Unique restaurants are a fun way to liven up your dining experience—and sometimes, the quirkier the restaurant is, the better.
Out of all the unique places to eat in Ohio, Mike's Place is undeniably Ohio's quirkiest. From palm trees and tiki bars to Star Wars memorabilia and castles, it's hard to pinpoint the overall theme of this unforgettable restaurant that truly marches to the beat of its own drum. If you've ever dined here before, you know exactly why it could easily be considered the quirkiest restaurant in Ohio—and if you haven't dined here yet, you'll want to check out Mike's Place in Kent as soon as possible.
As you approach Mike's Place, you will see a hodgepodge of decor that hints at the unique atmosphere you''ll find inside. (Star Wars fans will appreciate the X-Wing Fighter out front.)
Out back, you'll even find a a painted bus and a castle (complete with a draw bridge.)
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Inside, you'll find several signs that (sort of) explain the quirky layout of the restaurant.
Lights, planes and other things hang from the ceilings. You never know what you'll see when you look up.
There are several seating options, each of which feature their own theme. (And you can even sit inside of the bus!)
In the warmer months, dining outside is another option, as the restaurant just revamped their patio seating.
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When it comes to the food, you'll find a wide variety of hefty American cuisine, appetizers and breakfast served all day. There's truly something for everyone.
(And even if you don't want to order a drink, be sure to check out the tiki bar before you leave. It's pretty cool.)
Mike's Place is located at 1700 S Water St, Kent, OH 44240. Have you ever been here before? If so, share your photos and experiences with us!
Remember when eating for under $10 a person wasn't an enormous feat? Less than a decade ago, it felt like you could buy a complete meal with a tenner and still have enough money left over to buy yourself a little treat.
Well, I'm here to tell you that in Girard, Ohio, those days are still here! At Jib Jab Hot Dog Shoppe, there are five full meals on the menu that cost less than ten dollars, with drinks included.
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...and they all look absolutely mouthwatering.
Look, the food at this Ohio hot dog joint ain't fancy, but it doesn't need to be. There's something to be said about limiting a menu so that every single thing on it shines.
That's precisely what Jib Jab Hot Dog Shoppe has done. Their menu includes little more than hot dogs, sandwiches, and chicken tenders. However, when they are as good as reviewers say they are, is there a need for much more than that?!
This cute Ohio hot dog joint has been bringing families together for cheap eats since 1946. Since its inception, Jib Jab Hot Dog Shoppe has made a point of serving locally sourced ingredients, believing that "there is a direct connection between how freshly prepared your food is and how it tastes."
I wholeheartedly agree!
The chili for your hot dogs is made fresh and the potatoes are cut in-house the same morning you eat them. And the bun? Well, that was baked the night before, fresh and ready to showcase your choice of simple meat and toppings.
In addition to some pretty incredible full-meal deals, this small-town hot dog shop has offerings with the whole family in mind. On Mondays, kids eat free - with some limitations, of course. And every single other day, Jib Jab Hot Dog Shoppe offers some fantastic family meal deals - including an 8-pack of Wagyu beef hog dogs and a family-sized french fry for under $40. That's impressive!
The inexpensive meal options are just one of the things we love about the great state of Ohio. In fact, we love it so much we think it oughta be celebrated as often as possible. Why not in the Wear your Roots?
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What's your favorite spot for cheap eats in Ohio? Tell us about it in the comments!
This Ohio Dining Experience Has Been Called One of the Best Restaurants in the U.S.
Welcome to the Short North Arts District
The Guild House: Delighting Diners Since 2015
Locally Grown and Farm-fresh
A Bucket List Restaurant in Columbus
Ohio may not be known as a foodie haven, but locals know that we have a secret dining scene here that's nothing short of excellent. As a state that's rich in farmland, restaurants that specialize in locally-sourced ingredients have an edge that other less-rural regions simply can't match. The freshness of local ingredients cannot be beat, so with the right ambiance and staff, Ohio dining experiences are truly next-level. Today, we're going to visit a restaurant in the Short North Arts District of Columbus that locals have hailed as one of the very best restaurants, possibly in the while Great Lakes region. The Guild House is part of the Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, a group of award-winning eateries recognized for exceptional food and service. Prepare your taste buds for excellence, because a visit to this excellent restaurant in Columbus won't soon be forgotten.
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Welcome to the Short North Arts District
Tucked away in the scenic Short North Arts District of Columbus, Ohio, The Guild House is instantly eye-catching. The gold of its street sign combined with the early 20th century brick architecture instantly brings to mind visions of the Gilded Age.
This impression is truly characteristic of most of the Short North Arts District, where tightly-packed brick buildings are filled with chic, modern attractions. Since the 1980s, locals have looked to this region's Bohemian atmosphere for unique experiences. Art galleries, vintage shops, and unique restaurants are expected here, and The Guild House effortlessly fits in without blending in.
The Guild House: Delighting Diners Since 2015
The stand-out restaurant opened its doors in 2015, impressing circa 140 patrons at a time with its expansive 6,000-square foot space. While the modern rustic atmosphere draws most in, featured dishes like pork cheeks, scallops, and lamb burgers keep visitors returning time and time again.
The Guild House has menus for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, and each has something special to offer. As someone with more of a preference for savory than sweet, I'd recommend stopping by for lunch or dinner if you want the most memorable experience possible, but you'll love the food no matter what time of day you visit. And while the flavors of each dish speak for themselves, the presentation is beautiful and always photo-worthy.
Locally Grown and Farm-fresh
The Guild House is renowned for its dedication to using locally grown ingredients whenever possible. This farm-to-table approach ensures that every dish is not only fresh but also supports local agriculture. From the succulent filet mignon to the indulgent pork belly, you'll taste the difference with farm fresh ingredients.
This approach also allows for seasonal shifts, like the seasonal donut offerings that have made the restaurant locally famous. Seasonal offerings draw inspiration from both global and regional flavors, ensuring you have a unique array of options whether you're looking over the dinner or dessert menu. And, truly, I cannot speak to the presentation enough — each dish is artfully arranged, creating a visual feast that’s almost too beautiful to eat. (Almost. Like I said, the flavors speak for themselves, and the tantalizing aroma won't do anything to slow you down!)
A Bucket List Restaurant in Columbus
The restaurant’s rustic-modern decor strikes a harmonious balance between warmth and elegance, creating an ambiance that perfectly complements the food without overshadowing it. Experiences here are deliciously balanced, and each is memorable no matter what time of day you stop by to visit.
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If you’re a foodie in Ohio or an out-of-state visitors looking for something memorable, The Guild House is a must-visit destination. Its dedication to locally sourced ingredients, seasonal and globally inspired offerings, and exquisite presentation make it a standout restaurant in Columbus. Connect with them on Facebook to keep this unique Ohio restaurant on your radar.