Some people judge a tavern by its burgers, but the real test is the appetizer basket. A good fried mushroom should be crisp outside and juicy inside, and a great onion ring should hold together without sliding out of its breading.
Ohio has plenty of neighborhood pubs that take these two bar-food classics seriously, from Canton to Cincinnati. Here are six tavern kitchens where the fryer basket is the main event, so grab a friend and plan a snack run.
1. Tim’s Tavern, Canton, OH
Canton has been heading to Parkway Street for fried fish for more than 50 years. Tim’s Tavern leans into a nautical theme, and its kitchen knows its way around a batter bowl.
The beer-battered mushrooms are the reason this stop leads the list. They come out crispy and flavorful, and they pair nicely with the house perch dinner if you want to make a full meal of it.
Beer-Battered Onion Rings sit right on the menu too, along with homemade hush puppies, fried pickles, and slaw. Fried green tomatoes and crab cakes give repeat visitors something new to try.
Service moves fast, and the room stays clean and casual. There is a kids’ menu and high chairs, so families fit right in.
Hours run 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. most days, with Friday and Saturday going until 9 p.m. Friday evening brings the biggest crowd, so an earlier visit is the smart move.
2. Shawn’s Irish Tavern in Waterville, OH, Waterville, OH
Onion rings at an Irish pub might not be the first thing you think of ordering. At Shawn’s in downtown Waterville, though, they may be the smartest call on the menu.
The rings here earn serious loyalty. The fried mushroom appetizer is a solid companion, and it arrives with cocktail sauce instead of the usual ranch, which makes for a fun change of pace.
Beyond the fryer, the menu covers fish and chips, pizza, burgers, a Reuben plate, French onion soup, and shepherd’s pie. Lots of TVs make it an easy pick on game day.
Late hours are a bonus. The kitchen opens at 11 a.m. daily and stays open until 11 p.m., or midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
Curbside pickup and delivery are available, and dogs are welcome on the outdoor seating area.
3. Carmichael’s Pub, Dayton, OH
Here is a fun bit of trivia: Carmichael’s Pub on Wayne Avenue operates out of a former McDonald’s. Today it is a Cleveland Browns themed hangout, which is a bold choice in Dayton.
The deep-fried mushrooms have a strong following, and plenty of regulars call them the best around. Onion rings, fried pickles, and hand-cut fries round out a very capable fryer lineup.
Burgers get just as much attention. Look for the juicy Lucy, the pesto burger, the Cowboy Burger, and a portobello mushroom burger for anyone who cannot get enough mushrooms.
Portions are generous and prices are friendly. Live music and karaoke add some fun to the evenings.
The hours are unusual in the best way. Doors open at 6 a.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. on weekends, with the pub staying open until 2:30 a.m.
Reservations are not accepted.
4. TK’S Hangout Pub and Patio, Columbus, OH
Horseradish dip is the detail that sets TK’S apart. The fried mushroom appetizer uses fresh mushrooms, breaded and fried, with that zippy dip on the side.
The Onion Rings Side is just as strong. They are hand made and cut thick, which is exactly what you want from a ring that has to stand up to dunking.
This North High Street pub keeps the menu fun. Reuben egg rolls, loaded tots, seasoned waffle fries, a veggie burger, and salads like Cobb and taco give the table plenty to share.
I would save this one for a nice evening, since the patio is part of the name and part of the appeal. Live music shows up here too.
A free parking lot makes the stop simple. The kitchen opens at 11 a.m. daily, closing at 9 p.m.
Tuesday through Thursday and 10 p.m. the rest of the week.
5. Fat Head’s Brewery, Canton, OH
Bring an appetite and a few friends. The fried mushroom appetizer at Fat Head’s arrives as a mound, and it is easily one of the biggest portions on this list.
The mushrooms come out large and crispy with a generous coat of breading. Onion rings share the spotlight, and together they are often the highlight of the meal.
Fat Head’s is known for its award-winning brews, but non-drinkers have options too, including a house-brewed root beer. The menu stretches to burgers, pizza, flatbreads, sandwiches, and French onion soup.
Diners with dietary needs will find a full vegan menu and even a braille menu. Kids’ menus and high chairs are available, and dogs are allowed.
Hours vary by day. Monday opens at 4 p.m., Tuesday through Friday at noon, and weekends at 11 a.m.
No reservations, so Saturday afternoons can get busy.
6. Newtown Village Tavern Pizza, Cincinnati, OH
Main Street in the Village of Newtown is home to a no-fuss tavern that does pizza and fryer favorites side by side. It is simple, relaxed, and easy on the wallet.
The fried mushrooms are a strong reason to stop, and they pair well with a pizza for the table. Onion rings are on the side menu too.
Fried green beans with ranch are the sleeper hit. Hoagies, salads, and a cauliflower crust pizza give the menu more range than the name suggests.
Families will feel at home with a kids’ menu, high chairs, and an outdoor dining area where dogs are welcome. Takeout and delivery work well for a night in.
The tavern opens at 11 a.m. daily and closes at 10 p.m., or 9 p.m. on Sundays. Reservations are not taken, and Friday evening is the busiest stretch.
Six taverns, six takes on the fryer basket. Pick the closest one, order both appetizers, and decide for yourself which Ohio kitchen deserves bragging rights.
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