23 Must-Try Stops on the Ultimate Ohio Foodie Roadtrip

Arirang 1526 Bethel Rd, Columbus, OH, 614-459-8070 Some of the best food is hidden in the back of grocery stores, like tacos from La Plaza Supermarket or the hanging roast duck from Asia Tea House. At the front counter of Arirang, take your pick of Korean dishes like Dolsotbibimbap, hot pot, spicy soups and ganjang dak galbi, then travel to the dining counter. While you’re there: If Italian is more your style, seek out the alleyway leading to the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it entrance to Basi Italia (811 Highland St., Columbus, OH, 614-294-7383, basi-italia.com) a carriage house-turned-restaurant hideaway.

Buckeye Express Diner 810 State Rte 97 W, Bellville, OH, 419-886-2900, buckeyeexpressdiner.com Hop on board this diner in a train car, where comfort food is the conductors of this trip. This vintage destination right off the interstate is small and cozy, as to be expected, with burgers, fries, mac and cheese and other classic favorites served up with a dose of nostalgia.

Carillon Brewing Co. (1000 Carillon Blvd. Dayton, Ohio, 937-910-0722 carillonbrewingco.org) History is served in a cold, frosty pint glasses at the first licensed production brewery in a museum. Whether a home brewer, beer aficionado or someone who just enjoys a great ale, Carillon’s exhibit and restaurant replicates the brewing techniques of the 1850s. For an out of the ordinary flight, taste test different brews from different points in history to trace their evolution.

Father John’s Microbrewery (301 W Butler St., Bryan, OH, 419-633-1313, fatherjohnsbrewery.net) Breweries in churches are a concept that have been popping up all over, and the spin Father John’s Microbrewery takes on it is worthy of praise. Enter the resurrected sanctuary and head straight for the basement. Naturally, brews bear names like Holy Cow, Knotty Nun, and Bad Habit. Order up a bison burger that comes straight from the owner’s farm.

G & R Tavern (103 N Marion St, Waldo, OH, 740-726-9685, gandrtavern.com) It’s hard not to be drawn in with intrigue when an eatery’s exterior reads “Home of the famous bologna sandwich.” There’s a reason this dive is a rite of passage for locals. That’s thick-cut, crispy fried bologna with a secret, unduplicatable mix of spices served piping hot on paper plates. Even healthier: Massive pies are their almost equally famous dessert.

Grandpa’s Cheesebarn (multiple locations, grandpascheesebarn.com) Grandpa’s Cheesebarn is a cheese lover’s paradise and a landmark in its own right. The jumbo barn, an icon of the I-71 interstate, is filled with hundreds of cheese varieties along with spreads, dips and even ice cream. Clevelanders eager for their fix were in luck in 2015 when a second location was added in Norton. While you’re there: Keep the old-fashioned quirkiness moving along at Ashland A&W Drive-In (1134 E Main St, Ashland, OH, 419-281-2658, ashland-wooster.com) with a root beer float and chili dog.

Heineman Winery (978 Catawba Ave., Put-In-Bay, OH, 419-285-2811, heinemanswinery.com) If you’re in need of a reminder of the wonders that lie just below our feet, head to Ohio’s oldest family-owned and operated winery, Heineman’s Winery on Put-In-Bay for a boozy tour of the world’s largest geode, Crystal Cave. The winery offers tours through the cave by guides who pair the majestic views with history lessons. You’ll pass a cascading waterfall along the way before heading into the earth, where shimmering Celestine crystals up to three feet long emerge around you. While you’re there: Check out Beer Barrel (324 Delaware Ave, Put-In-Bay, OH, 419-285-7281, beerbarrelpib.com) to pull up a seat at the world’s longest bar.

Hot Chicken Takeover (59 Spruce St, Columbus, OH, 614-800-4538, facebook.com/hotchickentakeover) The North Market public market should be on everyone’s agenda in Columbus. But before you shop the stands, you can fuel up on chicken and waffles at Hot Chicken Takeover. Gather around the long, communal tables and share the Nashville experience with friendly strangers. Tip: Stay tuned to their social media as they count down each day’s fresh and crispy pieces still available.

J & W Bar-B-Q (5644 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati, OH, 513-731-0679) Just as Cleveland fans rallied around the Seti’s Polish Boy truck when it was perennially parked at Dean’s Supply, Cincinnati has J & W. Sure, you’re not getting white table cloths and ambiance here, but it’s barbecue. Juicy, heaping portions of barbecue straight from the trailer, that is. Don’t expect to sit around at fancy tables. Turn J&W take-out into your own picnic.

Jungle Jim’s International Market (5440 Dixie Highway, Fairfield, OH, 513-674-6000; 4450 Eastgate South Dr., Cincinnati, OH, 513-674-6000, junglejims.com) Consider this 200,000-square-foot emporium a culinary world tour peppered with fun, offbeat décor and displays. With more than 150,000 products from around the world, Jungle Jim’s is a supermarket of the globetrotting variety. More than just a grocery store, it also hosts a cooking school, garden center and festivals throughout the year.