Evander Jones
Ohio kids in the ’80s had a golden era of snacks. The flavors were richer, the portions were bigger, and no one worried about sugar or calories. Every bite felt like a small celebration of the state’s love for comfort food, with some treats so unforgettable they still hold a special place in hearts today. Let’s take a trip back to those delicious childhood memories.
Cincinnati Chili Cheese Coney
A chili dog like no other. Piled high with shredded cheddar and packed with a spiced chili unique to Cincinnati, this masterpiece was messy. Unlike the bean-filled chili found elsewhere, Cincinnati-style chili is almost sauce-like, with a hint of cinnamon, nutmeg, and even chocolate.
Tony Packo’s Hot Dogs
Tony Packo’s Hungarian-style hot dogs had a snap that regular franks couldn’t match. The secret? A specially spiced sausage put inside a perfectly steamed bun, topped with mustard and their signature chili sauce. Smothered in their legendary topping, these hot dogs made a simple meal special.
Lawson’s Chip Dip
Every party had it. Thick and dangerously addictive, Lawson’s French onion chip dip turned plain potato chips into something magical. Made with real sour cream and packed with rich onion flavor, it had a perfect balance of tang and saltiness. Grocery store knockoffs tried to compete, but nothing matched the original.
Sloopy’s Pizza
Sloopy’s was the kind of place people talked about like a well-kept secret. Based in Port Clinton, Ohio, this local favorite built a loyal following with its generous cheese and sauce that had just the right kick. While it might not be a name across Ohio, those who’ve had it know there’s something special about this place.
Isaly’s Klondike Bar
“What would you do for a Klondike Bar?” Before the catchy jingle, Ohio kids were already hooked. Isaly’s created this chocolate-covered ice cream square, and no freezer was complete without a stack of them. The crisp, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate coating perfectly complemented the creamy vanilla ice cream inside.
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream
Summer in Ohio wasn’t complete without a stop at Handel’s. The portions were massive, the flavors were endless, and every bite was rich and creamy. Founded in Youngstown in 1945, Handel’s built a reputation for using only the best ingredients. Their homemade ice cream was thicker, denser, and packed with authentic flavors.
Frisch’s Big Boy Sandwich
A double-decker burger dripping with tartar sauce might sound unusual, but Ohio kids knew better. Frisch’s Big Boy was in a league of its own. Two fresh beef patties stacked with shredded lettuce, American cheese, and pickles, all smothered in their signature tartar sauce. That sauce was what set it apart.
Peppy’s Old Fashioned Pizza Rolls
Before frozen pizza rolls became a freezer staple, Ohio kids had Peppy’s. These were packed with real cheese and quality toppings, all wrapped in a golden crust. Heated in the oven, they had the perfect crunch outside and gooey goodness inside. Peppy’s made after-school snacks something to look forward to.
Jungle Jim’s Crazy Snacks
A trip to Jungle Jim’s meant walking into a wonderland of weird and wonderful snacks. This was an amusement park for food lovers. From exotic candy to soda flavors nobody else had, Jungle Jim’s had it all. The sheer variety made every trip feel like an adventure.
Anthony-Thomas Buckeyes
No Ohio childhood was complete without buckeyes. Anthony-Thomas made some of the best, with smooth milk chocolate coating a peanut butter center that melted in your mouth. Unlike store-bought peanut butter cups, these had a homemade taste. Every holiday, school fundraiser, or family gathering seemed to feature a plate of these bite-sized treats.
