Ohio has a great food and drink scene, but it tends to be clustered around the biggest cities in the state; Cleveland, Cincinnati, Dayton, and Toledo are always debuting new restaurants that have foodies beating down the door! That's why it's such a pleasure to discover an out-of-the-way gem that takes a little more work to get to. I'm not surprised at all that the Axe-Handle, a unique gastropub located in the tiny western Ohio village of Columbus Grove, is gaining a big audience. It opened in 2016, and since then it's been impressing everyone with its delicious food and a wide array of craft beers. The building has been standing since the early 1900s, serving as multiple businesses before its transformation into a unique bar and restaurant serving a seasonal menu. This hidden brewpub in Ohio is helping to put Columbus Grove on the map, so read on to discover why people are driving from all around to find it!
Columbus Grove is a laid-back town about an hour southwest of Toledo, and it's now on the culinary map for one reason.
The Axe-Handle, a popular gastropub that opened in 2016, is the town's signature restaurant and watering hole.
Located in a historic building, it's served as a carriage house, a car dealership, and an auto repair shop. You can still see many remnants of these old businesses today.
But today, the only thing on offer is great food and drink. Kick your meal off with a selection of dips and bread.
The menu focuses on all-American comfort food, including a croque monsieur that is perfectly toasted and creamy.
Pizzas are also on the menu, but during the colder months, the seasonal menu pivots to hearty comfort food.
As for the beer, there's a focus on local craft brews. The menu changes all the time, and you'll probably find it hard to pick just one.
So don't! The beer flight at the Axe-Handle is easily the most popular drinking choice at this fast-rising gastropub.
Have you visited The Axe-Handle in Columbus Grove? Tell us about your visit to this hidden brewpub in Ohio in the comments section! You can see the latest specials on the Axe-Handle Facebook page. Columbus Grove isn't far from Lima, where you can find a unique children's playground and the TownePlace Suites by Marriott Lima for a relaxing place to lay your head.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!