Sometimes the older the restaurant, the better the food. All throughout Ohio, there are several restaurants that have stood the test of time and gained some interesting stories to tell along the way—as well as delicious cuisine that will have you coming back for more. The following are some of Ohio’s oldest and most historic restaurants.
1. The Golden Lamb (Lebanon)
Ohio’s oldest continuously operated hotel was established in 1803 and holds a unique dining experience, complete with antique furnishings, themed dining rooms and historic rooms upstairs where famous individuals such as Harriet Beecher Stowe and several U.S. Presidents have stayed. Visitors can either dine in The Lebanon Room (pictured,) The Dickens Room, Buckeye Dining Room or The Shaker Room. The Golden Lamb is located at 27 S Broadway St., Lebanon, OH 45036.
2. The Buxton Inn Restaurant (Granville)
Currently celebrating more than 200 years of service, this historic inn features 25 guest rooms surrounded by beautiful gardens, picturesque fountains and porches. This beautiful inn also features a rustic stagecoach tavern with casual food and a full service bar. The Buxton Inn is located at 313 E Broadway, Granville, OH 43023.
3. Spread Eagle Tavern & Inn (Hanoverton)
This historic inn was originally built in 1837 in the Federalist style by masons of the canal boom. Throughout the years, it has been frequented by a handful of U.S. presidents. The Spread Eagle Tavern and Inn is located at 10150 Historic Plymouth St., Hanoverton, OH 44423.
4. Historic Marcy Store and Diner (Winchester)
What used to be the Broast's Store in the 1840s is now a casual American eatery, which is now in its second building (but located on the original site.) Historic Macy Store and Diner is located at 1004 Winchester S Rd., Canal Winchester, OH 43110.
5. The Oliver House (Toledo)
With its five-star dining and award-winning brewery, this 150-year-old restaurant is renowned among locals and visitors. The Oliver House is located at 27 Broadway St, Toledo, OH 43604.
6. The Red Brick Tavern (Lafayette
Ohio's second oldest stagecoach stop serves as "a reminder of the past" and features exceptional American, Italian and seafood cuisine. The Red Brick Tavern is located at 1700 Cumberland St., Lafayette, OH 43140.
7. The Spot To Eat (Sidney)
Both literally and figuratively, this is the spot to go to for a tasty, classic cheeseburger in Sidney. What started out as a chuck wagon more than 100 years ago is now a stationary old fashioned eatery that will make you feel like you've temporarily stepped foot into a Happy Day's episode. The Spot To Eat is located at 201 S Ohio Ave., Sidney, OH 45365.
8. Warehouse Steak N’ Stein (Coshocton)
With a legendary location, legendary entertainment and legendary onion rings, pinwheel steaks and pork tenderloin sandwiches, the Old Warehouse in the Historic Roscoe Village is a must-try. Warehouse Steak n' Stein is located at 400 N Whitewoman St., Coshocton, OH 43812.
9. Kewpee Hamburgers (Lima)
This signature fast food joint in Lima has three locations that serve up the city's best burgers. french fries and malts. The pictured location has been in operation since 1928.
10. Shaw’s Restaurant and Inn (Lancaster)
Established in 1947, this charming historic inn and fine dining restaurant features an exceptional menu with global cuisine and aged steaks. Outdoor dining and private dining rooms are also available here. Shaw's Restaurant and Inn is located at 123 N Broad St., Lancaster, OH 43130.
11. Carl’s Town House (Chillicothe)
This local landmark was purchased at the New York World's Fair in 1939 by a Chillicothe resident and brought to the town in 1940. In 2000, the beloved 1950s-style building was purchased for $1, and the new owner moved it three blocks away to its current location. Come here for the nostalgic 1950s vibe; stay (and come back) for the double cheeseburger basket. Carl's Townhouse is located at 95 W. 2nd St., Chillicothe, OH 45601.
Have you been to any of these historical restaurants? What was your experience(s) like?
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