Nothing about Gallipolis makes sense. It’s a river town where the Ohio’s bends cradle culinary secrets, and even the best meals feel like discoveries. The location along the water means you’ll find catfish so fresh it practically swims onto your plate, alongside Appalachian-inspired dishes that tell stories of the hills. We’re talking about skillet cornbread with local honey, or slow-smoked ribs that taste like history.
Little Caesars Pizza
$ | (740) 441-1400 | WEBSITE
You might be planning a trip to explore the historic river town of Gallipolis. When you need a quick, satisfying meal, head to Little Caesars Pizza. They focus on classic pizza favorites, so you’ll find options like the Mostest Bestest pizza loaded with pepperoni and cheese, fresh from the oven. The straightforward dining area is clean and brightly lit, with red-and-white checkered tables and a counter for ordering, offering a welcome break from sightseeing.
End your visit with whatever’s available from the menu—in the past, I’ve enjoyed a perfectly cheesy slice that hits you right in the taste buds.
Reyes Taqueria & Cantina
$ | (740) 441-5871 | WEBSITE
Reyes Taqueria & Cantina is the most popular Mexican spot in Gallipolis, with its vibrant atmosphere and photogenic margarita glasses. To avoid the parking crunch, do your dining at the start of the evening, and take an early dinner slot and a relaxed stroll before heading to the cantina for your table.
While you can find a ton of excellent dishes like the steak burrito, taco salad, and blackberry margarita here, the standout is the service, made with genuine care from the staff, and delivered tableside. The last seating is just before closing, so even though it might be tempting, don’t linger too long in the lively dining room listening to the top-notch music and feeling the warm, energetic vibe that makes visitors want to return.
Bob Evans
$ | (740) 446-6369 | WEBSITE
The biscuits and gravy at Bob Evans are fluffy and rich—get them with crispy potatoes or just make it a classic extra big breakfast. Come here for a family meal after a day out. There are limited dining options in the general vicinity of Gallipolis, but Bob Evans is the most welcoming with plenty of high chair seating.
Subway
$ | (740) 446-6483 | WEBSITE
This reliable chain restaurant is conveniently located right off the main road, making it an easy stop for anyone passing through. There are about a dozen tables inside, and the clean, brightly lit space features the familiar yellow-and-green color scheme with photos of fresh ingredients lining the walls. In other words, it’s a straightforward and welcoming place to grab a meal. Start with a customizable sandwich, and follow suit with your sides—either chips or a fresh salad.
All the vegetables here are sliced daily, so your meal actually feels more vibrant than that pile of crisp lettuce. End your visit with one of their freshly baked cookies.
Zanzis Pizza Gallipolis
$ | (740) 441-9888 | WEBSITE
Zanzis Pizza Gallipolis is serving up phenomenal pies and really satisfying subs. Even though it’s a popular spot, it’s tucked away from the main drag and not near the touristy places that will charge you $30 for a basic pizza. You’ll mostly find locals and families who know to hit the drive-thru for a quick meal, and the line often stretches back during peak hours.
Between that and the straightforward setup, this spot is a convenient choice where you can grab a zesty premium pizza with those amazing breadsticks before heading home, or just swing by for a cheap sampler that feeds the whole crew.
Boba Hut
$ | (740) 853-8076 | WEBSITE
When you finish exploring Gallipolis, you’re just a short drive away from this spot, where you should start with the signature cinnamon sugar pretzel bites and a refreshing brown sugar boba. When the weather is nice, there’s enough parking outside, but the inside space that’s light and bright makes for a great place to relax with a cup of espresso. The friendly staff and clean, cozy atmosphere, complete with a cute photo op wall, create a pleasant experience.
The vegan and vegetarian options, like the satisfying pretzel dog and delightful chocolate chip cookies, are impressive and highly recommended.
Lorobi’s pizza
$ | (740) 446-7744 | WEBSITE
Don’t expect fancy toppings or artisanal pies at Lorobi’s pizza, a family-friendly spot in Gallipolis. What you will find is consistently delicious pizza with a crispy, thin crust, generous cheese, and tasty sauce that keeps locals coming back. When you’re hungry, try their standout mozzarella pizza or explore the gluten-free options available. Grab a booth or pull up a high chair for the kids and enjoy the straightforward, welcoming atmosphere.
The service is outstanding, and parking is easy—just what you need for a reliable pizza night.
The Colony
$ | (740) 209-0110 | WEBSITE
Gallipolis is generally quieter than the rest of Ohio. While chain restaurants and buzzy breweries have been popping up here recently, we love The Colony, an unchanged eatery in town that’s got a strong rotation of comfort classics. They do a really great burger, cheesesteak, and the house specialty Moscow flight that’s loaded with bold flavors and tastes like it’s been fortified with care.
It’s a great casual dinner if you want to check out the nearby entertainment on different nights or the fun, movie-theater setting with theater chairs and tables. And the Tuscany soup isn’t too far away, either.
Toro Loco
$ | (740) 925-4018 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in a strip mall near the Walmart parking lot, Toro Loco could probably get away with serving average Mexican food, since the convenient location and drive-thru service are so practical. But they very much did not cut corners—there’s a satisfying taco salad and generous plates like the Los Grande meal and a well-made chicken quesadilla.
We like it best for a family dinner, but it’s also worth swinging by for takeout, when you can grab a Coctel de Camaron and enjoy some perfectly portioned options.
Shake Shoppe
$ | (740) 446-2682 | WEBSITE
In a charming corner of Gallipolis, the Shake Shoppe team has created another cheerful and welcoming family diner. Meet Shake Shoppe, which has both indoor and outdoor seating in a well-lit and safe environment that feels comfortable and nostalgic. The food here is hearty with favorites like double cheeseburgers, hot dogs, stuffed shirt meals, and crispy waffle fries. There are thick and delicious shakes as a highlight, too.
The menu offers a variety of options to enjoy, and the staff is friendly and provides quick service. Expect an old-fashioned soda parlor vibe throughout, but the atmosphere stays pleasant and family-friendly all day long.
Long John Silver’s
$ | (740) 446-6666 | WEBSITE
You’ll want to arrive early to eat at Long John Silver’s, a reliably popular spot in Gallipolis. But it’s one you should make time for so you can try items off the straightforward and satisfying menu that focuses on classic seafood favorites, like the consistently praised Long Johns or the crispy waffle fries. The salmon with rice and coleslaw and the freshly prepared fish fillets are perennial favorites.
The interior dining area is clean and efficient, and outside, you can watch small-town life happening in the ample parking lot. They also have a coupon-friendly operation that takes care of customers, even close to closing time, with courteous and humble service. The meals are moist and flavorful, though some have noted the increasing prices and the significant amount of grease in certain dishes.
Burger King
$ | (740) 446-3400 | WEBSITE
There’s a lot to love about Burger King, including the world-famous onion rings, fresh Coca Cola products, and amazing burgers that come with perfect amounts of veggies. Be sure to pull up to the window, as it’s the only way you’ll be able to get your order quickly—otherwise, you might be stuck waiting behind someone with headset issues, peering impatiently at the lovely staff member inside.
Look for the warm and crispy fries coming out fresh, which they serve with stringy cheese sticks that hit all the right melty and savory notes. The unbeatable price for a great burger is perfect if you need something satisfying without breaking the bank.
Hogg Haven
$ | (740) 441-0386 | WEBSITE
The vibe at Hogg Haven is unpretentious and welcoming, but you might find fried pickles that taste like a perfect bar snack, or a cheeseburger that feels spiritually connected to comfort food. Any night you visit—whether that’s Friday for karaoke with a mix of older and younger folks, Tuesday for pool tournaments, or a regular weekend evening—is going to be relaxed.
Come for a beer, grab a “woodies” coin if you’re a repeat customer, play some pool at the tables, and always save room for another round and the friendly atmosphere that makes this spot a local favorite.
