Open For More Than Half A Century, Dining At The Alcove In Ohio Is Always A Timeless Experience
By Sarah McCosham|Published February 10, 2023
×
Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
Mt. Vernon is a delightful little town in the heart of the Buckeye State that will surprise you in all the best ways. Small but impossibly charming, Mt. Vernon boasts a robust little downtown district of well-supported businesses and long-standing restaurants, including The Alcove. For more than a century, The Alcove has provided Ohio diners with a delicious and delightfully timeless dining experience, and it’s a restaurant that certainly belongs on your radar.
In the heart of Historic Downtown Mount Vernon sits The Alcove, a longstanding anchor in this charming Ohio town.
Known as one of the premier fine dining establishments in Ohio, The Alcove is located in a historic building that harkens back to another time -- and century.
You might be surprised to learn that The Alcove actually started as... a candy shop! Fred Surlas and Peter J. Francis partnered together to create a candy and ice cream shop known as Candyland. The shop opened in 1911, and by the '20s, sandwiches had been added to the menu.
Once folks tasted the delicious food prepared by the duo, demand skyrocketed, and the Alcove Room was added -- and then an entire expansion! At this point, Candyland was renamed and rebranded as The Alcove.
In terms of the menu at The Alcove, think "classic steakhouse" meets "Ohio farm-to-table" restaurant. Craving perfectly cooked prime rib? You'll find it here -- and it will be perfect every single time.
In addition to the menu mainstays, seasonal specials offer diners the opportunity to try something new. See: the Braised Australian Lamb Shank, glazed with local honey and whole grain mustard and served with Tuscan beans, broccoli, tomato, and Pistou. It's a magnificent work of culinary art that's almost too beautiful to eat.
This is a theme with all the entrees at The Alcove, in fact. The chefs work with gorgeous Ohio produce and local meats that star in a variety of delicious dishes. Everything is as fresh and local as it gets, which really sets The Alcove apart from other Ohio restaurants.
And also -- don't let the white tablecloths scare you away. As stunning as this restaurant is, the vibe is as warm and welcoming as you'd expect in the heart of the Midwest.
