7 Must Visit Historic Restaurants in the National Aviation Heritage Area

1 The Golden Lamb Restaurant and Hotel

27 S Broadway St
Lebanon, OH 45036

Open Daily, this Farm to Table Menu is a top choice.

About the Menu: Inspired by the rich history of the agricultural heartland that they call home, The Golden Lamb prides itself on using high-quality, fresh products sourced locally, including ingredients from their very own farm in nearby Oregonia. Every day, the executive chef and award-winning culinary team prepare each meal from scratch including must try options like the Golden Lamb Farms Platter appetizer, Chateaubriand entree, and the Original Sticky Burger. From their farm, right to your table, you are sure to have a delightful, unique experience.

About the History: Ohio’s longest continually operating business — The Golden Lamb is a vibrant restaurant and boutique hotel infused with a spirit of hospitality and history. Throughout its more than 215-year history, the Golden Lamb has hosted, entertained and provided lodging for many notable guests, including 12 U.S. presidents; political figures Barbara Bush and Mitt Romney; American legends Neil Armstrong and Annie Oakley; literary greats Charles Dickens, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain); and also pop singer Kesha.

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2 The Pine Club

1926 Brown St
Dayton, OH 45409

About the Menu: Did someone say onion rings? That's right! As Dayton's favorite steakhouse since 1947, The Pine Club has been serving up onion rings on steaks for 72 years and counting. The menu of classic steak house food is virtually unchanged from the day it opened.

About the History: An iconic institution of the Dayton community since 1947, The Pine Club is considered one of the great steakhouses in the United States. They cut, age, and meticulously prepare their steaks with an emphasis on unparalleled flavor and quality. Receiving numerous awards and accolades through the years and garnered national attention from food writers and critics from the New York Times, the Food Network, USA Today, Gourmet, and others. In 2015, Food Network named it the #2 steakhouse in the country, calling it "an unmatched blend of high-end dining and Midwest hospitality.

Note: The Pine Club does not accept credit cards. They do however gladly accept cash, personal check, or payment with a Pine Club house account.

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3 Carillon Brewing Company

1000 Carillon Blvd
Dayton, OH 45409

About the Menu : Carillon Brewing Co. offers visitors a glimpse into 1850s-era Dayton through the authentically prepared food and drink of the times. Malt is milled by hand and oven-fresh grain bread is baked all within the walls of the Brew Co. You will find barrels full of fermenting beer, wine, and cider at every turn. Snack on sharables like Bier Cheese Fries and Sauerkraut Balls, or grab a brat or burger to pair with one of their 12 hand crafted brews at the tasting bar inside the building’s restaurant or sit under the trees in the Beer Garden.

About the History : Carillion Brewing Company is the nation’s only production brewery in a museum, and the only U.S. brewery replicating the historic brewing process. The staff have every detail covered for you to enjoy, even down to time-period costume. While you are visiting, be sure to check out the array of American Oak barrels lining the lower floor, capped by an educational panel detailing the history and science of brewing.

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4 Engineers Club of Dayton

110 E Monument Ave
Dayton, OH 45402

Over 100 Years of History & Tradition

About the Menu: The ECD facility is open to the public as a lunch destination. When it comes to elegance and fine dining in the Dayton area, there truly is no rival for the Engineers Club. Whether it’s a delightful light lunch, or a pick from the steakhouse menu they offer every other week as part of their popular Thursday night dinner, the Engineers Club of Dayton has you covered.

About the History: Founded by Colonel Edward A. Deeds and Charles F. Kettering in Dayton, Ohio in 1914, the Engineers Club of Dayton (ECD) has been an integral part of the city’s landscape for over 100 years. The Club was created to foster innovation through the sharing of ideas, guest speakers and more. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the history of the club involves notable Daytonians and historical figures such as Orville Wright.

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5 Dayton Woman’s Club

225 N Ludlow St
Dayton, OH 45402

About the Menu: Now Open to the Public, The Dayton Woman’s Club invites you to join them for lunch in the historic dining room on Wednesdays from 11 am – 1 pm. Each week a different themed buffet is served by Rich Taste Catering so be sure to call or check their website for exact menu details for the day.

About the History: Established in 1916, The Dayton's Woman's Club provided the space for women to gather, network, and advance their own lives as well as their community. Members of the Club were leaders within the community, promoting music, art, education, civil rights, and debated topics such as education, women's rights, and politics. Today the Woman’s Club still stands strong in its original purpose and as a nonprofit organization they are devoted to empowering women and strengthening the community educationally, professionally, and individually.

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6 The Spot

201 S Ohio Ave
Sidney, OH 45365

About the Menu: “The best place to eat in Shelby County." The Spot is like taking a trip back to the 50s, you almost expect to see Fonzie, Ritchie, Potsie & Ralph Malph walk in. Burgers made fresh daily, homemade pies, soups, and the classics like onion rings, mushrooms, and malts, the spot is serving up the American Standards we've all come to love and enjoy most. Those who have eaten at The Spot are likely to argue for what food it's best known for.

About the History: The Spot Restaurant started back in 1907 founded by a man named Spot Miller. Spot brought his chuck wagon into town and set-up business at the corner of Court Street and Ohio Avenue in Sidney, Ohio. The city would not allow Spot to sell meals this way. His solution was to remove the wheels, and add some awnings to create a permanent structure. The Spot’s ownership and structure has changed several times over the past 90+ years, but you can still find The Spot on the same corner it started on with the same mid-century modern neon sign hanging over the front door in Downtown Sidney.

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7 Alpha Café

7 E Auglaize St
Wapakoneta, OH 45895

About the Menu: Friendly staff, fast service, and the portion sizes & price are something to celebrate. Alpha is serving up a full American Pub menu along with a one of a kind experience for all who visit. While you’re in, ask about the History, maybe you will hear about the infamous Al Capone and John Dillinger. Whether it's breakfast, lunch, dinner, karaoke or drinks, Alpha is always a perfect place to enjoy.

About the History : The History of the Alpha and its owner are steeped in rich tradition, stories, and personal narratives. The hand-carved 24ft long white oak back bar was built in 1893 by the Brunswick Balke Collender Company in Cincinnati, and is a leading historical attraction still to this day.

Note : Alpha is a Cash Only Café & Bar so be sure to come prepared.

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8 The Depot Coffee House

644 Miami St
Urbana, OH 43078

About the Menu: If you appreciate a quality cup of coffee or just need a bit of caffeine to keep you going through the day, this place is it. Featuring hot and iced drinks as well as some truly unique blends (such as the New Orleans drink), you’d be hard pressed not to find something that makes your tastebuds smile. If coffee’s not your thing – not a worry as they have a wide selection of smoothies, matcha, and craft sodas.

About the History: The Depot Coffee House is set inside the restored 1850s Pennsylvania Railroad Depot on the north end of the Simon Kenton bike path in downtown Urbana. The city owns the building, and Champaign County natives Susan and Dave Oelker selected the historic building to rent about a decade ago to create a new café and social venue for the area.

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9 Ye Olde Trail Tavern

228 Xenia Ave
Yellow Springs, OH 45387

About the Menu: Their menu has it all – burgers, kebab, wurst, sauerkraut balls, and a kids menu just to name a few. If you appreciate regional and international food and drink, this has to be a stop for you. To go along with your meal you can enjoy selecting from a host of options of draft, domestic, import, wine, and cocktails with many options coming from local breweries such as Yellow Springs Brewery, Warped Wing, and the Dayton Beer Company to name a few.

About the History: Carrying the title of Ohio’s Oldest Tavern, this place has a rich history that you’d soon not forget. It was built by Elisha and her son, William Mills in 1827 and opened as a tavern. It was the only structure in Yellow Springs on Route 68 at that time. In addition to the original exterior of the cabin still being present, the front of the building is from the second owner, Franz Hafner and dates back to 1842.

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