If you find yourself in Hillsboro, OH, you’re bound to get hungry at some point. Maybe you’re visiting family who insists on showing you their hometown, or you’re passing through on a road trip and need more than gas station snacks. Or perhaps you’re rediscovering small-town charm and realize that chain restaurants just won’t cut it anymore. Either way, these 11 spots are where you’ll want to eat.
Beechwood Pizza & Carryout
$ | (937) 393-4353 | WEBSITE
Beechwood Pizza & Carryout is another great pizza spot in Hillsboro where you’ll find excellent pies and plenty of space to sit and revel in the wholesome live music energy. The pizza is excellent (the owners and employees are considered super nice and the service remains good despite being busy), but so are the combo deep fried veggies and vegetarian options with tomatoes, green peppers, and mushrooms.
Beechwood works equally well for casual group hangs and family dinners—just maybe not during busy Friday nights when wait times can stretch.
62 Classics’ Diner LLC
$ | (937) 661-6113 | WEBSITE
Hillsboro is known for its classic American diners that specialize in all-day breakfast and hearty comfort food. 62 Classics’ Diner is one of them, and it’s famous for its thick and creamy chocolate malt milkshake and chunky, tasty chili. There’s a straightforward menu—instead, the friendly staff will guide you through the breakfast options and daily specials, and if you’re lucky, hand you a sample of those great breakfast potatoes to taste.
You can get an excellent Texas tenderloin sandwich with crispy fries and a side of coleslaw any day that they’re open, but be prepared for a short wait on weekend mornings, when they serve the acclaimed all-day breakfast specials. Bring about $10–15 per person, and ask for extra napkins.
Ninja Japanese Steakhouse
$ | (937) 661-6106 | WEBSITE
Ninja Japanese Steakhouse feels like it’s trying to hit all the squares on a Japanese restaurant Bingo card—there’s the sizzling teppanyaki grill, the impressive sushi presentation sometimes with fire around it, and a menu that includes ramen, sushi, and unique cocktails. But what really stands out here are the generous portions and reasonable prices. Order your own ramen with rich broth and marinated egg or their impressive sushi that comes with a show.
They also have a welcoming atmosphere that makes it perfect for group dining, so feel free to show up with friends whenever you feel like enjoying a hearty meal and signing off from your day.
Papa Johns Pizza
$ | (937) 402-2012 | WEBSITE
Much like pizza, there’s an endless and ongoing debate about what makes a great slice. The pies at Papa Johns score a point for Hillsboro, and are everything you want pizza to be: hot, fresh, and always come out super fast. There will likely be a line at the counter if you come on a busy Friday night, but it moves quickly enough that you’ll be in and out with a pepperoni pizza or a ‘clean cut’ option for allergies before you know it.
If you need a recipe for a perfect easy evening, start the night by grabbing a pizza at Papa Johns, then take it home for a low-hassle dinner.
Little Caesars Pizza
$ | (937) 402-4571 | WEBSITE
From the outside, Little Caesars Pizza looks like the type of chain pizza place that you’d reluctantly grab a lukewarm slice from when you’re in a hurry. In reality, it’s actually a local spot in Hillsboro that offers a quaint dining experience with friendly and professional staff. There are plenty of places in town for fast food and quick bites, so it’s nice to know that Little Caesars has a sit-down option when you want a decent pizza without the drive-thru rush.
Gold Star
$ | (937) 393-4422 | WEBSITE
Yes, there are a lot of family-friendly spots in Hillsboro (and most of Ohio, for that matter), but we’re especially glad that a place like Gold Star exists as a more updated option that’ll satisfy both grandparents and their grandchildren. You’ll find consistently hot and delicious food, friendly and sweet staff, and a beautiful, spacious dining room, but the atmosphere is more suited for a comfortable family gathering than your typical cramped diner.
Sit at one of the large, long tables on a weekend afternoon with your family, tell waitresses like Shyann or Shay you want some recommendations from the menu, and let them take it from there.
The Patriot Public House
$$ | (937) 402-4321 | WEBSITE
The Patriot Public House is a great American spot that serves portions large enough to share and dishes that’ll hit all your hearty, comfort food cravings. Come here for classics like skewered shrimp, ribs, and pulled pork meals, but do try one of each of the BBQ pork, sausage, smoked wings, and fish sandwiches.
This is another great takeout and delivery option, but they also have a beautifully remodeled dining area that’s ideal for grabbing a quick lunch after watching your nephew’s baseball game at the local park.
Ponderosa
$ | (937) 393-4007 | WEBSITE
Ponderosa is Hillsboro’s top-tier buffet destination. This family-friendly, all-you-can-eat spot is known for its fried chicken and hot bar, and it’s worth checking out both the hot and cold vegetable options for a complete meal experience. Unlike some buffets, Ponderosa also has pleasant staff who refill drinks and clear plates while you enjoy your selections.
You’ll be surrounded by families and groups, with plenty of space for gatherings and even customers who drive from Hamilton for the experience.
Bob Evans
$ | (937) 393-4976 | WEBSITE
Bob Evans has a clean dining room with friendly and caring servers who handle the workload well despite being understaffed, making the service outstanding. The food is good and served quickly, with the breakfast menu being particularly impressive—the Homestead Farmer Breakfast is a favorite among customers. The restaurant also offers a variety of other dishes, including the Cod Dinner, and the staff is pleasant and helpful, always making it right if there’s an issue.
For around $12-$18 per entrée, it’s a reliable spot that satisfies every suburbanite’s basic needs: hearty meals, consistent quality, and a welcoming atmosphere.
#1 China Buffet
$ | (937) 393-2338 | WEBSITE
#1 China Buffet has a prime spot in Hillsboro, and you’ll want to head straight for their main dining area. It’s a classic Chinese buffet complete with spacious layouts, wheelchair-friendly access with no stairs, and heaping plates of fresh options.
#1 China Buffet not only serves up plentiful dishes with attractive presentation, but it also creates memorable dinner experiences, since you’ll see families and friends gathering together, like local regulars enjoying the friendly, attentive staff to out-of-towners making it a destination meal. The staff greet everyone with smiles, keeping the atmosphere warm and inviting throughout your visit.
50 Freeze Dairy Bar
$ | (937) 393-2448 | WEBSITE
Saying there are a lot of family-friendly spots in Hillsboro is like saying kids are sort of into ice cream. In this town, you’ll find lots of chain restaurants where the venn diagram of people who wholeheartedly enjoy plastic playgrounds and who wouldn’t look out of place with ketchup-stained shirts is largely a circle.
That being said, there are few places that really stand out as nostalgic favorites to get a great blueberry cone and enjoy a meal that won’t require searching for parking and navigating outdated equipment.