The best diners are community favorites, the kinds of places locals will fiercely defend. Almost every neighborhood has one, a hole-in-the-wall that customers have frequented at times for generations. They know the routines, they know the servers, they have their favorites on the menu.
So if you’re new to Delaware, Ohio, here’s the locals’ favorite restaurant: The Hamburger Inn.
The Hamburger Inn is a classic old school place. On weekends it is full of locals. The grill is constantly working. Servers move efficiently back and forth.
For those who love a good seat at the counter, you’re in luck—that’s all Hamburger Inn has to offer. The dining room has three large U-shaped tables, so you automatically become part of the community, squeezed together on stools. Sit in the restaurant, and if you come with a large group, be prepared to split up.
I love these types of counters – they give servers easy access to customers without having to reach over them.
First things first: no matter what you get, you have to ask for cinnamon roll (or two or three). They are Hamburger Inn’s most famous dish, and rightfully so. They come out warm and soft, rich with cinnamon filling and topped with a not-too-sweet icing. One bite and it’s easy to see why they’re such a standout.
I’m told you can also order them toasted, which many regulars say is the way to go. And if you’re really into it, the dining room includes cinnamon French toast with the same dough.
But the Hamburger Inn doesn’t sleep with breakfast either. The Hometown favorite it’s your classic combo of eggs cooked to order, your choice of meat, home fries (which are seared and need a little salt/pepper), and a choice of toast.
Pretty solid biscuits and gravy, too. The biscuits were a bit cakey, but the gravy is thick and well seasoned.
Oh, and did we mention the cinnamon rolls? Order more.
The tortillas they’re also pretty big, served with home fries and toast.
What if! The hamburgers they are great at The Hamburger Inn. You can even order them for breakfast.
All that said…if you’re dining in Delaware, The Hamburger Inn is the place to try. At the very least, stop by and pick up a dozen cinnamon rolls.
Want to see some grainy cell phone photos of The Hamburger Inn from 2011? Click here!
The Hamburger Inn
16 N. Sandusky St.
Delaware, OH 43015
(740) 369-3850
Website: hamburgerinndiner.com
FB: @thehamburgerinn
IG: @hamburger_inn