These 8 Secret Restaurants In Ohio Are Well Worth Finding
Here in Ohio, sometimes, the best food takes a little bit of searching. Although the following 8 Ohio restaurants aren’t technically “secret,” they’re pretty remote when it comes to their settings. From state park lodge restaurants in the middle of a forest to little-known restaurants tucked away in convenience stores, here are 8 secret restaurants in Ohio that are well worth finding. Let us know which ones you knew about and which ones were a surprise!
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Vinton County is home to one of Ohio's most underrated parks, Lake Hope State Park, as well as an incredible dining lodge. With two stories, plenty of seating, and floor-to-ceiling windows, there isn't a bad seat in the house. You'll feel at home here, but you'll also be impressed by the atmosphere. You'll find it at 27331 State Rt 278, McArthur, OH 45651. To learn more, visit the official website for Lake Hope Lodge in Ohio.
This unassuming local convenience store makes a pizza to die for. (Trust us.) The subs are also exceptional here. Make the drive and give it a try. Fredneck's Mini Mart is located at 144 State Route 772, Bainbridge, OH 45612. To learn more, visit the website for Fredneck's Mini Mart .
Located in the village of Walnut Creek, coming here almost feels like you're visiting a friendly neighbor for the afternoon, rather than eating at a restaurant. Housed in a restored log cabin that was built in the early to mid-1800s, you'll feel right at home at Rebecca's Bistro. (And you really can't go wrong with anything you order at Rebecca's, as everything is prepared with the freshest ingredients and local produce.) You'll find it at 4986 Walnut St, Walnut Creek, OH 44687. To learn more, visit the official website for Rebecca's Bistro.
What appears to be a country home off a dirt road in Clarksville, Ohio is actually a delicious restaurant with incredible views. Spillway Lodge is an old farmhouse sitting on 128 acres of beautiful, countryside land.You'll find it at 623 Old State Rd., Clarksville, OH 45113. (Please note: GPS and cell phone service may be limited.) To learn more, visit the official website for Spillway Lodge in Ohio.
This gorgeous restaurant is actually named after Pulitzer-prize winning author and naturalist Louis Bromfield. With floor to ceiling windows, Bromfield’s Dining Room features stunning views of the surrounding forest and Pleasant Hill Lake. In the fall, it makes for a particularly colorful sight to see. On the menu, you'll find daily specials, seafood, Italian dishes, salads, soups, sandwiches, and more. It's located at 1098 County Road 3006, Perrysville, OH 44864. To learn more, visit the official website for Bromfield's Dining Lodge.
6. 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant (Columbus)
April Dray/Only In Your State
April Dray/Only In Your State
If you’re looking for a unique place to dine on an evening out or a lazy Sunday morning brunch, there’s a little-known restaurant hiding in central Ohio you should know about. Located between the runways of John Glenn International Airport, you’ll find 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant. It’s an aviation-themed restaurant that features delicious food, World War I & II memorabilia and great views of planes taking flight and landing. It's located at 5030 Sawyer Rd., Columbus, OH 43219. To learn more, visit the official website for 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant.
Nestled in a small forest at the scenic Oak Shade Grove in Oregon, Ohio, you’ll find the Black Forest Cafe. It’s a gorgeous German restaurant that’s less than 10 miles from Toledo — but when you visit you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled upon Snow White and the Seven Dwarves’ cottage. It's located at 3624 Seaman Rd., Oregon, OH 43616. To learn more, visit the official website for Black Forest Cafe.
Nobody does it better than mom, right? Connected to a gas station, this unsuspecting restaurant is a hidden gem that serves up exceptional, home-cooked breakfast and lunch food. (We recommend ordering the biscuits and gravy.) Mom's Restaurant is located at 1111 William C Good Blvd., Franklin, OH 45005. To learn more, visit the official website for Mom's Restaurant in Ohio.
Have you been to any of these secret restaurants in Ohio? What other little-known eateries would you add to this list? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments below!
Address: 4986 Walnut St, Walnut Creek, OH 44687, USA
Address: 623 Old State Rd, Clarksville, OH 45113, USA
Address: 3116 OH-3, Loudonville, OH 44842, USA
Address: 5030 Sawyer Rd, Columbus, OH 43219, USA
Address: 3624 Seaman Rd, Oregon, OH 43616, USA
Address: 1111 William C Good Blvd, Franklin, OH 45005, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
secret restaurants in Ohio
September 17, 2020
Elisa Regulski
What are the best little-known restaurants in Ohio?
There’s nothing quite as fun as discovering a hidden gem restaurant in Ohio. Of course, if you don’t know where to go, we once again have loads of suggestions. For some down-home comfort food, visit K’s Hamburger Shop in Troy. This nostalgic eatery will have you longing for days gone by. Sink your teeth into one of their classic burgers and step back into the happy days of childhood. This is one place you’ll want to return to again and again. For some authentic Italian food, visit Two Cousin’s Pizza in Mansfield. This scrumptious little pizzeria serves some of the best pies in the state.
What are the best hidden gems in Ohio?
If you’re looking for the best hidden gems in Ohio, you’re in luck! We’ve written several articles on the subject, and each piece is full of fantastic day trip destinations. If you need some ideas, check out our list of Ohio’s best kept secrets. From exciting museums to stunning natural attractions, this article has it all. Get ready to plan your next adventure! There are so many wonderful things to do in Ohio.
What are the most famous restaurants in Ohio?
When many people think of famous restaurants in Ohio, their mind goes to Skyline Chili. This iconic Cincinnati restaurant is known for its slightly sweet chili and tasty hot dogs. But that’s not the only well-known eatery in the Buckeye State. If you really want to experience a quintessential Ohio destination, head to The Golden Lamb. As Ohio’s longest running hotel, this place is full of rich history. Not to mention, their restaurant serves some of the best meals you’ll ever have the pleasure of eating. Bring your appetite and get ready for a meal you’ll never forget.
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.
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