With the year winding down, a new one is well on its way. This year, consider taking one weekend out of each month to visit a unique local restaurant you’ve never been to before. Ohio is full of one-of-a-kind restaurants to explore. The following are 12 Ohio restaurants we think you should add to your 2019 dining bucket list.
See how many are new to you:
- Pine Tree Barn (Wooster)
management/Trip Advisor
Dianna W/Trip Advisor Hiding in northeast Ohio is a magical tree farm that’s also a restaurant, gift shop and furniture store. The Granary Restaurant serves lunch every day from 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. With grommet entrees and amazing views, a lunch here will spoil you. For more information, click here.
- Log Cabin Tavern (Liberty Center)
The Log Cabin Tavern/Facebook
The Log Cabin Tavern/Facebook Tucked away in the northwest corner of the state, Log Cabin Tavern in Liberty Center is a hidden gem to passerby and a beloved dinner spot for locals. From the smoked meats to the down-to-earth atmosphere, you’ll feel at home here. (Weather permitting, the outdoor patio seating is downright dreamy.) For directions and more information, click here.
- The Root Beer Stande (Dayton)
The Root Beer Stande/Facebook
The Root Beer Stande/Facebook The Root Beer Stande is a seasonal restaurant that specializes in, (you guessed it), root beer and all kinds of tasty entrees. (While the root beer and foot-longs are definitely crowd pleasers here, the breaded tenderloin sandwich is the unsung hero of the menu.) The curbside service here will make you nostalgic for the good old days. For directions, hours of operation and other information, click here.
- Sotto (Cincinnati)
vmeyi/Trip Advisor
Susan C/Trip Advisor Hiding beneath East Sixth Street in the bustling city of Cincinnati is one of the most divine Italian dining experiences you can have in the state of Ohio. The atmosphere and decor are downright romantic, making Sotto the perfect date night destination when you want to really impress that special someone. For more information, click here.
- Strongwater Food and Spirits (Columbus)
Strongwater Food and Spirits/Facebook
Strongwater Food and Spirits/Facebook What was once a sanitary porcelain manufacturing company is now a one-of-a-kind restaurant, bar and event space. This century-old warehouse features the perfect blend of industrial, modern day decor and rustic historic touches. On the menu, you’ll find everything from upscale seafood dishes to burgers and fries and other casual classics. For directions and other information, click here.
- La Soul Authentic Soul Food (Akron)
La Soul-Authentic Soul Food/Facebook
La Soul-Authentic Soul Food/Facebook La Soul Authentic Soul Food and Catering is arguably one of Akron’s best kept culinary secrets. The meats are smoked to perfection. The brisket and pulled pork are irresistible—and the sides are just as delicious. (Pro tip: Try the fried okra.) For directions and more information, click here.
- The Farm Restaurant and Pub (Adena)
The Farm Restaurant and Pub/Facebook
The Farm Restaurant and Pub/Facebook A little-known culinary secret in the Ohio Valley, The Farm Restaurant and Pub is unbelievably charming. Inside, the table setting and decor will make you feel as if you’ve stepped into a home, rather than a restaurant open to the public. There’s everything from upscale seafood dishes to hearty burgers and fries here. For more information, click here.
- Father John’s Microbrewery (Bryan)
Rcscruffy4/Trip Advisor
Father John’s Microbrewery/Facebook What was once a gorgeous church is now a truly unique microbrewery and restaurant enchanting both locals and visitors alike. On the menu, you’ll find a wide variety of upscale American dishes that are downright mouthwatering. (Just know that if you order a soft pretzel, you’re going to have to share it with someone.) For directions, hours of operation and other information, click here.
- Mad Mac’s (Lakewood)
Mad Mac’s/Facebook
Mad Mac’s/Facebook If you’re a fan of the ooey-gooey, classic macaroni and cheese dish, then there’s a restaurant in Ohio you need to know about. Mad Mac’s in Lakewood, Ohio is a truly epic mac and cheese bar you’ll absolutely love. There’s truly something for every Mac and cheese lover here, from the Buttery Brie and Crumbled Cracker style to the Hamburger Mac and Cheese. For more information, click here.
- Cocina De Carlos (Perrysburg)
Stephie_1284/Trip Advisor
management/Trip Advisor With an extensive menu and a lunch buffet option, Cocina De Carlos is arguably one of the most underrated Mexican restaurants in Ohio. The burritos are massive and the enchiladas are irresistible. At the buffet, you’ll find a wide variety of selections, including make-your-own tacos. For directions and other information, click here.
- Spearman’s Restaurant (Howard)
elsplace/Trip Advisor
Frank O/Trip Advisor Driving by, you might not realize what’s hiding in this unassuming gas station off of U.S. Highway 36. Spearman’s Restaurant is the definition of a true hidden gem. It humbly serves up some of the best comfort food in the state. For more information, click here.
- Boyd and Wurthmann Restaurant (Berlin)
Boyd & Wurthmann Restaurant/Facebook
Boyd & Wurthmann Restaurant/Facebook What was once a grocery store in the 1930s is now a beloved Amish restaurant that locals and visitors alike can’t get enough of. While the food is certainly delicious, the real star of the show at Boyd and Wuthermann Restaurant is the homemade pies. You’ll find more then 25 different kinds, made fresh daily. For hours of operation, directions and other information, click here.
Have you been to any of these restaurants before? If so, please share your experiences with us!
management/Trip Advisor
Dianna W/Trip Advisor
Hiding in northeast Ohio is a magical tree farm that’s also a restaurant, gift shop and furniture store. The Granary Restaurant serves lunch every day from 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. With grommet entrees and amazing views, a lunch here will spoil you. For more information, click here.
The Log Cabin Tavern/Facebook
Tucked away in the northwest corner of the state, Log Cabin Tavern in Liberty Center is a hidden gem to passerby and a beloved dinner spot for locals. From the smoked meats to the down-to-earth atmosphere, you’ll feel at home here. (Weather permitting, the outdoor patio seating is downright dreamy.) For directions and more information, click here.
The Root Beer Stande/Facebook
The Root Beer Stande is a seasonal restaurant that specializes in, (you guessed it), root beer and all kinds of tasty entrees. (While the root beer and foot-longs are definitely crowd pleasers here, the breaded tenderloin sandwich is the unsung hero of the menu.) The curbside service here will make you nostalgic for the good old days. For directions, hours of operation and other information, click here.
vmeyi/Trip Advisor
Susan C/Trip Advisor
Hiding beneath East Sixth Street in the bustling city of Cincinnati is one of the most divine Italian dining experiences you can have in the state of Ohio. The atmosphere and decor are downright romantic, making Sotto the perfect date night destination when you want to really impress that special someone. For more information, click here.
Strongwater Food and Spirits/Facebook
What was once a sanitary porcelain manufacturing company is now a one-of-a-kind restaurant, bar and event space. This century-old warehouse features the perfect blend of industrial, modern day decor and rustic historic touches. On the menu, you’ll find everything from upscale seafood dishes to burgers and fries and other casual classics. For directions and other information, click here.
La Soul-Authentic Soul Food/Facebook
La Soul Authentic Soul Food and Catering is arguably one of Akron’s best kept culinary secrets. The meats are smoked to perfection. The brisket and pulled pork are irresistible—and the sides are just as delicious. (Pro tip: Try the fried okra.) For directions and more information, click here.
The Farm Restaurant and Pub/Facebook
A little-known culinary secret in the Ohio Valley, The Farm Restaurant and Pub is unbelievably charming. Inside, the table setting and decor will make you feel as if you’ve stepped into a home, rather than a restaurant open to the public. There’s everything from upscale seafood dishes to hearty burgers and fries here. For more information, click here.
Rcscruffy4/Trip Advisor
Father John’s Microbrewery/Facebook
What was once a gorgeous church is now a truly unique microbrewery and restaurant enchanting both locals and visitors alike. On the menu, you’ll find a wide variety of upscale American dishes that are downright mouthwatering. (Just know that if you order a soft pretzel, you’re going to have to share it with someone.) For directions, hours of operation and other information, click here.
Mad Mac’s/Facebook
If you’re a fan of the ooey-gooey, classic macaroni and cheese dish, then there’s a restaurant in Ohio you need to know about. Mad Mac’s in Lakewood, Ohio is a truly epic mac and cheese bar you’ll absolutely love. There’s truly something for every Mac and cheese lover here, from the Buttery Brie and Crumbled Cracker style to the Hamburger Mac and Cheese. For more information, click here.
Stephie_1284/Trip Advisor
With an extensive menu and a lunch buffet option, Cocina De Carlos is arguably one of the most underrated Mexican restaurants in Ohio. The burritos are massive and the enchiladas are irresistible. At the buffet, you’ll find a wide variety of selections, including make-your-own tacos. For directions and other information, click here.
elsplace/Trip Advisor
Frank O/Trip Advisor
Driving by, you might not realize what’s hiding in this unassuming gas station off of U.S. Highway 36. Spearman’s Restaurant is the definition of a true hidden gem. It humbly serves up some of the best comfort food in the state. For more information, click here.
Boyd & Wurthmann Restaurant/Facebook
What was once a grocery store in the 1930s is now a beloved Amish restaurant that locals and visitors alike can’t get enough of. While the food is certainly delicious, the real star of the show at Boyd and Wuthermann Restaurant is the homemade pies. You’ll find more then 25 different kinds, made fresh daily. For hours of operation, directions and other information, click here.
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