Some of the best Thai cooking in Ohio comes out of small rooms you might drive past without a second look. A strip-mall storefront in Maumee, a compact counter spot in downtown Dayton, and a restaurant that doubles as an Asian market in Akron all made this list for the same reason.
Each one is run by a family that cooks with care, and the menus show it. You will find curry puffs, khao soi, crispy duck, larb with pork belly, and plenty of pad thai done right.
The list stretches from Cincinnati to Toledo’s suburbs, so there is a stop in nearly every corner of the state. Some spots lean traditional and seasonal, while others mix Thai plates with sushi or pho…