Roadside Ohio: Food Finds

Buckeye Express Diner, Bellville
This train car turned classic diner is sure to light up the eyes of any Ohio State Buckeyes fan, with its surplus of Brutus memorabilia lining the walls, and classic, juicy burgers on the menu. The Buckeye Express Diner sits on a hilltop overlooking Interstate 71 in Bellville and has been a must-visit diner for Ohio State fans since Tony Morris opened the doors in 2008. The train car is originally from Roanoke, Virginia, but was moved to Belville where its red exterior and cowboys and indian statues have beckoned visitors. Inside, scarlet and grey reigns, as well as old locomotive artifacts, like coal shovels and lamps. 810 St. Rte. 97 W., Bellville 44813, 419/886-2900, buckeyeexpressdiner.com


Grandpa’s Cheesebarn, Ashland 
This Interstate 71 roadside shop has been a staple of the Ashland community since it opened doors in 1978. Original owners Ronda and Richard Poorbaugh purchased 20 acres of land and the barn residing on it, and the white building with bright yellow letters spelling out “Cheesebarn” has cemented itself as an Ohio icon. Grandpa’s Cheesebarn sells imported and local cheeses as well as pickles, dip mixes and preserves in its multistory shop. After getting your cheese and savory snack fix, head next door to Sweeties Chocolates to pick up candies and fudge. 668 U.S. 250 E., Ashland 44805, 419/281-3202, grandpascheesebarn.com


The Maid-Rite Sandwich Shoppe's Gum Wall, Greenville 
The brick walls of The Maid-Rite Sandwich Shoppe in Greenville are dotted with whites, grays and reds. What looks like a public art installation is actually a collection of chewed-up gum that has become a longstanding tradition in Greenville. The restaurant was opened in 1934 by Louise Maher, and has remained a local favorite since, serving up loose meat sandwiches on golden-brown buns. When people were walking into the restaurant, instead of throwing their gum on the ground, they would stick it on the wall, and the massive collection remains (and is added to) today. 125 N. Broadway St., Greenville 45331, 937/548-9340, maidrite-greenville.com

For more Ohio travel inspiration, sign up for our Ohio Magazine newsletters. 

Ohio Magazine is available in a beautifully designed print issue that is published 7 times a year, along with Spring-Summer and Fall-Winter editions of LongWeekends magazine. Subscribe to Ohio Magazine and stay connected to beauty, adventure and fun across our state.

More Roadside Ohio: Bizzare Homes | Food Finds | Gravesites, Memorials and Monuments | Larger Than Life | Man-Made Marvels | Unusual Museums and Objects | Wildlife & Natural Wonders