Ohio: Well Rounded Dairy-Free Dining Options in the Buckeye State

Last Update in November 2022! When it comes to dairy-free ice cream and other vegan eats, Cleveland does rock. But so do Columbus, Cincinnati, and various other Ohio cities. That’s why we’ve been able to create this ever-growing guide to restaurants, bakeries, cafes, and ice cream shops in Ohio that are friendly to dairy-free diners. It’s a collection based on research and reader recommendations (send yours!), that’s divided into restaurants & shops by city (first) and major chains found throughout the state (second). And we’ve started a section for specialty dairy-free foods produced in this state.

We Update Continuously! You can ignore the original date on this post going forward. We update the information below whenever we’re alerted to a new recommendation, change, or closure.

Gyros at Harmony Plant Fare

Dairy-Free Ohio: Recommended Restaurants & Shops

Ohio might be on the edge of dairy country, but many of their local dishes are typically dairy free. Look for Cincinnati-style chili served on spaghetti or hot dogs, Barberton Chicken (fried in lard), and clam bakes. These dishes are often prepared without any milk-based ingredients. And of course, check out the restaurants below for more options. We’ve listed these recommendations alphabetically by city, and then by the restaurant or shop name.

⭐️ = Restaurant is either dairy-free, has a dairy-free menu, has dairy-free labels on their menu(s), or lists top allergens with menu items. (At the time of our last review.)

Akron

• Insomnia Cookies – This sweet chain offers a few flavors of vegan cookies year round, like Birthday Cake and Double Chocolate Chunk. But they also bake up seasonal vegan flavors throughout the year.
• Melt Bar & Grilled – This local restaurant chain has an entire vegan menu of grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, and more. See the Cleveland Listing for full details.
• Ms. Julie’s Kitchen ⭐️ – This downhome country kitchen is purely vegan. They have a selection of savory comfort food dishes, and daily vegan donuts, cakes, and cupcakes.
• Mustard Seed Market & Cafe ⭐️ – This locally owned grocery store has two locations and a cafe at each site. The menu is extensive, with icons for dairy-free, egg-free, gluten-free, nut-free, and vegan. They serve starters, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and more. They also whip up dairy-free smoothies and have some vegan desserts available.
• Old Carolina Barbecue Company – They’re a local chain that cares about special diet diners. They have a gluten-free menu and a full allergen chart with an impressive array of dairy-free options. Their meats are slow-cooked for 14 hours, but the food comes out quickly at this counter-serve restaurant. In addition to their pulled pork, ribs, smokehouse chicken, coleslaws, beans, and French fries, dairy-free customers can order hush puppies and Boardwalk Bites, which are basically donut holes with tossed in powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar.
• Upper Crust Pizza – This local pizza chain offers several vegan crusts, including gluten-free, dairy-free cheese alternative, and several sauce and topping options.

Alliance

• Almost Heaven Ice Cream – This local chain offers “dippy twisters: made with dairy-free vanilla soft serve and your choice of mix-ins. They also have a few dairy-free ice flavors on rotation, which are reportedly similar to Dole Whip. And you can order dairy-free milkshakes.  Thanks to Diana for the recommendation!
• Old Carolina Barbecue Company – This is a local Ohio chain. See the details in the Akron Listing above.

Athens

• Avalanche Pizza – There are no ordinary pies on the menu at this local pizzeria. Their toppings are quite creative. They do offer dairy-free cheese alternative, and have a cheeseless vegan pizza right on the menu, with their housemade spelt crust and marinara, and loads of flavorful vegetables.
• Fluff – Vegan and gluten-free options are clearly labeled on their lunch and bakery menus. The vegan options include rice bowls, salad, cookies, and vanilla cupcakes. Additional items are dairy-free or can be made dairy-free on request.
• Insomnia Cookies – This sweet chain offers a few flavors of vegan cookies year round, like Birthday Cake and Double Chocolate Chunk. But they also bake up seasonal vegan flavors throughout the year.
• Village Bakery & Cafe – You can order vegan empanadas, pizzas, and various other dairy-free baked goods from this local shop. They also sell pantry items and wines.
• Whit’s Frozen Custard – This ice cream chain now has several vegan-friendly stores, including the one in this city. They’re now churning vegan custard that’s made with gluten-free oat milk or cultured coconut milk. The flavors can vary, and are sold in pints or by the scoop, and dairy-free cones and toppings are available.

Avon

• Mitchell’s Homemade Ice Cream – Local chain scoops dairy-free coconut milk ice cream daily. See the Cleveland Listing for full details.
• Slim Chickens – They make dairy-free custom orders easy, and are trained to be friendly to allergen requests. Their grilled chicken tenders are made without dairy, and can be subbed on meals, wraps, or salads. They also have a good allergen menu, with a nice selection of dairy-free sauces and sides. Just use caution when ordering sandwiches. At last check, their brioche sandwich buns were dairy-free, but they are brushed with butter.

Bay Village

• Boss Chick N Beer ⭐️ – Brianne let us know they have a full, separate vegan menu. They also have a simple allergen guide that tells you which items contain dairy or other top allergens. Their vegan menu has vegan chicken wings, sandwiches, salad, and sweet potato sides. Dairy-free guests can also enjoy regular chicken wings with an assortment of sauce options and some additional sides.

Beachwood

• Bibibop – This build-your-own Asian bowl spot is very open about ingredients and clear about allergens. At last check, all proteins, bases, and non-cheese toppings were dairy-free, and almost all sauces were made without dairy. They even offer some fruit-based desserts. They’re also friendly toward gluten-free and vegan customers.
• Mitchell’s Homemade Ice Cream – Local chain scoops dairy-free coconut milk ice cream daily. See the Cleveland Listing for full details.

Beavercreek

• BD’s Mongolian Grill – They offer a very complete allergen chart with many milk-free options. In fact, at last check, their entire stir fry menu was dairy-free, aside from one of the sauces (and they have many sauces). They do serve other types of food, some of which does contain milk.
• Condado Tacos ⭐️ – Their menu is not only labeled with vegan and gluten-free options, they also mark which items contain dairy. All non-vegan mains have dairy, when ordered as is, but you can build-your-own tacos and bowls with plenty of options. Most of their proteins, standard toppings, salsas, guacamoles, and sauces are dairy-free.

Berea

• Boss Chick N Beer ⭐️ – Brianne let us know they have a full, separate vegan menu. They also have a simple allergen guide that tells you which items contain dairy or other top allergens. Their vegan menu has vegan chicken wings, sandwiches, salad, and sweet potato sides. Dairy-free guests can also enjoy regular chicken wings with an assortment of sauce options and some additional sides.
• Mootown Creamery – They offer a range of soy-based dairy-free ice cream flavors daily, offer a coconut milk variety, and usually have a special flavor, too. You can also order dairy-free milk shakes with coconut milk, and Brianne let us know they can also customize dairy-free and vegan ice cream cakes and pies.

Bexley

• Harvest Pizzeria – This Italian restaurant offers dairy-free cheese (nut-based), vegan meats, and a rather gourmet selection of pizza sauces and toppings. Salad and a couple additional entrees can be ordered dairy free.

Boardman

• Ely’s to Go ⭐️ – They have some seating, but everything at this vegan restaurant is packaged ready to go. Their daily menu includes soups, salads, spring rolls, rotating sandwiches, muffins, cookies, and scones.
• Mission BBQ – This restaurant chain offers a great allergen chat and lots of dairy-free options. Most of their BBQ meats and sauces are dairy-free, and they have a good handful of sides and plate specials. At last check, their sandwich bread contained milk, but their buns did not! Ask at your location since bread sourcing can vary.

Bowling Green

• Insomnia Cookies – This sweet chain offers a few flavors of vegan cookies year round, like Birthday Cake and Double Chocolate Chunk. But they also bake up seasonal vegan flavors throughout the year.
• The Sundae Station – They typically have two dairy-free soft serve flavors in the same dedicated machine (yes, they can be twisted) which can include Dole Whip, sherbet, sorbet, or almond milk ice cream.

Brunswick

• Ohio Pie – Thanks to Brianne for letting us know about this pizza parlor. They have a full selection of vegan toppings (meat alternatives, dairy-free cheese, and sauce), have a menu of specialty vegan pies, and can also make dairy-free cheesy garlic bread.

Canton

• Almost Heaven Ice Cream – This local chain offers “dippy twisters: made with dairy-free vanilla soft serve and your choice of mix-ins. They also have a few dairy-free ice flavors on rotation, which are reportedly similar to Dole Whip. And you can order dairy-free milkshakes.  Thanks to Diana for the recommendation!
• Bibibop – This build-your-own Asian bowl spot is very open about ingredients and clear about allergens. At last check, all proteins, bases, and non-cheese toppings were dairy-free, and almost all sauces were made without dairy. They even offer some fruit-based desserts. They’re also friendly toward gluten-free and vegan customers.
• Bruster’s Real Ice Cream – This old-fashioned ice creamery chain churns several dairy-free oat milk ice cream flavors, like vegan vanilla, cookies and cream, white raspberry truffle, and more. They also offer sorbets.
• Clean Eatz – This healthy fast casual chain offers a straight-forward allergen guide and many options for building your own bowl, salad, or wrap.
• Condado Tacos ⭐️ – Their menu is not only labeled with vegan and gluten-free options, they also mark which items contain dairy. All non-vegan mains have dairy, when ordered as is, but you can build-your-own tacos and bowls with plenty of options. Most of their proteins, standard toppings, salsas, guacamoles, and sauces are dairy-free.
• Country Cones – They offer Oreo vegan ice cream and have soft serve dairy-free Dole Whip available.
• Melt Bar & Grilled – This local restaurant chain has an entire vegan menu of grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, and more. See the Cleveland Listing for full details.
• Mission BBQ – This restaurant chain offers a great allergen chat and lots of dairy-free options. Most of their BBQ meats and sauces are dairy-free, and they have a good handful of sides and plate specials. At last check, their sandwich bread contained milk, but their buns did not! Ask at your location since bread sourcing can vary.
• Old Carolina Barbecue Company – This is a local Ohio chain. See the details in the Akron Listing above.

Centerville

• Bibibop – This build-your-own Asian bowl spot is very open about ingredients and clear about allergens. At last check, all proteins, bases, and non-cheese toppings were dairy-free, and almost all sauces were made without dairy. They even offer some fruit-based desserts. They’re also friendly toward gluten-free and vegan customers.

Cincinnati

• Bean Sprouts Cafe – Bean Sprouts plants cafés inside family destinations across the country. This one is inside the Cincinnati Museum Center. Their playful yet healthy menu is allergy-friendly, and boasts a few different dairy-free breakfast and lunch options for kids and adults.
• Better Blend – The owner of this local smoothie chain reached out to let us know they welcome dairy-free guests. “All of our smoothie bowls are dairy free and vegan and all of our Superfood Blends are dairy free.” They also offer dairy-free collagen peptides and vegan protein options. However, the regular Blends have a stevia sweetened flavor powder that does contain milk, and they do use whey powder.
• Bibibop – This build-your-own Asian bowl spot is very open about ingredients and clear about allergens. At last check, all proteins, bases, and non-cheese toppings were dairy-free, and almost all sauces were made without dairy. They even offer some fruit-based desserts. They’re also friendly toward gluten-free and vegan customers.
• Brixx Wood Fired Pizza – This is a popular regional chain that offers dairy-free cheese alternative at no extra charge! In fact, their classic pizza crust and sauce are vegan, and they can make any veggie pizza vegan. Their gluten-free pizza dough is also dairy-free, but it contains egg. They also have a fantastic allergen list. It tells you the specific items with dairy AND the items that contain dairy even when you hold the cheese.
• Bub’s Pizza Bar – If you have a late night pizza craving, Bub’s has got your covered. They offer vegan pizza, and most pizzas can be ordered dairy-free with a cheese swap.
• Buzzed Bull Creamery – This create-your-own ice cream chain uses nitrogen to instantly freeze your chosen flavor. You can order it unbuzzed or buzzed (with alcohol), for those over 21. They have a dairy-free sorbet base and a dairy-free almond milk base. They also have guides to the dairy-free and vegan mix-ins on request, and can blend a custom milkshake just for you.
• Chicken Salad Chick – Their menu boasts a range of chicken salads, many of which are dairy-free. They also have various dairy-free bread options for sandwiches. They have a full allergen guide to make ordering easy.
• Condado Tacos ⭐️ – Their menu is not only labeled with vegan and gluten-free options, they also mark which items contain dairy. All non-vegan mains have dairy, when ordered as is, but you can build-your-own tacos and bowls with plenty of options. Most of their proteins, standard toppings, salsas, guacamoles, and sauces are dairy-free.
• Fond: Lunch & Deli – They’re also open for breakfast, and tout themselves as “allergy aware.” They offer vegan breakfast with house-made plant-based meat (they sell their vegan deli meats, too), tacos, sandwiches, deli salads, artisan hummus, and more. They have many additional dairy-free menu items using house-made meats and other local ingredients.
• For Goodness Shakes and Juicery – You can enjoy unique smoothies, rice bowls, and “baglettes” at this local shop. Most of their menu is dairy-free, and they serve many vegan items. They do offer dairy creamer, a couple cheeses, and a few other items, so check carefully. Nonetheless, they have their own fruit and avocado “no-gurt” bowls, and coconut and rice milks for all of your dairy-free beverage needs.
• Happy Chicks Bakery ⭐️ – This quirky bake shop and cafe is completely vegan. They serve a savory menu of sandwiches, salads, soups, and sides for lunch, and offer many items to go, like empanadas, quiches, croissants, and savory scones. On the sweet side, they bake daily cakes, cupcakes, cookies, breakfast pastries, and more. They also take custom cake orders for any occasion, including weddings.
• Harmony Plant Fare ⭐️ – This is Cincinnati’s vegan “butcher” and “cheese” shop. They handcraft faux meats and dairy-free cheese alternatives and have a full deli of prepared items, like sandwiches, mac ‘n cheese, and dips. They also sell goods from other local vegan companies.
• High Horse Vegan Pizza Co. ⭐️ – If you’re looking for greens and superfoods, move on. But if you’re craving indulgent vegan pizza and wings, then this is your spot. They even have vegan “blue cheese” for dipping!
• Holtman’s Donut Shop – This donut shop offers a small selection of vegan donuts daily. They are usually cake-style donuts.
• I Love Juice Bar ⭐️ – They blend dairy-free smoothies, acai bowls, and smoothie bowls, offer a range of juices and healthy shots, have overnight oats, and also serve vegan-friendly soups.
• Insomnia Cookies – This sweet chain offers a few flavors of vegan cookies year round, like Birthday Cake and Double Chocolate Chunk. But they also bake up seasonal vegan flavors throughout the year.
• Joella’s ⭐️ – They offer allergen lists to help customers order. The dairy-free options include all of their chicken (grilled, fried, and vegan) in all heat levels, fries, and several other sides (many of which are vegan friendly). Their grilled tenders are also gluten-free.
• Juice Bar ⭐️ – This rising dairy-free and mostly vegan chain (they do use bee products) serves juices, smoothies, smoothie bowls, and savory soups.
• Loving Hut ⭐️ – You can read more about this all-vegan fast food chain on our Loving Hut post.
• Maverick Chocolate – This bean-to-bar chocolatier offers some dairy-free, soy-free dark chocolate bars, specialty items (like peanut butter chocolate), and seasonal vegan chocolates.
• Oliver’s Desserts – You can get an array of vegan baked treats, like cupcakes and brownies, at this local bake shop. They also take custom cake orders.
• Pies & Pints – They offer Daiya cheese alternative for their pizzas and sandwiches. At last check, their pizza crust was vegan-friendly, and they also had dairy-free bread options available, so several items can be ordered without dairy.
• Rooted Juicery & Kitchen ⭐️ – This dairy-free and mostly vegan (they do use honey) cafe serves a healthy menu of smoothie bowls, savory meal bowls, desserts, and more. They have four locations in Cincinnati.
• Saladworks – Pretty much their entire menu contains dairy, but they offer an interactive allergen menu that tells you how to custom order most items without dairy (or other special diet needs). You can choose between salads, warm grain bowls, wraps, and a few other items. They offer a good handful of dairy-free dressings, and do have gluten-free and vegan options.
• Seasons 52 – See our Seasons 52 Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• Simply Rolled Ice Cream – Ohio’s “original rolled ice cream shop” is on trend with two vegan ice cream bases: vanilla and chocolate. Both are made with cashew milk and coconut cream, which can be blended with various dairy-free mix-ins and garnished with various dairy-free toppings.
• Toppers Pizza – They have three signature vegan pizzas on their menu (two with plant-based chicken), and you can sub their dairy-free mozzarella to make most other pizzas dairy-free. They also offer vegan cheese sticks and have several dairy-free sauces.
• Vinaigrette Salad Kitchen ⭐️ – Their healthy bowl menu is labeled for dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan guests. The dairy-free options include a few salads / wraps, a couple grain bowls, white chicken chili, and house lemonades. Some more items can be custom ordered without dairy.

Cleveland

• Barrio ⭐️ – Thanks to Brianna for this recommendation! This is a very friendly restaurant for dairy-free guests. Items that contain dairy are clearly marked, and that leaves a lot of build-your-own taco options. They also offer chips and several types of guacamole or salsas. Menu items are marked for gluten-free and vegan guests, too. Finally, you mark your own order on their paper menu – this makes it easier to ensure your needs are fully communicated.
• BD’s Mongolian Grill – They offer a very complete allergen chart with many milk-free options. In fact, at last check, their entire stir fry menu was dairy-free, aside from one of the sauces (and they have many sauces). They do serve other types of food, some of which does contain milk.
• Bibibop – This build-your-own Asian bowl spot is very open about ingredients and clear about allergens. At last check, all proteins, bases, and non-cheese toppings were dairy-free, and almost all sauces were made without dairy. They even offer some fruit-based desserts. They’re also friendly toward gluten-free and vegan customers.
• Café Avalaun – This certified gluten-free cafe and bakery has a varied menu for breakfast and lunch. As is, most of the menu items contain dairy, but they have options to make most dishes dairy-free. For example, they have two dairy-free crepe batter options for their popular crepes. Sandwiches can also be made dairy-free, and they usually have a vegan soup on hand. The bakery side is filled with dairy-free cookies, bars, muffins, donuts, cakes, and breads. Some paleo treats are also available.
• Chocolate Emporium ⭐️ – This kosher pareve chocolatier has been on our top dairy-free chocolate lists for years! They have a shop where you can pop in and get all types of confections.
• Floressa Bakery – This made-to-order gluten-free bakery also bakes an array of dairy-free and vegan baked goods, including cinnamon rolls, cookies, and lemon bars. They do bake custom cakes, too. They don’t have a retail storefront, but you can order and pick up.
• Insomnia Cookies – This sweet chain offers a few flavors of vegan cookies year round, like Birthday Cake and Double Chocolate Chunk. But they also bake up seasonal vegan flavors throughout the year.
• Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams – See our Jeni’s Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• Margaritaville – Jimmy Buffett’s signature restaurant chain borrows some allergy-friendly spirit from his younger sister’s restaurant chain, Lulu’s. Their Gulf Coast cuisine includes lots of seafood, some Caribbean flavors, and many American favorites. They don’t have an allergen guide, but their staff is well trained for food allergic guests, and they are able to easily accommodate dairy-free requests.
• Melt Bar & Grilled – A grilled cheese sandwich shop might send you running in the opposite direction, but this local restaurant chain has a huge vegan menu. They offer both dairy-free mozzarella and dairy-free cheddar cheese alternatives, for an additional charge. Their menu also includes an array of faux vegan meats, and of course, they have fresh-baked vegan bread and buns. They also offer several sides and salad options, and some additional menu items can be made “just dairy free” on request. Gluten-free options are also available. They have five locations in Cleveland, at last count.
• Mitchell’s Homemade Ice Cream – In addition to sorbets, they scoop creamy dairy-free flavors daily at this local chain. At last check, their staples were Vegan Chocolate and Vegan Salted Caramel Pecan, each made with coconut milk and organic sugar. But they sometimes craft new or seasonal vegan flavors. Additional vegan items include: sugar cones, cake cones, chocolate sauce (not the hot fudge), peanut butter, raspberry, strawberry, peanuts, cherries, and rainbow sprinkles.
• SomethinGood ⭐️ – Out of a hard year, comes SomethinGood. This all-vegan restaurant serves a simple menu of burgers, dairy-free shakes, and fries. They also offer chickpea nuggets, mac and “cheese,” and a few other savory items.
• Sweetie Candy Company – In addition to candy, they offer dairy-free Dole Whip and have a soy-based vanilla ice cream flavor too. You can order dairy-free sodas and floats!

Cleveland Heights

• Barrio ⭐️ – Thanks to Brianna for this recommendation! This is a very friendly restaurant for dairy-free guests. Items that contain dairy are clearly marked, and that leaves a lot of build-your-own taco options. They also offer chips and several types of guacamole or salsas. Menu items are marked for gluten-free and vegan guests, too. Finally, you mark your own order on their paper menu – this makes it easier to ensure your needs are fully communicated.
• Tommy’s – This local institution is happy to accommodate most dietary needs for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even dessert. They offer Daiya dairy-free cheese alternative as an option for cheesy menu items, and have Tofutti milk shakes and vegan cookies. They do use butter to cook many of their items, which can be omitted, but they also reportedly have some non-grilled options.
• Unger’s Kosher Bakery & Food – This is a great spot for dairy-free donuts and and all types of baked goodies. They also have a grocery on site with various kosher specialty foods.

Clintonville

• Whit’s Frozen Custard – This ice cream chain now has several vegan-friendly stores, including the one in this city. They’re now churning vegan custard that’s made with gluten-free oat milk or cultured coconut milk. The flavors can vary, and are sold in pints or by the scoop, and dairy-free cones and toppings are available.

Columbus

• Alchemy Cafe – This modern counter-serve cafe is mostly dairy-free, and serves many vegan and gluten-free items as labeled on their healthy all-day menu. They focus on sandwiches, toasts, smoothies, and smoothie bowls. They also have a unique coffee drink menu that uses oat milk, coconut milk, hemp milk, and almond milk for making various beverages and superfood lattes.
• Alchemy Kitchen – This casual spot serves most of the same smoothies, smoothie bowls, toasts, sandwiches, and beverages that you can find at their Cafe location. But they also serve a small menu of burgers, burritos, and bowls for lunch and dinner, and have a more extensive breakfast menu. Many dishes are dairy-free, or can be made dairy-free, and vegan and gluten-free items are clearly labeled.
• Barrio ⭐️ – Thanks to Brianna for this recommendation! This is a very friendly restaurant for dairy-free guests. Items that contain dairy are clearly marked, and that leaves a lot of build-your-own taco options. They also offer chips and several types of guacamole or salsas. Menu items are marked for gluten-free and vegan guests, too. Finally, you mark your own order on their paper menu – this makes it easier to ensure your needs are fully communicated.
• BD’s Mongolian Grill – They offer a very complete allergen chart with many milk-free options. In fact, at last check, their entire stir fry menu was dairy-free, aside from one of the sauces (and they have many sauces). They do serve other types of food, some of which does contain milk.
• Bean Sprouts Cafe – Bean Sprouts plants cafés inside family destinations across the country. This one is inside the Center of Science and Industry (COSI). Their playful yet healthy menu is allergy-friendly, and boasts a few different dairy-free breakfast and lunch options for kids and adults.
• Bibibop – This build-your-own Asian bowl spot is very open about ingredients and clear about allergens. At last check, all proteins, bases, and non-cheese toppings were dairy-free, and almost all sauces were made without dairy. They even offer some fruit-based desserts. They’re also friendly toward gluten-free and vegan customers.
• Bruster’s Real Ice Cream – This old-fashioned ice creamery chain churns several dairy-free oat milk ice cream flavors, like vegan vanilla, cookies and cream, white raspberry truffle, and more. They also offer sorbets.
• Chicken Salad Chick – Their menu boasts a range of chicken salads, many of which are dairy-free. They also have various dairy-free bread options for sandwiches. They have a full allergen guide to make ordering easy.
• Clean Eatz – This healthy fast casual chain offers a straight-forward allergen guide and many options for building your own bowl, salad, or wrap.
• Condado Tacos ⭐️ – Thanks to Jenna for this recommendation! Their menu is not only labeled with vegan and gluten-free options, they also mark which items contain dairy. All non-vegan mains have dairy, when ordered as is, but you can build-your-own tacos and bowls with plenty of options. Most of their proteins, standard toppings, salsas, guacamoles, and sauces are dairy-free.
• CRMD – You can order a scoop or two of the vegan vanilla nut swirl, vegan double chocolate, or one of their dairy-free sorbets. They use coconut cream to make the creamy varieties.
• Destination Donuts – Located inside the North Market, this all-natural donut purveyor bakes fresh throughout the day. They typically have at least a couple of vegan donut varieties available each day. The selection rotates, but they could include Butterscotch Sea Salt, Cookies & Cream, Dueling Vanilla, or Blueberry Lemon. Sometimes they also bake vegan cinnamon rolls in fun flavors like maple or citrus.
• Harvest Pizzeria – This Italian restaurant offers dairy-free cheese (nut-based), vegan meats, and a rather gourmet selection of pizza sauces and toppings. Salad and a couple additional entrees can be ordered dairy free.
• Hot Chicken Takeover – This Nashville-inspired hot chicken chain is remarkably special diet friendly. All of their chicken is made without milk, including the gluten-free boneless chicken (they have gluten-free protocols in place, but check in advance for availability), and vegan Nuggs. They also offer vegan ranch, dairy-free sides, and chicken sandwiches.
• Insomnia Cookies – This sweet chain offers a few flavors of vegan cookies year round, like Birthday Cake and Double Chocolate Chunk. But they also bake up seasonal vegan flavors throughout the year.
• Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams – See our Jeni’s Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• LemonShark Poke – They have an interactive allergen menu online, and it brings good news for dairy-free guests. All of their sauces and poke bowl ingredients are dairy-free. The only items that contained dairy at our time of review were the tempura, coconut shrimp, and katsu.
• Matt’s Bakery ⭐️ – This husband and wife run bakery is a kosher and dairy-free establishment (they do use eggs). Their baked goods are also nut-free, with the exception of pecan pie, which he says is baked separately. Their selection includes tons of breads, cookies, pies, pastries, and more. They also bake custom cakes for weddings and other celebrations.
• Melt Bar & Grilled – This local restaurant chain has an entire vegan menu of grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, and more. See the Cleveland Listing for full details.
• Pattycake Bakery ⭐️ – All of the handcrafted sweets at this quaint little bake shop are vegan. They bake cupcakes, cakes, cookies, whoopie pies, muffins and more daily. They also serve gluten-free baked goods, and take custom orders for celebration cakes and cupcakes.
• Paulie Gee’s – This small-time pizza chain has a full vegan menu with a range of cheese alternatives. Consequently, most of their menu can be made dairy-free.
• Pies & Pints – They offer Daiya cheese alternative for their pizzas and sandwiches. At last check, their pizza crust was vegan-friendly, and they also had dairy-free bread options available, so several items can be ordered without dairy.
• Portia’s Cafe ⭐️ – Thank you to Tiffany for recommending this vegan deli and  breakfast spot. They have a full coffee bar, smoothies, popular deli-style salads, and a variety of breakfast wraps, waffles, and more.
• Rush Bowls – This smoothie and smoothie bowl chain isn’t dairy-free, but they are happy to accommodate. They offer oat, almond, coconut, and soymilk options. Some menu items call for froyo, but you can sub banana for no charge, or acai for an additional charge. At last check, most of their toppers and all of their boosts (except for whey – they do have soy protein available) were made without dairy.
• Saladworks – Pretty much their entire menu contains dairy, but they offer an interactive allergen menu that tells you how to custom order most items without dairy (or other special diet needs). You can choose between salads, warm grain bowls, wraps, and a few other items. They offer a good handful of dairy-free dressings, and do have gluten-free and vegan options.
• Simply Rolled Ice Cream – Ohio’s “original rolled ice cream shop” is on trend with two vegan ice cream bases: vanilla and chocolate. Both are made with cashew milk and coconut cream, which can be blended with various dairy-free mix-ins and garnished with various dairy-free toppings.
• Smokey Bones – This Eastern chain has been recommended by a few readers for their volume of dairy-free options. It’s a sit-down BBQ restaurant with ample meats and sides, custom burgers, and other mains to choose from. In the past, they’ve had a spotty allergen chart, so be sure to verify “safe” options with the staff.
• Ted’s Montana Grill – Founded by media mogul and rancher Ted Turner, this American chain serves a meat-heavy menu with lots of dairy-free options. See our Dairy-Free Guide for Ted’s Montana Grill for more details.
• The Old Bag of Nails Pub – A reader recommended this Irish-American restaurant. “Spoke to the kitchen manager before hand to see if it was safe. They were INCREDIBLY accommodating! The manager personally checked ingredients for the breads, buns, and rolls for any dairy so I could have a sandwich. He advised to stay away from anything breaded because they use the same fryers for dairy products. I can’t say enough how nice it was to finally go to a sit down restaurant!”
• True Food Kitchen – See our True Food Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• Woodhouse Vegan Cafe + Space ⭐️ – Their modern menus for lunch and dinner offer healthier versions of traditional favorites. They also run a full bakery and take custom orders for cakes, pies, cookies, and other pastries.
• Yats ⭐️ – Their Cajun-Creole menu is labeled for dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan guests. They offer a handful of dairy-free dishes, like drunken chicken red beans and sausage, jambalaya, and chilis.
• Zesty Juice Co. ⭐️ – I like not worrying about blenders at this dairy-free spot. In fact, everything on their menu appears to be vegan, aside from honey. They offer smoothies, juices, house-made cashew milk, bowls, and light entrees like avocado toast with vegan parmesan.

Cuyahoga Falls

• Clean Eatz – This healthy fast casual chain offers a straight-forward allergen guide and many options for building your own bowl, salad, or wrap.

Dayton

• Bibibop – This build-your-own Asian bowl spot is very open about ingredients and clear about allergens. At last check, all proteins, bases, and non-cheese toppings were dairy-free, and almost all sauces were made without dairy. They even offer some fruit-based desserts. They’re also friendly toward gluten-free and vegan customers.
• Harvest Pizzeria – This Italian restaurant offers dairy-free cheese (nut-based), vegan meats, and a rather gourmet selection of pizza sauces and toppings. Salad and a couple additional entrees can be ordered dairy free.
• Insomnia Cookies – This sweet chain offers a few flavors of vegan cookies year round, like Birthday Cake and Double Chocolate Chunk. But they also bake up seasonal vegan flavors throughout the year.
• Melt Bar & Grilled – This local restaurant chain has an entire vegan menu of grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, and more. See the Cleveland Listing for full details.
• Pies & Pints – They offer Daiya cheese alternative for their pizzas and sandwiches. At last check, their pizza crust was vegan-friendly, and they also had dairy-free bread options available, so several items can be ordered without dairy.
• Uno Pizzeria & Grill – This national Italian-American restaurant chain has one location in this city. See our Uno Dairy-Free Menu Guide for details.
• Wheat Penny Oven & Bar – Their menu is quite cheesy, but they offer Follow Your Heart cheese alternative (no extra charge!) and House-Made Cashew Ricotta that you can substitute on their Eggplant Parmesan or Pizzas. They also have a vegan pizza with pesto right on the menu.

Delaware

• Whit’s Frozen Custard – This ice cream chain now has several vegan-friendly stores, including the one in this city. They’re now churning vegan custard that’s made with gluten-free oat milk or cultured coconut milk. The flavors can vary, and are sold in pints or by the scoop, and dairy-free cones and toppings are available.

Dublin

• Clean Eatz – This healthy fast casual chain offers a straight-forward allergen guide and many options for building your own bowl, salad, or wrap.
• Condado Tacos ⭐️ – Their menu is not only labeled with vegan and gluten-free options, they also mark which items contain dairy. All non-vegan mains have dairy, when ordered as is, but you can build-your-own tacos and bowls with plenty of options. Most of their proteins, standard toppings, salsas, guacamoles, and sauces are dairy-free.
• Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams – See our Jeni’s Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• Zesty Juice Co. ⭐️ – I like not worrying about blenders at this dairy-free spot. In fact, everything on their menu appears to be vegan, aside from honey. They offer smoothies, juices, house-made cashew milk, bowls, and light entrees like avocado toast with vegan parmesan.

East Liverpool

• Bruster’s Real Ice Cream – This old-fashioned ice creamery chain churns several dairy-free oat milk ice cream flavors, like vegan vanilla, cookies and cream, white raspberry truffle, and more. They also offer sorbets.

Easton

• Cafe Zupas – This casual chain has a good handful of naturally dairy-free menu items, like the Thai Steak Salad, Nuts About Berries Salad, Asian Steak & Quinoa Bowl, Chicken Noodle Soup, and Chickpea & Vegetable. Most of their other bowls and salads can also be made dairy-free on request. You can even contact them ahead for options. But take note that their breads (for sandwiches) and BBQ sauce did contain milk when we last checked.

Fairview Park

• Bibibop – This build-your-own Asian bowl spot is very open about ingredients and clear about allergens. At last check, all proteins, bases, and non-cheese toppings were dairy-free, and almost all sauces were made without dairy. They even offer some fruit-based desserts. They’re also friendly toward gluten-free and vegan customers.

Gahanna

• Whit’s Frozen Custard – This ice cream chain now has several vegan-friendly stores, including the one in this city. They’re now churning vegan custard that’s made with gluten-free oat milk or cultured coconut milk. The flavors can vary, and are sold in pints or by the scoop, and dairy-free cones and toppings are available.

Girard

• Bruster’s Real Ice Cream – This old-fashioned ice creamery chain churns several dairy-free oat milk ice cream flavors, like vegan vanilla, cookies and cream, white raspberry truffle, and more. They also offer sorbets.

Grove City

• Bibibop – This build-your-own Asian bowl spot is very open about ingredients and clear about allergens. At last check, all proteins, bases, and non-cheese toppings were dairy-free, and almost all sauces were made without dairy. They even offer some fruit-based desserts. They’re also friendly toward gluten-free and vegan customers.
• Smokey Bones – This Eastern chain has been recommended by a few readers for their volume of dairy-free options. It’s a sit-down BBQ restaurant with ample meats and sides, custom burgers, and other mains to choose from. In the past, they’ve had a spotty allergen chart, so be sure to verify “safe” options with the staff.

Hartville

• Almost Heaven Ice Cream – This local chain offers “dippy twisters: made with dairy-free vanilla soft serve and your choice of mix-ins. They also have a few dairy-free ice flavors on rotation, which are reportedly similar to Dole Whip. And you can order dairy-free milkshakes.  Thanks to Diana for the recommendation!

Hilliard

• Bibibop – This build-your-own Asian bowl spot is very open about ingredients and clear about allergens. At last check, all proteins, bases, and non-cheese toppings were dairy-free, and almost all sauces were made without dairy. They even offer some fruit-based desserts. They’re also friendly toward gluten-free and vegan customers.
• Whit’s Frozen Custard – This ice cream chain now has several vegan-friendly stores, including the one in this city. They’re now churning vegan custard that’s made with gluten-free oat milk or cultured coconut milk. The flavors can vary, and are sold in pints or by the scoop, and dairy-free cones and toppings are available.

Howard

• Whit’s Frozen Custard – This ice cream chain now has several vegan-friendly stores, including the one in this city. They’re now churning vegan custard that’s made with gluten-free oat milk or cultured coconut milk. The flavors can vary, and are sold in pints or by the scoop, and dairy-free cones and toppings are available.

Indepencence

• Naf Naf Grill ⭐️ – The menu at this quick serve Middle Eastern grill is completely dairy-free with the exception of one of their packaged baklavas (the other two are made without dairy!). They offer a full menu of favorites, from falafel to shawarma, and have a handy allergen guide.

Johnstown

• Whit’s Frozen Custard – This ice cream chain now has several vegan-friendly stores, including the one in this city. They’re now churning vegan custard that’s made with gluten-free oat milk or cultured coconut milk. The flavors can vary, and are sold in pints or by the scoop, and dairy-free cones and toppings are available.

Kent

• Barrio ⭐️ – Thanks to Brianna for this recommendation! This is a very friendly restaurant for dairy-free guests. Items that contain dairy are clearly marked, and that leaves a lot of build-your-own taco options. They also offer chips and several types of guacamole or salsas. Menu items are marked for gluten-free and vegan guests, too. Finally, you mark your own order on their paper menu – this makes it easier to ensure your needs are fully communicated.
• Insomnia Cookies – This sweet chain offers a few flavors of vegan cookies year round, like Birthday Cake and Double Chocolate Chunk. But they also bake up seasonal vegan flavors throughout the year.

Lakewood

• Cleveland Vegan⭐️ – Located in a suburb of Cleveland, this organic, from-scratch bakery and cafe serves exclusively vegan food. Their plant-forward menu is extensive with hot food, cold food, lattes, and smoothies. Their bakery make all types of treats, ranging from croissants to wedding cakes.
• Frosty’s Cake + Ice Cream ⭐️ – This all-vegan bakery makes impressive cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and yes, they have dairy-free ice cream, too. Thanks to Brianne for this recommendation.
• Ice Cream Joy – The owner said to us, “I love my vegan ones sometimes more than my regular ice creams.” You can tell! Their menu now has more creamy dairy-free vegan flavors than dairy ones, and they have vegan options for everything on the menu. You can order a vegan scoop, sundae, float, or milkshake.
• Insomnia Cookies – This sweet chain offers a few flavors of vegan cookies year round, like Birthday Cake and Double Chocolate Chunk. But they also bake up seasonal vegan flavors throughout the year.
• The Vegan Doughnut Company ⭐️ – This little shop serves only dairy-free, egg-free doughnuts, but they come in an array of enticing flavors with a rotating monthly menu. They make raised, cake, filled, square, and round doughnuts.
• Upper Crust Pizza – This local pizza chain offers several vegan crusts, including gluten-free, dairy-free cheese alternative, and several sauce and topping options.

Lancaster

• Barrio ⭐️ – Thanks to Brianna for this recommendation! This is a very friendly restaurant for dairy-free guests. Items that contain dairy are clearly marked, and that leaves a lot of build-your-own taco options. They also offer chips and several types of guacamole or salsas. Menu items are marked for gluten-free and vegan guests, too. Finally, you mark your own order on their paper menu – this makes it easier to ensure your needs are fully communicated.
• Happy Goat – They run a dedicated gluten-free bakery, but also rotate in many dairy-free treats throughout the week. These items can also be special ordered, and so can custom dairy-free, vegan, or keto cakes.
• The Well – At this gathering place, they roast their own direct trade coffee beans, source local and organic foods whenever possible, and have a wholesome menu filled with special diet options. Almond milk is on hand for drinks, their dairy-free smoothie options are expansive, and they’re always baking vegan and gluten-free desserts. You can even enjoy them a la mode with coconut ice cream. On the savory side, they serve breakfast and lunch with an array of fresh dishes with house-made sauces. Many of the options are dairy-free, gluten-free, and/or vegan.

Lebanon

• Whit’s Frozen Custard – This ice cream chain now has several vegan-friendly stores, including the one in this city. They’re now churning vegan custard that’s made with gluten-free oat milk or cultured coconut milk. The flavors can vary, and are sold in pints or by the scoop, and dairy-free cones and toppings are available.

Liberty Township

• Bibibop – This build-your-own Asian bowl spot is very open about ingredients and clear about allergens. At last check, all proteins, bases, and non-cheese toppings were dairy-free, and almost all sauces were made without dairy. They even offer some fruit-based desserts. They’re also friendly toward gluten-free and vegan customers.

Maineville

• Roll On In / Buzzed Bull Creamery – This create-your-own ice cream chain uses nitrogen to instantly freeze your chosen flavor. You can order it unbuzzed or buzzed (with alcohol), for those over 21. They have a dairy-free sorbet base and a dairy-free almond milk base. They also have guides to the dairy-free and vegan mix-ins on request, and can blend a custom milkshake just for you.

Mason

• Bibibop – This build-your-own Asian bowl spot is very open about ingredients and clear about allergens. At last check, all proteins, bases, and non-cheese toppings were dairy-free, and almost all sauces were made without dairy. They even offer some fruit-based desserts. They’re also friendly toward gluten-free and vegan customers.
• Chicken Salad Chick – Their menu boasts a range of chicken salads, many of which are dairy-free. They also have various dairy-free bread options for sandwiches. They have a full allergen guide to make ordering easy.
• Condado Tacos ⭐️ – Their menu is not only labeled with vegan and gluten-free options, they also mark which items contain dairy. All non-vegan mains have dairy, when ordered as is, but you can build-your-own tacos and bowls with plenty of options. Most of their proteins, standard toppings, salsas, guacamoles, and sauces are dairy-free.
• Joella’s ⭐️ – They offer allergen lists to help customers order. The dairy-free options include all of their chicken (grilled, fried, and vegan) in all heat levels, fries, and several other sides (many of which are vegan friendly). Their grilled tenders are also gluten-free.
• Mission BBQ – This restaurant chain offers a great allergen chat and lots of dairy-free options. Most of their BBQ meats and sauces are dairy-free, and they have a good handful of sides and plate specials. At last check, their sandwich bread contained milk, but their buns did not! Ask at your location since bread sourcing can vary.
• NoBaked Cookie Dough ⭐️ – This “scoop shop” offers two dairy-free flavors (birthday cake and brownie batter), and one that is dairy-free and vegan (cookies and cream).

Massillon

• Old Carolina Barbecue Company – This is a local Ohio chain. See the details in the Akron Listing above.
• The Root Vegan & Gluten free Cafe ⭐️ – As the name implies, everything at this restaurant is gluten-free and vegan. And their menu isn’t dainty. It includes a hearty selection of comfort foods, and they offer fresh baked goods to go and desserts, too. Their hours are limited. They’re open midday and at last check, just four days per week.

Maumee

• Jacky’s Depot – This ice cream shop typically offers a flavor of creamy dairy-free ice cream daily plus a flavor of Dole Whip. They also offer vegan ice cream cookie sandwiches and brownie sundaes.
• Walt Churchill’s Market – A reader recommend this grocery store for dairy-free shopping locally. It’s a full service store with a deli, bakery, and a great selection of natural and special diet foods.

Mayfield Heights

• Bibibop – This build-your-own Asian bowl spot is very open about ingredients and clear about allergens. At last check, all proteins, bases, and non-cheese toppings were dairy-free, and almost all sauces were made without dairy. They even offer some fruit-based desserts. They’re also friendly toward gluten-free and vegan customers.

Medina

• Partake Kitchen – This is a meal prep service that take special diets seriously. You choose your meals each week, which often include dairy-free options. But they also have an an AIP (auto-immune protocol) option for every dinner, which is dairy-free, gluten-free, and more.
• The Honey Bee Bakery – Brianne let us know this shop has “some fantastic bakery items, mostly labeled vegan.” They offer treats like vegan sugar cookies and have several vegan flavor options for custom order cakes.

Mentor

• Bakers Square – This is a homestyle bakery and cafe, with milk and butter galore (sorry, all of their pies contain milk!). But they offer a very detailed allergen menu that lets you custom order omelettes, egg breakfasts, salads, and sandwiches (most of their breads are dairy-free). They also have a few dairy-free entrees, like chicken tenders. They also have a “gluten sensitive” menu for gluten-free guests.
• Bibibop – This build-your-own Asian bowl spot is very open about ingredients and clear about allergens. At last check, all proteins, bases, and non-cheese toppings were dairy-free, and almost all sauces were made without dairy. They even offer some fruit-based desserts. They’re also friendly toward gluten-free and vegan customers.
• Clean Eatz – This healthy fast casual chain offers a straight-forward allergen guide and many options for building your own bowl, salad, or wrap.
• Condado Tacos ⭐️ – Their menu is not only labeled with vegan and gluten-free options, they also mark which items contain dairy. All non-vegan mains have dairy, when ordered as is, but you can build-your-own tacos and bowls with plenty of options. Most of their proteins, standard toppings, salsas, guacamoles, and sauces are dairy-free.
• Mission BBQ – This restaurant chain offers a great allergen chat and lots of dairy-free options. Most of their BBQ meats and sauces are dairy-free, and they have a good handful of sides and plate specials. At last check, their sandwich bread contained milk, but their buns did not! Ask at your location since bread sourcing can vary.

Middleburg Heights

• MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes – This expanding franchise makes dairy-free burgers with a range of protein, bun, sauce, and topping options. They have a detailed allergen chart to help you order. They also offer vegan, paleo, and gluten-free options.

Mount Vernon

• Whit’s Frozen Custard – This ice cream chain now has several vegan-friendly stores, including the one in this city. They’re now churning vegan custard that’s made with gluten-free oat milk or cultured coconut milk. The flavors can vary, and are sold in pints or by the scoop, and dairy-free cones and toppings are available.

Newark

• Creno’s Quickfire – This pizza restaurant was recommended for their helpful staff and dairy-free pizza options. They have vegan cheese on the menu.

New Albany

• Whit’s Frozen Custard – This ice cream chain now has several vegan-friendly stores, including the one in this city. They’re now churning vegan custard that’s made with gluten-free oat milk or cultured coconut milk. The flavors can vary, and are sold in pints or by the scoop, and dairy-free cones and toppings are available.

Niles

• Mission BBQ – This restaurant chain offers a great allergen chat and lots of dairy-free options. Most of their BBQ meats and sauces are dairy-free, and they have a good handful of sides and plate specials. At last check, their sandwich bread contained milk, but their buns did not! Ask at your location since bread sourcing can vary.

North Olmsted

• Bruster’s Real Ice Cream – This old-fashioned ice creamery chain churns several dairy-free oat milk ice cream flavors, like vegan vanilla, cookies and cream, white raspberry truffle, and more. They also offer sorbets.
• Upper Crust Pizza – This local pizza chain offers several vegan crusts, including gluten-free, dairy-free cheese alternative, and several sauce and topping options.

Olmsted Falls

• Falls Ice Cream – Thanks to Brianne for this recommendation, “They usually have five dairy free ice cream flavors on the board, in addition to sorbet.”

Ontario

• Old Carolina Barbecue Company – This is a local Ohio chain. See the details in the Akron Listing above.

Orange Village

• Condado Tacos ⭐️ – Their menu is not only labeled with vegan and gluten-free options, they also mark which items contain dairy. All non-vegan mains have dairy, when ordered as is, but you can build-your-own tacos and bowls with plenty of options. Most of their proteins, standard toppings, salsas, guacamoles, and sauces are dairy-free.

Orrville

• Old Carolina Barbecue Company – This is a local Ohio chain. See the details in the Akron Listing above.

Oxford

• Insomnia Cookies – This sweet chain offers a few flavors of vegan cookies year round, like Birthday Cake and Double Chocolate Chunk. But they also bake up seasonal vegan flavors throughout the year.
• Moon Co-op – This natural food store sells locally produced dairy-free foods, and also has their own deli and smoothie bar with vegan options clearly labeled.

Parma

• I Heart Mac & Cheese – This is a build-your-own mac and cheese bowl or grilled cheese sandwich chain. They offer vegan cheese, various meats and vegan meats, and several other toppings. They have several pasta, base, and bread choices. Gluten-free options are available.
• Mission BBQ – This restaurant chain offers a great allergen chat and lots of dairy-free options. Most of their BBQ meats and sauces are dairy-free, and they have a good handful of sides and plate specials. At last check, their sandwich bread contained milk, but their buns did not! Ask at your location since bread sourcing can vary.
• Naf Naf Grill ⭐️ – The menu at this quick serve Middle Eastern grill is completely dairy-free with the exception of one of their packaged baklavas (the other two are made without dairy!). They offer a full menu of favorites, from falafel to shawarma, and have a handy allergen guide.

Parma Heights

• Bakers Square – This is a homestyle bakery and cafe, with milk and butter galore (sorry, all of their pies contain milk!). But they offer a very detailed allergen menu that lets you custom order omelettes, egg breakfasts, salads, and sandwiches (most of their breads are dairy-free). They also have a few dairy-free entrees, like chicken tenders. They also have a “gluten sensitive” menu for gluten-free guests.

Pataskala

• Whit’s Frozen Custard – This ice cream chain now has several vegan-friendly stores, including the one in this city. They’re now churning vegan custard that’s made with gluten-free oat milk or cultured coconut milk. The flavors can vary, and are sold in pints or by the scoop, and dairy-free cones and toppings are available.

Perrysburg

• Basil Pizza & Wine Bar – Hannah let us know about this spot. “So grateful for this local Italian place with DF options. Charcuterie board with DF cheeses!” Their menu includes a smattering of labeled vegan options and several other dairy-free dishes on request, including pizzas, pastas, and other entrees.
• Clean Juice – They make their own cold-pressed cashew milks and offer dairy-free acai bowls, smoothie bowls, smoothies, toasts, and some other eats. Please note that their flatbread wraps (the bread itself) contain dairy, but all other menu items can be ordered dairy-free by omitting the cheese or substituting vegan protein for the whey protein (in the proteins smoothies).
• Condado Tacos ⭐️ – Their menu is not only labeled with vegan and gluten-free options, they also mark which items contain dairy. All non-vegan mains have dairy, when ordered as is, but you can build-your-own tacos and bowls with plenty of options. Most of their proteins, standard toppings, salsas, guacamoles, and sauces are dairy-free.
• Mr. Freeze – Their menu is quite dairy heavy, but they fruit whip (we assume like Dole Whip) available. Fruit smoothies, slushes, and coolers also have dairy-free options. Please use caution: the owner told us their almond milk soft serve is dairy-free, but it is not. It does contain caseinate.
• Walt Churchill’s Market – A reader recommend this grocery store for dairy-free shopping locally. It’s a full service store with a deli, bakery, and a great selection of natural and special diet foods.

Plain City

• Bibibop – This build-your-own Asian bowl spot is very open about ingredients and clear about allergens. At last check, all proteins, bases, and non-cheese toppings were dairy-free, and almost all sauces were made without dairy. They even offer some fruit-based desserts. They’re also friendly toward gluten-free and vegan customers.

Powell

• Condado Tacos ⭐️ – Their menu is not only labeled with vegan and gluten-free options, they also mark which items contain dairy. All non-vegan mains have dairy, when ordered as is, but you can build-your-own tacos and bowls with plenty of options. Most of their proteins, standard toppings, salsas, guacamoles, and sauces are dairy-free.

Reynoldsburg

• Loving Hut ⭐️ – You can read more about this all-vegan fast food chain on our Loving Hut post.
• Smokey Bones – This Eastern chain has been recommended by a few readers for their volume of dairy-free options. It’s a sit-down BBQ restaurant with ample meats and sides, custom burgers, and other mains to choose from. In the past, they’ve had a spotty allergen chart, so be sure to verify “safe” options with the staff.

Rocky River

• GO Buddha ⭐️ – This is a plant-based eatery that also offers a vegan meal prep service. They make bowls, burgers and sandwiches, salads, and desserts.
• Mitchell’s Homemade Ice Cream – Local chain scoops dairy-free coconut milk ice cream daily. See the Cleveland Listing for full details.
• Ohio Pie – Thanks to Brianne for letting us know about this pizza parlor. They have a full selection of vegan toppings (meat alternatives, dairy-free cheese, and sauce), have a menu of specialty vegan pies, and can also make dairy-free cheesy garlic bread.
• Old Carolina Barbecue Company – This is a local Ohio chain. See the details in the Akron Listing above.
• Sofie Lynn Bakery ⭐️ – This is a home-based bakery offering gluten-free and dairy-free cookies, cakes and pies on order.

Sandusky

• Cedar Point – The allergy program at this amusement park is still in it’s infancy (so be patient!), but they are working hard to train on-site staff. They encourage allergic guests to contact the park ahead via foodallergy@cedarpoint.com. When at the park, ask for a chef when ordering. They have chefs available who are very well-versed in allergy preparation and menu options, and they are on call at different locations. Of the eateries on site, Wild Turnip has the most dairy-free options.

Seven Hills

• Boss Chick N Beer ⭐️ – Brianne let us know they have a full, separate vegan menu. They also have a simple allergen guide that tells you which items contain dairy or other top allergens. Their vegan menu has vegan chicken wings, sandwiches, salad, and sweet potato sides. Dairy-free guests can also enjoy regular chicken wings with an assortment of sauce options and some additional sides.

Shaker Heights

• Mitchell’s Homemade Ice Cream – Local chain scoops dairy-free coconut milk ice cream daily. See the Cleveland Listing for full details.
• Upper Crust Pizza – This local pizza chain offers several vegan crusts, including gluten-free, dairy-free cheese alternative, and several sauce and topping options.

Solon

• Mitchell’s Homemade Ice Cream – Local chain scoops dairy-free coconut milk ice cream daily. See the Cleveland Listing for full details.

Stow

• Old Carolina Barbecue Company – This is a local Ohio chain. See the details in the Akron Listing above.

Streetsboro

• Slim Chickens – They make dairy-free custom orders easy, and are trained to be friendly to allergen requests. Their grilled chicken tenders are made without dairy, and can be subbed on meals, wraps, or salads. They also have a good allergen menu, with a nice selection of dairy-free sauces and sides. Just use caution when ordering sandwiches. At last check, their brioche sandwich buns were dairy-free, but they are brushed with butter.

Strongsville

• Barrio ⭐️ – Thanks to Brianna for this recommendation! This is a very friendly restaurant for dairy-free guests. Items that contain dairy are clearly marked, and that leaves a lot of build-your-own taco options. They also offer chips and several types of guacamole or salsas. Menu items are marked for gluten-free and vegan guests, too. Finally, you mark your own order on their paper menu – this makes it easier to ensure your needs are fully communicated.
• Bibibop – This build-your-own Asian bowl spot is very open about ingredients and clear about allergens. At last check, all proteins, bases, and non-cheese toppings were dairy-free, and almost all sauces were made without dairy. They even offer some fruit-based desserts. They’re also friendly toward gluten-free and vegan customers.
• Condado Tacos ⭐️ – Their menu is not only labeled with vegan and gluten-free options, they also mark which items contain dairy. All non-vegan mains have dairy, when ordered as is, but you can build-your-own tacos and bowls with plenty of options. Most of their proteins, standard toppings, salsas, guacamoles, and sauces are dairy-free.
• Hot Chicken Takeover – This Nashville-inspired hot chicken chain is remarkably special diet friendly. All of their chicken is made without milk, including the gluten-free boneless chicken (they have gluten-free protocols in place, but check in advance for availability), and vegan Nuggs. They also offer vegan ranch, dairy-free sides, and chicken sandwiches.
• Mitchell’s Homemade Ice Cream – Local chain scoops dairy-free coconut milk ice cream daily. See the Cleveland Listing for full details. They have two locations in Strongsville.
• Old Carolina Barbecue Company – This is a local Ohio chain. See the details in the Akron Listing above.

Sunbury

• Whit’s Frozen Custard – This ice cream chain now has several vegan-friendly stores, including the one in this city. They’re now churning vegan custard that’s made with gluten-free oat milk or cultured coconut milk. The flavors can vary, and are sold in pints or by the scoop, and dairy-free cones and toppings are available.

Tiffin

• B.E.S.T. Taco Shop and Breakfast Spot – Their menu includes vegan tacos, burritos, and skillets, for late breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They have vegan cheese, eggs, and jackfruit “meat,” and can make many more items on their menu dairy free.

Toledo

• BD’s Mongolian Grill – They offer a very complete allergen chart with many milk-free options. In fact, at last check, their entire stir fry menu was dairy-free, aside from one of the sauces (and they have many sauces). They do serve other types of food, some of which does contain milk.
• Bibibop – This build-your-own Asian bowl spot is very open about ingredients and clear about allergens. At last check, all proteins, bases, and non-cheese toppings were dairy-free, and almost all sauces were made without dairy. They even offer some fruit-based desserts. They’re also friendly toward gluten-free and vegan customers.
• Cafe Donuts – This bakery offers a full selection of vegan donuts with filled, glazed, and frosted options. They also offer soymilk and oatmilk for making dairy-free coffee drinks, and are adding savory items to their menu. They reportedly serve bagels, too.
• Condado Tacos ⭐️ – Their menu is not only labeled with vegan and gluten-free options, they also mark which items contain dairy. All non-vegan mains have dairy, when ordered as is, but you can build-your-own tacos and bowls with plenty of options. Most of their proteins, standard toppings, salsas, guacamoles, and sauces are dairy-free.
• Claudia’s Natural Food Market – This specialty shop focuses on healthy and higher end foods. They often have some fun dairy-free surprises in stock. They also carry many vegan and gluten-free products.
• Insomnia Cookies – This sweet chain offers a few flavors of vegan cookies year round, like Birthday Cake and Double Chocolate Chunk. But they also bake up seasonal vegan flavors throughout the year.
• Royal Cravings – Thanks to Raechel for sharing her go-to dairy-free ice cream place. “They typically have between 6-8 vegan flavors at a time. For awhile they were terrible about cross contamination, but they recently sold and it seems they are keeping scoops for the regular and vegan completely separate now. They even have them in a separate case/cooler from their dairy options.”
• The Leaf and Seed Cafe ⭐️ – Enjoy the casual atmosphere and all-vegan menu at this local restaurant. They serve full breakfasts during the brunch hours, plus handhelds, bowls, and more for lunch. They are open in the evenings just a couple days a week.
• Vegan Taste ⭐️ – This vegan bake shop doesn’t have a storefront, but you can order direct for local delivery, and they sell their goodies to many restaurants and stores in the Toledo area. Keep an eye out for their treats!

Tremont

• Barrio ⭐️ – Thanks to Brianna for this recommendation! This is a very friendly restaurant for dairy-free guests. Items that contain dairy are clearly marked, and that leaves a lot of build-your-own taco options. They also offer chips and several types of guacamole or salsas. Menu items are marked for gluten-free and vegan guests, too. Finally, you mark your own order on their paper menu – this makes it easier to ensure your needs are fully communicated.

University Heights

• Bibibop – This build-your-own Asian bowl spot is very open about ingredients and clear about allergens. At last check, all proteins, bases, and non-cheese toppings were dairy-free, and almost all sauces were made without dairy. They even offer some fruit-based desserts. They’re also friendly toward gluten-free and vegan customers.

Wapakoneta

• J. Marie’s Wood-Fired Kitchen and Drinks – Their chef-inspired fare is complemented by a helpful waitstaff that is reportedly knowledgeable for special diet and allergic guests. They also have gluten-free options, and usually have a gluten-free, dairy-free dessert available.
• Krave Creamery – They offer a couple creamy dairy-free ice cream flavors daily, often vanilla, chocolate, and /or butter pecan. They also have a rotating selection of sorbets.
• Max’s Dairy – They have one dairy-free soft serve flavor daily. It’s often Dole Whip, but sometimes a creamy flavor.
• Nourish u Wellness Cafe – This vegan spot serves smoothies, acai bowls, and a small selection of savory eats. They have bites like dairy-free grilled cheese, paninis, salads, and bowls.

Washington Township

• Sinfully Gluten Free – We have been told that they offer dairy-free cheese for their pizzas, and their gluten-free baking can make dairy-free or vegan chocolate and vanilla cakes and cupcakes.

West Chester Township

• Clean Eatz – This healthy fast casual chain offers a straight-forward allergen guide and many options for building your own bowl, salad, or wrap.
• Craft Cream Works – Most of their scoops are made with dairy, but this little shop hand churns several vegan flavors! You might spot Red Velvet, Thin Mint, Butter Pecan, Cookies & Cream or other decadent flavors. They use various bases, like coconut milk or oat milk, and usually have gluten-free options too.

Westerville

• Chicken Salad Chick – Their menu boasts a range of chicken salads, many of which are dairy-free. They also have various dairy-free bread options for sandwiches. They have a full allergen guide to make ordering easy.
• Clean Juice – They make their own cold-pressed cashew milks and offer dairy-free acai bowls, smoothie bowls, smoothies, toasts, and some other eats. Please note that their flatbread wraps (the bread itself) contain dairy, but all other menu items can be ordered dairy-free by omitting the cheese or substituting vegan protein for the whey protein (in the proteins smoothies).
• Hot Chicken Takeover – This Nashville-inspired hot chicken chain is remarkably special diet friendly. All of their chicken is made without milk, including the gluten-free boneless chicken (they have gluten-free protocols in place, but check in advance for availability), and vegan Nuggs. They also offer vegan ranch, dairy-free sides, and chicken sandwiches.
• Whit’s Frozen Custard – This ice cream chain now has several vegan-friendly stores, including the one in this city. They’re now churning vegan custard that’s made with gluten-free oat milk or cultured coconut milk. The flavors can vary, and are sold in pints or by the scoop, and dairy-free cones and toppings are available.
• Zesty Juice Co. ⭐️ – I like not worrying about blenders at this dairy-free spot. In fact, everything on their menu appears to be vegan, aside from honey. They offer smoothies, juices, house-made cashew milk, bowls, and light entrees like avocado toast with vegan parmesan.

Westlake

• Bahia Bowls Acai Café – Their range of super fruit bowls and smoothies contain no dairy as is, but note that they do offer whey protein (and two types of plant protein), so dairy is used in the blenders. Make sure to ask for a new, clean, or dedicated blender. Their eats include some dairy-free bites (not all though!), and they offer oatmeal bowls, salads, wraps, and toasts, several of which can be ordered without dairy.
• Bibibop – This build-your-own Asian bowl spot is very open about ingredients and clear about allergens. At last check, all proteins, bases, and non-cheese toppings were dairy-free, and almost all sauces were made without dairy. They even offer some fruit-based desserts. They’re also friendly toward gluten-free and vegan customers.
• Blue Sushi & Sake Grill – This sustainable Japanese restaurant makes innovative maki and nigiri. They have a full vegan menu, complete with tempura maki, and of course most of their menu is naturally dairy free.
• Clean Eatz – This healthy fast casual chain offers a straight-forward allergen guide and many options for building your own bowl, salad, or wrap.
• Condado Tacos ⭐️ – Their menu is not only labeled with vegan and gluten-free options, they also mark which items contain dairy. All non-vegan mains have dairy, when ordered as is, but you can build-your-own tacos and bowls with plenty of options. Most of their proteins, standard toppings, salsas, guacamoles, and sauces are dairy-free.
• Hot Chicken Takeover – This Nashville-inspired hot chicken chain is remarkably special diet friendly. All of their chicken is made without milk, including the gluten-free boneless chicken (they have gluten-free protocols in place, but check in advance for availability), and vegan Nuggs. They also offer vegan ranch, dairy-free sides, and chicken sandwiches.
• Mitchell’s Homemade Ice Cream – Local chain scoops dairy-free coconut milk ice cream daily. See the Cleveland Listing for full details.

Willoughby

• Barrio ⭐️ – Thanks to Brianna for this recommendation! This is a very friendly restaurant for dairy-free guests. Items that contain dairy are clearly marked, and that leaves a lot of build-your-own taco options. They also offer chips and several types of guacamole or salsas. Menu items are marked for gluten-free and vegan guests, too. Finally, you mark your own order on their paper menu – this makes it easier to ensure your needs are fully communicated.
• The Sweets Geek – This local baker makes exclusively gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan baked goods. They’ve sold mostly at local markets, but are opening a retail shop.

Worthington

• Pies & Pints – They offer Daiya cheese alternative for their pizzas and sandwiches. At last check, their pizza crust was vegan-friendly, and they also had dairy-free bread options available, so several items can be ordered without dairy.

Wyoming

• Cowboy Cones – This local ice cream shop churns several dairy-free, soy-based ice cream flavors and also offers sorbets. You can enjoy them in a cup or vegan sugar cone.

Youngstown

• Condado Tacos ⭐️ – Their menu is not only labeled with vegan and gluten-free options, they also mark which items contain dairy. All non-vegan mains have dairy, when ordered as is, but you can build-your-own tacos and bowls with plenty of options. Most of their proteins, standard toppings, salsas, guacamoles, and sauces are dairy-free.

Zanesville

• Whit’s Frozen Custard – This ice cream chain now has several vegan-friendly stores, including the one in this city. They’re now churning vegan custard that’s made with gluten-free oat milk or cultured coconut milk. The flavors can vary, and are sold in pints or by the scoop, and dairy-free cones and toppings are available.

House made dairy-free cheeses and local vegan pastries at Harmony Plant Fare

Restaurant & Grocery Chains found throughout Ohio

Some recommended restaurant and store chains are getting too big for our city listing britches. They have many locations, or are rapidly growing, and you might stumble across them in a number of towns in this state. Click on them for more dairy-free details.

• Bareburger – See our Bareburger Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• Ben & Jerry’s – See our Ben & Jerry’s Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• Bibibop – Thank you to Shawn for sending this recommendation, “A build-your-own bowl Asian fusion fast food place. Most of the menu is dairy free. They even have a coconut milk mango pudding that is dairy free!” They also provide full allergen information to make ordering easy, keep their kitchens peanut-free, and source higher quality ingredients.
• Blaze Pizza – See our Blaze Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• LaRosa’s Pizza – They offer vegan cheese and have a plant-based pizza on the menu. Many additional items and pizzas can be ordered dairy free.
• Mellow Mushroom – See our Mellow Mushroom Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• MOD Pizza – See our MOD Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.

Photo: Old Caroline Barbecue Company Hush Puppies – an Ohio chain.

Local Dairy-Free Food & Drink Producers in Ohio

These dairy-free friendly companies don’t have their own retail location, but are in Ohio. So you have a good chance of finding their products at grocery stores, restaurants, and/or other shops in this state. Keep an eye out!

• Minus G – You won’t find their unique gluten-free and vegan baking mixes outside of the state, since they fall under cottage baking laws. But you might see them locally and can order them online to an Ohio address.
• The Dairy Free Co. – They make cashew spreads (like cream cheese, but with flavors) and dips, which are dairy-free and vegan-friendly. Look for them in stores throughout Ohio.

Photo from Mitchell’s Homemade Ice Cream

This Guide is Continuously Updated with Recommendations

We welcome you to recommend other dairy-free friendly restaurants. Leave a comment or contact us and tell us why you like a certain restaurant. Restaurant owners and employees are also invited to reach out and let us know how you welcome dairy-free customers.

Please kindly let us know in the comments if any of these restaurants close. We want to keep this list current for you, but aren’t always notified when a restaurant closes. Let us know and we will quickly update!

This Guide is for Informational Purposes Only

Menus, ingredients, kitchen procedures, management, and restaurants are subject to change at any time. Always read the menu and discuss your dietary needs with the staff before ordering. Make sure that they can accommodate your situation.

There is always a risk for potential cross-contamination of allergens in any commercial kitchen. If cross-contamination is an issue for you, always speak with the manager to ensure that your meal can be safely prepared. Listings here do not guarantee that a restaurant is safe enough for your individual needs. Only you can make that decision.

For More Dairy-Free Guidance, Get Go Dairy Free!