Shortlist: Eight Restaurants in Van Wert (OH) That Locals Love!

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Last updated on December 1, 2022 by Wandering our World

Founded in 1837, this small town is well on its way to becoming a city, with lots of new and exciting eateries opening every year. The Van Wert of today is slowly becoming a tourist hotspot, and while there’s plenty of opportunities to revel in the town’s historic past, your sightseeing will be incomplete without visiting some of Van Wert’s best restaurants.

There are plenty of great options to choose from like Mexican food, as well as classic American favorites like pizza and diner style food. There’s even a bakery/restaurant that you simply must visit! Simply put, in Van Wert, you’ll be spoilt for choice!

Here’s our run-down of the must-visit restaurants in Van Wert for great service and even better food. Let’s dig in!

Chef cooking
Photo for illustrative purposes only: Unsplash+

The Best Restaurants In Van Wert, Ohio: Food Worth Waiting For!

1. Mi Ranchito

Photogenic Mexican restaurant with all the classics you know and love, plus delicious Mexican desserts.

Aromatic, appealing, and appetizing, this local Mexican eatery is one of Van Wert’s most flavorsome places to dine. Proudly local and big on community, Mi Ranchito is where locals gather when they want some great food and a lively atmosphere.

The restaurant is almost always full of loyal patrons there to have their usuals. So, if you want a night out and feel like part of the community then Mi Ranchito is definitely a place you’ll get that vibe.

If well-seasoned and authentic Mexican cuisine is your jam, then Mi Ranchitos will not disappoint. Their Nachos, Fajitas, and Carne Asadas are some of the most popular items on the menu. Made with fresh, local ingredients, you’ll be in seventh heaven from the very first bite.

Plus, they have a great array of desserts on their menu, as well. From fried ice cream to other traditional Mexican desserts like Sopapillas and Xangos, you’ll certainly miss out if you don’t try at least a couple. With its exquisite menu and amazing atmosphere, Mi Ranchito is definitely one of the best restaurants in Van Wert, OH.

The interior is what really makes this restaurant gain such a high spot on our list, because the minute you walk in, you feel like you’ve wandered into Mexico.

With bright sand-colored walls and lime green trims, pictures of Sombreros and Macarenas scattered about the place, and murals on many feature walls, this place is a dream for those looking for unique photo ops to remember their time spend in Van Wert. Make sure you take a fully charged phone with lots of camera space for this one!

Mi Ranchito is open throughout the week from Monday to Thursday 11 am to 9 pm, on Fridays from 11 am to 10 pm, on Saturdays from 11 am to 9:30 pm, and finally on Sundays from 11 am to 9 pm.       

Address: 865 N Washington Street, Van Wert, OH.

Mexican food display
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Elihu Castillo Ramirez

2. Nicko’s Pizza

Family-run pizzeria with weekly specials, as well as take-out and delivery options.

Van Wert is full of small, family-owned businesses that have been serving the community for decades, Nicko’s Pizza is another such establishment that is much-loved and well-respected in the culinary circle of Van Wert. With community and family at the heart of what they do, it’s no wonder that the place is full of locals and tourists alike, making it a lively and popular place to be.

Not only does Nicko’s have a monthly special but they also have weekly special offers and deals that are mostly available on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Their BLT Pizza, Extreme Deluxe pizza, and subs are some of the most ordered items on the menu.

They also have some freshly made desserts, so whenever you go, make sure to try those too. Due to the popularity of their pizzas, they sometimes run out of dough, so it’s good to check their Facebook page before going or better to go early to make the most of what they have to offer.

At the time of writing this restaurant doesn’t have indoor seating available but does have outdoor seating, so if you’ve been wanting to soak up the sun, this place will be perfect for that. With takeout, and delivery options available too you can even call ahead and pick up your order to enjoy it at the hotel where you can relax and unwind.

Nicko’s Pizza is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. It opens from Wednesday to Thursday from 2:30 pm – 9:00 pm. During the weekend, it’s open on Friday and Saturday from 11:00 am – 10:00 pm, and on Sunday from 11:00 am – 9:00 pm.

Address: 404 S Wayne St Van Wert, OH.

3. Rager’s Original Sausage Sandwich (+ Hot Head Burritos!)

Nearly 100-year-old Van Wert icon, locally famous for their sausage sandwiches and spicy burritos.

One of the oldest restaurants in Van Wert, Rager’s Original Sausage Sandwich has been in business since 1927 making it an icon of the city.

The restaurant has such a cult following that recently they launched another franchise adjacent to the original, called Hot Head Burritos, so there are plenty of options to choose from if you’re heading to Ragers.

Currently run by Nathen Rager and family, this family-owned establishment has been in the family for generations, making it a town favorite and must-visit tourist attraction for anyone heading over to Van Wert.

Known for their secret recipe-inspired sausage and now for their spicy burritos, Ragers packs on big flavor with a side of family and hospitality. Every visit will have you craving for more, so make sure you drop by to try at least one of their eateries.

Recently renovated and renewed, Rager takes the old with the new by lining the walls of the new place with black and white photos of the restaurants’ journey since 1927. The place is huge, with booth-style and table-style seating options and a large open-floor seating plan. The theme colors of black, orange, and yellow also make the place feel modern and trendy. With dine-in and drive-through options, you’ll have enough ways to get to this truly unforgettable restaurant.

Rager’s Original Sausage Sandwich is open every day! From Monday to Friday from 10 am to 8 pm. On Saturdays, it’s open from 10 am to 7 pm and on Sundays, it’s open from 11 am to 6 pm. Make sure to check out their hours before going so that you can enjoy it on a day and time it’s open.

Address: 1038 South Washington Street Van Wert, OH.

Beef burritos
Photo for illustrative purposes only: Unsplash+

4. Truly D’vine Bread Co

All-day breakfast restaurant and bakery serving up tasty sweet and baked goods.

A great bakery is often the heart of a small town and Truly D’vine is just that. With a bakery and restaurant to its name here, tourists and patrons get the best of both worlds. Whether you’re looking to eat an entire meal or pick up a few snacks to picnic with throughout your day, Truly D’vine has both options to choose from, making it one of the best options for food in Van Wert.

With mouthwatering scratch-made donuts, cookies, cakes, pies, and bread, the bakery is home to some of the finest homestyle baked goods in town.

The restaurant serves up what is regarded as the best fried chicken the city has ever known, but they also have monthly specials that they advertise on their website every month, the quantities for which are limited because of how scrumptious they are, so you can always call in advance and order beforehand, so you don’t miss out on them.

They also serve all-day breakfast, which is full of all-time American goodies, so if you want to have a warm and delicious diner-style breakfast then Truly D’vine’s is going to be right up your alley.

The vibe is just what you’d expect from a small-town bakery. Their walls and shelves are full of enticing baked goods lining the place! Making you hungry the second you step inside.

The all-around wooden feel of the interior adds to the homey and warm aesthetic that the sweet bakery has going on. With table seating arranged in lines, there’s plenty of space even when the place gets full. Apart from this they also have a drive-thru window for nights when you want to order and take it home.

Truly D’vine Bread Co is closed on Sundays and Mondays, opening on Tuesday through Friday from 6 am to 2 pm, and on Saturdays from 7 am to 2 pm. Making it a popular breakfast and lunch destination.

Address: 117 West Main Street, Van Wert, OH.

Pancakes with banana, walnut and caramel.
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Lilechka75

5. Willow Bend Country Club Restaurant

Fine-dining in a sophisticated atmosphere with occasional fun events.

For those of you looking for an excuse to get all dressed up and go somewhere formal on your vacation or during your travels to Van Wert then Willow Bend Country Club Restaurant is the perfect place to end up at. With a stylish restaurant and a trendy menu, this place will satisfy even the most refined of pallets.

And with regular casino nights and other events, open to members and non-members alike, this is the perfect place to go to experience all the fun that Van Wert has to offer. There’s a touch of elegance and sophistication to everything they do, Willow Bend Country Club Restaurant expect their guests to be dressed in a formal dress code, keeping in accordance with the Country Club code. So, wear your Sunday best to fit right in.

Their restaurant offers a divine mix of brunch, lunch, and dinner options, made by the Country Clubs’ finest chefs. With a large and expansive menu, there’s plenty to choose from but we recommend trying the seafood and steak entrees as those are very popular with the locals. They also have a separate kids menu that can be a godsend if you have some picky eaters with you.

With delectable menu options and an amazing ambiance, this place is perfect for a relaxing night out.

The restaurant is closed on Mondays, and it opens Tuesday to Thursday 11 am to 2:30 pm for its lunch service and 5 pm to 9 pm for its dinner service.

On Friday it’s open from 11 am to 2:30 pm and then from 5 pm to 10 pm. On Saturdays, it’s only open for dinner from 5 pm to 10 pm. Whereas on Sundays it has only breakfast and lunch menus from 11 am to 2 pm.

Address: 579 Hospital Dr. Van Wert, OH

Chef adding drizzle to fine dining plate
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Kuzmin

6. 133 Bistro

Breakfast and lunch restaurant on the Main Street serving many American classics.

133 Bistro is a famous local hotspot known for its delicious homestyle, freshly made breakfast, and lunch options. A locally owned and operated restaurant, 133 is a landmark of the town, especially since it’s named on the location it stands, 133 Main Street! Making it easy to remember and hard to forget.

With a scrumptious menu, full of delightful breakfast and lunch options, you’ll want to order one of everything, so make sure you go with a hearty appetite and an empty stomach so you can stock up on some of the best delicacies the town has to offer.

Their breakfast specials include American goodies like Pork Chops and Eggs, Bacon & Cheese Omelets, Biscuits and Gravy, and of course Pancakes and waffles. All of which are fan favorites. From their lunch menu, their burgers and salads are hugely popular too!

The restaurant is big on community building, has a great atmosphere, and often hosts events to gather the town together, so if you’re looking to mingle with the locals this place is the best opportunity to learn about the town.

With a simply done décor, a variety of seating options and an elegant interior 133 Bistro is sure to be a hit with the entire family. It also makes an extra effort for whichever holiday is around the corner, so depending on which season you go, the place will be decorated as such, making it a truly festive atmosphere.

133 Bistro is closed on Mondays, it opens on Tuesday to Thursday from 6 am to 3 pm, so make sure you go for breakfast and lunch and don’t leave it for later on during the day!

Address: 133 East Main Street Van Wert, OH.

donuts in multicolored glaze and sprinkling
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/EvgeniiAnd

7. Black Angus on Main

Popular steakhouse with a lively atmosphere serving all the usual favorites.

If you’re a meat lover and like your steaks done a certain way, then Black Angus on Main will become one of your favorite restaurants in Van Wert.

With juicy and grilled-to-perfection meat, this restaurant is definitely going to enliven the carnivore in you! However, if you are traveling with people who aren’t that big on meat, the restaurant has a myriad of other delectable on their menu too, making it a family-friendly and well-rounded addition to Van Wert’s dining scene.

Their Ribeye Steak and loaded Steak Bites are raved about, as well as their House Sirloin Steak, so make sure you order at least one of those. Apart from that, their Spaghetti Deluxe Pasta and specialty pizza are also ranked highly by locals so you can check out those as well. With such a comprehensive menu, you’ll surely be coming back for seconds and thirds.

The restaurant’s interior is simple and just what you’d expect from a steakhouse, with wooden floors, booth style or table seating, and plenty of beer on tap, the atmosphere is always fun and lively too.

The staff is also very professional and courteous which adds to the allure and charm of the place. They also usually have the latest sports tournament on, so if you want to catch up on the game, you can sit back and do just that.

Black Angus on Main is closed Mondays and Tuesdays and opens Wednesdays through Saturdays from 4 pm to 9 pm and Sundays from 11 am to 2 pm. So, make sure you check the date and time before heading over!

Address: 222 E Main St, Van Wert, OH.

Selection of bbq items
Photo for illustrative purposes only (iStock.com/YuraWhite).

8. Orchard Tree

Friendly family-style restaurant with plenty of choices and breakfast buffet.

Our last spot on the list goes to a local family-style restaurant with a huge heart. Known for its community involvement and local spirit, this classic eatery is a must-go for people who crave homestyle food on vacation! Whether you stop by for its freshly made pies or delicious buffet, Orchard Tree will surely remain in your memory, long after you’ve reached home.

The restaurant is usually a hustling and bustling spot with plenty of locals dropping by every now and then. Their age-old menu is full of traditional American favorites that they have perfected over the years and that the locals swear by. Their breakfast buffet, seafood menu, and thick shakes all have rave reviews, so if these things have been missing from your dining out experiences in Van Wert, we definitely recommend stopping by.

The decor might not be much to write home about, but it’s simple, elegant, and classic. The whole attention is on the food they serve and that delivers all the praise it can get. It has a lot of seating options though, both booth and table styles are available.

Plus, the restaurant offers a takeaway option as well, for if you just want a great meal to enjoy back in the hotel.

Orchard Tree is open every day from 6 am to 7 pm, except for Sundays when it’s open from 7 am to 7 pm. Making it the best brunch spot in town.

Address: 1058 W Main St Van Wert, OH.

Our Favorite Restaurants In Van Wert: Final Thoughts

That’s all for today, folks! Our countdown of some of the best restaurants in Van Wert.

The town has a lot going for its dining and culinary scene and has some truly magnificent finds if you know where to look – lucky for you, this list tells you exactly where and when to find some of the town’s yummiest treats!

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  • Wandering our World

    Hi and welcome to Wandering our World! This article was written by one of the Wandering our World team - a team of travel enthusiasts who live around the globe.