From casual restaurants that make every diner feel like a regular to upscale eateries with menus inspired by global flavors, Richland County’s food scene is as diverse as it is delicious.
Locals Love
Oak Park Tavern | Nothing is better than fresh-caught Lake Erie yellow perch enjoyed on the covered patio of Oak Park Tavern. The casual supper club serves steaks and seafood, along with pairings of both.
Buckeye Express Diner | All aboard for a culinary adventure — Buckeye Express Diner serves local-favorite burgers (Locomotive Buckeye pounder, anyone?), wraps and wings inside a decked-out authentic train car.
Uncle John’s Place | With dark wooden floors and art hung from floor to ceiling, Uncle John’s is as cozy as it is eclectic. Known for its juicy Reuben burger and ‘Naked in the Park’ dish, the fresh-cut fries are also a must.
Two Cousins’ Pizza Co. | This is the place to go when you have a craving for melty cheese piled with pepperoni. In true Mansfield fashion, this laid-back downtown pizzeria also offers creative items like the Buffalo chicken slaw sub or white sauce pickle pizza.
A.M Eats
Coney Island Diner | From the black-and-white checkered floor to counter stools and vintage Mansfield memorabilia, Coney Island is a true Americana diner. Tradition continues with homemade biscuits and gravy, stacks of pancakes or build-your-own omelets, served into the afternoon.
Buckeye Bakery | The sweet and buttery smell of donuts baked fresh daily fills the sidewalk outside of Buckeye Bakery. From cake donuts to cream sticks to Danishes and iced cut outs, it’s not hard to fill a box with a dozen treats.
Mansfield Family Restaurants | Build your perfect home-cooked breakfast from the a la carte menu at Mansfield Family Restaurants — any style eggs, hashbrowns crisped to perfection, buttery French toast — you really can’t go wrong.
Relax, It’s Just Coffee | Here, whether you take your caffeine straight black or in a flavored latte, each cup is brewed fresh using high-quality beans roasted in-house. Sink into a cozy couch and watch the bustle of Main Street as you sip pour-over coffee or a Carousel Caramelatte in a locally made mug.
Elevated Experiences
Prohibition at the Caverns | Nestled below ground at Hudson & Essex with its elegant and intimate ambiance, the story continues underground where historic tunnels set the scene for an eight-course wine and dining experience at Prohibition at the Caverns.
Dan Lew Exchange (DLX) | Located inside a historic brick building in the center of downtown Mansfield, DLX serves elevated cocktails, sushi and dishes drawing flavors and style from Korea, Thailand, China and Japan. Try the Dan Dan Noodles or the Monkey Roll for a truly delicious evening.
1285 Winery | Pair dining with a stunning view overlooking blueberry bushes at 1285 Winery at The Blueberry Patch farm from the comfort of a building made using trees from the property and recycled local materials. Savor wood-fired pizzas and sip locally made wines.
The Vault Wine Bar | The Vault in Shelby offers an extensive list of local and global wines inside a stately 1911 bank building, where the original bank vault is still a centerpiece of the experience. Pair your vino with artisan pizzas and mouth-watering appetizers like goat cheese stuffed jalapenos or plan your visit to coincide with Prime Rib Night.
Good Food & Friends
MVP’s Sports Bar and Grille | Whether you’re looking for a spot to watch the game or you’d like to catch some live entertainment, MVP’s is a favorite neighborhood gathering spot. Munch on apps, burgers and sandwiches, or try for the Big Leagues and order their filling pasta plates, like MVP’s signature lasagna.
Tito’s Cantina & Grill | Guac and potstickers on the same menu might sound odd, but the Mexican-Korean fusion at Tito’s will not disappoint. Korean barbecue street tacos and the salted plum margarita are a must.
Athens Greek Restaurant | The flavors of fresh tzatziki sauce and falafel inside this favorite Greek haunt will transport you straight from Ontario to the Balkans. Start with their Fiesty Feta Spread, then order traditional gyros or open plates stacked with pita. Be sure to save room for dessert — the baklava is amazing.
Panchos Tacos | Panchos is the perfect spot to walk in with family and friends. Grab a seat in a colorful booth and share chips and salsa as you chat and browse the extensive (and delicious) menu.
Ambiance Al Fresco
Hudson & Essex | For a top-tier dining experience, visit Hudson & Essex’s spacious covered patio and enjoy rooftop style views paired with their creative menu. Watch the sunset over downtown Mansfield as you sip Cypress Cellar wines and craft cocktails and savor the blackened ribeye surf and turf.
The Phoenix Brewing Company | The cozy brick patio at The Phoenix is a great spot to sit with friends — and you can bring your pup along to enjoy the patio, too. You’ll find live music and food trucks every weekend to accompany brews crafted in house.
Black Dog Tavern | Grab a seat on the massive, elevated deck overlooking the beautiful rolling hills of Deer Ridge Golf Course. Enjoy the bourbon BBQ salad, slow-roasted ribs, patty melt burger or another classic dish off their wide menu.
Wishmaker House Winery & Wine Bar | Sit on the English garden-inspired patio amidst beautiful flower beds in warmer months or reserve a heated igloo for private winter wonderland dining. Whether you opt for small plates and wine or the heartier pork shank or bistro steak salad, you’ll want to save room for the cheesecake.
By Alexia Kemerling