Here they are. All in one place.
The Daily Record has been doing a What’s Cooking dining guide since Feb. 5, 2024. We may have missed a week or two along the way, but not many. The stories publish each Monday at The-Daily-Record.com.
We have featured just shy of nearly 80 restaurants, coffee shops and food trucks, and there are many more to do. If you know of one we should feature, email the idea to news@the-daily-record.com and will see what we can do.
As we hit the 18-month mark, we thought we’d gather our stories and give you access all of them in one place. Click on the links to discover menu favorites at these eateries. And, add this story to your favorites and check it out when you’re looking for something new to try.
The stories debuted Feb. 5, 2024, featuring Bags, Millersburg and its plans for Valentine’s Day specials.
The Hard Hat, Wooster
One of the iconic eateries in Wooster found its niche a long time ago and has continued to serve up hearty and delicious breakfast specials at a fair price ever since. The Hard Hat, 845 Spruce St., is open for breakfast and lunch, 6 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 5:30 a.m.-noon Saturdays.
Cider Press Restaurant and Cider Bar, Millersburg
The Cider Press Restaurant and Cider Bar, located on West Jackson Street in Millersburg, features fresh ingredients from local farms and producers.
Rebecca’s Bistro, Walnut Creek
If the warm, friendly atmosphere doesn’t leave you feeling satisfied, the comfort foods served at Rebecca’s Bistro in Walnut Creek certainly will do the trick.
Blue Moon Bistro, Holmesville
Shyann Galvan’s dream of owning her own restaurant has been everything she wanted and more. Since opening Blue Moon Bistro in 2021, the restaurant at 7501 state Route 83 in Holmesville has been a popular stop for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Beef O’Brady’s, Wooster
After nearly two years of serving up sumptuous burgers and other tasty delicacies, Beef O’Brady’s is rolling out new menu items. The popular five-cheese burger as well asthefresh hand-breaded chicken tenders are among the favorite items that still will be featured, and local owner Michelle Holcomb is looking forward to adding some new items.
Big D’s Soul-B-Q, Local Roots, Wooster
A passion for cooking and grilling led David Newberry-Yokley on a new direction in life. He didn’t exactly have a plan, but he knew it was time for a change. A friend of his suggested he should do what he loves to do, which is cook. “That kind of got me started thinking about what I could do,” he said. That ended up being a food business he calls Big D’s Soul-B-Q.
Green Leaf, Wooster
The Green Leaf Restaurant puts the family in family style restaurant, and has for nearly 60 years.
Mariola Italian, Wooster
Mariola Italian is a fairly new kid on the food block, providing some tempting Italian cuisine.
Muddy’s, Wooster
Visitors to Muddy’s at 335 E. Liberty, Wooster, can enjoy some quality sandwiches off the grill all day long, beginning with breakfast at 7 a.m. The breakfasts include the popular Skinny Cowboy, a three-egg omelet with mushrooms, peppers and onions, turkey and provolone wrapped in a flour tortilla and grille.
Maw Maw’s Diner, Millersburg
Having grown up visiting truck stops and diners across the country with her father, Bonnie “Maw Maw” Crider had a good idea what a good diner should feature − great food, in a family friendly atmosphere and a place people want to come again and again. And that is what she has created at Maw Maw’s Diner, located at 11058 State Route 39, west of Millersburg, when she bought the former Corner Kitchen in 2020.
Caribou Cabin, Wooster
Caribou Coffee, a national premium coffeehouse and Panera Brands company, teamed for a new Caribou Cabin location that opened in Wooster in November.
Black Fork Bistro, Loudonville
While a variety of tasty burgers are the main draw, the diverse menu at Black Fork Bistro on West Main Street in Loudonville is what makes the two-tiered restaurant so inviting.
Der Dutchman, Walnut Creek
As the calendar turns to May, Der Dutchman Restaurant in Walnut Creek is celebrating 55 years of providing Amish kitchen cooking to the abundance of tourists who make their way to Holmes County as well as the locals who enjoy a great deal on dining.
Olde World Bistro, Berlin
Olde World Bistro & Bakery is more than just another restaurant in Holmes County. It was born in the spirit of healthy hospitality. Mandy Beachy and her husband, Keith, have been building the business at 4363 State Route 39 (across from Hiland High School) near Berlin since 2008.
Orr Valley Creamery, Wooster and Orrville
On a visit to either Orr Valley Creamery location, customers can expect a warm welcome, fast and friendly service with a smile, and unforgettable custard, hand dipped ice cream and other delicious hot food offerings. “Our motto is Scooping Happiness Into Life and we practice what we preach,” said Diane Jarrett, who along with her husband, Mike, opened the original store at 1402 N. Main St., Orrville, in October 2022. “We are excited to open as Orr Valley Creamery in our newest location, the former Guerne Heights Drive-in at 3004 Dover Road, Wooster.”
Curry Pot, Wooster
For a taste of the authentic Indian cuisine, the Curry Pot in Wooster is available for lunch and dinner featuring tandoori specials, soups, salads and a variety of vegan/vegetarian entrees.
Golden Bear, Apple Creek
One of Wayne County’s longstanding traditions has been savoring the sweets at the Golden Bear Drive-in Restaurant on West Main Street in Apple Creek.
Millersburg Domino’s, Millersburg
One of the newest dining venues in Millersburg is one with a familiar name. A neighborhood Domino’s opened last month at 181 W. Jackson St.
Brick Street Kitchen & Taproom, Orrville
Brick Street Kitchen & Taproom is a familiar spot at 226 W. Market St. in Orrville, with a whole new look, menu and atmosphere.
Mrs. J’s Restaurant, Orrville
Breakfast all day is the winning concept that has made Mrs J’s Restaurant in Orrville a popular dining spot since 1988.
Daybreak Bistro, Millersburg
Since opening its doors last August, Daybreak Bistro in Millersburg has been enjoying a steady stream of satisfied customers who have been clamoring for more.
Solo Way Ukranian Restaurant, Berlin
Since escaping the Ukraine nearly three years ago when the Russian invasion began, the Tkachuk family has been pursuing the American Dream in Holmes County. They brought with them their grandmother’s recipes for borscht, honey cakes and other Ukrainian delights and have made them part of the menu at Solo Way Ukrainian Restaurant.
Dalton Dari-ette, Dalton
A popular oasis for locals and weary travelers along US Route 30 at state Route 94 is Dalton Dari-ette Drive In.
HeBrews, Shreve
As August approaches (2024), HeBrews Coffee on South Market Street in Shreve will celebrate a milestone.
LincWay Cafe & Market, Dalton
LincWay Cafe & Market is one piece of the puzzle that is LincWay, a multi-faceted business in Dalton off U.S Route 30.
Route 52 Diner & Coffee Shop, Kidron
Lefteris and Aris Charalampidis are happy to share their Greek heritage as part of the fare at the Route 52 Diner & Coffee Shop located in the lower level of the Kidron Town & Country on Kidron Road in Kidron.
Village Creamery & Grill, Shreve
At Village Creamery & Grill in Shreve, summer fare is always in season, as smash burgers and ice cream treats are among the favorite items on the menu.
Holy Lederhosen, Holmesville-based food truck
Using nearly 40 years of restaurant experience while celebrating their German heritage, Sean and Heather Allen of Holmesville opened Holy Lederhosen!, a Bavarian flavored food truck.
Hotel Millersburg, Millersburg
The Tavern Food & Spirits is a new restaurant in a familiar location. Located in the Hotel Millersburg at 35 W. Jackson St., Laurie Keaton is the new restaurant owner, opening after the hotel closed the former restaurant there nearly two years ago.
Table Rock Pizzaria, Berlin
Signature pies, New York style, are the specialty at Table Rock Pizzeria in Berlin.
Lem’s Pizza, Wings, Subs, Ice Cream & Coffee, Fredericksburg
For nearly 30 years, Mark Lemon and his crew at Lem’s Pizza, Wings, Subs, Ice Cream & Coffee in Fredericksburg have been satisfying hungry folks with their delicious treats.
31 Bistro, Wooster
Opening a restaurant during the pandemic led to a slow start, but thanks to good food, friendly service and fair prices, 31 Bistro has weathered the storm and turned into a popular eatery in Wooster.
Shelly’s Uptown Grill, Doylestown
Shelly’s Uptown Grill in Doylestown marked its five-year anniversary Oct. 3. Owned by Shelly Thomas, a former lab technician, the restaurant has grown into a local favorite known for its welcoming atmosphere and homemade dishes.
Sassy Shay’s Twisted Mac N Eatz, food truck, Wayne County
Cory Gray has been around food for most of his life, so the fact he owns and operates a small fleet of food trucks is no big surprise. Sassy Shay’s Twisted Mac N Eatz caters weddings, graduations and other life-event celebrations, along with a presence at the Wayne and Holmes counties’ fairs and other locations.
Sure House Coffee, Wooster
Sure House Coffee is more than just a coffee shop − it’s a community-driven project born from friendship and faith.
Jr.’s Place Barbecue, food truck, Holmes County
Ervin Yoder Jr. and his wife, Elsie, have put their love for cooking and serving together to create JR’s Place Barbecue, a popular food truck based in Holmes County.
Bosco’s Pizza Kitchen, Wooster
About a dozen years ago a family name long assosicated with pizza and pasta fare in Wooster started Bosco’s Pizza Kitchen, and just over a year ago the local store was bought by yet another familiar name, especially to those who pay attention to Wooster sports.
City Square Steakhouse, Wooster
The recent renovation at The City Square Steakhouse has enhanced the dining experience at one of downtown Wooster’s premier restaurants for the past 15 years.
Orrville Sports Pub, Orrville
Orrville Sports Pub is building its reputation on the food that’s served − pasta, sandwiches, burgers, salads and wings.
Tulipan Bakery & Coffee Shop, Wooster
Tulipan Bakery & Coffee Shop in downtown Wooster, was founded by Hungarian immigrant Elizabeth Lakatos who created a store with Hungarian treats customers have been savoring for the past 20 years.
Pittmasters Pizzaria, Millersburg
With years of experience in the restaurant business behind him, Steve Keim decided to use that knowledge to open his own pizza parlor, and Pitmasters Pizzeria in Millersburg was born earlier this year.
MARR’s CAFE, Orrville
What began as a small café during the COVID-19 pandemic has grown into a thriving business for Mike Middleton and Rachel Drake, the husband-and-wife team behind MARR’s Café.
Downtown Diner, Berlin
The opportunity to own their own restaurant was too good to pass up, so Dave and Ina Weaver dove in and have relished the experience since taking over the Downtown Diner located on the square in downtown Berlin.
Dutch Kitchen, Dalton
Dutch Kitchen has been a part of Wayne County for nearly 30 years, serving up homestyle meals and fresh-baked goods.
Buckeye Deli, Nashville
A conversation on a whim turned into a business opportunity Aaron Galbraith and his fiance, Katy Domer, have turned into The Patio, an extension of Buckeye Deli in Nashville.
Beacon Cafe, Winesburg
The Beacon Cafe in Winesburg is a quaint little shop where customers can enjoy a breakfast special, lunch or savor some of the specialty coffees prepared by barristas.
Orrville & Chill, Orrville
In a move to breathe new life into an underutilized dining room, a new concept − kind of like a restaurant within a restaurant − opened New Year’s Day at East Chicago Pizza in Orrville.
Ginger House Coffee, Berlin
A variety of specialty coffee drinks mixed with delicious breakfast and lunch selections are the main staples at Ginger House Coffee. Pastries and hand-dipped ice cream also are on the menu.
Gigi’s Diner, Marshallville
Family recipes and good old-fashioned home cooking are part of the appeal at a Marshallville diner where morning fare is especially popular. The menu at Gigi’s Diner is packed with homemade favorites, especially at breakfast time.
Wild Fox Cafe, Kidron
Six months since opening its doors, Wild Fox Café already has made a mark on the community with its creative drinks, fresh menu and welcoming atmosphere.
Crafty Cravings Crochet and Cheesecake Boutique, Winesburg
After years of making and selling cheesecake out of her home, Tara Hostetler has set up shop in Winesburg, combining her tasty treats at Crafty Cravings Crochet and Cheesecake Boutique.
The Faithful Little Cupcake, Orrville
About 150 dozen −that’s 1,800 − cupcakes a week is the one and only reason the inside of The Faithful Little Cupcake in Orrville is thick with the aroma of freshly baked cake and sweet frosting.
Spoon Bar & Deli, Wooster
A regular hot spot for lunch, Spoon Bar & Deli is becoming a popular evening dining destination on weekends thanks to its smash burgers and live entertainment.
The Depot, Rittman
Nestled near the railroad tracks in Rittman, The Depot isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a piece of the city’s history.
Miller’s Creamery, Millersburg
When people think of Miller’s Creamery, ice cream treats generally come to mind. Its homemade sherbets and ice cream cakes are famous throughout Holmes and Tuscarawas counties.
The Granary, at Pine Tree Barn, Wooster
What began as a simple Christmas tree farm in the 1970s has blossomed into a favorite Wayne County dining destination. The Pine Tree Barn’s restaurant, The Granary, co-owned by Julie Kilbourne and her husband, Matt, is a place where history, hospitality, and homemade flavors come together.
TJ’s Restaurant, Wooster
For over six decades TJ’s Restaurant has been a cornerstone of Wooster’s dining scene. Founded in 1964 by the owner’s father and uncle, the establishment has remained a family-run business.
Village Cafe + Creamery, Winesburg
The Village Cafe + Creamery in Wineburg has been steadily building its business over the past three years by providing quality food and good service at fair prices.
Hero House, Wooster
Tucked away on a busy Wooster street, Hero House has been a community fixture for more than 50 years, serving up hearty, no-frills subs with a homemade touch.
Tarragon at the Inn at Honey Run, Millersburg
Nestled in one of Holmes County’s quaint getaways is a restaurant that prides itself in providing an exceptional experience at every visit. Tarragon at The Inn at Honey Run on County Road 203 near Millersburg features a brunch menu in until 1 p.m. and a dinner menu in the evening.
Exclusively Yours, Millersburg
With a lifetime of expeirence feeding hungry soldiers, Charlie Bauer has a pretty good idea what works when it comes to feeding the general public. And when the opportunity arose to become the catering service for Harvest Ridge Event Center at the Holmes County Fairgrounds, he and his partner, Chris Goines, jumped at it. Exclusively Yours Catering has been providing the dining fare for all the events that have taken place at Harvest Ridge since opening in in 2016.
Market Grill, Wooster
After five months of renovations and planning, The Market Grill & Tavern has made a comeback in downtown Wooster.
Charm Pizza, Charm
By giving customers what they want, which includes a variety of dining options, Charm Pizza Co. has established itself as a unique dining stop for locals and tourists alike.
La Palma Mexican Grill, Millersburg
La Palma Mexican Grill in Millersburg has been growing and growing, starting when it opened its doors in the old Birdie’s Restaurant building along West Jackson Sreet nearly 20 years, continuing after it moved in 2016 to a larger space closer to the square.
Des Dutch Essenhaus, Shreve
For near 50 years, Des Dutch Essenhaus has been serving homemade comfort food to customers in southeastern Wayne County.
Killbuck Sweet Shoppe, Killbuck
Becky Forrer always wanted to open a little place that offered good, hom- cooked meals, and that is what she has at the Killbuck Sweet Shoppe.
The Leaf, Wooster
Born from pandemic boredom and a passion for creativity, Leaf Restaurant sprouted into a vibrant dining spot in downtown Wooster.
The Mexican Grill, Berlin
Following the success of his Mexican restaurant in Millersburg, La Palma owner Alejandro Montes decided to expand east to give the tourists an alternative to Amish cooking. And the Berlin locals have made it a regular spot as well.
JAFB, Wooster
What started as a college student’s fascination with craft beer turned into a thriving business that has been pouring pints for more than a decade. JAFB, founded by Paul Fryman, opened the last week of July 2012 with little more than word-of-mouth and a passion for great beer.
Olde House Cookery, Berlin
The opportunity to own and operate her own food business came available recently, and Teresa Morris couldn’t pass it up.
Best Spudz, Orrville-based food truck
Daniel Kaser had been working at a factory for 14 years when a casual conversation with a coworker changed his life. “Less than a year later after that talk, we were up and going,” Kaser said about Best Spudz food truck.
Jitters Coffee House, Millersburg
For nearly 15 years, Jitters Coffee House in Millersburg has been a place for folks to gather to enjoy a specialty coffee, a donut and other treats.
7 Scoops, Smithville
Mike and Stacey Geinzer always dreamed of owning a business. This year, that dream became reality when they opened 7 Scoops, a family-run ice cream and grill shop in Smithville.
Millersburg Brewing Co., Millersburg
Millersburg Brewing Company is known for its award-winning brews, but the downtown establishment is making a name for itself with the outstanding burgers and other dining delights.
The Carpenter’s Cup, Smithville
In a 100-year-old former Pure Oil gas station on Main Street in Smithville, Sarah and Jon Hubacher opened The Carpenter’s Cup in 2013. The building retains much of its original charm, with Sarah calling their work “a form of ministry” and Jon carving furniture from Hubacher Originals beside the espresso machine.
McKelvey’s Pub, Millersburg
At McKelvey’s Pub in Millersburg, the pizza and other pub grub has been making customers happy in the nearly 10 years since it opened in March 2016.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: WHAT’S COOKING: Ultimate guide to local dining from The Daily Record – 70-plus eateries
Reporting by Wooster Daily Record/USA TODAY NETWORK / The Daily Record
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