Bagel & deli
Travel

Ohio Road Trips: College-Town Eats

Whether you’re making a return trip or visiting for the first time, you can’t go wrong grabbing a bite at these landmark eateries.

Bagel & Deli, Oxford: Although this favorite spot for Miami University students has a menu of nearly 90 bagel sandwiches, each visit provides a chance to change that. Established in 1975, this shop offers customers the option to build their own sandwich and — if you devise something creative enough to make the grade — it could end up becoming a full-time addition to the menu. 119 E. High St., Oxford 45056, 513/523-2131, bagelanddeli.com 

Ray’s Place, Kent: This downtown landmark that dates back to 1937 is a favorite of students and alums alike. Craft beer fans will appreciate the 64 taps, and the menu features a lineup of creative burgers, including the Mo-Fo — a classic double cheeseburger with bacon, sauteed mushrooms and the works that Iron Chef Michael Symon recommended on Food Network’s “The Best Thing I Ever Ate.” 135 Franklin Ave., Kent 44240, 330/673-2233, raysplacekent.com

Casa Nueva, Athens: Located in the eat-local heart of southeast Ohio, this employee-owned restaurant opened in 1985 and has been a longtime favorite of Ohio University students and Athens residents. The menu of primarily local, sustainable ingredients makes for a fun and fresh twist on Mexican cuisine. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and features a seasonal menu alongside its year-round staples. 6 W. State St., Athens 45701, 740/592-2016, casanueva.com

Campus Pollyeyes, Bowling Green: Sure, it’s a pizza place, but it’s really a breadsticks place — and very famous ones for anyone who has spent a portion of winter at Bowling Green State University. This casual spot near campus offers full or half orders of breadsticks stuffed with cheese, chicken and cheese, or roast beef and cheese and a choice of five sauces ranging from pizza sauce to house ranch. 440 E. Court St., Bowling Green 43402, 419/352-9638, campuspollyeyes.com

Buckeye Donuts, Columbus: Open since 1969, this shop near The Ohio State University campus is open 24 hours a day and serves a deep selection of classic and fancy doughnut flavors for prices even college students can appreciate. Buckeye Donuts also serves breakfast, gyros with housemade tzatziki sauce and made-to-order salads. 1998 N. High St., Columbus 43201, 614/291-3923, buckeyedonuts.net

State Parks on the Water | Minor League Ballparks | Adams County Quilt Barns | Antique Superstores | Gardens | Retro Diners | College-Town Eats | Quirky Museums | Night Skies