like flavors straight out of Paris. Petite but delicious, this lovely little cafe features exceptional brunch, as well as dinner, soup, and salad options. It is located at 1881 Fulton Rd., Cleveland, OH 44113.
Have you been to any of these restaurants before? What did you think of them? What are your other favorite tiny restaurants in Ohio?
Crabill’s Hamburger Shop/Facebook
Kimberly J./Yelp
Now in its third generation of local owners, this tiny burger joint —with just eight dine-at-the-counter seats—appropriately specializes in tiny burgers. (White Castle’s sliders will make you laugh after you’ve dined here.) When this local landmark first opened in 1927, its delicious burgers sold for only a nickel. History comes to life in the flavors of this small town eatery. Crabill’s Hamburger Shop is located at 727 Miami St., Urbana, OH 43078.
Cindy G./Yelp
With a white base and playful hints of wood accent, this quaint cafe offers a minimalist atmosphere. It also boasts delicious breakfast, brunch and lunch options until 3 p.m. every day. (If it’s a nice day and you find the inside too crowded, take a seat on the patio at the teepee picnic table.) Cheapside is located at 326 E 8th St., Cincinnati, OH 45202.
Kengo Sushi & Yakitori/Facebook
Young C./Yelp
For the best sushi of your life and what might be the most authentic omakase experience in Ohio, head over to this small sushi and yakitori spot in downtown Toledo. Be sure to come early or call ahead, as this upscale eatery has a mere 23 seats. Reservations can be made for omakase only, so plan your visit accordingly. This intimate dining experience will become one of your favorite eateries in no time! Kengo Sushi & Yakitori is open Tuesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. It is located at 38 S Saint Clair St., Toledo, OH 43604.
Bagel Street Deli-Athens, Ohio/Facebook
There’s nothing quite like small, neighborhood bagel shops in small towns. As it turns out, you’ll never look at a bagel the same again after you experience what a bagel can truly be at this unique deli in Athens. Bagel Street Deli features several signature bagel sandwiches. The seating is limited, but that doesn’t stop locals and visitors from squeezing in — especially during Picklefest, as pictured. Bagel Street Deli is located at 27 S Court St., Athens, OH 45701.
Thai Express/Yelp
Lisha J./Yelp
Don’t forget to visit the ATM before a visit to Thai Express, because this small but might eatery is cash only. For some of the Cincinnati area’s best authentic Pad Thai, you’ll want to check out Thai Express. Carry-out is a popular option here, as there are only two tables available. It’s worth a visit as one of the best tiny restaurants in Ohio. Thai Express is located at 213 W McMillan St., Cincinnati, OH 45219.
Maggie B./Yelp
Fido M./Yelp
Even in Ohio’s big cities, locals and visitors alike can still find quaint eateries reminiscent of our state’s small towns. This lovely little Columbus cafe features unique and delicious brunch options such as Mexican French toast, sweet and spicy bacon and Nutella pancake balls. Katalina is located at 1105 Pennsylvania Ave., Columbus, OH 43201.
Historic Marcy Store & Diner/Facebook
What used to be the Broast’s Store in the 1840s is now a casual American eatery, which is now in its second building (but located on the original site.) Though formerly known as Historic Macy Store and Diner (and still called this locally), this long-standing eatery is under new ownership and is now known as SilOHs. It features old-fashioned service as well as an ambitious menu. SilOHs is located at 1004 Winchester S Rd., Canal Winchester, OH 43110.
April R./Yelp
Jess H./Yelp
When it comes to dining in Cleveland, Tremont is a foodie’s paradise. There’s much to discover in this quirky neighborhood, but Ginko is one of its most colorful establishments. This Toyko inspired sushi bar features exceptional sushi and a U-shaped bar that holds approximately 30 people. Ginko is located at 2247 Professor Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113.
Brittany L./Yelp
Bob L./Yelp
Farm-to-table dining is in right now, but it’s a tried-and-true treat for the taste buds that’s something of a rarity in big city settings. Nonetheless, this quaint yet popular brunch spot in Columbus is known for its exceptional omelets, biscuits, and gravy. Skillet is located at 410 E Whittier St., Columbus, OH 43206.
Rob P./Yelp
Carmilla B./Yelp
Modest, airy, and bright, Big Mama’s Burritos proves that you don’t need an over-the-top setting to serve up delicious food. Where the seating is limited and the burritos are more than satisfying, this local favorite is especially popular among Ohio University students. Big Mama’s Burritos has two locations in Athens. Pictured is the South Court Street location.
Le Petit Triangle Cafe/Facebook
Ashley C./Yelp
If you’re craving international flavors, Cleveland, Ohio is the place to be. Le Petit Triangle serves visitors and locals like flavors straight out of Paris. Petite but delicious, this lovely little cafe features exceptional brunch, as well as dinner, soup, and salad options. It is located at 1881 Fulton Rd., Cleveland, OH 44113.
Want to continue exploring tiny but mighty places in Ohio? Check out these small towns with big personality.
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Address: Crabill’s Hamburger Shoppe, 727 Miami St, Urbana, OH 43078, USAAddress: Cheapside Cafe, 326 E 8th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USAAddress: Kengo Sushi & Yakitori, 38 S St Clair St, Toledo, OH 43604, USAAddress: Bagel Street Deli, 27 S Court St, Athens, OH 45701, USAAddress: 213 W McMillan St, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USAAddress: 1105 Pennsylvania Ave, Columbus, OH 43201, USAAddress: SilOHs, 1004 Winchester Southern Rd, Canal Winchester, OH 43110, USAAddress: Ginko Restaurant, 2247 Professor Ave b, Cleveland, OH 44113, USAAddress: 410 E Whittier St, Columbus, OH 43206, USAAddress: 10 S Court St, Athens, OH 45701, USAAddress: 1881 Fulton Rd, Cleveland, OH 44113, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Tiny Restaurants In Ohio January 26, 2020 Nikki Rhoades Are there other small restaurants in Ohio worth trying? There are many delicious small restaurants in Ohio! After you try the dining destinations in this list, check out some of these favorites near Cleveland and Cincinnati. What are the best restaurants in Ohio? Check out our ultimate list of restaurants to try before you die for a collection of some of the best restaurants in Ohio. What are the favorite local restaurants in Ohio? The best restaurants are the diverse and varied local restaurants in Ohio. Not sure where to dine? Ask around your community – you’ll find that Ohioans are amazingly friendly. Or simply search our Only In Ohio page for countless options of the best restaurants in Ohio.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Tiny Restaurants In Ohio
January 26, 2020
Nikki Rhoades
Are there other small restaurants in Ohio worth trying? There are many delicious small restaurants in Ohio! After you try the dining destinations in this list, check out some of these favorites near Cleveland and Cincinnati. What are the best restaurants in Ohio? Check out our ultimate list of restaurants to try before you die for a collection of some of the best restaurants in Ohio. What are the favorite local restaurants in Ohio? The best restaurants are the diverse and varied local restaurants in Ohio. Not sure where to dine? Ask around your community – you’ll find that Ohioans are amazingly friendly. Or simply search our Only In Ohio page for countless options of the best restaurants in Ohio.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
There are many delicious small restaurants in Ohio! After you try the dining destinations in this list, check out some of these favorites near Cleveland and Cincinnati.
What are the best restaurants in Ohio?
Check out our ultimate list of restaurants to try before you die for a collection of some of the best restaurants in Ohio.
What are the favorite local restaurants in Ohio?
The best restaurants are the diverse and varied local restaurants in Ohio. Not sure where to dine? Ask around your community – you’ll find that Ohioans are amazingly friendly. Or simply search our Only In Ohio page for countless options of the best restaurants in Ohio.
