The Oldest Restaurant In Ohio Has A Truly Incredible History

Ohio is home to several historic restaurants with truly fascinating backstories. But no restaurant in Ohio has seen quite as much as The Golden Lamb in Lebanon has over the years. It’s the state’s oldest continuously operated hotel and restaurant—and it dates all the way back to 1803.

Ohio’s oldest business was established in 1803 and continues to thrive, attracting locals and passerby alike daily.

Over the years, it's seen its fair share of U.S. Presidents, renowned authors, businessmen and travelers. Pictured is The Golden Lamb in 1920.

It's truly a gem to be treasured. (Pictured is the beautiful lobby.)

The historic gathering place offers a unique dining experience, complete with antique furnishings and themed dining rooms. Pictured is the Lebanon Room.

The Dickens Room (pictured) features several framed prints paying tribute to him and a collection of his books on display.

For a more private dining experience, you can book the Buckeye Room (pictured), which seats up to 40 guests and is handicap accessible.

The Shaker Room (pictured) features an impressive collection of Shaker materials, documents, literature and furniture.

On the menu, you'll find anything from delicious, juicy burgers, such as this pictured Italian Burger...

...to unique, mouthwatering creations, such as these pictured ham taquitos.

You'll also find all the classic, homestyle meals. Not to mention exceptional brunch options (pictured.)

Upstairs, you'll find historic, themed rooms where famous individuals such as Harriet Beecher Stowe and several U.S. Presidents have stayed.

Of course, Ohio's oldest hotel and restaurant is bound to host a haunting or two.

Supposedly, the establishment is haunted by a little girl and the ghost of a former Ohio Supreme Court Justice who died at the inn. (Visitors say you can often smell his cigar smoke.)

Regardless, this historic gem is beloved throughout Ohio—and we're proud to call it our own.

The Golden Lamb is located at 27 S Broadway St, Lebanon, OH 45036. Have you been there before? What was your experience like?

For even more historic restaurants in Ohio, be sure to check out our previous article; These 14 Amazing Ohio Restaurants Are Loaded With Local History

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April Dray

April is the Ohio staff writer for Only in Your State. She is an Ohio native with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. With more than 10 years of writing experience and a background in news reporting for Ohio newspapers, she's published pieces in multiple print and online publications. When she's not on deadline or chasing after her toddler, she's hunting for hidden gems in Ohio or getting lost in a good book.