The first drive-thru restaurant in Ohio is worthy of your dining bucket list.
Kewpee Hamburgers in Lima, Ohio is a little-known legend in the fast food world and a beloved treasure among locals. Complete with delicious burgers, frosted malts and a giant baby—yes, a giant baby—dining here is an experience every Ohioan needs to have at least once.
The very first Kewpee Hamburger shop was actually located in Flint, Michigan in 1918. Today, the only Kewpee Hamburger shops that remain are all located in Lima, Ohio.
Kewpee Hamburgers/Facebook Although the White Castle chain is often believed to be the first fast food restaurant on the scene in America, Kewpee Hamburgers actually appeared just a few years earlier.
Known for their delicious burgers topped with whatever you choose, Kewpee Hamburgers first came to Lima in 1928.
Kewpee Hamburgers/Facebook Fun fact: It’s rumored that this iconic little hamburger shop actually served as inspiration for the Wendy’s franchise.
The last Kewpee location opened in the 1980s and is the largest of the three. It can seat up to 180 customers and is located on Bellefontaine Avenue.
Kyle L/Trip Advisor Today, there are a total of three locations in Lima, each serving up affordable, yet delicious fast food in their humble orange booths. Soak up the sweet nostalgia! It’s easy to see why Kewpee is one of the best retro restaurants in Ohio.
On any given day, it’s common to see a line at the drive-thru, so be prepared to wait a little while even if you don’t plan on dining in.
Tim K/Trip Advisor Just look for the iconic giant baby and you’ll know you’ve found the best fast food in town.
We recommend getting a side of fries and a malt as well—because that’s what makes a burger complete, especially at Kewpee.
Kewpee Hamburgers/Facebook A regular hamburger here is just $2.20 and many of the toppings are free of charge. A small frosted malt here is just $1.40.
Of course, if you can manage, you’ll want to save room for some fresh baked pie.
Kewpee Hamburgers/Facebook You can get it by the slice for $2.00 or purchase a whole pie for $9.50.
Kewpee Hamburgers is located at 2111 Allentown Rd., Lima, OH 45805, 111 N Elizabeth St., Lima, OH 45801 and 1350 Bellefontaine Ave., Lima, OH 45804. Have you ever been here before? If so, share your memories and menu recommendations with us! To learn more about this iconic fast food restaurant in Ohio, visit their website here.
Kewpee Hamburgers/Facebook
Although the White Castle chain is often believed to be the first fast food restaurant on the scene in America, Kewpee Hamburgers actually appeared just a few years earlier.
Fun fact: It’s rumored that this iconic little hamburger shop actually served as inspiration for the Wendy’s franchise.
Kyle L/Trip Advisor
Today, there are a total of three locations in Lima, each serving up affordable, yet delicious fast food in their humble orange booths. Soak up the sweet nostalgia! It’s easy to see why Kewpee is one of the best retro restaurants in Ohio.
Tim K/Trip Advisor
Just look for the iconic giant baby and you’ll know you’ve found the best fast food in town.
A regular hamburger here is just $2.20 and many of the toppings are free of charge. A small frosted malt here is just $1.40.
You can get it by the slice for $2.00 or purchase a whole pie for $9.50.
For more awesome, local restaurants in Ohio, check out our previous article: These 11 Small Town Ohio Restaurants Will Serve You The Best Meal Of Your Life.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Kewpee Hamburgers, 1350 Bellefontaine Ave, Lima, OH 45804, USAAddress: Kewpee Hamburgers, 111 N Elizabeth St, Lima, OH 45801, USAAddress: Kewpee Hamburgers, 2111 Allentown Rd, Lima, OH 45805, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
first drive-thru restaurant in Ohio February 16, 2020 Elisa Regulski What are the oldest restaurants in Ohio? The Golden Lamb, located in Lebanon, is one of the oldest restaurants in Ohio. It’s also the longest continuously operated hotel in the state! Dine in historic beauty as you soak up the stunning atmosphere around you. Famous individuals like Harriet Beecher Stowe have dined here, and It’s truly awe-inspiring. The Buxton Inn Restaurant, located in Granville, is another historic eatery. Dining inside the rustic stagecoach tavern is like taking a step back in time. To learn more about the oldest restaurants in Ohio, read our article here. What are the best retro restaurants in Ohio? Coney Island Diner, located in Mansfield, is one of the coolest retro restaurants in Ohio. If you really want to take a trip back to the good old days, this is the place to go. The 1950s theme, friendly servers, and delicious home cooked meals will put a smile on your face. Carl’s Townhouse, located in Chillicothe, is another nostalgic eatery you should add to your bucket list. You can never go wrong with a comforting cheeseburger basket. To learn more about the best retro restaurants in Ohio, read our article here. Are there any other Ohio-based fast food restaurants? Skyline Chili is one of the most famous fast food restaurants in Ohio. If you find yourself in Cincinnati, you’ll undoubtedly see them all around. Known for their special sweet chili, Skyline crafts a truly iconic Ohio meal. Richie’s Fast Food Restaurant is another beloved Cincinnati fast food restaurant. You’ll find all kinds of delicious soul food here. If you’re hungry for some fried chicken and fresh catfish, this is the place to go.
The OIYS Visitor Center
first drive-thru restaurant in Ohio
February 16, 2020
Elisa Regulski
What are the oldest restaurants in Ohio? The Golden Lamb, located in Lebanon, is one of the oldest restaurants in Ohio. It’s also the longest continuously operated hotel in the state! Dine in historic beauty as you soak up the stunning atmosphere around you. Famous individuals like Harriet Beecher Stowe have dined here, and It’s truly awe-inspiring. The Buxton Inn Restaurant, located in Granville, is another historic eatery. Dining inside the rustic stagecoach tavern is like taking a step back in time. To learn more about the oldest restaurants in Ohio, read our article here. What are the best retro restaurants in Ohio? Coney Island Diner, located in Mansfield, is one of the coolest retro restaurants in Ohio. If you really want to take a trip back to the good old days, this is the place to go. The 1950s theme, friendly servers, and delicious home cooked meals will put a smile on your face. Carl’s Townhouse, located in Chillicothe, is another nostalgic eatery you should add to your bucket list. You can never go wrong with a comforting cheeseburger basket. To learn more about the best retro restaurants in Ohio, read our article here. Are there any other Ohio-based fast food restaurants? Skyline Chili is one of the most famous fast food restaurants in Ohio. If you find yourself in Cincinnati, you’ll undoubtedly see them all around. Known for their special sweet chili, Skyline crafts a truly iconic Ohio meal. Richie’s Fast Food Restaurant is another beloved Cincinnati fast food restaurant. You’ll find all kinds of delicious soul food here. If you’re hungry for some fried chicken and fresh catfish, this is the place to go.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The Golden Lamb, located in Lebanon, is one of the oldest restaurants in Ohio. It’s also the longest continuously operated hotel in the state! Dine in historic beauty as you soak up the stunning atmosphere around you. Famous individuals like Harriet Beecher Stowe have dined here, and It’s truly awe-inspiring. The Buxton Inn Restaurant, located in Granville, is another historic eatery. Dining inside the rustic stagecoach tavern is like taking a step back in time. To learn more about the oldest restaurants in Ohio, read our article here.
What are the best retro restaurants in Ohio?
Coney Island Diner, located in Mansfield, is one of the coolest retro restaurants in Ohio. If you really want to take a trip back to the good old days, this is the place to go. The 1950s theme, friendly servers, and delicious home cooked meals will put a smile on your face. Carl’s Townhouse, located in Chillicothe, is another nostalgic eatery you should add to your bucket list. You can never go wrong with a comforting cheeseburger basket. To learn more about the best retro restaurants in Ohio, read our article here.
Are there any other Ohio-based fast food restaurants?
Skyline Chili is one of the most famous fast food restaurants in Ohio. If you find yourself in Cincinnati, you’ll undoubtedly see them all around. Known for their special sweet chili, Skyline crafts a truly iconic Ohio meal. Richie’s Fast Food Restaurant is another beloved Cincinnati fast food restaurant. You’ll find all kinds of delicious soul food here. If you’re hungry for some fried chicken and fresh catfish, this is the place to go.
