Here in Ohio, there are so many unique restaurants to enjoy if you just know where to look. From restaurants with stores to restaurants with amazing grounds to explore, here are eight unique restaurants in Ohio that offer guests so much more than great food. Dining at each and every one of these Buckeye State gems truly is an experience for your Ohio restaurant bucket list!

1. The Barn Restaurant (Smithville)
The Barn Restaurant, 877 W Main St, Smithville, OH 44677, USA
The Barn Restaurant/Facebook
The Barn Restaurant/Facebook
A refurbished rustic barn, board games and a scenic lake you can explore outside give this unique eatery an unbelievably charming atmosphere. You’ll fall in love with the setting and feel right at home. The Barn Restaurant is located at 877 W Main St., Smithville, OH, 44677. Learn more and plan your visit by visiting the restaurant website.
2. The Stockport Mill Inn and Restaurant on the Dam (Stockport)
Stockport Mill, 1995 Broadway St, Stockport, OH 43787, USA
K H./Yelp
Scook/TripAdvisor
Tucked away along the Muskingum River in southeast Ohio, you'll find this hidden gem. The last remaining mill on the river is now a one-of-a-kind overnight getaway and restaurant. Today, it is still powered by hydroelectricity, and the mill itself has been in operation since 1842. You'll find The Stockport Mill Inn located at 1995 Broadway St., Stockport, OH, 43787.
3. Grandpa’s Cheesebarn (Ashland)
Grandpa's Cheesebarn & Sweeties Chocolates, 668 US-250, Ashland, OH 44805, USA
Grandpa's Cheesebarn Inc./Facebook
Grandpa's Cheesebarn Inc./Facebook
What was once a working dairy farm is now a truly epic cheese barn right off of Interstate 71 . It's a family-owned, charming store, gift shop and eatery the whole family will love. Warning: the chocolates here are dangerously addictive! Grandpa’s Cheesebarn is located at 668 US-250, Ashland, OH, 44805.
4. Bromfield's Dining Lodge (Mohican State Park)
Mohican State Park, 3116 OH-3, Loudonville, OH 44842, USA
Management/TripAdvisor
Mohican State Park Lodge/Facebook
With floor to ceiling windows, Bromfield’s Dining Room features stunning views of the surrounding forest and Pleasant Hill Lake. In the fall, it makes for a particularly colorful sight to see. On the menu, you'll find daily specials, seafood, Italian dishes, salads, soups, sandwiches, and more. After your meal, there's plenty to explore. It's located at 1098 County Road 3006, Perrysville, OH, 44864.

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5. The LakeHouse Inn and Winery (Geneva-on-the-Lake)
The Lakehouse Inn, 5653 Lake Rd E, Geneva, OH 44041, USA
The Lakehouse Inn & Winery/Facebook
The Lakehouse Inn & Winery/Facebook
Tucked away along the shores of Lake Erie at Geneva-on-the-Lake, you'll find this quaint inn and restaurant in the heart of Ohio Wine Country. With breathtaking views of Lake Erie, you'll feel as if you're right on the water here, miles and miles away from everything. Taste some wine on the patio, explore the grounds and stay overnight if you can. We simply can't say enough wonderful things about this unique restaurant in Ohio! The LakeHouse Inn is located at 5653 Lake Rd E, Geneva-on-the-Lake, OH, 44041.
6. 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant (Columbus)
94th Aero Squadron Restaurant, 5030 Sawyer Rd, Columbus, OH 43219, USA
April Dray/Only In Your State
April Dray/Only In Your State
If you’re looking for a unique place to dine on an evening out or a lazy Sunday morning brunch, there’s a little-known restaurant hiding in central Ohio you should know about. Located between the runways of John Glenn International Airport, you’ll find 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant. It’s an aviation-themed restaurant that features delicious food, World War I & II memorabilia, and great views of planes taking flight and landing. It's a must-visit restaurant for all Buckeye State history buffs! It's located at 5030 Sawyer Rd., Columbus, OH, 43219.
7. Lake Hope Lodge (McArthur)
Lake Hope Lodge, 27331 OH-278, McArthur, OH 45651, USA
Lake Hope Lodge/Facebook
Lake Hope Lodge/Facebook
Vinton County is home to one of Ohio's most underrated parks, Lake Hope State Park, as well as an incredible dining lodge. With two stories, plenty of seating, and floor-to-ceiling windows, there isn't a bad seat in the house. You'll feel at home here, but you'll also be impressed by the atmosphere. You'll find this hidden gem restaurant at 27331 State Rt 278, McArthur, OH, 45651.
8. Clifton Mill (Clifton)
Historic Clifton Mill, 75 Water St, Clifton, OH 45316, USA
Stanislav Vitebskiy/Flickr
JZ152/Flickr
One of the largest water powered grist mills still in existence, Clifton Mill is fueled by the Little Miami River. This historic site of Clifton Mill features a vintage mill, a covered bridge, a 1940s-era gas station, and a quaint American restaurant. Talk about dinner with a view! Clifton Mill is located at 75 Water St., Clifton, OH, 45316.

Have you been to any of these unique restaurants in Ohio before? If so, we want to know what your experience was like!

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unique restaurants in Ohio

Sarah | October 10, 2021

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