Where to Eat in Yellow Springs Ohio: A Local Food Tour You’ll Love

Discover the best restaurants, food trucks and local legends in Yellow Springs, Ohio, from historic taverns to smoky brisket and fresh farm ice cream.

Welcome to Yellow Springs, Ohio: Where Every Bite Tells a Story

If you're a local foodie or a day-tripper looking for where to eat in Yellow Springs OH [45387], this guide is for you. I’m Adam Martin, a lifestyle and real estate expert in the Miami Valley area, and I recently teamed up with TikTok food critic Dustin Mcgillivray to explore the top eats in this charming, flavor-filled town.

Must-Try Restaurants and Food Stops in Yellow Springs

1. Ye Olde Trail Tavern (228 Xenia Ave, Yellow Springs, OH 45387)
Built in 1827, this is Ohio’s oldest tavern and a piece of living history. Inside, you'll find wooden beams, cozy booths and dishes that bridge past and present.

What we loved:

• The Reuben sandwich made with a Philly cheesesteak-corned beef blend

• Warm German potato salad with vinegar base

• Sauerkraut balls and in-house pretzels with legendary beer cheese

2. Miguel’s Food Truck
This mobile kitchen brings bold Mexican flavors to downtown Yellow Springs. Whether you’re standing up with a dripping birria taco or diving into a grouper taco rarely seen outside Florida, it’s always worth the stop.

Must-tries:

• Birria quesabirria with rich dipping consommé

• Grouper taco (yes, in Ohio!)

• Chicken Tinga recommended by locals

3. Yellow Springs Smokehouse (221 Xenia Ave, Yellow Springs, OH 45387)
New to the scene but packed with flavor, the Smokehouse delivers perfectly smoked brisket and unique sides like miso collard greens. This is real-deal BBQ.

Our favorites:

• Juicy brisket that pulls apart effortlessly

• Baked beans with crunch

• Pickled veggies and wings with just the right kick

4. Young’s Jersey Dairy (6880 Springfield Xenia Rd, Yellow Springs, OH 45387)
You can’t visit Yellow Springs without grabbing dessert at this farm-to-cone legend. Open for over 150 years, it’s a favorite for both kids and grandparents.

Why go:

• Fresh, creamy ice cream

• A working farm experience

• A true community staple

Why This Food Tour Matters to Locals and Visitors

Yellow Springs isn’t just a destination, it’s a vibe. It blends deep roots with bold creativity. Whether you’re moving to the area or planning a Saturday road trip, this food tour gives you a taste of what makes the town unique.

From historic taverns to fresh food trucks, the culinary scene reflects the culture here — proud, local and unpretentious. For homeowners and potential buyers, having this kind of quality and variety nearby increases lifestyle value in places like Clifton, Cedarville and Yellow Springs [45387].

My Personal Take: Why I Keep Coming Back

As someone who helps families find homes across the Miami Valley, I always tell people that lifestyle matters as much as square footage. And Yellow Springs delivers on lifestyle.

This isn’t just a town with good food, it’s a place that feels good to live in. You can spend the morning hiking in Glen Helen, eat lunch at a 200-year-old tavern, and finish the day with ice cream under the stars.

Plus, there’s real estate appeal: walkable neighborhoods, strong local businesses and a vibrant community culture. That’s a win for any buyer or seller.

Key Takeaways

• Ye Olde Trail Tavern is the oldest in Ohio and a must-visit for classic comfort food

• Miguel’s Food Truck serves unforgettable tacos, including rare grouper and birria

• Yellow Springs Smokehouse is the go-to for brisket and creative sides

• Young’s Jersey Dairy is the perfect family stop for dessert and fun

• Yellow Springs [45387] blends flavor, history and community like no other

Ready to Explore Yellow Springs or Call It Home?

Let’s talk! Whether you’re relocating to the area or just looking for more hidden gems across the Miami Valley, I’d love to help.

📞 Book a call with me (937) 725-7695
📍 Read more about Yellow Springs and nearby communities https://www.loxleymartin.com/blog
📱 Follow me on Instagram @loxleymartin and @adamrmartin00 for real estate, lifestyle and local eats

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Written by Adam Martin, Lifestyle and Real Estate Expert serving Yellow Springs, Clifton, Cedarville and beyond.