We’d all love to dine only with sparkling conversationalists, but reality often seats us with someone who can’t stop discussing Struthers’ municipal zoning. The food doesn’t have to suffer just because your companion finds gravel specifications fascinating. Find a spot where they’re content with the view, and you can savor an actually memorable meal. Here are the local havens that make enduring small talk worthwhile.
The Elmton
$ | (330) 755-8511 | WEBSITE
Your cousin who just moved to Struthers for a manufacturing job wants to grab a bite after his shift. Sure, he thinks all local spots are just okay, but that’s beside the point. Take him to The Elmton, because he requires solid food that won’t disappoint him. This inviting spot near Struthers has a warm, neighborhood-friendly space and a straightforward pizza menu that you can focus on while he zones out for a few minutes because he’s clearly thinking about his new work schedule.
Brier Hill Pizza & Wings
$ | (330) 750-1997 | WEBSITE
After a long week of work with your family, including the kids who never agree on anything, you’re craving something simple where everyone will be satisfied. In Struthers, this welcoming pizza spot has a menu focused on classics like chicken bacon ranch pizza and cheesy bread with Romano cheese. There’s also a family-friendly dining area where you can relax while the friendly staff explains to your picky eater that the sweet sauce makes all the difference.
Cafe India
$$ | (330) 965-1111 | WEBSITE
Cafe India stands as the premier Indian restaurant in the Boardman area and has some of the best flavors and most generous portions in the neighborhood. All of that should be music to your ears considering the only way you can get your spice-averse friend to try something new is through a perfectly balanced buttered chicken.
The menu is filled with classic Indian dishes like vegetarian samosa, garlic naan, and chicken korma, but the lamb Indian hot is a standout and its fiery depth will help drown out your friend’s skepticism about unfamiliar cuisine.
Rips Cafe
$ | (330) 755-0057 | WEBSITE
Stepping into Rip’s Cafe in Struthers feels like you’ve left industrial Ohio and wandered into a cozy Hungarian village, where comfort food outnumbers pretension and stress immediately melts away. And that’s exactly what you need after a long week at the steel mill. As for the menu, expect a solid lineup of Hungarian classics and bar favorites that anyone will appreciate.
It’s not the most innovative cuisine you’ll ever encounter, but it still hits the spot perfectly, and you’re just relieved nobody’s talking about production quotas yet.
Donavito’s Restaurant & Catering Co.
$$ | (330) 755-3456 | WEBSITE
At first glance, Donavito’s Restaurant & Catering Co. reads like a classic neighborhood spot. The space is clean and comfortable, and most people here are chatting happily with family. But their Italian-American menu is actually outstanding and reasonably priced, and you can be in and out in under an hour. And you will be, because your cousin just asked if you wanted to grab an early dinner so she can tell you all about her new job while you share that amazing Smokehouse platter.
La Casa Mexicana
$ | (330) 953-3565 | WEBSITE
Your sister who’s visiting with three little ones is in town and her only request is a place that’s truly kid-friendly. They’re staying near Struthers, so just keep it simple and head to La Casa Mexicana. Everyone will find something they love on the delightful menu, and once the kids start getting restless, the generous portions and fantastic prices will get you through the meal.
The modern atmosphere is clean and welcoming, and Chef Maria and her efficient staff go above and beyond to make it more than amazing. The margaritas are absolutely delicious, and with plenty of parking and no barriers, it’s a perfect spot for families looking for a memorable evening.
Tangier Bar & Pizza
$ | (234) 855-0847 | WEBSITE
While Tangier Bar & Pizza is one of the better casual spots near Struthers, its lively family-friendly atmosphere isn’t exactly quiet. But your friend who needs wheelchair access mentioned he doesn’t do stairs, so your group hangout has been solved. The menu steers clear from the it’s-not-pizza-it’s-artisanal route and sticks mainly to decent food like the popular chicken Diablo sandwich and fresh-cut fries.
And unlike most bar-and-pizza joints, Tangier has no put-on pretension or tableside speeches about craft beer you’re supposed to appreciate.
Grizzly Bean Coffee House
$ | (330) 953-0007 | WEBSITE
Grizzly Bean Coffee House is one of the many coffee shops in the very suburban but somehow very welcoming, borderline cozy Austintown area. The brightly lit spot near Struthers is actually on the more casual side for the neighborhood, but here that still means perfectly made lattes and hot breakfast sandwiches served whatever way you please. Of course, your morning-commute neighbor has no qualms letting their preference for the Care bear coffee be known.
Sr. Jalapeno Struthers
$ | (330) 333-3860 | WEBSITE
The best way to describe your favorite Mexican spot is “it’s been around long enough to know what it’s doing.” Sr. Jalapeno might be pretty unassuming from the outside, but it’s been a solid week of craving something comforting, and it’s time to treat yourself to a proper meal. This is a mostly family-friendly restaurant in Struthers, and while the decor is simple and functional, the warm lighting and the lively chatter of regulars will at least give you a cozy backdrop.
And you’ll need that as you savor every bite of their fabulous tortilla chicken soup, with its semi-spicy kick and soothing warmth, perfect for shaking off the winter chill.
LA Villa Sports Bar & Grille
$ | (330) 755-8744 | WEBSITE
Welcome to where the Struthers-as-dining-destination thing all began. This classic neighborhood pub is cozy, crowded, and filled with locals who claim this is the best spot in town even though they haven’t tried anywhere else since 1985. But here’s the thing—LA Villa is good and boasts a reliable pub-sized menu that assures everyone in your group will find something to eat. And that includes your out-of-town cousins who’ve been dying to come here since, well, they were kids.
Bella Napoli Pizza & Pasta
$ | (330) 533-3434 | WEBSITE
In a town where most dining options play it safe, Bella Napoli Pizza & Pasta stands out as one of the few Struthers spots that actually gets people talking. Alongside their excellent New York-style thin crust pepperoni and white pizza with banana peppers, they serve generous portions of classics like cavatelli, meatballs, sausage, salad, chicken parm, and cannolis, all in a warm space that feels surprisingly cozy for a strip mall location.
The most basic pizza might run you $15, but since Uncle Tony is treating the whole family tonight, go ahead and order that amazing Snow White pie everyone keeps raving about.