The diner has often been dismissed as last minute, last resort. That is not the case in this food lover’s world, and lately, with fierce economic competition, the diner has had to step up or get out of the way. Many of the diners in Canton and Massillon, Ohio, have not only stepped up and shined, but have been a bright spot in the community for decades: Lorentz’s Diner, Cameo Grille, Heggy’s, and the B&K Café.
Lorentz’s Diner Is Worth the Drive and Right Around the Corner
In a tiny little hut that might have been someone’s house but surely is a haven for the hungry - Lorentz’s Diner welcomes all. My grandfather, Amateur Sports Hall of Fame bowler Frank Baughman, introduced me to this palate palace for diner lovers one Sunday afternoon long ago. My beloved grandfather loved to eat at little diners for some reason he never let me know, but now I enjoy certain discerning diners in the area not only for the simple food, but also for the appreciation of simple pleasures and loving memories.
Lorentz’s Diner, at 3711 Middlebranch Ave. NE Canton, OH 44705 (330) 454.6280, is open Monday-Friday 6am-2pm, Saturday 7am-2pm, and Sunday 8am-2pm – and while a little sharp-tongued on the phone, but I can call that character, actually - the diner offers inexpensive prices for uncomplicated food, and many who dine recommend the eggs. My grandfather swore by the eggs, as well, so I tried them. Are they the best eggs I have ever had? I’m not sure if I qualify to answer that question, or what orgasmic eggs would even be, but I can state that I remember the eggs and I remember enjoying the eggs, which is quite a bit more than I recall at other restaurants where eggs were present and that’s enough for me these days. Remembering the food as if I cooked it is an endorsement in my world.
Massillon, Ohio’s Cameo Grille Serves Weak-in-the-Knees Appetizers
Across town is the Cameo Grille at 809 S. Erie St., Massillon, OH 44646 (330) 837.1919, and local diners for years have sworn by the establishment’s sacred cheeseburger. While I found the atmosphere to be half-bar, half-diner, and all-friendly and certainly the cheeseburger was solid, I absolutely fell in love with pepperjack cheeseballs and the crispy sweet onion rings. Both are lusciously fried and when consumed in moderation are worth the few extra calories. Cut the corners somewhere else and just indulge in these two heavenly oiled appetizers. The prices are outrageously low, so honestly, with some discipline, cutting corners for this luxury may not be necessary – unless those onion rings become habit.
First impressions are everything – and while this restaurant seems to be in a more open, quiet section of Massillon and I visited during a calm hour - knowing the area as I do, I bet during football seasons the locals descend and convene here to celebrate in true 'all my rowdy friends are coming over tonight' fashion. As a test, my date and I pulled out my Gummy Bear tarot deck for entertainment while waiting for our food. The Cameo Grille staff passed with smiles, having as high a tolerance for weird as my own self – and for that, I am proud to add them to my list of diners all locals and tourists should try. Hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 6 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Sunday.
Heggy’s and the B&K Café – Local Legends with Phenomenal Fare
Suffice to say, as a tourist or local, you haven’t fully lived until you’ve visited both Heggy’s and the B&K Café. More than a few pounds of my flesh can be attributed to years spent dining and shopping in Heggy’s, but the food and milkshakes, (specifically and highly recommended are the footlong coney dog with the works, side of fries with three extra butter pats, and large chocolate/peanut butter malt) are worth every extra roll and wrinkle your body will meet. It’s a truly hedonistic foodie adventure that only the most skilled of diner epicureans may be able to complete.
Established in 1923 and located at 3200 W. Tuscarawas St., Canton, OH 44708 (330) 454.6611 [a secondary Ben Heggy Candy Co. and nut shop at 743 Cleveland Ave. NW, Canton, OH 44702 (330) 455.7703, does not serve the aforementioned food, but is an excellent source of goodies], the restaurant is open 7 days a week, but the kitchen is closed Sundays. If there is no time to eat in, place an order online or call ahead to pick up some of the most decadent and choice selections of chocolates and nuts.
Tied for first place with Heggy’s is the B&K Café at 3355 Lincoln Way E.Massillon, OH 44646 (330) 832.7211, and hours are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday; 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Passing this restaurant almost every day since I learned how to drive, I finally wandered into the B&K Café this year to sample what all the local loyalty and hype was about. I suspect it may also be menu items I have yet to discover, but after a recommendation from our super friendly server, I certainly understand the hype about the French toast and the Reuben. Sharing became essential once I began to smell some of what the B&K Café had to offer.
Choose Your Diner and Create an Experience Alongside Your Meal
There’s no need to race through eating or bury your brain in technology if choosing one of these diners. All diners making my essential to visit in 2012 list are not only gastronomically pleasing, but they’re budget accessible and prime locations for building memories. And like any memorable experience, deciding who to share your time with while dining is as important as what to order. Sharing time while sharing sustenance is almost a lost art – like letter-writing and VHS box covers. Resolve to bring some of that art back to your daily life beginning in the new year; your friends, disposition, and local economy will thank you.
Rhonda Baughman - Dr. Rhonda Baughman is a graduate of Kent State (Honors College), Antioch Univ. McGregor (Midwest), and Argosy University, Chicago.
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