15 Best Restaurants in Yellow Springs, OH

Travel Lens

Jul 9, 2022 • 12 min read

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Do you ever think, "Man, I'd love to eat at the second-best restaurant today?"

You don't, of course.

It's human nature to want to experience the finest things in life, whether you've lived in Yellow Springs your entire life or are visiting for the first time.

Yellow Springs' food culture has blossomed in the last decade, with an ever-increasing number of restaurants lining the streets.

If you visit Yellow Springs, you'll fall in love with the small town.

Yellow Springs is a village in Greene County, Ohio.

It offers various activities such as hiking, bike riding, casual shopping, excellent meals, and fantastic beer.

Here’s an insider's guide to the best restaurants that should capture the diversity of Yellows Springs's offerings.

Sunrise Cafe

Sunrise Café is a famous eatery in Yellow Springs, Ohio.

It features a diverse menu that always includes something unique and fascinating based on the chef's selections.

There's also a kid's menu with things like mac n' cheese, cheeseburgers, and grilled cheese.

You can also order beer, cocktails, and various wines at Sunrise Café.

You will undoubtedly discover something to your liking.

It's no surprise that there are so many people snapping photos of food, looking so delectable and bursting with flavor.

The wine list is extensive, and the service is excellent.

Winds Cafe

The Winds Cafe is a fantastic location near Yellow Springs, Ohio.

Winds Café is in Yellow Springs, a small but progressive community.

Chef Kim uses as many local ingredients as possible to create European-inspired cuisine with an American twist.

Locals rave about their pork chop and goat cheese, plus their top-quality ingredients, and wine list.

Their asparagus, for example, is delicious and mouth-watering.

You can either order a large dish or a range of smaller ones, which are excellent choices.

Winds Cafe provides accessible and innovative food and wine, delivering gourmet options typically only seen in larger cities.

Most travelers say it’s worth every penny.

Ellie’s Restaurant and Bakery

What are you waiting for if you haven't eaten at Ellie's yet?

Inside Yellow Springs' Mills hotel is Ellie's Restaurant and Bakery.

It's ideal for a relaxed lunch and perfectly mixes an arty, modern aesthetic with superb food and genuine hospitality.

For breakfast and lunch, Ellie's Restaurant & Bakery delivers freshly baked goods and Southern-inspired comfort meals.

Likewise, their service is unrivaled.

The restaurant retains much of the original three-story home's architectural style and craftsmanship.

This is the place to go if you want to experience the true wealth of the Northwest in an actual farm-to-table setting.

Peach’s Grill

Peach's Grill is a must-visit restaurant in Yellow Springs.

It has both inside and outside seating, and you will find it in the center of the Ohio hamlet.

Peach's Grill has something for everyone, with an extensive menu, excellent staff, and a family-friendly setting.

Order their appetizing toasted marble/rye pieces of bread, and yummy burgers with bacon and cheddar cheese.

There is a vast assortment of craft beers to choose from.

Overall, everything here is delicious and enjoyable.

Sometimes you will see bands playing and a large crowd.

You will have a great time with food and entertainment.

Ye Olde Trail Tavern

Yellow Springs has got that Bohemian vibe.

Constructed in 1827, Ye Olde Trail Tavern is a historical landmark.

The restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating.

You can eat inside a log cabin with huge tables, on an enclosed patio, or on the rustic outside deck.

It's a great spot to get a beer and a sandwich while learning about Yellow Springs' culture.

They have great nibbles to start your dinner or enjoy yourself with a beer, from loaded bier cheese fries to currywurst and succulent pig belly bites.

Based on many visitors' enthusiasm for Ye Olde Trail Tavern, they would think you made it to the Eiffel Tower.

The antique décor offers you a delightful historical atmosphere.

Emporium Wines & the Underdog Cafe

Yellow Springs has always been a little different from the rest of the country.

The little community has a knack for attracting people who are unusually creative, imaginative, and engaging.

People like that need a central gathering place to talk, entertain, and revive with such a wide variety of comedy, talent, and intellect.

That's why the Emporium exists.

This neighborhood hangout invites you to enjoy its unique and laid-back attitude.

The Emporium features locally sourced ingredients, as well as its unique roots and striking individuality.

This local gathering spot bursts with lively energy and offers approachability and variety, inviting you to stay awhile and relish the experience.

You can try Bowerbird's unique coffee blend and fresh pastries in the wine market.

Otherwise, head to the bar where trained bartenders will design a cocktail that will delight your palate.

This communal hub has something for everyone.

Miguel's Tacos

In the heart of Yellow Springs, you'll find authentic Mexican cuisine.

You've probably heard the story before.

These stories involve small communities in unexpected places serving the best Mexican food.

If you ask Yellow Springs locals, they'll tell you this story is true in their case.

Every day of the week, they prepare a different special fresh and at the moment.

Miguel's Tacos serves delectable fish, carnitas, and chicken tacos.

Guests can choose from both indoor and outdoor sitting options.

The staff is knowledgeable and friendly.

The Greene Canteen

This restaurant, located on one of Yellow Springs' most attractive Main Streets, provides outstanding service.

The Greene Canteen started with a simple concept: make more fresh, healthy food while reducing its carbon footprint.

This implies that the food they prepare contains sustainable ingredients such as fruits, vegetables, and grains and that the packaging is also compostable or recyclable.

They change their menu every week.

So every week, new favorites are introduced to the menu to keep it seasonal, fresh, and exciting. Greene Canteen's entire menu is fantastic.

Aahar India

Indian food ticks all the boxes regarding rich flavors, fragrant fragrances, and tempting spices.

There are many different dishes in this enormous country, each with its regional characteristics.

The good news is that you don't have to go to India to try their food.

For instance, you can stop by Aahar India in Yellow Springs.

This restaurant focuses on serving freshly cooked authentic Indian cuisine.

Whatever Indian dish you're craving, you'll discover the best options right here, from North to South India.

Try their Punjabi kadhi, punchmail khichdi, and hummus curry.

Their goal is to serve Indian food in the same way that anyone would serve it to their own family: fresh, tasty, and healthy.

They offer a unique experience that will have everyone relishing each meal, from native Indians to first-timers.

Black Barn Veganry

Whether you are 100% vegan, occasionally vegan, or have never tried it, Black Barn Veganry will fill your spirit with sophisticated cuisine and comfort food.

Black Barn Veganry is a famous vegan restaurant in Yellow Springs.

A walk through the outdoor dining area alongside the Emporium could be the start of an unforgettable culinary journey.

If you enjoy trying new things and are tired of seeing the same vegan options everywhere you go, then this is the place to go.

Every week, the menu features a broad selection, and customers will enjoy flexibility in picking which items to remove or add.

Calypso Grill and Smokehouse

Try made-from-scratch authentic Latin-Caribbean cuisine at the Calypso Grill and Smokehouse.

You can also try island-inspired cocktails, wine, and craft beer there.

Order fantastic cuisine at a reasonable price.

For instance, try the jerked chicken, fried plantains, superb handmade cocktails, and crisp craft beer.

Do yourself a favor and order a divine dish with mac & cheese for a side.

There are options for vegetarians and meat lovers, with a delectable blend of Latin American and Caribbean cuisines.

The staff is kind and friendly.

What more could you want?

Calypso Grill & Steakhouse is a terrific place to stop for dinner if you're spending the day in picturesque Yellow Springs.

At this restaurant, you can taste the sun, the music, the sound of the water, and the culture.

Current Cuisine

The catering team at Current Cuisine has a wealth of experience putting on fantastic events throughout the region.

They’re exceptional in all they do.

In Yellow Springs, Current Cuisine creates new and inventive dishes using only the freshest, highest-quality ingredients.

The restaurant also showcases its founders' enthusiasm for cuisine.

Their fresh, mouthwatering dishes, salads, soups, tarts, and gourmet pastries will leave you craving more.

They have gluten-free bread, lots of interesting chips, crackers, and sweets options.

This place serves food of all international flavors, from Thai, Mexican, Indian, and French.

For breakfast, lunch, or dinner, everyone chooses Current Cuisine.

Lucky Dragon

The Lucky Dragon Chinese Restaurant serves authentic and delectable Chinese cuisine.

It's a popular Chinese restaurant in the Yellow Springs area.

Lucky Dragon is known for its outstanding Chinese cuisine, excellent service, and friendly staff.

When you sit down to eat at this famed dim sum joint, you'll notice that the restaurant is sleek and modern, and the food is delectable.

They make it easy for you to come back again, look at their unique menu, and choose one of their yummy dishes.

If you can handle it, you can spoil yourself with as many different dishes as you want.

Historic Clifton Mill

The restaurant is inside Historic Clifton Mill, one of the hydro-powered grist mills that remain standing today.

The Historic Clifton Mill Restaurant has a nostalgic feel to it.

You can relax and enjoy the soothing sounds of the old mill wheel and the smooth rhythm of the water pouring over the falls.

Clifton Gorge and the Little Miami River offer some of the most spectacular natural beauty in Yellow Springs.

The restaurant at Historic Clifton Mill will prepare a delicious home-cooked dinner for you.

Young’s Jersey Dairy

Young's Jersey Dairy is a family-owned dairy farm and restaurant based in Yellow Springs.

In 1869, Young's Jersey Dairy began as a small family farm.

Today, it attracts over one million tourists each year.

They host special events and festivals for family fun throughout the year.

Batting cages and miniature golf are among the attractions at Young's Jersey Dairy, which is not your usual dairy farm.

Visitors can engage with cows, goats, and pigs at the farm's petting zoo.

Guests can also join seasonal winter activities such as cutting their own Christmas trees.

Final Thoughts

There are plenty of beautiful restaurants to choose from in Yellow Springs.,

It may be challenging to choose from this list of the best restaurants.

However, you don't really have to choose because you can simply mix things up.

These restaurants are known for providing fantastic social settings, where you can enjoy a delicious meal with friends and family in a pleasant environment.

You'll have an unforgettable time no matter where you go.

Try these restaurants and see for yourself.

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