9 Best Restaurants in Hocking Hills, Ohio

A sprawling, verdant region southeast of Columbus, Hocking Hills is packed with different things to do all year round. Between tubing, hiking, and simply enjoying the scenery, there’s a season for every activity here.

Though best known for its outdoor getaways, Hocking Hills also boasts plenty of different spots where you can refuel after your adventures. To help you decide where to grab a bite during your next visit, we're exploring the nine best restaurants in Hocking Hills.

Book your stay with the Hocking Lodging Company, then read on to learn where you should eat in the area.


Kindred Spirits

Kindred Spirits

Photo Credit: Rick Breidenstein

Tucked inside the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls, Kindred Spirits features a small, intimate dining room where you can find some truly gourmet eats. The menu may change, but at the time of writing, you could nosh on sweet and savory pork tenderloin or browned butter scallops for dinner. Breakfast and lunch consist of more down-to-earth fare that’s just as impressive as the dinner offerings.

Let's circle back to the “small, intimate” part, though—dinner reservations aren't required, but they are highly recommended. You might want to set aside an entire evening to visit here, as you can check out the grounds of the inn (and take a peek at the ultra-luxe spa) after your meal.


Olde Dutch

Olde Dutch

Photo Credit: Beth L

You might have had comfort food before, but not the way the Olde Dutch restaurant serves it. Located on State Route 664 in a space once used for a Civil War veteran reunion, this picturesque spot has views of the Hocking River and canal towpaths.

You may find it hard to look away from your food long enough to admire the sights, though. Served both a la carte and as a buffet, the food here centers on Amish-style eats like broasted chicken and ham loaf. In addition to the dine-in kid’s menu, the Olde Dutch restaurant has a seniors menu—perfect for grandma and grandpa.


Hocking Hills DinerHocking Hills Diner

Photo Credit: Brent Myers

There's a little bit of everything on the menu at the Hocking Hills Diner. Sirloin steak with a side of curly fries? Absolutely. Mexican restaurant-worthy taco salad? You got it. A cappuccino, topped with a tower of whipped cream and syrups, to wash it all down? But of course.

The Hocking Hills Diner serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so you can swing by at almost any time of day to get some good food. Just be aware that you might have to wait for a table—this spot is popular with both locals and visitors.


Glenlaurel Restaurant

Glenlaurel Restaurant

Photo Credit: Glenlaurel, A Scottish Inn & Cottages

The Scottish-themed Glenlaurel Inn is an adults-only property tucked away in the woods near Hocking Hills. Non-guests can join for dinner, which consists of a six- or seven-course, prix fixe affair that will wow even the most skeptical diners. The menu shifts daily based on local, seasonal ingredients, so you might have cheddar whipped polenta one night and seared Chilean seabass another.

Saturday nights may even include live bagpipe performances, but no matter when you want to eat at Glenlaurel, try to reserve your table ASAP. Only a handful of people can join every night.


Millstone Southern Smoked BBQ

Millstone Southern Smoked Bbq

Photo Credit: James Thomas

Forget overpriced steak houses—this barbecue spot will take care of any meat cravings you might have. The lively Millstone BBQ smokes and slices everything from Carolina-style pulled pork to brisket that tastes like something straight out of Texas. Barbecue is far from the only thing on the menu here, though, so even if someone in your party dislikes freshly smoked meats for some unimaginable reason, they could try a steak, salad, or sandwich.

If you want to take some of those mouthwatering meats to go, check out Millstone’s catering options. You could plan an elaborate family picnic around their decadent dishes.


58 West

58 West

Photo Credit: Nathan Marcus

This downtown Logan restaurant focuses on American fare with a thoroughly local twist. Take a walk on the wild side and start your meal with an order of Colcannon cakes, then move on to the ultra-popular tomahawk pork chop or a hefty plate of country carbonara.

No matter what you order, don't overlook the drinks menu. 58 West partners with several local brewers and a nearby winery to provide a diverse selection of beverages. Show your support for these small businesses with a pint of Logan Lager or a glass of Pinot Grigio.


Hocking Hills Coffee Emporium

Hocking Hills Coffee Emporium

Photo Credit: Nicholas Klein

Three local women founded the Hocking Hills Coffee Emporium back in 2016, and this coffee shop’s popularity has only grown over the years. The Coffee Emporium brews beverages with beans from a local, woman-owned roastery, so guests can have a true taste of Hocking Hills in their morning cup of joe. And that's to say nothing of the incredible pastries, several of which are vegan.

You may want to take a gander at the impressively long menu ahead of time so you know what to order when you reach the counter. Since the Coffee Emporium is located just steps from the trailhead to Old Man’s Cave, you could grab breakfast or brunch to-go before heading out on a hike. (Pro tip: on the way back, celebrate your trip with an ice cream cone at the cave’s General Store.)


Provisions Bakery & Deli

Provisions Bakery Deli

Photo Credit: Stuart Poe

Another excellent option for a carry out breakfast or lunch, Provisions Bakery & Deli specializes in sandwiches and salads, as well as a far-ranging selection of coffees and pastries. If you do have time to spare, take a seat at one of Provisions’ comfortable booths, where you can people-watch while munching on a French dip or ham-and-cheese croissant.

The ambiance here channels general stores of centuries gone by, making for a relaxing spot to spend a morning or afternoon. Even if you’re not a fan of sweets (gasp!), browse the pastry display case—you might just find a new favorite treat.


Pink Cricket Restaurant

Pink Cricket Restaurant

Photo Credit: Barb Funk

The longest continuously operated restaurant in Lancaster, the Pink Cricket is more of a local favorite than a destination restaurant. But that's precisely what makes this spot so special.

Come on in to try one of the famous pizzas made with the same family recipe used for decades, and catch a game on TV while you're here. For generous happy hour deals on drinks and eats, try to arrive between 3 pm and 7 pm.


Dine and Stay in Hocking Hills

The 9 best restaurants in Hocking Hills will help energize you for your next adventure, be it biking, kayaking, or something else altogether. Even if you're traveling with picky eaters, don't be afraid to branch out of your comfort zone and try something new. These diverse spots will impress everyone, from the most cautious diners to the most daring foodies.

If your mouth is watering already, book your stay with the Hocking Lodging Company. Bon appetit!

Tubing in Hocking Hills: What to Know

Winter in Hocking Hills: What to Expect