Cincinnati
Check Cincymusic for local info. City Beat is the local alternative paper with Best of Cincinnati listings.North of downtown Cincinnati, the neighborhood of Northside is becoming the hip place with a lot of local pubs and some unique restaurants. A great indie music store, Shake It Records nearby.
Home of our favorites Vacation.
Museum-
American Sign Museum-1330 Monmouth Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45225 (513) 541-6366
A recommended bar is the Comet with a great Jukebox and occasional live music such as local garage rock band The Greenhornes. No Cover, cheap drinks, football sized San Francisco style burritos. 4579 Hamilton Avenue, Cincinnati, OH; 513-541-8900
Eats-
Ollies Trolley-1607 Central Avenue. I dont know if this is open still, but if it is, its big news. Ollies makes amazing burgers if it is indeed the same place. A spice encrusted burger with a spicy sauce. One in a million. Caution: in a sketchy neighborhood
Hathaways Coffee Shop-25 W 5th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, 513-621-1332-Was open for decades but recently moved.
Putzs Cream whip-Putz Place & West Fork, Exit 17 off I-74, Cincinnati, 513-681-8668-Ice Cream stand only open in summer.
Montgomery Inn-9440 Montgomery Rd., Montgomery, OH (513) 791-3482- Famous Ribs.
Blue Ash Chili Restaurant-9565 Kenwood Rd, Cincinnati, Ohio – (513) 984-6107-of all the chili joints, this one makes a Six way topped with jalapenos that are fried!
Terrys turf club. Fussy burgers in a crazy decorated joint, filet mignon chili, crab cakes.4618 Eastern Avenue Cincinnati, OH 45226 (513) 533-4222
Mr. Genes Dog House-3703 Beekman St, Cincinnati, OH 45223 (513) 541-7636-window only coneys and chicago dogs.
The Root Beer Stand -11566 Reading Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45241 (513) 769-4349-Gorgeous drive in with a lovely lawn with picnic tables to enjoy your coneys and ice cream and Chili Burgers aka Chattanooga cheeseburgers. Yum. Get a root beer at any joint that has it in the name!
Hitching Post-4535 Kellogg Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45226 (513) 871-4293-fried chicken, chili and great chili cheese fries. Historic.
Pleasant Ridge Chili Restaurant– 6032 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45213 (513) 531-2365 Cincinnati chili favorites along with classic diner comfort food and breakfast served all day
Senate-Gastropub with all kinds of wacky hot dogs and Bone marrow. Closed Monday
Zip Dip -Old-school parlor since 1951. 4050 Drew Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45248
(513) 574-6252-Soft serve and burgers and dogs. Dishes for dogs too.
Zip’s Cafe-1036 Delta Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45208-Burgers, fried fish sandwiches & other pub-grub classics go alongside beer at this old spot(513) 871-9876
Treats-
Aglamesis Bros-3046 Madison Rd,Cincinnati, OH 45209 (513) 531-5196-retro marble countertop ice cream and candy shop, now with multiple locations. Unique flavors.since 1908
Gold Top Dairy Bar – Ice Cream Shop: 2810 Blue Rock Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45239 (513) 741-2941-Ice Cream and coneys
Record Stores-
Everybody’s, 6106 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45213
Shake It Records-4156 Hamilton Avenue Cincinnati, OH 45223 (513) 591-0123. They also have some links to local happenings
Bars-
Arnold’s Bar & Grill-210 E 8th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (513) 421-6234-Historic bar and grill, oldest in the city.
Live Music-
MOTR Pub-1345 Main Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 (513) 381-6687
Northside Tavern-4163 Hamilton Ave A, Cincinnati, OH 45223(513) 542-3603
Northside Yacht Club- 4231 Spring Grove Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45223 (513) 541-0528
Bogarts-2621 Vine Street-Cincinnati OH-Bigger live nation spot
The Mockbee-2260 Central Pkwy, Cincinnati, OH, United States, Ohio (513) 621-1900
In Newport, Kentucky you will find the Southgate House -24 East Third Street -Newport, KY 859-431-2201-It is a most unique venue!
THE COMET-4579 Hamilton Ave Cincinnati, OH-Hard to find info on the shows here but they have shows
Junker’s Tavern- 4156 Langland St, Cincinnati, OH 45223 (513) 541-5470-dive bar with occasional live music.
Amusement Park-
Paramounts Kings Island-Huge great amusement park. Worth a special trip.
Must see-
Jungle Jim’s International Market, 5440 Dixie Highway (Route 4)
Fairfield, OH 45014, 513.674.6000-a huge food market with interactive displays and more. We bought these “Amish Recipe Whoopie Pies” in the bakery that were the best Whoopie pies we ever had.
Hotels-
Pricey but amazing
Cincinnatian hotel-601 Vine St. Rooms from 160 per night. Hilton destroyed the Classy Palace Restaurant inside.
Traders world-huge indoor flea market operating Saturday and Sunday-601 Union Road, Monroe, Ohio 45050, Between Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio
Exit 29 on East Side of I-75 ~ Take Exit 29, 513-424-5708
Alliance, OH
Attraction-
The Troll Hole Museum -World’s largest troll collection: 228 E Main St, Alliance, OH 44601 (330) 596-1157
Eats-
College Inn Eatery -935 W State St, Alliance, OH 44601 (330) 823-3332-Huge portions of diner food.
Live Music-
Jupiter Studios -346 E Main St, Alliance, OH 44601 (330) 581-5272-huge. They have a kitchen, a bar, a stage for bands, art galleries, arcade games, plenty of tables to sit or eat at, pool table, and, cheap cocktails,.
Athens, OH
Live Music
Union Bar & Grill-18 West Union Street Athens, OH 45701 (740) 593-5060
Smiling Skull Saloon.108 W Union St, Athens, Ohio 45701 (740) 589-2474, bar with live music
RIP GEAUGA LAKE
(See Aurora Below)
Cleveland
SOUL PARTY-Monthly-The Secret Soul Club at the Five O’clock Lounge.
Local Chain Mr. Hero has a sub called the roman burger. “A unique combination of beef patties covered with Swiss American cheese, grilled Genoa salami and Italian luncheon meats that are carmelized to a yummy perfection”
The local chain MELT makes amazing unique sandwiches.
The Local Alternative weekly is the Cleveland Scene. They also have the Cleveland Free Times.
Bowling Alley-
Trashy Travel has 3 listed here but two have shows. Dickeys Lanes is just a bowling alley. Dickey Lanes- 3275 W 25th St, Cleveland, OH 44109 (216) 741-9774
Bars-
Harbor Inn-1219 Main Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113 (216) 241-3232-Oldest continuously operating bar in Cleveland.
Cebars -591 E 185th St, Cleveland, OH 44119 (216) 481-9509-Cebars Euclid Tavern, not to be confused with the other Euclid tavern has blues jams on Sunday and similar acts, plus fish frys and the like.
The Riverwood Cafe aka the Telstar-18500 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107 1 216-521-9999-old bar that are chicken wing specialists with flavors like sweet heat and honey garlic.
Around the Corner Saloon & Cafe-18616 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107 (216) 521-4413-Bar with a patio and weekend no cover dancing. Not sure what the music is. Food specials like Thursdays 49 cent wings and fifteen cent mussels and two for one burgers on Mondays. Specials don’t work if its a holiday such as Mardi Gras or St Patricks Day.
Ridgewood Inn -5759 Ridge Rd, Cleveland, OH 44129 (440) 884-0310-Friday fish fry and pierogies year round. I thought this meant daily but I thought wrong. Cool sign, old building.
Parkview Nite Club-1261 W 58th St, Cleveland, OH 44102 (216) 961-1341-Locals bar with a big dining room serving Hot Chicken, Fried Asparagus and more.
Jermans Cafe-3840 St. Clair Ave, Cleveland, Ohio 44114 (216) 361-8771-Briefly closed this is the 2nd oldest bar in the City.
Hotz’s Café-2529 W 10th St, Cleveland, OH 44113 (216) 771-7004-Since 1919, family owned beer and shot place that was once frequented by many baseball greats. Shuffleboard table.
Ugly Broad Tavern-: 3908 Denison Ave, Cleveland, OH 44109 (216) 351-9826-“the best in beer and bullshit”-Smoking allowed. Wings/fried baloney sandwiches for food.
Clubs-
Funhouse Saloon-1539 W 117th St, Cleveland, OH 44107 punk rock Formerly Spitfire
Now That’s Class-11213 Detroit Avenue Cleveland, OH 44102 (216) 221-8576
Maple Lanes-6918 St Clair Ave, Cleveland, Ohio 44103-(216) 431-9593-Bowling alley with very occasional rock shows The bowling uses humans to set the pins.
The Social Room-2261 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights. used to have bands, now just a neighborhood bar
The Grog Shop-1765 Coventry Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-321-5588. The coolest shows and best bands are here.
Beachland Ballroom-15711 Waterloo Rd. Cleveland-tel: 216/383-1124-On the weekends they have a vintage clothing and vinyl store too.
The Foundry Concert Club -Small concert space featuring local & national bands & serving burgers 11729 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107(216) 323-8201
(216) 651-9474
Bent Crayon, 1305 W 80th St #216, Cleveland, OH 44102
Ferris Steak House– 8700 Detroit Ave, Cleveland, OH (216) 281-1437- Old fashioned no frills steakhouse.
Presti Bakery and Cafe-12101 Mayfield Rd, Cleveland, OH (216) 421-8181-Get your Cleveland only sourcream donuts at this little italy spot.
Sokolowski’s University Inn-1201 university rd-Cleveland, OH 44113. Old timey polish buffet. Pierogies!
Steve’s Lunch-tiny hot dog counter thats been around for years and serves chili dogs covered with cheese aand polish boys 24 hours a day. 5004 Lorain Avenue, Cleveland OH 44102
The west side market in the ohio city neighborhood has tons of food from Brats to Middle eastern and featuring the Best Gyro in Cleveland at Steves Gyros. The sauce is a non traditional sauce, more of a thousand island dressing.
Rowley Inn-1104 Rowley Ave, Cleveland, OH 44109 (216) 795-5345-Old bar now a gastropub with a burger topped with a pierogie and corned dogs made with kielbasa. A good one two punch would be to go here and the dive bar Clark Bar at 1201 Clark Ave, Cleveland, OH 44109
Der Braumeister Restaurant & Market– 13046 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, OH 44111 (216) 671-6220-German Restaurant with the regional sauerkraut balls plus pretzels with beer cheese.
Gunselman’s Tavern-21490 Lorain Rd, Fairview Park, OH 44126 (440) 331-5719-burgers, including a meatless one and more. Local specialty city chicken is available on Thursdays.
Slyman’s Restaurant-Huge Corned beef sandwiches-3106 St Clair Ave NE, Cleveland, OH 44114: (216) 621-3760 Monday – Friday Dine In: 6:00am – 2:00pm Take Out: 6:00am – 2:30pm SATURDAYS 9am – 1pm. SUNDAY – Closed
Ontario Street Cafe-2053 Ontario St, Cleveland, OH 44115 (216) 861-6446-Comfy regulars bar with a huge corned beef sandwich. Recently saved by a concerned restaurant whose only change was bringing these sandwiches.
Johnny’s Little Bar-614 Frankfort Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113- (216) 861-2166 Decent burgers and great onion rings and serves most nights til 1:45 am. Now with 3 locations
Stevensons Bar & Grill -800 E 200th St, Cleveland, OH 44119-Closed Sunday (216) 999-7156-Big guy and little guy versions of the big mac. A must eat.
Heck’s Cafe-2927 Bridge Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113 (216) 861-5464-open for many years in a very old house. Slightly fancy but the food isn’t. They have 3 locations now but this is the one to hit.
Chef Michael Simon has a chain of burger joints called B-Spot. Theres a pickle bar! They also have Porky Fries, which come topped with pulled pork, Cheez Whiz, and pickled chilis
Szechuan Gourmet -1735 E 36th St, Cleveland, OH 44114, (216) 881-9688-Pretty decent szechuan food.
For the Vegans and vegetarians-Tommys Restaurant-1824 Coventry Rd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
Shore Restaurant -12009 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107 (216) 221-8711-Old family owned breakfast and lunch joint opened 7 days 6 am to 3 pm serving simple old fashioned breakfasts and sandwiches. Cash only.
Tick Tock Tavern-11526 Clifton Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44102 (216) 631-6111-Diner with a bar and is known for ribs even though its hard to find evidence of this. Like all diners, can be hit or miss.
Avon Lake, OH (Greater Cleveland)
Bars-
Close Quarters Pub -31953 Lake Rd,Avon Lake, OH 44012 (440) 933-5217-Teeny tiny dive bar that somehow has a kitchen to serve the regional Sauerkraut balls.
Sandusky, OH
Amusement Park-
About an hour from Cleveland, Cedar Point is the KING of coasters…and crowds.
Akron, OH
Birthplace of Devo, Akron and Cleveland host the yearly DEVOtional party. Find details at Booji Boys Basement. Find the latest on Devo and Mark Mothersbaugh Art shows at CLUB DEVO.
Live Music-
Annabell’s-784 W Market St, Akron, OH 44303 (330) 535-1112
The Vortex-1167 Brittain Rd, Akron, OH 44305 (330) 356-9272
Each year in July, Akron Holds a Hamburger festival. A local place claims to be one of the originators of the hamburger.
Akron is the home of a local chain in the surrounding communties of Green, Fairlawn and Medina called the Skyway Drive In. Super Awesome onion rings, coney dogs, Chipped Ham and more. There is also another regional mini chain called Swensons, not to be confused with the southern ice cream parlor chain. Both places make double cheeseburgers with special sauce as signatures. Swensons uses two sauces on their burgers, a bbq sauce and a tartar sauce.
Best burger in Ohio period is at Swensons in Akron. The Galley Boy uses two sauces. Drive in only.
Bob’s Hamburg -since 1931., 1351 East Ave, Akron, OH 44307 (330) 253-2627
More Eats-
Idos-Ido Bar & Grill -1537 S Main St, Akron, OH 44301 (330) 773-1724-They have regional favorite Sauerkraut balls which are sausage and sauerkraut pureed, formed into balls and deep fried. Also POLISH SPAGETTI on special sometimes and a few unique apps, stuffed pepper soup and Hungarian sausage sandwiches.
Skyway Drive-In – 951 East Turkeyfoot Lake Road, Akron, OH 44312 (330) 896-9350-double-decker Sky Hi burger with cheese, pickles, and their special house Ski Hi sauce.
Live Music-
Annabell’s Bar & Lounge – 784 W Market St, Akron, OH 44303 (330) 535-1112-Dive bar with touring bands.
More eats-
O’Betty’s Red Hot -Hot dogs & sausages and hand-cut fries 15 W State St, Athens, OH 45701 Closed Sunday (740) 589-6111 Burlesque themed Hot dog joint sometimes closed when school is not in session.
Barberton, OH (near Akron)
Home to a “chicken war” with two places duking it out for chicken dinner supremacy. White house is now a regional chain with several locations.
White House Chicken-180 Wooster Road North Barberton, OH 44203
(330) 745-0449
Belgrade Gardens-401 East State Street, Barberton, OH (330) 745-0113 with a “famous” hot sauce.
Another less famous contender is
Hopocan Gardens-4396 West Hopocan Avenue, Barberton, OH (330) 825-9923 which also has the legendary Barberton chicken, plus ham steaks, liver and onions and paprikash, which actually sounds more interesting to me.
Treats-
The Erie Depot -361 4th St NW, Barberton, OH 44203 (330) 887-1951-Renovated train depot with waffle cheese sandwiches and unique ice cream and italian ices.
Bellaire, OH
Museum
Bellaire Toy and Brick Museum-4597 Harrison St, Bellaire, OH 43906-unofficial Lego museum
Eats-
Gulla’s Lunch-3073 Belmont St, Bellaire, OH 43906: (740) 671-9666-Another Vintage coney dog spot.
Roosevelt-3175 Union St, Bellaire, OH 43906 (740) 676-9015-Roosevelt is a family-owned Italian restaurant in Bellaire, Ohio It has been in business for nearly 90 years as of this writing.
Bexley, OH
Treats-
Graeter’s Ice Cream – 2282 E Main St, Bexley, OH 43209-Not sure if this is the original but it is very old. Now this stuff is everywhere but this store has its vintage style.
Canton, OH
Live Music-
Buzzbin Art & Music Shop-Live music, lots and lots of Tap beer and an art gallery. 331 Cleveland Ave NW, Canton, OH 44702 (330) 754-6770
Chagrin Falls, OH (Greater Cleveland)
Bars-
Greenville Inn -7150 Pine St, Chagrin Falls, OH 44022 (440) 247-8068 Bavarian style front, mix of bands of varying quality.
Chillicothe, OH
Eats-
Carl’s Townhouse – 95 W 2nd St, Chillicothe, OH 45601 (740) 773-1660-Rescued historic restaurant that was actually moved to another part of town
Sumburger — old-fashioned drive-in serving burgers, chicken & seafood : 1487 N Bridge St, Chillicothe, OH 45601 (740) 772-1055-Now they have a second location
Columbus, OH
The “short north” area is the hip place to be in this city and the first saturday of each month, the galleries on High Street stay open late to showcase local art. It includes the Victorian Village historic district. Another community is Clintonville which is just north of the Short North. They don’t have many bars, but tons of bookstores, ecclectic shopping, diners, holistic foods and community market, including the Studio 35 Cinema and Draft house.
Bars-
Bossy Girls Pin UP Joint-2598 N High St, Columbus, OH 43202 bar with burlesque.
Grass Skirt Tiki Room -105 N Grant Ave, Columbus, OH 43215
Phone:(614) 429-3650 restaurant with Tiki Drinks. NOT OPEN LATE
Shop-
Rocket Fizz-944 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201(614) 525-0052-hundreds of types of soda and Classic candy
Eats-
Hey Hey Bar and Grill-See that sign above? Go there, and get those Sauerkraut balls, then go below to Schmidts and get theirs. 361 E Whittier St, Columbus, OH 43206 Also get a coney dog across the street at Village Coney.
SCHMIDT’S SAUSAGE HAUS, 240 E. Kossuth Street, Columbus OH (German Village), (614) 444-6808-South of downtown Columbus is an area known as german village. Old world feel. You have not eaten there until you have the gigantic Half pound cream puffs. Really.
VILLAGE CONEY-BEST HOT DOGS! Get a slaw topped one! I could eat here 5 times a week. Only open til 4:30. Excellent Onion rings! 418 E Whittier St, Columbus, OH 43206 (614) 445-9633
Little Palace Restaurant and Bar-Open late. Great mini burgers, Polenta fries, fried cheese curds. Stromboli and even great veggie sides like roasted brussel sprouts and green beans: 240 S 4th St, Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 460-8888
Figlio Wood-Fired Pizza-1369 Grandview Avenue-The name says it all.
Graeters Ice Cream-2282 East Main Street-Dense, rich store made ice cream
Betty’s Fine Food & Spirits, 680 N High St , Columbus, OH (614) 228-6191-comfort food with “an extra side of Sass”. Reader recommended.
Dirty Franks Hot Dog Palace -248 S. 4th Street , Columbus, Ohio 43215 |(614) 824-4673
Katalinas-614.294.2233 1105 Pennsylvania Ave. Columbus, OH 43201 Only open for breakfast and lunch til 3 or 4. Round Nutella or Pumpkin Apple butter filled Pancake balls with spicy sweet bacon.. Also brussel sprout hash.
CAP CITY GRANDVIEW-1299 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, Ohio 43212 gourmet diner-Meatloaf, sometimes crabcakes for blue plate specials.
Buckeye Donuts -24-hour donut shop in the heart of the OSU campus. Gyros too 1998 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201 (614) 291-3923
O’Reilly’s Pub-2822 N High St, Columbus, OH 43202, (614) 262-6343-Sports bar with a great burger, nearby to Ace of Cups.
Tip Top Kitchen & Cocktails-draft beers & entrees such as pot roast. 73 E Gay St, Columbus, OH 43215
Phone:(614) 221-8300
The Thurman Cafe-oversized, toppings-loaded burgers & a full bar.183 Thurman Ave, Columbus, OH 43206
Phone:(614) 443-1570
PJ’s Grill – late-night overstuffed sandwiches, fries & beer.
Ohio Stater Mall Shopping Center 15 Frambes Ave, Columbus, OH 43201
Phone:(614) 299-2113
Starliner Diner- 5240 Cemetery Rd, Hilliard, OH 43026(614) 529-1198
Easy Street Greek cafe-197 Thurman Ave, Columbus, OH 43206 you can get omlettes with Gyro meat and Lamb lollipops as an appetizer(614) 444-3279
Tommy’s Diner-914 West Broad Street, Columbus, OH – (614) 224-2422 only open for breakfast and lunch. closes at 3
Katzingers Deli-NY style Deli w lots of types of reubens 475 SOUTH 3RD SREET COLUMBUS, OH 43215 (614) 228-3354
Hot Chicken Takeover -Nashville-style fried chicken & soul food, in North Market eatery with communal tables. 59 Spruce St., North Market, Second Floor, Columbus, OH 43215
Phone:(614) 800-4538
Ringside Cafe- 19 N Pearl St, Columbus, OH 43215 (614) 228-7464 Oldest bar in Columbus and they have burgers.
Clubs and Venues-
Ace of Cups – 2619 N High St, Columbus, OH 43202 (614) 262-6001 Live music venue hosting Sick Fest. BBQ in the parking lot.
The Basement-391 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH 43215 , Phone: 614.461.LIVE, smaller venue for touring acts along with its big brother, the Newport Music Hall. Both venues shows can be found at this site, www.promowestlive.com
Big Room Bar – 1036 S Front St, Columbus, OH 43206 (614) 449-9612
Carabar-115 Parsons Ave, Columbus, OH 43215 (614) 223-1010 (note: May be moving soon)
Skullys Music Diner-Music venue and restaurant and they have scene friendly events like alternative craft fairs. Recommended as cool by a tipster (added 7/7/08)
DOUBLE HAPPINESS-482 SOUTH FRONT ST, COLUMBUS,OHIO 43215 (614) 220-5558
Wexner Center-1871 North High Street-Local film, music and art center.
The Great Southern Theater-21 East Main Street-19th century opera house. Check it out if you can!
The Tree Bar-887 Chambers Rd., Columbus, OH, 43212 (614) 294-2264-a bit like hanging out in your parents basement,formerly the tree house and currently as of 2016 for Sale.
Bars-
High Five Bar & Grill-1227 N High St, Columbus, OH (614) 421-2998-local bands and rock and roll karaoke.
Surly Girl Saloon, 1126 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43215. Directions on theirmyspace say just south of the sex shops and one block north of the Bodega, so you know its cool. And they have a gallery upstairs.
Saint James Tavern– (614) 294-0064, 1057 N. 4th St, Columbus, OH-one of the best hipster dive bars around.
Record Stores-
Lost Weekend Records -2960 N. High St. in Columbus Ohio. (Right on the corner of Crestview & High.) Free parking in front! Lost Weekend specializes in vinyl records of all genres
Used Kids, just moved to 2500 SUMMIT ST., COLUMBUS OHIO, as of 2016
Spoonful Records-116 E Long St, Columbus, OH 43215 (614) 570-3550
Misc. Stores-
Avalon Clothing and Shoe Salon-1434-1443 North High Street. One side of the street shoes, across the street, clothes.
Aurora, OH
Amusement Park-
Geauga Lake 1060 North Aurora Road, Aurora, OH (330) 562-7131-Geauga Lake was a beautiful old fashioned regional amusement park. On the other side of the lake was a Sea World park. Sometime later, Six Flags bought both parks, and merged them into one. Then when Six Flags started having difficulties, they sold the Park to Cedar Fair, who operates Cedar Point. Last Year, Cedar Fair decided to close the park, auction off the rides, including an antique coaster and just operate it as a water park called Wildwater Kingdom.Very Sad.
Bowling Green, OH
Clubs-
Howards Club H-210 N Main St, Bowling Green, OH 43402-(419) 352-3195-Good venue open since 1928
Record Store-
Grounds For Thought-Neighborhood coffee shop offering hand-roasted coffee, homemade pastries, ice cream & used books and records. 174 S Main St, Bowling Green, OH 43402 (419) 354-3266
Conneaut, OH
Eats-
White Turkey Drive In-Seasonal Mothers Day to Labor Day-388 E Main Rd • Conneaut, OH 44030 • Phone: (440)593-2209-Family recipe turkey sandwiches, chili dogs, burgers and root beer.
Curtice, OH
Treats-
D G’s Ice Cream Shop- 10609 Jerusalem Rd, Curtice, OH 43412 (419) 836-7254-Cute soft serve joint with Ice cream shaped trash cans-Seasonal summer to fall.
Dayton, OH
in the town of Fairborn on Main street, the Foy family has an empire of odd old fashioned stores. Theres Foys Five and Ten with an old fashioned lunch counter, a costume shop and more.
Eats-
Local regional chicken Chain, Lees with multiple locations. Better than average side dishes. Famous for gizzards apparantly too.
Company 7 BBQ -firehouse-themed joint -1001 S Main St, Englewood, OH 45322 (937) 836-2777
Dalton Dari-ette– 240 S Mill St, Dalton, OH 44618 (330) 828-2563-Ice Cream stand, also apple dumplings. at the corner of U.S. Rt. 30 and Ohio Rt. 94 at Dalton since 1957.
The Root Beer Stande-1727 Woodman Dr, Dayton, OH 45420 (937) 640-1114-Chili Dogs, Fried pickles, drive in style with trays, chili burgers.
Live Music
Blind Bob’s -bar with burgers, sandwiches & live bands weekly. 430 E 5th St, Dayton, OH 45402(937) 938-6405
South park tavern -1301 Wayne Avenue Dayton, OH 45410 (937) 586-9526
Canal Street Tavern-308 East 1st Street, Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 461-9343
Doc’s Sweet Shop- 168 N Portage St, Doylestown, OH 44230-tiny vintage classic windowserve seasonal ice cream joint.
SkyWay Drive-In Restaurant, 2781 W Market St, Fairlawn, OH 44333, (330) 836-2806-vintage restaurant mini chain with the Sky Hi sandwich, a double deck burger with sky hi sauce. Also, Toasted cheese sandwiches, baked ham, chipped ham, great onion rings and also the hyper regional Sauerkraut balls.
Older location of this Loosemeat chain. This one since 1934. maidrite-greenville.com
(419) 525-2168-Ice Cream and Coney Dogs
Closed Sunday (419) 589-9933
Middletown, OH
Eats-
The Jug-3610 Central Ave, Middletown, OH 45044 (513) 424-1677-Delicious thin fresh patty burgers in an old fashioned drive in.
Moraine, OH
Eats-
Norton, OH (near Akron)
Eats-
Milich’s Village Inn-4444 South Cleveland Massillon Road, Norton, OH (330) 825-4553 -Another place serving the famous Barberton chicken and hot sauce. Another classic old family restaurant
Norwalk, OH
Eats-
Vargo’s Drive In-192 Milan Ave, Norwalk, OH 44857 (419) 668-8694-Ice cream and a classic mini golf course.
Oak Harbor, OH
Treats-
Drown’s Dairy-114 E Water St, Oak Harbor, OH 43449 (419) 898-6569-Classic seasonal ice cream stand.
Oberlin, OH
Record Store-
Co-op Bookstore, 37 W. College St., Oberlin, OH 44074
Orient, OH
Eats-
Tony’s Coney’s- Hot Dogs, Fast Food, Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt. 9901 US Hwy 62
Orient, OH 43146 (614) 877-9187
Oxford, OH
Record Store-
Wizards, 114 High St., Oxford, OH 45056
Parkman, OH
Eats
Frozen Dee-Lite Cafe-16508 Main Market Rd, Parkman, OH 44080 (440) 548-2800-Fried green beans, fried pickles, loaded potato skins and, oh yeah, ice cream.
Portsmouth, OH
Treats-Second Street Dari Creme-Cool ass Ice Cream and coney joint-333 2nd St, Portsmouth, OH 45662-Open Daily and year round· 7AM–10PM
(740) 354-1610
Powell, OH
Amusement Park-
Wyandot Lake 10101 Riverside Drive, Powell, OH (800) 328-9283-A small 6 flags coaster park.
Sidney, OH
Eats-
Spot Restaurant -hamburgers & cream pies,great sign 201 S Ohio Ave, Sidney, OH 45365 (937) 492-9181 thespottoeat.com
Steubenville, OH
Eats-
Di Carlo’s Original Pizza Inn- 4531 Sunset Blvd, Steubenville, OH 43952 (740) 264-3634-Conerstone of a regional empire of square pizza where the toppings are only lightly cooked. As the restaurant chained out into West Virginia, they are basically raw on a cooked crust. You can ask them to brown it more and you should. This location has lots of columns and the like.
Stow, OH
Eats-
Tip Top Restaurant & Catering -Googie building- 3428 Darrow Rd, Stow, OH 44224
: (330) 688-3171
Toledo, OH
The Local Alternative paper for Toledo is the Toledo City Paper.
Sunday Blues has a decent club listing for the area.
A MUST!!! Tony Packo’s Cafe– Various locations. Original Location at 1902 Front Street, Toledo. Amazing chili and amazing chili dogs. Wonderful Struedel. At the original location, they have buns signed buy celebrities.
Also, there is another local chili dog chain called Nettys with Multiple locations.
another chain-Rudy’s Hot Dog-since 1920.-6069 Summit St, Toledo, OH 43611
(419) 729-5781
Ideal Hot Dog-4330 Heatherdowns Blvd, Toledo, OH 43614 Phone number (419) 382-7686-Another hot dog mini chain, this one is more diner like with great chicken soup and also the best Chili Mac in town. Breakfast anytime too for your crazy friends that dont want coneys or chili mac.
Record Stores-
Culture Clash Records
Located in: paula brown gallery-912 Monroe St, Toledo, OH 43604 (419) 536-5683-Records store with some good in store performances
Live Music-
Frankies Inner City-308 Main St, Toledo, OH 43605 (419) 698-4020-Closed for a few years but reopened in 2023
The Ottawa Tavern-1815 Adams St, Toledo, OH 43604-Alternative music & DJ club , plus a patio & pizza kitchen in back.
Some of the best venues closed down. Heres a list of some local concerts.
Urbana, OH (35 miles west of Columbus, 20 miles from Dayton)
Eats-Crabill’s-727 Miami Street, Urbana, Ohio- 513-653-5133
Sliders-Mini burgers a la White Castle, but that actually taste like meat. Closed Sunday
Wadsworth, OH
Eats-
Boss Frosty’s Ice Cream – 962 Broad St, Wadsworth, OH 44281 (330) 990-5550-Tiny place, big parking lot, chili dogs and hamburgers. Nice thick coney sauce.
Rootbeer Drive-in-766 Broad St, Wadsworth, OH 44281 330-334-1346-Cool looking drive in with burgers .
Warren, OH
Eats-
Hot Dog Shoppe-coney dogs, burgers, fries & shakes. 740 W Market St, Warren, OH 44481 Most days 10 am to 10 PM (330) 395-7057
Holy Hot Dog -1913 Niles Cortland Rd NE, Warren, OH 44484 (234) 830-0036 The Burgers are actually the attraction here. Great patties on potato rolls
Westerville, OH
Record Store-
Sour Records, ,Westerville, OH have recently closed their physical store to only exist online
Yellow Springs, OH
Eats/Treats/Play-
Young’s Jersey Dairy -Ice cream shop, cheese store, restaurant with miniature golf & batting cages.: 6880 Springfield Xenia Rd, Yellow Springs, OH 45387
Also On site is the Golden Jersey Inn, famous for Ribs and home cooking.
Youngstown, OH
Eats-Mollys-1309 Salt Springs Rd, Youngstown, OH 44509 (330) 799-0038 steaks, homemade sausage and more
Saadeys place-870 North Canfield Niles Road-Austintown, Ohio 44515 330.349.0083 starters include ALL OUT TOTS- fried tots topped with smoked beef brisket, cheddar cheese drizzled with BBQ sauce
Jay’s Famous Hot Dogs ?- 68 Boardman-Canfield Rd, Youngstown, OH 44512 Coney dogs and stuffed grape leaves, gyros Sunday Closed, Daily 9:30AM–7PM-A Frame building and lots to look at. Cash Only.
Bar-Royal Oaks Bar & Grill-924 Oak St, Youngstown, OH 44506
(330) 744-5501
Zanesville, OH
Treats-
Tom’s Ice Cream Bowl – 532 McIntire Ave, Zanesville, OH 43701 (740) 452-5267
They have their own Coney Island out here