Going out to eat doesn’t have to mean waiting an hour for a table. Here in Ohio, we have several great dining options where you almost never have to reserve a table. From restaurants with hundreds and hundreds of tables to iconic window-order-only joints, the following are 11 restaurants in Ohio where you’ll never need a reservation.
- Netty’s (multiple locations)
Netty’s Marblehead/Facebook
Adri P./Yelp At this northern Ohio and Toledo area chain and ice cream parlor, the “famous chili dog” is just $1.90. Just walk up, order and enjoy. Don’t miss out on this northern Ohio treat. (Pictured is the Marblehead location at 9410 E Harbor Rd.) To learn more, visit the website for Netty’s Chili Dogs.
- Amish Door Restaurant (Wilmot)
Amish Door/Facebook
Amish Door/Facebook Set in an oversized Amish style home that has a seating capacity of 450, this restaurant is located in Wilmont. Guests can also choose to have a full family sized Amish style meal prepared instead of individual orders. Amish Door is located at 1210 Winesburg St., Wilmot, OH 44689. Visit the Amish Door Restaurant’s website to learn more.
- Lake Hope Lodge (McArthur)
Lake Hope Lodge/Facebook
Lake Hope Lodge/Facebook There’s an extra special dining lodge tucked away in Lake Hope State Park that you need to try. The atmosphere is peaceful, the food is exceptionally delicious and the surroundings are breathtaking. 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. Lake Hope Lodge is located at 27331 State Rt 278, McArthur, OH 45651. For more information, visit the website for Lake Hope Lodge in Ohio.
- Moerlein Lager House Restaurant and Brewery (Cincinnati)
Moerlein Lager House/Facebook
Moerlein Lager House/Facebook Along the Ohio River and right next to the Great American Ball Park sits “Cincinnati’s premier brewpub.” With a casual atmosphere, tons of seating options and casual attire, this is the perfect way to spend your evening after a ball game or shopping spree. Moerlein Lager House is located at 115 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202. Check out the website for Moerlein Lager House Restaurant and Brewery to learn more.
- The Golden Lamb (Lebanon)
Adam Schwieger/Flickr
golden lamb.com 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 (pictured,) The Dickens Room, Buckeye Dining Room or The Shaker Room. Unless it’s Thanksgiving, you’ll likely never need a reservation here. The Golden Lamb is located at 27 S Broadway St., Lebanon, OH 45036. Visit the Golden Lamb’s website to learn more.
- The Spaghetti Warehouse (Akron, Columbus, Dayton and Toledo)
Stefanie C/Yelp
Stefanie C/Yelp With multiple locations throughout Ohio, this iconic chain features mouthwatering Italian food, one-of-a-kind decor, several seating options and even a train car that customers can choose to eat in. (Although, you’ll definitely need a reservation for that particular seating option.) It’s perfect for a unique date night or fun family dinner. (Pictured is the Toledo location.) To learn more, visit the website for The Spaghetti Warehouse.
- New Sandusky Fish Company
D. K./Yelp
D.K./Yelp With fresh fish caught daily and cooked with expertise, you will experience what is arguably the best perch sandwich in Ohio at New Sandusky Fish Company. There’s only outdoor seating here—but with a view like that it’s all you really need. New Sandusky Fish Company is located at 235 E Shoreline Dr., Sandusky, OH 44870. This beloved seafood shack is open seasonally. Visit New Sandusky Fish Company’s Facebook page to learn more about their current operating hours.
- Guggisberg’s Chalet in the Valley (Millersburg)
Guggisberg’s Chalet in the Valley/Facebook
Guggisberg’s Chalet in the Valley/Facebook Enjoy authentic Swiss, Austrian and American cuisine in the heart of Holmes County at Guggisberg’s Chalet in the Valley. It’s somewhat off the beaten path, but so worth the journey. You’ll find it at 5060 OH-557, Millersburg, OH 44654. To learn more, visit the website for Chalet in the Valley Restaurant.
- Hamburger Wagon (Miamisburg)
master phillip/Flcikr
vistavision/Flickr A rolling cart that’s served burgers in the same location for nearly 100 years features a serious burger. The catch? You’ll find no cheese, ketchup or mustard here. The onions and pickles only method gives the wagon its distinct reputation and allows your taste buds to focus more on the main, tastiest feature: the burger itself. You’ll find it at 12 E Central Ave., Miamisburg, OH 45342. Visit the Hamburger Wagon’s website to learn more.
- Alley Cat Oyster Bar (Cleveland)
Alley Cat Oyster Bar/Facebook
VJ. V./Yelp With plenty of seating, delicious oysters, shrimp cocktails and a surf and turf burger, this place is well known for its wide variety of seafood options and waterfront view of the Cuyahoga River. Alley Cat Oyster Bar is located at 1056 Old River Rd., Cleveland, OH 44113. Check out Alley Cat Oyster Bar’s website to learn more.
- The Barn Restaurant (Smithville)
The Barn Restaurant/Facebook
The Barn Restaurant/Facebook While good food certainly makes a restaurant memorable, it’s the atmosphere that can take your dining experience to a whole other level. This is exactly what you’ll experience at The Barn Restaurant in Smithville, Ohio. A refurbished rustic barn, board games and a scenic lake 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. To learn more, visit the website for The Barn Restaurant in Smithville.
What do you think of our list of restaurants in Ohio where you’ll never need a reservation? Have you been to any of these restaurants before? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
Netty’s Marblehead/Facebook
Adri P./Yelp
At this northern Ohio and Toledo area chain and ice cream parlor, the “famous chili dog” is just $1.90. Just walk up, order and enjoy. Don’t miss out on this northern Ohio treat. (Pictured is the Marblehead location at 9410 E Harbor Rd.) To learn more, visit the website for Netty’s Chili Dogs.
Amish Door/Facebook
Set in an oversized Amish style home that has a seating capacity of 450, this restaurant is located in Wilmont. Guests can also choose to have a full family sized Amish style meal prepared instead of individual orders. Amish Door is located at 1210 Winesburg St., Wilmot, OH 44689. Visit the Amish Door Restaurant’s website to learn more.
Lake Hope Lodge/Facebook
There’s an extra special dining lodge tucked away in Lake Hope State Park that you need to try. The atmosphere is peaceful, the food is exceptionally delicious and the surroundings are breathtaking. 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. Lake Hope Lodge is located at 27331 State Rt 278, McArthur, OH 45651. For more information, visit the website for Lake Hope Lodge in Ohio.
Moerlein Lager House/Facebook
Along the Ohio River and right next to the Great American Ball Park sits “Cincinnati’s premier brewpub.” With a casual atmosphere, tons of seating options and casual attire, this is the perfect way to spend your evening after a ball game or shopping spree. Moerlein Lager House is located at 115 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202. Check out the website for Moerlein Lager House Restaurant and Brewery to learn more.
Adam Schwieger/Flickr
golden lamb.com
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 (pictured,) The Dickens Room, Buckeye Dining Room or The Shaker Room. Unless it’s Thanksgiving, you’ll likely never need a reservation here. The Golden Lamb is located at 27 S Broadway St., Lebanon, OH 45036. Visit the Golden Lamb’s website to learn more.
Stefanie C/Yelp
With multiple locations throughout Ohio, this iconic chain features mouthwatering Italian food, one-of-a-kind decor, several seating options and even a train car that customers can choose to eat in. (Although, you’ll definitely need a reservation for that particular seating option.) It’s perfect for a unique date night or fun family dinner. (Pictured is the Toledo location.) To learn more, visit the website for The Spaghetti Warehouse.
D. K./Yelp
D.K./Yelp
With fresh fish caught daily and cooked with expertise, you will experience what is arguably the best perch sandwich in Ohio at New Sandusky Fish Company. There’s only outdoor seating here—but with a view like that it’s all you really need. New Sandusky Fish Company is located at 235 E Shoreline Dr., Sandusky, OH 44870. This beloved seafood shack is open seasonally. Visit New Sandusky Fish Company’s Facebook page to learn more about their current operating hours.
Guggisberg’s Chalet in the Valley/Facebook
Enjoy authentic Swiss, Austrian and American cuisine in the heart of Holmes County at Guggisberg’s Chalet in the Valley. It’s somewhat off the beaten path, but so worth the journey. You’ll find it at 5060 OH-557, Millersburg, OH 44654. To learn more, visit the website for Chalet in the Valley Restaurant.
master phillip/Flcikr
vistavision/Flickr
A rolling cart that’s served burgers in the same location for nearly 100 years features a serious burger. The catch? You’ll find no cheese, ketchup or mustard here. The onions and pickles only method gives the wagon its distinct reputation and allows your taste buds to focus more on the main, tastiest feature: the burger itself. You’ll find it at 12 E Central Ave., Miamisburg, OH 45342. Visit the Hamburger Wagon’s website to learn more.
Alley Cat Oyster Bar/Facebook
VJ. V./Yelp
With plenty of seating, delicious oysters, shrimp cocktails and a surf and turf burger, this place is well known for its wide variety of seafood options and waterfront view of the Cuyahoga River. Alley Cat Oyster Bar is located at 1056 Old River Rd., Cleveland, OH 44113. Check out Alley Cat Oyster Bar’s website to learn more.
The Barn Restaurant/Facebook
While good food certainly makes a restaurant memorable, it’s the atmosphere that can take your dining experience to a whole other level. This is exactly what you’ll experience at The Barn Restaurant in Smithville, Ohio. A refurbished rustic barn, board games and a scenic lake 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. To learn more, visit the website for The Barn Restaurant in Smithville.
If you need more dinner ideas, check out our previous article: These 10 Longest-Standing Restaurants In Ohio Are Still Around For A Reason.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: 4672 Monroe St, Toledo, OH 43623, USAAddress: Amish Door Restaurant, 1210 Winesburg St, Wilmot, OH 44689, USAAddress: Lake Hope Lodge, 27331 OH-278, McArthur, OH 45651, USAAddress: Moerlein Lager House, 115 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USAAddress: The Golden Lamb Restaurant & Hotel, 27 S Broadway St, Lebanon, OH 45036, USAAddress: 510 S Main St bldg 33, Akron, OH 44311, USAAddress: New Sandusky Fish Company, 235 E Shoreline Dr, Sandusky, OH 44870, USAAddress: Chalet In The Valley Restaurant, 5060 OH-557, Millersburg, OH 44654, USAAddress: 12 E Central Ave, Miamisburg, OH 45342, USAAddress: 1056 Old River Rd, Cleveland, OH 44113, USAAddress: The Barn Restaurant, 877 W Main St, Smithville, OH 44677, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
restaurants in Ohio where you’ll never need a reservation October 19, 2020 Elisa Regulski What are the most popular restaurants in Ohio? When a restaurant has been around for several hundred years, you know they’re doing something right. For a spectacular dinner, visit The Buxton Inn Restaurant in Granville. This historical eatery is one of the most popular restaurants in Ohio, and it’s easy to see why. Eating here feels like taking a step back in time! Where can I find the best hamburgers in Ohio? There are so many amazing places to get hamburgers in Ohio. If you have a mighty appetite, head to The Thurman Cafe in Columbus. These epic eats will keep you full all day long. But if you want something small, head over to Crabill’s Hamburger Shop in Urbana. This tiny shop serves itty bitty burgers that are packed with flavor. There is something so special about these tasty little sliders. If you still haven’t gotten enough to eat, explore the Ohio hamburger trail! What are the best family-friendly restaurants in Ohio? Gather up the little ones and enjoy a tasty family meal. Super Chefs, located in in Gahanna, is always a hit. This eatery specializes in colorful breakfast items, and everything is — you guessed it — superhero themed. Little ones especially love the vibrant atmosphere and delicious treats.
The OIYS Visitor Center
restaurants in Ohio where you’ll never need a reservation
October 19, 2020
Elisa Regulski
What are the most popular restaurants in Ohio? When a restaurant has been around for several hundred years, you know they’re doing something right. For a spectacular dinner, visit The Buxton Inn Restaurant in Granville. This historical eatery is one of the most popular restaurants in Ohio, and it’s easy to see why. Eating here feels like taking a step back in time! Where can I find the best hamburgers in Ohio? There are so many amazing places to get hamburgers in Ohio. If you have a mighty appetite, head to The Thurman Cafe in Columbus. These epic eats will keep you full all day long. But if you want something small, head over to Crabill’s Hamburger Shop in Urbana. This tiny shop serves itty bitty burgers that are packed with flavor. There is something so special about these tasty little sliders. If you still haven’t gotten enough to eat, explore the Ohio hamburger trail! What are the best family-friendly restaurants in Ohio? Gather up the little ones and enjoy a tasty family meal. Super Chefs, located in in Gahanna, is always a hit. This eatery specializes in colorful breakfast items, and everything is — you guessed it — superhero themed. Little ones especially love the vibrant atmosphere and delicious treats.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
When a restaurant has been around for several hundred years, you know they’re doing something right. For a spectacular dinner, visit The Buxton Inn Restaurant in Granville. This historical eatery is one of the most popular restaurants in Ohio, and it’s easy to see why. Eating here feels like taking a step back in time!
Where can I find the best hamburgers in Ohio?
There are so many amazing places to get hamburgers in Ohio. If you have a mighty appetite, head to The Thurman Cafe in Columbus. These epic eats will keep you full all day long. But if you want something small, head over to Crabill’s Hamburger Shop in Urbana. This tiny shop serves itty bitty burgers that are packed with flavor. There is something so special about these tasty little sliders. If you still haven’t gotten enough to eat, explore the Ohio hamburger trail!
What are the best family-friendly restaurants in Ohio?
Gather up the little ones and enjoy a tasty family meal. Super Chefs, located in in Gahanna, is always a hit. This eatery specializes in colorful breakfast items, and everything is — you guessed it — superhero themed. Little ones especially love the vibrant atmosphere and delicious treats.
