5 Ohio Food Spots that Opened Before 1900

Learning about Ohio’s history isn’t just reserved for museums. Some of our state’s restaurants have been around since the 19th century, and present-day diners can still sense that storied past within each space, whether it’s the photos on the walls, collections of memorabilia or the building itself. From a tavern that President Abraham Lincoln visited in 1861 to Ohio’s longest continuously operating business, plan to make a stop at one of these landmark spots across the state. 

Arnold’s Bar & Grill, Cincinnati
Opened in 1861 by Simon Arnold, this Cincinnati mainstay holds the title of the oldest continuously operating bar in the city and pays homage to its culture. Current owner Chris Breeden calls the spot “a slice of Cincinnati,” and it’s easy to see why. With local breweries like Rhinegeist, MadTree and Listermann on tap and a Cincy Poutine piled high with goetta and Grippo’s chips on the menu, those who have ever wanted to taste the essence of Cincinnati can do so here. Live local music each night completes the casual feel, and the circa-1930s linoleum floors complete the classic look. 210 E. Eighth St., Cincinnati 45202, 513/421-6243, arnoldsbarandgrill.com

Bun’s Restaurant & Bar, Delaware
The neon sign hanging from the arch over Winter Street in downtown Delaware lets you know you’re in the right place for classic American fare. Bun’s Restaurant & Bar began in 1864 as Hoffman’s Bakery, and in the early 1900s, the Hoffmans’ grandson converted the business into a restaurant named Bun’s due to the popular item on the bakery menu. Though Bun’s Restaurant & Bar has a long history, it got a modern facelift with new ownership in 2024. It now has a bright, industrial-style interior where diners continue to enjoy burgers, fish and chips and a weekend brunch.  Don’t worry, the restaurant’s classic liver and onions is still on the menu. 14 W. Winter St., Delaware 43015, 740/363-2867, bunsrestaurantandbar.com 

Golden Lamb, Lebanon
When the Golden Lamb opened in 1803, many area residents couldn’t read, but they recognized their favorite local eatery by a simple sign with a painted gold lamb on it. The spot in downtown Lebanon has been operating as both a restaurant and hotel ever since, and it is known as the oldest continually operating business in Ohio.  Enjoy a drink at the on-site Black Horse Tavern before dinner, then take a seat in the Golden Lamb dining room for menu favorites such as turkey dinner or fried chicken that — as staff legend has it — inspired Harlan Sanders’ Kentucky Fried Chicken. 27 S. Broadway, Lebanon 45036, 513/932-5065, goldenlamb.com

Ringside Cafe, Columbus
The boxing champions honored through memorabilia on the walls are not the only heavyweights at this downtown Columbus spot. The menu is filled with them — in the form of colossal Angus beef burgers. Opened in 1897 by a former boxing promoter, Ringside Cafe honors legends such as “Smokin’” Joe Frazier, Roberto Durán and, of course, Muhammad Ali. The menu also pays homage to hometown favorite Buster Douglas, who defeated heavyweight champion Mike Tyson in 1990, with a burger featuring two 3/4-pound patties piled high with bacon, egg, blue and cheddar cheeses, coleslaw, lettuce, tomato and roasted garlic aoili served with a double order of fries. 19 N. Pearl St., Columbus 43215, 614/228-7464, ringsidecolumbus.com

Spread Eagle Tavern & Inn, Hanoverton
When you settle in for a meal in this historic building in the Columbiana County village of Hanoverton, prepare for dimmed lighting, candles on the tables and maybe even a glowing fireplace. Will Rhodes opened the business in 1837 with the aim of creating the finest tavern in town. He did just that, with President Abraham Lincoln making a stop here in 1861. In the early 1900s, the building became a private residence and served that purpose off and on for years until it was restored and reopened as a restaurant in 1988. Menu favorites here include prime rib, beef Wellington, salmon and filet mignon. 10150 Plymouth St., Hanoverton 44423, 330/223-1583, spreadeagletavern.com

For more Ohio travel inspiration, sign up for our Ohio Magazine newsletters.

Ohio Magazine is available in a beautifully designed print issue that is published 7 times a year, along with Spring-Summer and Fall-Winter editions of LongWeekends magazine. Subscribe to Ohio Magazine and stay connected to beauty, adventure and fun across our state.