Here in Ohio, there are so many unique restaurants to enjoy if you just know where to look. From restaurants with stores to restaurants with amazing grounds to explore, here are eight unique restaurants in Ohio that offer guests so much more than great food. Dining at each and every one of these Buckeye State gems truly is an experience for your Ohio restaurant bucket list!

  1. The Barn Restaurant (Smithville)

The Barn Restaurant/Facebook The Barn Restaurant, 877 W Main St, Smithville, OH 44677, USA

The Barn Restaurant/Facebook A refurbished rustic barn, board games and a scenic lake you can explore outside give this unique eatery an unbelievably charming atmosphere. You’ll fall in love with the setting and feel right at home. The Barn Restaurant is located at 877 W Main St., Smithville, OH, 44677. Learn more and plan your visit by visiting the restaurant website.

  1. The Stockport Mill Inn and Restaurant on the Dam (Stockport)

K H./Yelp Stockport Mill, 1995 Broadway St, Stockport, OH 43787, USA

Scook/TripAdvisor Tucked away along the Muskingum River in southeast Ohio, you’ll find this hidden gem. The last remaining mill on the river is now a one-of-a-kind overnight getaway and restaurant. Today, it is still powered by hydroelectricity, and the mill itself has been in operation since 1842. You’ll find The Stockport Mill Inn located at 1995 Broadway St., Stockport, OH, 43787.

  1. Grandpa’s Cheesebarn (Ashland)

Grandpa’s Cheesebarn Inc./Facebook Grandpa’s Cheesebarn & Sweeties Chocolates, 668 US-250, Ashland, OH 44805, USA

Grandpa’s Cheesebarn Inc./Facebook What was once a working dairy farm is now a truly epic cheese barn right off of Interstate 71 . It’s a family-owned, charming store, gift shop and eatery the whole family will love. Warning: the chocolates here are dangerously addictive! Grandpa’s Cheesebarn is located at 668 US-250, Ashland, OH, 44805.

  1. Bromfield’s Dining Lodge (Mohican State Park)

Management/TripAdvisor Mohican State Park, 3116 OH-3, Loudonville, OH 44842, USA

Mohican State Park Lodge/Facebook 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. After your meal, there’s plenty to explore. It’s located at 1098 County Road 3006, Perrysville, OH, 44864.

  1. The LakeHouse Inn and Winery (Geneva-on-the-Lake)

The Lakehouse Inn & Winery/Facebook The Lakehouse Inn, 5653 Lake Rd E, Geneva, OH 44041, USA

The Lakehouse Inn & Winery/Facebook Tucked away along the shores of Lake Erie at Geneva-on-the-Lake, you’ll find this quaint inn and restaurant in the heart of Ohio Wine Country. With breathtaking views of Lake Erie, you’ll feel as if you’re right on the water here, miles and miles away from everything. Taste some wine on the patio, explore the grounds and stay overnight if you can. We simply can’t say enough wonderful things about this unique restaurant in Ohio! The LakeHouse Inn is located at 5653 Lake Rd E, Geneva-on-the-Lake, OH, 44041.

  1. 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant (Columbus)

April Dray/Only In Your State 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant, 5030 Sawyer Rd, Columbus, OH 43219, USA

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 a must-visit restaurant for all Buckeye State history buffs! It’s located at 5030 Sawyer Rd., Columbus, OH, 43219.

  1. Lake Hope Lodge (McArthur)

Lake Hope Lodge/Facebook Lake Hope Lodge, 27331 OH-278, McArthur, OH 45651, USA

Lake Hope Lodge/Facebook 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 this hidden gem restaurant at 27331 State Rt 278, McArthur, OH, 45651.

  1. Clifton Mill (Clifton)

Stanislav Vitebskiy/Flickr Historic Clifton Mill, 75 Water St, Clifton, OH 45316, USA

JZ152/Flickr One of the largest water powered grist mills still in existence, Clifton Mill is fueled by the Little Miami River. This historic site of Clifton Mill features a vintage mill, a covered bridge, a 1940s-era gas station, and a quaint American restaurant. Talk about dinner with a view! Clifton Mill is located at 75 Water St., Clifton, OH, 45316.

Have you been to any of these unique restaurants in Ohio before? If so, we want to know what your experience was like!

The Barn Restaurant/Facebook

The Barn Restaurant, 877 W Main St, Smithville, OH 44677, USA

A refurbished rustic barn, board games and a scenic lake you can explore outside give this unique eatery an unbelievably charming atmosphere. You’ll fall in love with the setting and feel right at home. The Barn Restaurant is located at 877 W Main St., Smithville, OH, 44677. Learn more and plan your visit by visiting the restaurant website.

K H./Yelp

Stockport Mill, 1995 Broadway St, Stockport, OH 43787, USA

Scook/TripAdvisor

Tucked away along the Muskingum River in southeast Ohio, you’ll find this hidden gem. The last remaining mill on the river is now a one-of-a-kind overnight getaway and restaurant. Today, it is still powered by hydroelectricity, and the mill itself has been in operation since 1842. You’ll find The Stockport Mill Inn located at 1995 Broadway St., Stockport, OH, 43787.

Grandpa’s Cheesebarn Inc./Facebook

Grandpa’s Cheesebarn & Sweeties Chocolates, 668 US-250, Ashland, OH 44805, USA

What was once a working dairy farm is now a truly epic cheese barn right off of Interstate 71 . It’s a family-owned, charming store, gift shop and eatery the whole family will love. Warning: the chocolates here are dangerously addictive! Grandpa’s Cheesebarn is located at 668 US-250, Ashland, OH, 44805.

Management/TripAdvisor

Mohican State Park, 3116 OH-3, Loudonville, OH 44842, USA

Mohican State Park Lodge/Facebook

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. After your meal, there’s plenty to explore. It’s located at 1098 County Road 3006, Perrysville, OH, 44864.

The Lakehouse Inn & Winery/Facebook

The Lakehouse Inn, 5653 Lake Rd E, Geneva, OH 44041, USA

Tucked away along the shores of Lake Erie at Geneva-on-the-Lake, you’ll find this quaint inn and restaurant in the heart of Ohio Wine Country. With breathtaking views of Lake Erie, you’ll feel as if you’re right on the water here, miles and miles away from everything. Taste some wine on the patio, explore the grounds and stay overnight if you can. We simply can’t say enough wonderful things about this unique restaurant in Ohio! The LakeHouse Inn is located at 5653 Lake Rd E, Geneva-on-the-Lake, OH, 44041.

April Dray/Only In Your State

94th Aero Squadron Restaurant, 5030 Sawyer Rd, Columbus, OH 43219, USA

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 a must-visit restaurant for all Buckeye State history buffs! It’s located at 5030 Sawyer Rd., Columbus, OH, 43219.

Lake Hope Lodge/Facebook

Lake Hope Lodge, 27331 OH-278, McArthur, OH 45651, USA

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 this hidden gem restaurant at 27331 State Rt 278, McArthur, OH, 45651.

Stanislav Vitebskiy/Flickr

Historic Clifton Mill, 75 Water St, Clifton, OH 45316, USA

JZ152/Flickr

One of the largest water powered grist mills still in existence, Clifton Mill is fueled by the Little Miami River. This historic site of Clifton Mill features a vintage mill, a covered bridge, a 1940s-era gas station, and a quaint American restaurant. Talk about dinner with a view! Clifton Mill is located at 75 Water St., Clifton, OH, 45316.

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The OIYS Visitor Center

unique restaurants in Ohio October 10, 2021 Sarah What are some of the oldest restaurants in Ohio? When restaurants stand the test of time, you know they’re well-worth visiting. The Buckeye State is home to numerous historic restaurants sure to satisfy your appetite for Ohio history – and your appetite, period! Here are 10 of the state’s most beloved and historic restaurants; of those on the list, definitely check out The Golden Lamb in Lebanon. 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, The Dickens Room, Buckeye Dining Room, or The Shaker Room – and wherever you choose to eat, know it’s going to be a memorable experience. What are some other unique restaurants in Ohio? Here in Ohio, dining out can be quite the adventure – just look at the above list of unique restaurants in Ohio! From converted jail houses to super hero-themed restaurants, here are 13 of the coolest and most unusual restaurants in Ohio. Let us know which ones you’ve been to before, which ones you’re adding to dining bucket list and which ones we left out (you can nominate your favorite picks here!). What Ohio restaurants should I add to my dining bucket list? While The Buckeye State may not be the first place that comes to mind in terms of culinary prowess, the fact is, the best restaurants in Ohio are also some of the top-rated spots in the country. The state’s cuisine reflects its diverse heritage, most notably German and Italian; our fare reflects Ohio’s bounty and agrarian roots; and the mix of beloved old restaurants and next-level newcomers makes for a totally unique dining experience. Here’s our ultimate guide to the best restaurants, bakeries, and cuisine that really capture the dining experience in Ohio; each and every one of these superlative spots deserves a place on your Buckeye State dining bucket list!

The OIYS Visitor Center

unique restaurants in Ohio

October 10, 2021

Sarah

What are some of the oldest restaurants in Ohio? When restaurants stand the test of time, you know they’re well-worth visiting. The Buckeye State is home to numerous historic restaurants sure to satisfy your appetite for Ohio history – and your appetite, period! Here are 10 of the state’s most beloved and historic restaurants; of those on the list, definitely check out The Golden Lamb in Lebanon. 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, The Dickens Room, Buckeye Dining Room, or The Shaker Room – and wherever you choose to eat, know it’s going to be a memorable experience. What are some other unique restaurants in Ohio? Here in Ohio, dining out can be quite the adventure – just look at the above list of unique restaurants in Ohio! From converted jail houses to super hero-themed restaurants, here are 13 of the coolest and most unusual restaurants in Ohio. Let us know which ones you’ve been to before, which ones you’re adding to dining bucket list and which ones we left out (you can nominate your favorite picks here!). What Ohio restaurants should I add to my dining bucket list? While The Buckeye State may not be the first place that comes to mind in terms of culinary prowess, the fact is, the best restaurants in Ohio are also some of the top-rated spots in the country. The state’s cuisine reflects its diverse heritage, most notably German and Italian; our fare reflects Ohio’s bounty and agrarian roots; and the mix of beloved old restaurants and next-level newcomers makes for a totally unique dining experience. Here’s our ultimate guide to the best restaurants, bakeries, and cuisine that really capture the dining experience in Ohio; each and every one of these superlative spots deserves a place on your Buckeye State dining bucket list!

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

When restaurants stand the test of time, you know they’re well-worth visiting. The Buckeye State is home to numerous historic restaurants sure to satisfy your appetite for Ohio history – and your appetite, period! Here are 10 of the state’s most beloved and historic restaurants; of those on the list, definitely check out The Golden Lamb in Lebanon. 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, The Dickens Room, Buckeye Dining Room, or The Shaker Room – and wherever you choose to eat, know it’s going to be a memorable experience.

What are some other unique restaurants in Ohio?

Here in Ohio, dining out can be quite the adventure – just look at the above list of unique restaurants in Ohio! From converted jail houses to super hero-themed restaurants, here are 13 of the coolest and most unusual restaurants in Ohio. Let us know which ones you’ve been to before, which ones you’re adding to dining bucket list and which ones we left out (you can nominate your favorite picks here!).

What Ohio restaurants should I add to my dining bucket list?

While The Buckeye State may not be the first place that comes to mind in terms of culinary prowess, the fact is, the best restaurants in Ohio are also some of the top-rated spots in the country. The state’s cuisine reflects its diverse heritage, most notably German and Italian; our fare reflects Ohio’s bounty and agrarian roots; and the mix of beloved old restaurants and next-level newcomers makes for a totally unique dining experience. Here’s our ultimate guide to the best restaurants, bakeries, and cuisine that really capture the dining experience in Ohio; each and every one of these superlative spots deserves a place on your Buckeye State dining bucket list!