There’s a locomotive-themed restaurant every true Ohioan needs to visit at least once. Buckeye Express Diner in Bellville, Ohio is a hidden gem to those that don’t know about it and a frequent stop for locals. It's the perfect place to take the family for a fun meal out.
Welcome to the Buckeye Express Diner! If you take exit 165 off of Interstate 71, you'll find this iconic not-your-average diner.
Be sure to ask about the special of the day, as it's always changing—but always delicious.
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On the menu, you'll find all the diner classics. The burgers here are exceptional, but you can also get some Lake Erie perch, a corn beef rueben, a chicken ranch wrap and more.
This Ohio Dining Experience Has Been Called One of the Best Restaurants in the U.S.
Welcome to the Short North Arts District
The Guild House: Delighting Diners Since 2015
Locally Grown and Farm-fresh
A Bucket List Restaurant in Columbus
Ohio may not be known as a foodie haven, but locals know that we have a secret dining scene here that's nothing short of excellent. As a state that's rich in farmland, restaurants that specialize in locally-sourced ingredients have an edge that other less-rural regions simply can't match. The freshness of local ingredients cannot be beat, so with the right ambiance and staff, Ohio dining experiences are truly next-level. Today, we're going to visit a restaurant in the Short North Arts District of Columbus that locals have hailed as one of the very best restaurants, possibly in the while Great Lakes region. The Guild House is part of the Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, a group of award-winning eateries recognized for exceptional food and service. Prepare your taste buds for excellence, because a visit to this excellent restaurant in Columbus won't soon be forgotten.
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Welcome to the Short North Arts District
Tucked away in the scenic Short North Arts District of Columbus, Ohio, The Guild House is instantly eye-catching. The gold of its street sign combined with the early 20th century brick architecture instantly brings to mind visions of the Gilded Age.
This impression is truly characteristic of most of the Short North Arts District, where tightly-packed brick buildings are filled with chic, modern attractions. Since the 1980s, locals have looked to this region's Bohemian atmosphere for unique experiences. Art galleries, vintage shops, and unique restaurants are expected here, and The Guild House effortlessly fits in without blending in.
The Guild House: Delighting Diners Since 2015
The stand-out restaurant opened its doors in 2015, impressing circa 140 patrons at a time with its expansive 6,000-square foot space. While the modern rustic atmosphere draws most in, featured dishes like pork cheeks, scallops, and lamb burgers keep visitors returning time and time again.
The Guild House has menus for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, and each has something special to offer. As someone with more of a preference for savory than sweet, I'd recommend stopping by for lunch or dinner if you want the most memorable experience possible, but you'll love the food no matter what time of day you visit. And while the flavors of each dish speak for themselves, the presentation is beautiful and always photo-worthy.
Locally Grown and Farm-fresh
Jacqueline Nix/iStock via Getty Images
The Guild House is renowned for its dedication to using locally grown ingredients whenever possible. This farm-to-table approach ensures that every dish is not only fresh but also supports local agriculture. From the succulent filet mignon to the indulgent pork belly, you'll taste the difference with farm fresh ingredients.
This approach also allows for seasonal shifts, like the seasonal donut offerings that have made the restaurant locally famous. Seasonal offerings draw inspiration from both global and regional flavors, ensuring you have a unique array of options whether you're looking over the dinner or dessert menu. And, truly, I cannot speak to the presentation enough — each dish is artfully arranged, creating a visual feast that’s almost too beautiful to eat. (Almost. Like I said, the flavors speak for themselves, and the tantalizing aroma won't do anything to slow you down!)
A Bucket List Restaurant in Columbus
The restaurant’s rustic-modern decor strikes a harmonious balance between warmth and elegance, creating an ambiance that perfectly complements the food without overshadowing it. Experiences here are deliciously balanced, and each is memorable no matter what time of day you stop by to visit.
Liliya Krueger/Moment via Getty Images
If you’re a foodie in Ohio or an out-of-state visitors looking for something memorable, The Guild House is a must-visit destination. Its dedication to locally sourced ingredients, seasonal and globally inspired offerings, and exquisite presentation make it a standout restaurant in Columbus. Connect with them on Facebook to keep this unique Ohio restaurant on your radar.
Ohio is a dark horse in the culinary arena, with the Buckeye State home to some of the most acclaimed, historic, and cutting-edge restaurants in the US. Young Buck Delicatessen is the newest addition to the state's culinary scene, with the "Top Chef" run popup opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant in Cincinnati, Ohio, this year. When it opens in spring 2024, Young Buck will be serving up some of the freshest, most mouthwatering sandwiches in Ohio, with offerings like bacon, egg, and biscuit sandwich, pancake sandwiches, and more.
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Over-the-Rhine is one of the largest and most intact 19th-century neighborhoods in the country, characterized by charming three-to five-story brick Italianate buildings and a complicated history of Germanic, African American, Appalachian, and other groups calling it home over the years.
This neighborhood is home to some of the most historic and iconic places in Cincinnati, Ohio, from Music Hall and Findlay Market to Washington Park and Old St. Mary's Church.
Its classic and beautifully designed storefronts make for the most marvelous homes for local businesses, with fan favorite Holtman's Donuts calling the space at 1332 Vine Street "home" from 2013 until 2022. The storefront sat vacant after the donut shop's departure, until a couple of Top Chefs saw its potential.
This spring, Cincinnati culinary (and real life) couple and butcher/chef duo Brian and Caitlin Young will be opening Young Buck Delicatessen, a brick-and-mortar shop based on their successful run of pop-up events.
The pair met on the set of season 16 of Bravo’s "Top Chef" -- which actually filmed over the river, in Kentucky! -- and have been collaborating ever since - both in personal and professional life.
Caitlin is best-known for her rustic biscuits and Southern-inspired comfort fare, running Cincinnati's eponymous Cooking with Caitlin and Station Family + BBQ restaurants, both of which are now closed.
Brian, on the other hand, has a deft hand when it comes to the art of butchery, regaling viewers of "Top Chef" with his beautiful porchettas and ballotines.
With Young Buck Delicatessen, the Top Chefs will bring a fresh take on classic deli sandwiches and delicious breakfasts to Cincinnati, Ohio, joining forces to create something that truly is the sum of its parts.
The new restaurant opened in the spring of 2024, and in addition to a delicious menu of deli classics, the chefs are partnering with Crown Restaurant Group (which owns local culinary favorites like Crown Republic, Losanti, Five on Vine and more) to double as the group’s butchery and pasta commissary kitchen.
Did you know about this "Top Chef" run restaurant in the Buckeye State? Young Buck Delicatessen is a welcome addition to the Ohio dining scene and we're excited to see it taking up residence in Cincinnati's historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood!
