Top 10 Places to Eat in the Hocking Hills
You finally made it to the Hocking Hills or maybe you are planning your trip! I know when I have tried to plan trips for my family it can be so hard to just find a simplified list of the best places to eat with clear recommendations on what to eat. Well, no better than a local to recommend them to you and your family. The area certainly has many fast-food options, places found in almost all areas like Mexican or a Chinese buffet, but when you visit new places you want to know where the locals eat and places that are not big chains found in every other place. Below are my top 10 recommendations that cant be found outside of the Hocking Hills.
Pizza Crossing – pizzacrossing.com
What is a small town without a tradition? Pizza Crossing is that tradition in Hocking County. After all the school functions this is the place to be. This is the best pizza, period! Ha, but seriously you will not walk away disappointed. Everyone in town will tell you to eat here. My favorites – The All The Way, BBQ Chicken, Veggie on Cauliflower Crust and the Taco Pizza. They also have subs, wings, and pastas. The salads are excellent. Pizza Crossing will be on your return list if you come back to this area. $-$$
StarBrick BBQ – starbrickbbq.com
Travel just outside of Hocking County to Athens County in Nelsonville and have my favorite BBQ! This place is owned by locals and located within Rocky Boots retail store. This store was the previous the manufacturing plant for Rocky Boot before the manufacturing was sent overseas. My favorite meal is the Brisket Philly Cheese. Like a Philly cheese steak, but all that smokey flavor. Their baked beans are also very delicious and you really cant go wrong on any of their smoked meats. $-$$$
Olde Dutch Restaurant – theoldedutchrestaurant.com
Looking for a taste of Amish country or just home cooked meals then Olde Dutch is a definite stop. Their lunch and dinner buffet is all you can eat. My favorites from the buffet is the salad bar, the rolls(!!!), fried chicken and their vegetable casserole. There are so many other items to choose from and nothing disappoints. You even get a choice of pie at the end of your meal. If you have been to Amish country and visited the Der Dutchman then know this place is even better. $$-$$$
Millstone – themillstonebbq.com
This bbq place in located in Logan. Top things on my list – Meat Platter, Cowboy Burger and the Portobello Mushroom Steaks. Their smoked turkey is also an excellent choice. I will caution that this is very touristy and busy. Long wait times during busy seasons, but delicious food choices. $$-$$$
Lake Hope Lodge –https://lakehopelodge.com/
Sunday Brunch! This is the place to go to eat the buffet Sunday Brunch. Be prepared for a long line, but the food is delicious. The homemade cinnamon rolls are to die for! They also have wood fired pizza’s and a regular menu for dining in other days of the week. The views when eating here are breathtaking and the lodge is beautiful. Lake Hope is a beautiful park to hike and explore and very close to Old Mans Cave (located in Vinton County – approx. half hour drive to Old Mans Cave). To see what to do in the area please read my blog post on Lake Hope. $$-$$$
Inn at Cedar Falls – innatcedarfalls.com
If you are looking for a more upscale place right next to Old Mans State Park then visit the Inn at Cedar Falls. It is set up for small groups and is right by Cedar Falls and just around the corner from the State Park Visitor Center and Lodge. Built within an old, quaint cabin with beautiful gardens around the history and vibe wont disappoint. Parking is across the street from the restaurant. Every dish I have had here has been amazing. $$-$$$$
Tee Jay’s Drive Thru and Deli – Facebook Page
You would not think to visit a drive thru on vacation. That seems risky but I assure you they have the best subs and at a great value. Their Tee Jay’s subs with mayo or Italian will not disappoint. They are loaded with meat, veggies and delicious. This is a go to place for my weekly lunch and my husband’s mother got these every Friday for the family as her easy dinner when he was growing up (20+years ago!). They offer many sandwiches, hotdogs and deli products. They also have an indoor store and small dine in area. Always make sure the check their daily special. $-$$
M&M Diner – Facebook
You want a filling, home-style meal at a great price then you need to stop and M&M Diner. Their daily specials are a great value. My favorite meal is the cabbage roll daily special when it is offered. I get it every time and leave stuffed to the gills. This is a laid back environment, but only open until around 2 p.m. each day. Great for breakfast and lunch. $-$$
58 West – 58west.com
When 58 West went in all the locals were very excited. This beautiful restaurant is located in downtown Logan and is located in a previous car dealership. This is a nicer dining experience than typically found here in Logan. The restaurant offers indoor and outdoor dining along with a distillery where they create their own spirits. The owners also own and operate Hocking Hills Winery so you can find all the wines from the winery at 58 West. I recommend their wine flights and enjoyed their scallops. Their menu has changed each time I have visited so just ask the waiter for their recommendation. Since this is located right in our downtown you can explore all our downtown has to offer after your dinner. $$$-$$$$
Glen Laurel – glenlaurel.com
Now this is fine dining at it’s best! If you are visiting or celebrating a major life milestone then I urge you to visit. You will not choose what to eat, but will be served a 5 or 7 course meal, depending on time/day of your visit. The grounds are beautiful and based on Scottish design and tradition. You can also choose to stay here in one of their rooms or cottages. They also offer a traditional Scottish golf course. This dining experience is at the higher end, but everyone should experience a multi-course meal at least once in their lifetime. Perfect for work events and anniversaries. $$$$-$$$$$
