Some say ‘best’ means expensive. We disagree. Especially when gas prices are up, fine dining tabs are climbing, and driving an hour for dinner doesn’t spark the same thrill it once did. And while we appreciate a white-tablecloth splurge, nothing satisfies like a perfect Reuben, smoky barbecue, or farm-fresh pie for less than the cost of a tank of gas.
the note.
$ | (419) 884-7417 | WEBSITE
The Note’s concept is straightforward: grab a hot dog, some tater tots, and a cocktail—all for about $6 for a basic dog or $12 for a loaded specialty like the Carolina dog piled high with bacon bits. When you pull into the old bank building, the outdoor patio immediately catches your eye. Fire pits glow warmly, cornhole boards stand ready, and the drive-thru window serves up quick bites. Those efforts result in excellent restaurant-style hot dogs with tremendous value.
Just plan for weekends because the patio gets lively and the cocktails flow freely.
Wendy’s
$ | (419) 886-3553 | WEBSITE
The most expensive item on Wendy’s menu—a large Baconator combo—is only $12.49. Here, fresh and fast is the entire point. The Lexington location has been serving up square burgers and Frostys for decades, and quality has remained remarkably consistent. The burgers here are flavorful but not heavy, and the perfectly seasoned and crispy spicy chicken sandwich will satisfy your craving without breaking the bank.
JB’s Drive-In Restaurant
$ | (419) 884-0710 | WEBSITE
We never knew joy until we went to JB’s Drive-In Restaurant. Or at least we never knew the joy of a creamy, sweet peach Dole Whip swirled with real fruit. The casual spot near Lexington makes the best treats in town, served with classics like the Slaw Dog, Cheddar Poppers, and thick milshakes, all for less than $6.
The picnic table area offers a cozy atmosphere where families gather, and the friendly staff remembers regulars’ names, adding to the clean, pleasant dining experience that wraps up by 8 pm.
The Local At 97
$ | (419) 884-7117 | WEBSITE
A large Buffalo Chicken Pizza at The Local At 97, a lively bar-restaurant in Lexington, runs around $18. While this exceeds that $12, the pizza is enough for two people. Unless you recently completed a triathlon or need to fuel up for a long night of socializing, you won’t be able to finish an entire large pizza by yourself. So that $18 will supply you, your friends, and your friend’s friends with crispy Buffalo Chicken Pizza or savory Ruben Egg Rolls.
The portion-to-price ratio also applies to the appetizers and the entrees, including the popular fish and chips with a generous side of fries.
Panchos Tacos Bellville
$ | (419) 719-8135 | WEBSITE
This roadside gem serves the best street tacos in the county for only three bucks each. Located just off the highway, Panchos Tacos Bellville offers a handful of authentic Mexican dishes and plenty of friendly service. The folks behind the counter pile so much lengua, carnitas, and fresh salsa on the tacos, it qualifies as a religious experience. And that’s before the fajitas, toasty tortilla chips, and salsa verde get added.
You’ll want more than one, so bring cash in the form of a crisp $20—just be prepared to take it to go if the air conditioning’s acting up during a heat wave.
Gionino’s Pizzeria
$$ | (419) 884-8020 | WEBSITE
When you and a couple of hungry pals are craving something hearty without breaking the bank, head to Gionino’s Pizzeria. You can share a piping-hot Small Gionino’s Best pizza and a generous antipasto salad for around $25 total and still have enough left for a decent tip.
This Lexington pizzeria may be straightforward—simple booths and a counter where you grab your own napkins and condiments so the staff can focus on the food—but it’s satisfying and reliable, so overlook the grease-stained box and savor those crispy tater wedges.
East of Chicago
$ | (419) 884-9896 | WEBSITE
The pizzas from East of Chicago defy the laws of office catering—or at least the laws of how many toppings one delivery should handle. The large pepperoni pizza gets loaded with perfectly melted cheese, evenly spread sauce, and generous pepperoni slices, all arriving hot and fresh for only $14.99. Each slice tastes savory, slightly crispy, and satisfying especially if you request the lite sauce option they understand perfectly.
For all the cheese, toppings, and careful preparation on the pizza, it’s a wonder the box doesn’t buckle under the delicious weight.
Jackie’s Cheesecakes
$ | (419) 512-3250 | WEBSITE
Anyone with a sweet tooth can indulge at Jackie’s Cheesecakes on US 42, which might be why the display case looks like it belongs at a neighborhood bake sale. For $8, you can get a slice of the OG plain cheesecake or a pumpkin cupcake overflowing with spiced filling in a crumbly graham cracker cup. Use the extra dollars in your wallet to add a caramel mini and a coffee, then finish off the rogue crumbs caught by the cupcake’s paper liner.
Tito’s Cantina & Grill
$ | (419) 884-7189 | WEBSITE
Tito’s Cantina & Grill feels like a portal back to when meals were generous and wallets didn’t weep. Relive that era of uncomplicated satisfaction because nothing on their menu breaks the $12 mark. Go for the Super Todo Burrito—a behemoth stuffed with seasoned meats, beans, rice, and cheese that could feed a small family.
Don’t miss the Molcajete, a bubbling cauldron of cheesy broth with tender chicken and plump shrimp, or the Tacorea tacos that marry street-style corn tortillas with Korean BBQ flair, served with a side of spicy gochujang for dipping. Wash it down with a frosty Lemorita, a citrusy slush so large it requires two hands. The whole experience is swift and sweet, with servers who dart between tables like hummingbirds.
It’s the kind of place where you leave stuffed, smiling, and still have change jingling in your pocket.
Nickel & Bean
$ | (419) 884-7143 | WEBSITE
Nickel & Bean proves that only some things near Lexington require waiting in a long line to experience. The cozy cafe right off the bike trail serves coffee for $4, baked goods for $5, and a heavenly breakfast biscuit sandwich for $8, for which you’ll need to savor every bite. Nickel & Bean also has a beautifully decorated building with pleasant outdoor seating. Sitting in that space long enough counts as a mini-retreat, and they don’t even charge extra for that.