17 Best Restaurants in Middletown, OH
This article was written by local contributor Jennifer Smith & edited by the Travel Lens team.
I've been living in Middletown, Ohio, for quite some time now, and there's one thing I can confidently say about this town - it's a hidden gem when it comes to culinary delights!
Over the years, I've enjoyed exploring the diverse food scene here, and I am always amazed by the variety and quality of restaurants this town has to offer.
From mouth-watering steaks to authentic ethnic cuisine, Middletown truly has something for everyone.
So, whether you're a fellow local or just stopping by for a visit, I'm excited to share the best restaurants in Middletown, Ohio.
Let's dig in!
BAAB's Bad Ass American Bar
I've always been on the lookout for a friendly neighborhood bar with good food and great service, and BAAB's Bad Ass American Bar has been my go-to spot.
It's just a short walk from my place, and I can't get enough of their amazing wings and incredible pizza.
In fact, the Baab's best pizza is one of the best I've ever had in my life!
The atmosphere is perfect – they somehow managed to create a hole-in-the-wall bar vibe, yet it's super clean and sleek.
You can check out their website to see what I mean.
One of the things I love the most about BAAB's is the live music nights.
I was there recently, and they had a fantastic band playing which made the evening even more enjoyable.
It's not every day you find a bar that combines great food, drinks, and entertainment in such a perfect way.
Hunan Bistro Middletown
As someone who's tried almost every Chinese spot in town, I can confidently say that Hunan Bistro Middletown (新湘遇) is a hidden gem!
With new ownership, I've noticed a significant improvement in both the menu options and overall dining experience.
The moment I tried their sesame chicken with soft, perfectly-cooked rice, I knew this was a place I'd be coming back to.
You can check out their website here.
The decor inside Hunan Bistro is surprisingly sleek, understated, and upscale - quite a pleasant surprise for a restaurant located in a run-down shopping center.
And don't even get me started on the food – it's simply fantastic!
The Cantonese-style General Tso's chicken and the crab Rangoon are hands-down the best I've ever had.
I've struggled to find a Chinese restaurant that serves fresh tofu.
But luckily, Hunan Bistro has got me covered!
My partner also loves their meat dishes.
Bourbon's Craft Kitchen and Bar
I recently visited Bourbon's Craft Kitchen and Bar, and I must say, it was an unforgettable dining experience.
The moment I stepped into the modern space, I was instantly drawn to the cozy lighting at the bar and the appealing decor throughout the restaurant.
I strayed from my initial meal choices and was pleasantly surprised by the mouth-watering dishes that arrived at my table.
It was by far the best meal I've had in a long time, with incredible flavors that left me savoring every bite and every drop of my expertly crafted cocktails.
The Swire Inn
I've always been a fan of supporting small, local establishments, and The Swire Inn is definitely one of my favorites in town.
This charming historic building offers both indoor and outdoor dining options, with a lovely patio that often hosts live music on Fridays.
The food, of course, is another major draw.
Their boneless wings with Cajun rub served with fries and ranch, are truly delightful and come at an excellent price.
Fresh ingredients are used in all their dishes, making every meal even more enjoyable.
FigLeaf Brewing Company
One of my favorite spots in town is FigLeaf Brewing Company.
It's a bit off the beaten path, but trust me, it's well worth the visit.
Whenever I go there, I'm always impressed with their selection of beers – they seem to have something for every taste.
I particularly enjoy their Paul Bunyan and coffee lager, as well as their unique Astra hard seltzers.
Besides the incredible brews, FigLeaf also offers some mouth-watering pizzas.
I remember trying their sriracha sauce-based pizza once, and it definitely had the perfect spicy kick to it.
On my last visit, I decided to try their Hawaiian pizza, and it was simply divine.
The presentation was beautiful, and the balance of crust, sauce, and toppings was just perfect.
The pizza had just the right amount of crispiness, making it one of the best I've ever had.
Taco Bout Crab
I recently decided to give Taco Bout Crab a try, and I must say, I was not disappointed!
Located in a small, unassuming building, this place truly is a hidden gem in our neighborhood.
You can find it here on Google Maps.
Since the place doesn't offer any seating, I ordered my meal to go.
The variety of authentic Mexican food options here is impressive, and I was excited to try them out.
When I got home and opened my order, I was delighted by the delicious aroma of the food.
The flavors were on point, and I especially loved the perfect ratio of salsa to chips that came with my meal.
The only minor issue I had was the slightly excessive saltiness, but that didn't stop me from enjoying every bite.
I've even tried their service through DoorDash, and I was happy to receive my food quickly and still hot.
Grecian Delight
I absolutely love going to Grecian Delight whenever I get the chance.
I remember once, on December 24th, I called them to see if they were open, and they invited me in for a free holiday meal.
The meal was a feast of turkey, ham, salad, and dessert - truly a delightful experience.
The food at Grecian Delight is simply out of this world.
My heart sings every time I taste their Greek fries and Baklava.
If I could eat their Baklava every day of my life, I definitely would!
The atmosphere is clean and utilitarian, with a framed photograph on the wall of a city in Greece.
Their gyros have good ingredients but are presented open and flat, which is unique in its own way.
The Meadows
The Meadows has become a go-to spot for my family and me.
The unique blend of Asian and American cuisine means there is something for everyone, and it's a great place to bring the whole family.
The food is always freshly made, and you can really taste the difference.
Her homemade sauces are incredible, and the wait for the food is definitely worth it.
I can't recommend the desserts enough - the pecan pie and carrot cake are to die for.
Make sure to place your order for dessert when you order your meal, as they prepare a limited amount each day, and you don't want to miss out.
You can find the exact location and more information about The Meadows on Google Maps.
The Jug
I recently visited The Jug, a nostalgic burger joint in Middletown, Ohio, that's been around for 90 years.
It's not often you come across a place with such history, so I decided to give it a try.
The drive-in service was a fun throwback, and the hop was with me in no time after I parked my car to take my order.
From the classic paper menu, I ordered a smash burger, chili dog, root beer, and a float.
I couldn't help myself – I also tried their fried chicken sandwich!
Everything was hot, greasy, and delicious, just the way you'd want your burger to be.
The prices were surprisingly low, and it felt great to support a small, local business with such a rich history.
Another thing I noticed was how busy it was, clearly indicating that my fellow locals know where the best place to go for a tasty burger is.
Combs BBQ Central
Let me tell you about Combs BBQ Central, my favorite spot for a hearty lunch whenever I'm craving some delicious smoked meats.
Their pulled pork sandwich is simply amazing - tender, juicy meat with a mouthwatering BBQ sauce.
The cornbread is always fresh and warm, making it a perfect side to the main dish.
But their meats are definitely the star of the show.
Plus, the atmosphere is charming with its funky counter-serve style and nostalgic decor.
There's even a patio to enjoy your meal outdoors!
Bandanas Italian Eatery
I recently visited Bandanas Italian Eatery, and I must say, it was quite the experience!
The atmosphere, however, was a mix of pop music, Italian cuisine, and Western decorations - wildly confusing, but somehow, it worked.
The food itself, though not worth the price, was good enough, and the drink selections were excellent.
It wasn't until my visit that the concept of a spaghetti Western-themed bar & restaurant made sense, and now it's one of my favorite places to spend time with my partner and entertain out-of-town guests.
On our visit, we had the meatballs, the Nenni family sausage plate, and split a gluten-free crust pizza.
Although the gluten-free crust was unremarkable, we'd be willing to try their regular hand-pressed crust next time.
What impressed me the most was my experience during a visit close to their closing time.
Despite arriving just 30 minutes before closing, I was greeted warmly and given prompt service, with my meal arriving fresh and hot.
Brent's Smokin' Butts and Grill
I recently visited Brent's Smokin' Butts and Grill after seeing some positive reviews on Google, and let me tell you, the food did not disappoint!
I ordered the pork belly burnt ends, which were cooked to perfection with a delicious sticky BBQ sauce.
My partner tried the baby back ribs and loved the flavor.
We also shared the tangy and sweet baked beans, which tasted great, and the mac and cheese, which was decent.
I was also impressed with the cleanliness of the restaurant and the friendly service we experienced.
Cibo e Vino
Just the other day, I went to Cibo e Vino, a lovely Italian restaurant in Middletown, Ohio.
I had heard great things about their food, so I decided to stop by for dinner.
To start, I tried their sausage & ricotta stuffed mushrooms for the first time, and they were absolutely delicious!
The alfredo sauce on top, combined with the other ingredients, made for an amazing flavor combination.
For my main course, I had shrimp scampi while my partner enjoyed the spaghetti & meatballs.
Both dishes were visually appealing, and the flavors certainly didn't disappoint.
I also love their bread served with oil and adding a little crushed pepper to mine.
I noticed a regular customer at the bar who ordered the steak special, and it looked mouth-watering.
I feel so lucky to have Cibo e Vino just a 20-minute drive away.
It's hands down the best Italian place around Middletown, with its great portions, delicious food and drinks, and fantastic service.
Taku Japanese Steakhouse
Last weekend, I decided to visit Taku Japanese Steakhouse for dinner with my family.
We are huge fans of Japanese cuisine, and I had heard excellent things about this place from my friends.
The chef cooked our food right in front of us, which was an amazing experience.
Not only was the food delicious, but the presentation was top-notch.
We tried a variety of dishes, including sushi, bento boxes, and hibachi grilled items.
I must say, the sushi platters were decent, and the bento boxes were a great value for the price.
The space was clean and family-friendly, making it a perfect spot for a night out with the whole family.
Crispy Fish & Chicken
I've been to Crispy Fish & Chicken a few times.
The service was friendly, and the atmosphere was nice and relaxing.
The food was fantastic!
My favorite dishes here are cod and catfish, and I simply cannot get over their homemade macaroni.
The coleslaw is sweet and tasty, and the hushpuppies are just divine.
J&E Rootbeer Stand
Just the other day, I visited J&E Rootbeer Stand for a quick meal, and I enjoyed everything about the place.
I ordered a cheeseburger deluxe, a coney short dog, and seasoned fries, along with a strawberry shake.
Everything I had was delicious, and I can't wait to go back.
I also appreciate how the burgers taste fresh, and the ingredients are of high quality.
The footlongs remind me of traditional drive-ins, and the chili dogs are pretty good too.
As a dog lover, I love that this spot is dog-friendly.
So, next time I am planning to bring my four-legged friend along.
Shaddock's Pizza and Drive Thru
Oh, how I love Shaddock's Pizza and Drive Thru!
As someone who grew up in the area, I have so many fond memories of grabbing a slice with my friends after school.
One of my all-time favorites is their Mac & Cheese pizza covered in BBQ Grippos - it's nothing short of amazing!
I promise you, it's a dish you won't forget.
You can check their menu online, and I highly recommend giving it a try.
Their steak sandwiches are also top-notch and a must-try.
Final Thoughts
Middletown has a diverse and appetizing selection of restaurants that cater to different tastes and preferences.
I've had the pleasure of trying most of the establishments on this list and can confidently say that each offers a unique dining experience and exceptional food.
From indulging in freshly cooked pizza at BAAB's Bad Ass American Bar to the mouthwatering smoked meats at Brent's Smokin' Butts and Grill, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this charming town.
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