Did you know that Ohio is an incredibly varied state both in terms of geography and cuisine? Central Ohio is known as Amish country, with an abundance of German and Amish-inspired restaurants and breweries. Southern Ohio is marked by the mighty Ohio River, with restaurants varying from local breweries to farm-to-table cuisine. And Northern Ohio is all about the Great Lakes, with amazing riverfront restaurants offering everything from fresh catches to steakhouse fare. It's here where we're traveling today, to a classic waterfront steakhouse in Ohio, that's known for its legendary steaks... and scenery!
White Oaks Westlake is the place to go for an extraordinary experience featuring phenomenal food and epic views.
At this waterfront steakhouse in OH, we're talking "Top Chef" inspired fare, and dinner featuring breathtaking scenery.
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And you can have both of these things -- and more -- when you dine at White Oaks, a waterfront steakhouse in Westlake, Ohio.
For nearly a century, this Ohio establishment has been treating patrons to dinner with a view. It's also become a popular destination for folks wondering, "where is there a waterfront restaurant near me?'.
Per the White Oaks steakhouse menu, the dinners here are artistic masterpieces: beautiful cuts of prime rib and filet mignon, married with verdant vegetables and golden potatoes.
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But the views from White Oaks Westlake in Ohio kind of steal the spotlight.
From your table of this waterfront steakhouse in OH, you'll have a front-row seat to a truly beautiful nature scene, complete with deer frolicking and ducks fluttering.
As you cozy up by the fire and gaze out at the wilds of Ohio, you're sure to fall head-over-heels for the beautiful Buckeye State... all while enjoying the best steak dinner of your life.
Have you dined at White Oaks Restaurant before? If so, please share your experience about this romantic waterfront steakhouse in OH in the following comments section. Feel free to check out the restaurant's website to make a reservation and learn more about the White Oaks Steakhouse menu.
For more dining options, take a look at our coverage of the best restaurants in Ohio. We also suggest visiting Tripadvisor when you're in Ohio and looking for a waterfront restaurant near me.
With so many wineries in Ohio, it's hard to choose which ones to visit! While you can never go wrong with a trip to Ohio's wine country, I want to take you on a virtual visit to a hidden gem that's off the beaten path. It's one of my favorite wineries in Ohio, and it has it all — gorgeous views, affordable bottles, and goats. Yes, you read that right... this winery has goats, and they're a highlight of each and every visit. You're going to love The Winery at Wolf Creek. If you're not local to the Barberton area, you might consider booking a stay in the area, because visits to this quaint winery are well worth the road trip.
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Located off the beaten path in a rural stretch of Barberton, Ohio, The Winery at Wolf Creek is a true treat to visit.
While the Tasting Room is open daily, I prefer to grab a flight or a bottle and head outside. The views are absolutely spectacular! The dining area is located at the top of a hill that stretches down to the Barberton Reservoir, and it's dotted with trees and grape vines. See that little playground off to the righthand side of the picture above? It's not for kids, believe it or not. Well, I suppose it is for kids, but not the kind you're thinking of. That's where the goats live. You can buy snacks inside at the counter to feed them, and I highly recommend doing so. They don't particularly want to interact with you unless you have food to share, which is totally understandable and relatable.
This charming winery got its start in 1980, and the very first grapes planted here were Cayuga White, Seyval, Vignoles, Dechaunac, Chancellor, Leon Millot, and Vidal varietals. The winery has since expanded, and it's built a brand based on fun names and big flavors. Enjoy a glass of Blind Faith, Sweet Revenge, or Original Sin... Whatever you choose, it's bound to be delicious.
Like many local wineries, The Winery at Wolf Creek uses estate-grown grapes, local fruits, and imported grapes to make their wines. Ohio's climate and soil type produces excellent and flavorful wines, and our latitude is similar to that of Europe's famous wine regions. As such a promising agricultural region, you can expect locally-produced wine to be delicious.
Unlike many Ohio wineries, however, visits to The Winery at Wolf Creek won't break the bank. Most of their bottles are offered for under $20, and I highly recommend getting a few bottles for your group to share. It's a great way to sample local wine and bond with friends. While the winery does offer a few small snacks, it's a bring-your-own-food destination. Bring a picnic with your favorite snacks, order a pizza, or opt for the on-site refreshments... whatever you do, just make sure it pairs well with wine!
The setup of this winery makes it a family-friendly outing. Kids can easily set up a blanket and play while their parents socialize, and Yappy Hour Tuesdays are the perfect time to bring your pup for a picnic. If you do decide to bring your pup, just make sure they don't get too close or bother the goats. This is their home, and while they're used to guests, they're not used to being bullied.
If you want to keep The Winery at Wolf Creek on your radar, be sure to connect with them on Facebook. It's a great way to keep a pulse on special events like concerts, food trucks, and the annual Goat Derby. (If you haven't noticed, the goats are kind of the stars of the whole experience. You're going to love them!)
While you're in the area, don't forget to stop by Barberton's bottomless lake. While it isn't actually bottomless, there's some fascinating lore surrounding this beautiful glacial kettle lake.
One of the most magical things about Ohio dining is the superabundance of local farmers. This means that farm-to-table restaurants can easily ensure the freshest ingredients possible, and diners can enjoy an experience they won't soon forget. Today, we're going to take a road trip to the scenic countryside of Medina County, where The Tilted Farmer is serving up deliciousness on a stretch of country road between two cities. This rustic yet modern eatery is a newcomer on the local dining scene, but it's already got locals talking. If you're visiting from beyond Northeast Ohio, you might consider booking a hotel... there's so much to explore in this area.
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Medina County is located just south of Cuyahoga County, barely beyond the Cleveland Metropolitan area yet boasting a distinct vibe. With nearly 200,000 residents spread across 423 square miles, this area isn't quite rural, but many of its communities are small with wide, open, and undeveloped natural areas. To help visualize its historic roots, Louisa May Alcott's uncle owned a house here... I like to imagine Little Women was written in part in the area, though that's more than a longshot.
To get to The Tilted Farmer, you'll likely pass through Medina Square, as one of its main roads turns into Wooster Pike. I highly recommend taking some time to explore the historic area! With gorgeous architecture, mom and pop shops galore, and frequent farmers markets and events, you'll have plenty to keep you entertained. The Farmers Exchange is a great way to sample what local growers and producers are up to before you even arrive at the restaurant!
Heading south from the Square, you'll start making your way toward Seville, Ohio. This community also has historic roots, but it has a much more storied past. This area was once home to the Bates family, two giants who found love and craved a quiet life. Martin Van Buren Bates was nearly eight feet tall, and his wife, Anna Bates (née Swan), was just one inch below eight feet. The pair charmed everyone they met, and Queen Victoria even gifted them a wedding present. The Tilted Farmer is right between Medina and Seville, so if you're itching to discover some history, keep heading south to see their historic home and final resting places.
I'm a sucker for cauliflower wings, and these guys genuinely served some of the best I've had in Ohio. Deliciously crispy and served with a side of homemade ranch, they're an easy start to any meal. Honestly, though, any of the apps are a great way to connect with the core of The Tilted Farmer's philosophy: commitment to fresh, high-quality food. The restaurant takes a farm-to-table approach, partnering with local farmers and producers whenever possible. Local ingredients mean that every dish served is brimming with seasonal flavors, supporting the area's agricultural community and giving you a dish you won't forget. Whatever apps you decide, you'll have to promise me you'll try the cheese curds. Holy cow, were those good. They tasted like fair food without the tummy ache of fair food.
When it comes to entrees, they've got your traditional gastropub offerings. Burgers, pastas, wood-fired flatbread pizzas... you name it! If you're stumped on what to choose, don't hesitate to ask the servers for their recommendations. The staff is friendly and passionate about the flavors they serve.
If you've brought a designated driver along, you'll also love their tap wall and selection of local brews and wines. With an ever-rotating selection that showcases local breweries and small-batch wineries, the tap wall allows patrons to sample a wide variety of beverages, giving them a true taste of Ohio's rich brewing and winemaking scene. It's one more layer of local support, in a nutshell, so don't be afraid to get your sample on!
If you plan your visit accordingly, you might also be able to enjoy one of their live events. Live music is weather-permitting, and you'll want to bring a lawn chair. Despite its rural location, the restaurant feels like a cozy home away from home. The rustic décor, complete with wooden accents, warm lighting, and old farming tools, invites guests to settle in for a comfortable and laid-back dining experience. You'll love the vibe whether you're listening to music outside or digging into dinner at a table.
The restaurant is open for dinner daily, and it also has lunch hours on Sundays. Swing by, bring your appetite, and don't forget to explore all that Medina County has to offer. With gorgeous parks and friendly small towns, you'll love this little corner of Ohio.
Want to take a hike before your meal? A visit to Lake Medina is an easy addition to the trip, and it's right off the highway!