They say the best meals in Iowa aren’t found in big-city kitchens—they’re waiting for you off the highway. Step inside a truck stop diner and you’ll discover plates stacked high with pancakes, fried chicken that crackles at first bite, and pies baked with the kind of love you can’t fake.
These aren’t just pit stops. They’re flavor destinations that leave even city restaurants in the dust. From sizzling skillets at sunrise to broasted chicken dinners after dark, Iowa’s truck stop diners prove that great cooking doesn’t need a fancy zip code—it just needs hungry travelers ready to dig in.
Belgrade Gardens
Since 1933, Belgrade Gardens in Barberton, Ohio, has championed the iconic Barberton-style fried chicken. This family-run eatery serves chicken hand-breaded and slow-fried to perfection, accompanied by local favorites like hot sauce, coleslaw, and fries.
This place is not just a restaurant but a piece of northeastern Ohio heritage. Generations of locals swear by its traditional recipes. Want an authentic taste of Barberton chicken culture? Belgrade Gardens is the gold standard. It’s where culinary tradition meets nostalgia, wrapped in crispy, golden goodness.
The Crispy Coop
In Columbus, Ohio, The Crispy Coop redefines fried chicken with its modern, fast-casual approach. Known for its perfectly crunchy breading, The Crispy Coop offers classic, Nashville Hot, and Tennessee Mild versions. Accompanying sides like scratch-made mac & cheese and slaw add to the charm.
Fresh preparation, neighborhood service, and approachable prices make it a hit. Whether you’re grabbing a solo lunch or catering for a group, quality remains consistent. The focus on texture—crispy exterior, juicy interior—makes it a must-visit for chicken enthusiasts.
Hot Chicken Takeover
Hot Chicken Takeover brings the heat of Nashville-style chicken to Columbus, Ohio. Famous for its spice levels, it blends community mission with excellent frying techniques. The chicken is house-brined and spiced post-frying, offering options from tame to fiery. Accompanied by classic sides like mac, coleslaw, and hushpuppies, it’s a flavorful adventure.
Multiple locations make it accessible, and the family packs are perfect for gatherings. Beyond the heat, it’s the mission-focused workforce and consistent quality that endear it to locals.
The Eagle
Located in Cincinnati’s vibrant Over-the-Rhine, The Eagle offers a Southern-style fried chicken experience that’s hard to beat. Known for its house-brined, crispy chicken, it’s served in a bustling food-and-beer hall setting. Pair it with mac & cheese or collard greens for a complete meal.
Communal seating and an extensive craft beer selection enhance the lively atmosphere. The Eagle’s double-breaded pieces ensure juicy meat every time, making it a favorite for locals and visitors alike. Craftsmanship and comfort meet here.
Ron’s Roost
Ron’s Roost, a Cincinnati institution since 1960, is famed for its award-winning fried chicken and comforting fare. This family-owned restaurant serves up crispy, golden chicken in plate dinners, buckets, and buffet options.
Regulars praise the consistent breading and friendly service. It’s both a nostalgic nod to hometown cooking and a practical choice for takeout or group meals. As a cornerstone of Cincinnati’s chicken scene, Ron’s Roost is a must-visit for those exploring local culinary landmarks.
Just Chicken
Simplicity is key at Just Chicken in Columbus’s East Market. This minimalist spot focuses on doing one thing exceptionally well: fried chicken tenders and sandwiches. With choices limited to tenders, a signature sandwich, fresh-cut fries, and slaw, quality control is tight.
Reviewers love the crisp breading and juicy interior, making it a favorite in local food halls. Quick service and a focus on texture and seasoning over extras set it apart. For reliable fried chicken, Just Chicken is a clear winner.
Mya’s Fried Chicken
Mya’s Fried Chicken is a mobile sensation in Columbus, Ohio. Operating primarily as a food truck, it serves up flavorful, hand-battered tenders and sandwiches. Dedicated followers track its ever-changing locations via social media.
Known for its scratch sides and fresh frying, Mya’s captivates with its crispy breading and spice profile. It’s a grassroots hero in Ohio’s street-food scene, offering a taste of adventure and community wherever it parks. Mya’s is more than a meal; it’s a culinary journey on wheels.
CM Chicken
CM Chicken introduces the Korean-style double-fried chicken craze to Central Ohio. Known for its crackly exterior and sticky, flavorful sauces like soy garlic and spicy gochujang, it’s a taste explosion.
With locations in Henderson Rd, Grandview, and beyond, CM Chicken offers wings and boneless pieces with an emphasis on texture. The double-fry technique ensures a crunchy skin and juicy meat inside. For groups craving bold, shareable flavors, it’s a dynamic culinary destination beyond classic Southern styles.