Dining out can be an adventure. In fact, there are scads of cool places to eat in Ohio with unique atmospheres that are sure to give you a memorable dining experience - which is why one list of such awesome eateries simply isn't enough. The best restaurants in Ohio are scattered near and far, but they all have exceptional menus and atmospheres. The following are 11 more unique restaurants in Ohio that you should try out for an unforgettable dining experience.
1. Pier W - Lakewood
This landmark Cleveland area restaurant is suspended over Lake Erie to give customers a cruise-like dining experience. The unique waterfront restaurant serves up exceptional seafood and offers lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Some even insist this is Cleveland's best seafood... and the view isn't too bad, either. Pier W is located at 12700 Lake Avenue (Winton Place) Lakewood, OH 44107.
2. Buckeye Express Diner - Bellville
If you take exit 165 off of Interstate 71, you'll find this iconic not-your-average diner. (Note: Michigan fans must park across the street.) Comfort food is the name of the game at this Ohio-themed landmark, so bring your appetite. Buckeye Express Diner is located at 810 State Rt. 97 W., Bellville, OH 44813.
3. Beau’s on the River - Cuyahoga Falls
At the Sheraton Suites Akron/Cuyahoga Falls, you'll find this hidden gem of a restaurant, which features a casual atmosphere, stunning views of the river rapids and falls and floor to ceiling windows. Dig into modern American cuisine in exceptional surrounds. Beau's on the River is located at 1989 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221.
4. The Barn Restaurant - Smithville
This family favorite restaurant is perfect for a fun night out. A refurbished rustic barn, board games and a scenic pond outside give this unique eatery a charming atmosphere. Country-style cooking dominates the menu, and soups are a specialty at this charming dining destination. The Barn Restaurant is located at 877 W Main St., Smithville, OH 44677.
5. White Oaks Restaurant - Westlake
Watch ducks cross Cahoon Creek and deer play amid the trees at this beautiful nature getaway restaurant. Paired with the outdoor scenery and floor to ceiling windows is delicious steakhouse-style cuisine and a vintage atmosphere. Cozy up near one of six fireplaces and soak in this history of this Prohibition-era eatery. White Oaks Restaurant is located at 777 Cahoon Rd., Westlake, OH 44145.
6. The Schoolhouse Restaurant - Camp Dennison
This refurbished Cincinnati-area schoolhouse was built in the early 1860s during the Civil War. The Camp Dennison School was in operation from 1864 through 1954, and it is rumored to have been the first two-room, two-story school house in the Midwest. Today, it serves visitors many traditional homemade favorites such as fried chicken, meat loaf and mashed potatoes. The Schoolhouse Restaurant is located at 8031 Glendale Milford Rd., Camp Dennison, OH 45111.
7. Tilton Hilton - Lakeview
Where the burgers are bigger than your head and the floors are tilted, this local favorite is a fun, quirky stop after a day on Indian Lake. You can even dock your boat right alongside the restaurant. Grab some pub grub and soak up the sun outside on a picnic table. Tilton Hilton is located at 10861 Country Rd, 293, Lakeview, OH 43331.
8. Pine Tree Barn - Wooster
This restored 1868 Dutch bank barn overlooks the Killbuck Valley and family Christmas tree farm in Wooster. In addition to a gourmet luncheon restaurant, the property features a furniture store and gift shop. Try the quiche du jour, and don't forget to make a reservation. The Pine Tree Barn is located at 4374 Shreve Rd, Wooster, OH 44691.
9. Crabill’s Hamburger Shop - Urbana
Now in its third generation of local owners, this tiny burger joint — with just eight dine-at-the-counter seats — appropriately specializes in tiny burgers. Locals have raved about the food at this local landmark since 1927. Crabill’s Hamburger Shop is located at 727 Miami St., Urbana, OH 43078.
10. The Scioto Ribber - Portsmouth
At this local favorite steakhouse, you can watch your steak cook on one of the five wood-fired grills out back. (FYI: A "small" steak is 16 oz. and a "large" steak is 32 oz.) No matter the season, hickory-smoked ribs are always a good option, too. The Scioto Ribber is located at 1024 Gallia St., Portsmouth, OH 45662.
11. Tony Packo's - Toledo
A strange tradition of displaying autographed hotdog buns at this iconic chili dog joint began in 1972 when Jamie Farr of M*A*S*H signed a bun here. While that bun is no longer in existence, today the café proudly showcases Styrofoam bun look-alikes signed by various celebrities, including five U.S. presidents. Try their Hungarian cuisine and a gourmet hot dog during your visit! You can find Tony Packo's Restaurant at 1902 Front St, Toledo, OH 43605.
Consider making a night of it and pairing your dining experience with a stay at a charming or unique hotel in Ohio. Have you been to any of these unique eateries in Ohio before? What other unique restaurants near me are there in Ohio? Share your experiences with us in the comments below!
Looking to expand your Buckeye State bucket list? Dig into a good meal at some of the most unique restaurants in the state.
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