Ed and Bert’s Smokehouse
Located on the Downtown Lincoln Way stretch, Ed and Bert’s Smokehouse is full of soul, and it is reflected in their food. The restaurant was the dream of owner Edward Hampton’s parents, Edward and Bertha. That dream became a reality in 1994 when the restaurant was opened in Canton. After Mr. Hampton returned home in 2001 from honorable service in the Navy, he helped the family with their restaurant. The Massillon location opened in 2022 and includes a spacious event center that is available for rent. Today the restaurant makes soul food from the Hampton family recipes, and it’s likely that one of the family will cook it for you— Ed and Bert’s employees are 90% family members. Ed and Bert’s specializes in soul food; their most popular options are ribs and fried catfish. Fried okra and collard greens, among other Southern style foods, populate the side menu. Sandwiches and chicken tenders are some of the other popular menu items. Ed and Bert’s partner with Maars Café in Wooster for delicious cheesecakes.
You can find them at 48 2nd St. SE in Massillon and explore their menu on Facebook (Link Here)
Bender’s Food and Spirits
Another delicious downtown destination is Bender’s of Massillon. Owners Jackie and Dusty Wilbur originally worked at Bender’s as bartenders in the early 2000s. After they were married, Dusty moved on to a different job, but Jackie stayed; and in 2018 she was able to buy half the business. A couple of years later they became the sole owners of the business. In 2020, they had to throw together a menu to stay afloat during Covid. As restaurants reopened, patrons enjoyed the expanded menu and began frequenting Bender’s more often. Later, Jackie and Dusty began to enlarge the pizza menu. They bought dough from Johnnie’s Bakery in Massillon; but after Johnnie’s closed, they had to look for new supplies. The couple’s son created the dough that Bender’s uses today. When the store next door became available, Bender’s purchased it and expanded the pizza kitchen.
Bender’s has a great selection of food, including many salads and delicious sandwiches. They offer ten specialty burgers and multiple specialty pizzas, made with the Wilbur home recipe dough.
You can find Bender’s at 50 Lincoln Way E, Massillon, OH 44646. Take a look at their menu HERE
