If something’s been around for more than 100 years, there’s likely a pretty solid reason why. Ohio’s restaurants are no different. Most of the time, the older the restaurant is, the better the food is—and the richer the history. With delicious cuisine and incredible histories, here are some of the oldest restaurants in Ohio:

1. The Golden Lamb (Lebanon)
Adam Schwieger/Flickr
The Golden Lamb Restaurant & Hotel, 27 S Broadway St, Lebanon, OH 45036, USA
golden lamb.com
Ohio’s oldest continuously operated hotel was established in 1803 and holds a unique dining experience, complete with antique furnishings, themed dining rooms and historic rooms upstairs where famous individuals such as Harriet Beecher Stowe and several U.S. Presidents have stayed. Visitors can either dine in The Lebanon Room (pictured,) The Dickens Room, Buckeye Dining Room or The Shaker Room. The Golden Lamb is located at 27 S Broadway St., Lebanon, OH 45036. To learn more, visit the Golden Lamb's website.
2. The Buxton Inn Restaurant (Granville)
The Buxton Inn/Facebook
Historic Buxton Inn, 313 E Broadway, Granville, OH 43023, USA
The Buxton Inn/Facebook
With more than 200 years of service, this historic inn features 25 guest rooms surrounded by beautiful gardens, picturesque fountains and porches. This beautiful inn also features a rustic stagecoach tavern with casual food and a full service bar. The Buxton Inn is located at 313 E Broadway, Granville, OH 43023. For more information, visit the official website for The Buxton Inn Restaurant in Granville.
3. Spread Eagle Tavern & Inn (Hanoverton)
Spread Eagle Tavern & Inn/Facebook
Spread Eagle Tavern & Inn, 10150 Plymouth St, Hanoverton, OH 44423, USA
Spread Eagle Tavern & Inn/Facebook
This historic inn was originally built in 1837 in the Federalist style by masons of the canal boom. Throughout the years, it has been frequented by a handful of U.S. presidents. The Spread Eagle Tavern and Inn is located at 10150 Historic Plymouth St., Hanoverton, OH 44423. Visit the Spread Eagle Tavern & Inn website to learn more.
4. The Oliver House (Toledo)
Oliver House Complex/Facebook
The Oliver House, 27 Broadway St, Toledo, OH 43604, USA
Oliver House Complex/Facebook
With its five-star dining and award-winning brewery, this 150-year-old restaurant is renowned among locals and visitors. The Oliver House is located at 27 Broadway St, Toledo, OH 43604. To learn more, visit The Oliver House's website.
5. The Red Brick Tavern (London)
The Historic Red Brick Tavern/Facebook
Red Brick Tavern, 1700 Cumberland St, London, OH 43140, USA
The Historic Red Brick Tavern/Facebook
Ohio's second oldest stagecoach stop serves as "a reminder of the past" and features exceptional American, Italian and seafood cuisine. The Red Brick Tavern is located at 1700 Cumberland St., London, OH 43140. Check out The Red Brick Tavern's website for the latest information.
6. Warehouse Steak N’ Stein (Coshocton)
Warehouse Steak N’ Stein/Facebook
400 N Whitewoman St, Coshocton, OH 43812, USA
Warehouse Steak N’ Stein/Facebook
With a legendary location, legendary entertainment and legendary onion rings, pinwheel steaks and pork tenderloin sandwiches, the Old Warehouse in the Historic Roscoe Village is a must-try. Warehouse Steak n' Stein is located at 400 N Whitewoman St., Coshocton, OH 43812. Visit the Warehouse Steak N’ Stein Facebook page to learn more.
7. Schmidt’s Sausage Haus und Restaurant (Columbus)
Gregg W./Yelp
Schmidt’s Sausage Haus, 240 E Kossuth St, Columbus, OH 43206, USA
Schmidt’s Sausage Haus und Restaurant/Yelp
For the best German cuisine in Ohio (and a friendly ghost sighting or two), go to 240 E Kossuth St., Columbus, OH 43206. This popular German Village eatery has been a well-known sausage haus in central Ohio since 1886. To learn more, visit the website for Schmidt’s Sausage Haus und Restaurant in Columbus.
8. Spot Restaurant (Sidney)
Spot Restaurant, 201 S Ohio Ave, Sidney, OH 45365, USA
OZinOH/Flickr
Both literally and figuratively, this is the spot to go to for a tasty, classic cheeseburger in Sidney. What started out as a chuck wagon more than 100 years ago is now a stationary old fashioned eatery that will make you feel like you've temporarily stepped foot into a Happy Day's episode. The Spot To Eat is located at 201 S Ohio Ave., Sidney, OH 45365. Check out The Spot To Eat's website for more information.
9. White Oaks Restaurant (Westlake)
White Oaks Restaurant, 777 Cahoon Rd, Westlake, OH 44145, USA
Greg D./Yelp
Sam B./Yelp
Since 1928, White Oaks has been the place to be, and it's easy to see why. 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. (Pictured are the Lobster Tails.) White Oaks Restaurant is located at 777 Cahoon Rd., Westlake, OH 44145. Visit the website for White Oaks Restaurant to learn more.
10. Kewpee Hamburgers (Lima)
Kewpee Hamburgers, 1350 Bellefontaine Ave, Lima, OH 45804, USA
Kewpee Hamburgers/Facebook
Indie Ryan/TripAdvisor
This signature fast food joint in Lima has three locations that serve up the city's best burgers. french fries and malts. The pictured location has been in operation since 1928. Visit the Kewpee Hamburgers website to learn more.

Have you been to any of the oldest restaurants in Ohio? What’s your favorite historic restaurant in The Buckeye State? Let us know in the comments below!

For more dining fun, check out these train car restaurants in Ohio.

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oldest restaurants in Ohio

Elisa Regulski | October 12, 2020

Are there any historic restaurants in Ohio?

These aren’t the only historic restaurants in Ohio! Carl’s Town House, located in Chillicothe, is a nostalgic diner that dates all the way back to 1940. The old school vibe, delicious burgers, and friendly service will totally dazzle you.

What kind of food is Ohio known for?

From comfort food classics to upscale seafood, you’ll find a wide variety of food in Ohio:

  • Buckeyes
  • Cincinnati-style chili (see below!)
  • Graeter's Ice Cream -- and Jeni's, too!
  • LaRosa's Pizza
  • Lake Erie Perch
  • Columbus-style Pizza
  • Cheese coneys

 

If you go to Cincinnati, you’ll find loads of tasty joints serving their special brand of chili. Cincinnati chili isn’t like anything you’ll find in the south. This dish is slightly sweet and often comes on top of a bowl of spaghetti. We wouldn’t have it any other way! Want to learn more about the signature foods in Ohio? Check out our previous article: These 10 Iconic Foods In Ohio Will Have Your Mouth Watering.

What are the best diners in Ohio?

Nutcracker Family Restaurant in Pataskala is one of the best diners in Ohio. This old-school eatery is known for their delicious burgers and wonderful sundaes. Stop by and see what the fuss is all about!

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