These 7 Historic Ohio Restaurants Are Over 100 Years Old
By April Dray|Published January 08, 2018
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April Dray
Author
April is the Ohio staff writer for Only in Your State. She is an Ohio native with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. With more than 10 years of writing experience and a background in news reporting for Ohio newspapers, she's published pieces in multiple print and online publications. When she's not on deadline or chasing after her toddler, she's hunting for hidden gems in Ohio or getting lost in a good book.
Historic restaurants are memorable for their ambience, timeless recipes and the interesting stories they tell. Scattered throughout Ohio, you’ll find several restaurants that are more than a century old, sanding the test of time. The following are 7 of the oldest restaurants in Ohio you’ll want to visit when you can—because if something’s been around for more than 100 years, there’s a pretty solid reason why.
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.
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2. Schmidt’s Sausage Haus und Restaurant (Columbus)
This popular German Village eatery has been a well-known sausage haus in central Ohio since 1886. The ghosts at this renowned German eatery are generally friendly. Visitors occasionally see an old man in the mirror or feel someone brush past them, which could simply be the original owner, J. Fred Schmidt. For the best German cuisine in Ohio (and a friendly ghost sighting or two), go to 240 E Kossuth St., Columbus, OH 43206.
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.
A ghost by the name of "Harold" is rumored to haunt this bar and restaurant in Chillicothe. He's known for throwing drinks and turning out the lights in the age-old building, which has been around since the mid-1800s. (Pictured above is the French Dip.) Crosskeys Tavern is located at 19 E. Main St., Chillicothe, OH 45601.
With a rich history that first began in 1836, this landmark restaurant has seen its fair share of U.S. presidents and travellers along the National Road. Ohio's second oldest stagecoach stop serves as "a reminder of the past" and features exceptional American, Italian and seafood cuisine. Visit The Red Brick Tavern at 1700 Cumberland St., Lafayette, OH 43140.
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.
With 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.
Have you visited any of these restaurants before? If so, we want to know what your experience was like!
