Sometimes, a restaurant’s history can be just as interesting and enjoyable as the food. Here in Ohio, there are several restaurants that used to be something else once upon a time. From old time groceries and school houses to train depots and jail houses, the following are 9 repurposed restaurants in Ohio that make truly unique places to dine.
- Boyd and Wurthmann Restaurant (Berlin)
Boyd & Wurthmann Restaurant/Facebook
Boyd & Wurthmann Restaurant/Facebook What was once a grocery store in the 1930s is now a beloved Amish restaurant that locals and visitors alike can’t get enough of. While the food is certainly delicious, the real star of the show at Boyd and Wuthermann Restaurant is the homemade pies. You’ll find more then 25 different kinds, made fresh daily.
- The Stockport Mill Inn and Restaurant on the Dam (Stockport)
Scook48227/TripAdvisor
Scook48227/Trip Advisor 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.
- The Barn Restaurant (Smithville)
The Barn Restaurant/Facebook
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 especially fun for families.
- Clifton Mill (Clifton)
Alexander West/Flickr
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.
- Father John’s Microbrewery (Bryan)
Rcscruffy4/Trip Advisor
Father John’s Microbrewery/Facebook What was once a gorgeous church is now a truly unique microbrewery and restaurant enchanting both locals and visitors alike. On the menu, you’ll find a wide variety of upscale American dishes that are downright mouthwatering. (Just know that if you order a soft pretzel, you’re going to have to share it with someone.)
- The Precinct (Cincinnati)
Calvin S/TripAdvisor
Rich H/TripAdvisor Tucked along the corner of Delta Avenue and Columbia Parkway in the Queen City, you’ll find a one-of-a-kind restaurant with exceptional steaks, charming ambiance and plenty of history. The Romanesque-style building is well preserved and paraphernalia of the former police patrol house are proudly displayed.
- The Schoolhouse Restaurant (Camp Dennison)
The Schoolhouse Restaurant/Facebook
The Schoolhouse Restaurant/Facebook Housed in a refurbished school house that was built in the early 1860s during the Civil War, visiting this one-of-a-kind restaurant is like taking a step back in time. Today, this historic schoolhouse serves exceptional comfort food in a classroom setting. You’ll find the menu on the chalkboard in the main dining room.
- The Olde Jaol Steakhouse and Tavern (Wooster)
Olde Jaol Steakhouse and Tavern/Facebook
Olde Jaol Steakhouse and Tavern/Facebook What was once the Wayne County Jail is now a special restaurant that both locals and visitors alike can’t get enough of. The Olde Jaol Steakhouse and Tavern in Wooster, Ohio is a true historic gem that’s perfect for a special evening out. Between the unique atmosphere and the delicious cuisine, you’re sure to remember your visit here. (You can even dine in the former cell rooms, if you wish.)
- McDonald’s (Independence)
jeduweb/Trip Advisor
millerjunk/Trip Advisor Driving by this McDonald’s, you won’t encounter any golden arches greeting you from the sky—just a fancy building that you might mistake for a bank. With chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and Colonial decor, this McDonald’s makes you feel downright fancy. Some people even call it “The White House of McDonald’s” and it’s not hard to see why.
Have you ever dined at any of these restaurants before? If so, we want to know what your experience was like!
Boyd & Wurthmann Restaurant/Facebook
What was once a grocery store in the 1930s is now a beloved Amish restaurant that locals and visitors alike can’t get enough of. While the food is certainly delicious, the real star of the show at Boyd and Wuthermann Restaurant is the homemade pies. You’ll find more then 25 different kinds, made fresh daily.
Scook48227/TripAdvisor
Scook48227/Trip Advisor
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.
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 especially fun for families.
Alexander West/Flickr
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.
Rcscruffy4/Trip Advisor
Father John’s Microbrewery/Facebook
What was once a gorgeous church is now a truly unique microbrewery and restaurant enchanting both locals and visitors alike. On the menu, you’ll find a wide variety of upscale American dishes that are downright mouthwatering. (Just know that if you order a soft pretzel, you’re going to have to share it with someone.)
Calvin S/TripAdvisor
Rich H/TripAdvisor
Tucked along the corner of Delta Avenue and Columbia Parkway in the Queen City, you’ll find a one-of-a-kind restaurant with exceptional steaks, charming ambiance and plenty of history. The Romanesque-style building is well preserved and paraphernalia of the former police patrol house are proudly displayed.
The Schoolhouse Restaurant/Facebook
Housed in a refurbished school house that was built in the early 1860s during the Civil War, visiting this one-of-a-kind restaurant is like taking a step back in time. Today, this historic schoolhouse serves exceptional comfort food in a classroom setting. You’ll find the menu on the chalkboard in the main dining room.
Olde Jaol Steakhouse and Tavern/Facebook
What was once the Wayne County Jail is now a special restaurant that both locals and visitors alike can’t get enough of. The Olde Jaol Steakhouse and Tavern in Wooster, Ohio is a true historic gem that’s perfect for a special evening out. Between the unique atmosphere and the delicious cuisine, you’re sure to remember your visit here. (You can even dine in the former cell rooms, if you wish.)
jeduweb/Trip Advisor
millerjunk/Trip Advisor
Driving by this McDonald’s, you won’t encounter any golden arches greeting you from the sky—just a fancy building that you might mistake for a bank. With chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and Colonial decor, this McDonald’s makes you feel downright fancy. Some people even call it “The White House of McDonald’s” and it’s not hard to see why.
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Address: Boyd & Wurthmann Restaurant, 4819 E Main St, Berlin, OH 44610, USAAddress: Stockport Mill, 1995 Broadway St, Stockport, OH 43787, USAAddress: The Barn Restaurant, 877 W Main St, Smithville, OH 44677, USAAddress: Historic Clifton Mill, 75 Water St, Clifton, OH 45316, USAAddress: 301 W Butler St, Bryan, OH 43506, USAAddress: 311 Delta Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USAAddress: 8031 Glendale Milford Rd, Camp Dennison, OH 45111, USAAddress: Olde Jaol Steakhouse and Tavern, 215 N Walnut St, Wooster, OH 44691, USAAddress: McDonald’s, 6201 Brecksville Rd, Independence, OH 44131, USA
