Tired of fast food? Find new options with an essential guide to Tiffin's local restaurants

by NICOLE BEARD
Staff writer

Tiffin might seem like corn country to some, but it's home to a couple of top notch eateries you've got to taste to believe. So if you're looking for something to do or a place to eat, try one of these fine establishments. Here is a food guide to Tiffin: the top thirteen places to eat before you graduate. 

photo by NICK BUCHANAN

AJ’s Heavenly Pizza* - 2 Main St.

If you want to feed a hungry group of people, AJ's is the pizzeria for you. With delivery directly to campus, going through your college experience without tasting AJ's mouthwatering pizza is disgraceful. Ranging all the way up to twenty inches, AJ's pizza can satisfy anyone. AJ's is the college students’ answer to amazing pizza without the drive. And best part? It can fit into any broke college student's budget.

Bailiwicks Coffee Company* - 62 S. Washington St.

Are you addicted to coffee? Bailwicks is your answer. Its coffee and eateries are more than worth the walk into town. If you need to study or in the mood to play a board game, Bailiwicks has a great hang-out area that can accommodate you and all your friends. The coffee shop feel mixes nicely with the relaxed décor that makes this shop one of the top hot spots.

The Big Dipper - 380 Wentz St., at the junction of Wentz St. and W. Perry St.

You scream, I scream, let's all go get some ice cream! With the Big Dipper being right at the very beginning of the business strip, you easily can! It's a worthwhile detour for those who want a little dessert with their fast food. Though it might take a newcomer a while to locate the tiny ice cream shop, the outside eating area keeps one warm enough to enjoy their cold scoop of wonderfulness.

Fort Ball Pizza Palace* - Two locations: 91 N. Washington St. and 111 Melmore St.

With an all you can eat mentality, Fort Ball truly fits into a strict college budget. The buffet style allows for students to eat to their hearts content. Another pizza place, this one is just as noteworthy. It’s good pizza, especially for how cheap it is. The Famous Italian Smorgasboard offers the great Italian dishes and pizza that makes the restaurant worth the taste.

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photo by NICK BUCHANAN

Jolly's Drive-In - 1630 W. Market St.

Not as well-known, Jolly's is one of the rare gems Tiffin has to offer. Selling killer root beer, Jolly’s has been in operation for up to 68 years. With a welcoming and friendly staff, Jolly's beer is one that all students can enjoy when looking for a hot night on the town. Add a little ice cream to cool off later, and you have yourself a memorable night. Unfortunately, though, you'll have to wait until next spring to enjoy this one: Jolly's is now closed for the fall and winter seasons.

JT's Bagel Bar* - 14 Sycamore St.

See what a Tiffin University degree can make? JT’s is owned by two TU alumnae who have broken into the restaurant business with doughnuts and bagels. Originating from Port Clinton, Ohio, JT’s original location made such a splash that they needed to expand and luckily enough, they picked Tiffin for this satellite location. With a carry-out only policy, it makes it easy to grab a bite on the go and is definitely a stop that should be on any graduating student’s list.

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photo by NICK BUCHANAN

Little Hugo’s - 410 W. Market St.

One scoop or two? This is probably the hardest decision on has to make when ordering from Little Hugo's. With their signature ice cream, Hugo's makes the taste bud sing and the wallet happy. Though they are best known for their ice cream, Hugo's has a menu that includes hot dogs, sandwiches and pretzels. Figuring out what one wants from Hugo's is definitely worth the hard choice.

One Thirty Eight (formerly known as Phoebe’s)* - 138 S. Washington St.

With little opinions in town for vegetarians or vegan, there is an answer. One Thirty Eight, originally called Phoebe’s, is a vegetable heaven for the pickiest of eaters.  With all vegan meals, the service only adds to the experience because of the hot and amazing dishes. Even meat lovers can find something to love and munch on at One Thirty Eight.

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photo by NICK BUCHANAN

Paulette’s - 238 S. Sandusky St.

Just walking by Paulette's makes you want to stop in and take a seat. Focusing solely on home-style cuisine, Paulette's is for anyone that misses his or her mother's homemade meals. Best known for its all-day breakfast, Paulette's is a hidden gem in downtown Tiffin that most students haven't even heard of. So if you are looking for something to do this Sunday, head over and try some of the best down-home cooking Tiffin has to offer.

Phat Cakes and Cafe* - 45 S. Washington St.

Looking for pastries you can drool over? Phat Cakes is your haven. Known as both the best cupcake place in town and the off-campus hot spot, it is a TU tradition to taste this place's desserts. The hip atmosphere and surprisingly spacious environment puts any stressed out college kid at ease. Plus, it's truly hard to worry when cheesecake is involved.

Rosie's Soups 'N' Such - 122 Miami St., across the street from St. Mary's classroom building

Most of us pass it on our way to class, but never step foot inside. Rosie's is not only an iconic restaurant to the town, but to the school. Best known for their breakfast items, Rosie's has always left customers satisfied and hungry for more. If there is one diner you should hit up before walking across that stage, it's Rosie's. With it homey feel and amazing cooking, you'll get addicted with just one visit. 

Sabaidee Coffee House - 45 S. Sandusky St., across the street from Seitz Hall and Franks Hall

Right on campus, Sabaidee is a must visit for any TU student. With the cozy feel and the aroma of coffee in the air, it is a great place to get inspiration and study. Having changed owners twice in the last four years, Sabaidee has grown into the campus coffee shop that can revile Starbucks any day. If you haven’t made the trip to Sabaidee yet, be sure to stop in, say hello to our friend Delana, and order some of the best coffee in town.

Xcaret Mexican Food - 870 W. Market St., inside the Tiffin Mall

Make fun of the unoriginal marquee sign all you like, but this Mexican establishment doesn't need any bells and whistles when it comes to their food. Though Xcaret doesn't have any competition, it would still reign supreme if it did. The quick service and tasty food hits the Mexican sweet spot right on the head. With a large menu and a variety of choices, it would be hard to find nothing to like here.

*All these restaurants have discounts available for TU students with the presentation of the Downtown Tiffin Student Discount Card.

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