Things to do at Buckeye Lake Ohio
There are so many activities around the lake but the top one for us is dining! Buckeye Lake restaurants have never offered a better selection with so many places to eat, which are the best? Well, it depends on what you are looking for! At buckeye Lake we think the best places to eat and drink are often the less known ones (with the best known spots often being ..mediocre. So read on for things to do at Buckeye Lake Ohio: dining!
And as for where to stay: of course we recommend our cottage on the lake! Click here to check rates and book!
Where to eat at Buckeye Lake
Boatyard Tavern and Grill, Buckeye Lake, Ohio
THIS is the best lakefront place to get food on Buckeye Lake. A small, assuming menu where every item is a banger in its own right, cold beer on tap (surprisingly, a rarity around Buckeye Lake where bottled beer is much more common) and fantastic service. All with a view of the water and right on the bike path if you’re into biking!
Aside from the beautiful view, the easy access by boat, bike or car and the live music, The Buckeye Lake Boatyard restaurant has fantastic food. Our favorites so far have been the Barbacoa Tacos, Straight Up Burger for an absolute classic of a burger with high quality beef (sourced from the local favorite: Rittbergers) and a brioche bun and the Blackened Chicken salad. Even the lowly side salad, something that’s usually terrible at a casual place like this, is very good. Highly recommend the Boatyard at Buckeye Lake!
Boatyard Restaurant Menu (also known as La Cabra at the Boatyard Craft Kitchen)
Crossroads Pub, Jacksontown, Ohio
This place is right next to the lake but not generally associated with Buckeye Lake. So why do we love Crossroads Pub? The food quality is better than it has any right to be. We all know what to expect at a small town pub – they can be fun places to hang out – but great food at a good price is often more than we expect. At Crossroads, the food is excellent. You’ll notice the ingredients are high quality (even down to the buns they use for their burgers) and consinstently prepared with good service to boot!
Crossroads runs specials so look out for the chalkboard by their front door. Parking is tricky: we recommend parking in the lot across the street so you aren’t backing out into traffic when you leave. And finally: they have an underrated patio spot. Nothing fancy but they do sometimes have music.
Our favorites: the Jerk Burger and Pulled Pork Sandwhich
Chef Shack, Buckeye Lake, Ohio
Chef Shack is connected to Buckeye Lake Brewery, so it has the best beer selection at Buckeye Lake. On top of that, the food quality is excellent: they have gourmet hot dogs, premium burgers, and lots of taco options. Their prices are a bit high for the area, but the craft beer selection and quality of food make this worth it.
Little Pizza House, Fairfield Beach, Ohio
Buckeye Lake is located in East Central Ohio which means there is a pizza spot every 75 feet. Legal requirement. Many of them are good but we are recommending Little Pizza House for its subs. Their Italian sub is amazing. Try it. Their pizza is good too and we like Roxy’s Pizza too but haven’t had it since it recently changed ownership. We will report back when we do try the new offering!
Our favorite: the Italian sub
Hometown Hot Dogs, Millersport, Ohio
Hometown Hot Dogs is right down the street from our cottage (book your stay now!) so we have been here a lot. They serve breakfast and, of course, their famous hot dogs. Their breakfast is okay (but skip the coffee – it’s just Folger’s and they charge $3 for it) but it’s their lunch that you really want. Their hot dogs and fries are amazing. This isn’t a trendy hot dog spot with a lot of gimmicks and varieties. Hometown Hot Dogs just does the basics and they do it really well.
Best Drinks at Buckeye Lake: Hereinafter Cocktail Tavern
The Hereinafter, or “Here in After” as it’s sometimes called, is a popular spot that feels like a throwback to the kind of upscale yet hidden bars you would find under a luxury hotel. It’s a lovely restaurant (we love the pork belly!) and has by far the best cocktails around the lake. If upscale drinks or dining are what you are after, we think this is the best option!
Hereinafter Cocktail Tavern menu
That’s all for now! New places to eat are always popping up around Buckeye Lake so we will keep this page updated with our new favorites over time!
Best Coffee at Buckeye Lake: Buckeye Lake Coffee Company
This coffee spot is a bit hidden. It’s in the front of the building that houses Horvath’s Harbor. There’s not much signage but this place is, by far, the best coffee shop on the lake.
Our favoite: iced lattee with a pump of vanilla and a pump of raspberry. Don’t judge us.
Beyond Dining: Activities at Buckeye Lake
Kayak and Paddleboard Rentals
Lakebound Outfitters, located in Millersport, Ohio right on the lake, is the premier spot for kayak and paddleboard rentals. They offer both a half day and full day renting option at a reasonable price ($35 for half day, $60 for full day).
Lakebound Outfitters website: https://www.lakeboundoutfitters.com/Â
Lakebound Outfitters phone number: 740-403-2975
Hiking and Parks
This is a few miles from the lake, but we think Dawe’s Arboretum has the most amazing nature views and hiking in the area. This is a paid activity but we at Epic Suites have a group membership for the cottage. Simply contact us for the passcode if you are a guest at the cottage and you and your family can enjoy for free!
Brooks Park is walking distance from the cottage and features a public boat ramp, overnight parking, a short lakeside trail, children’s play area and fishing.
Swimming
The Heath City water park is a top family attraction with the best water slide selection in the area. Lake Hudson is our favorite swimming hole in the area.
We arrived tonight and were hungry and tired. We found the “Here in After†cocktail lounge. It’s 10 minutes from the cottage and from the outside unimpressive. But we were welcomed and made to feel comfortable and soon had a couple of excellent cocktails. The owner is experienced and knowledgeable about cocktails and collects vintage glassware for serving. I had Shrimp Scampi with grits and the dish was delicious. I will be returning for the Bennett cocktail and to try some other dishes. Highly recommended!