Small town, big flavor
A Polar Bear’s guide to Ada’s dining options.
If you’re returning to Ohio Northern University for fall festivities, Ada’s local dining scene has something for every appetite. From exciting new additions to longtime community favorites, there’s plenty to explore.
This Polar Bear’s guide rounds up some of best locally-owned spots, and it includes a few student-favorite menu items you’ll definitely want to try.
Located across from the Dicke College of Business Administration, Carryout 302 serves to-go sandwiches fresh from an outdoor grill every weekday, April through November (weather dependent), from 11 a.m. until about 2 p.m. The most popular item is the “porky” burger, but you can also get a porky dog, hot dog, brat, hamburger, chicken, or steak sandwich. Place your order with Terry, the grill master, and pay outside or inside. A table is setup with condiments and every sandwich comes with a pickle and a bag of chips.
Carryout 302, 302 S. Main Street
El Campo offers authentic Mexican cuisine in a colorful, fun atmosphere, said Enrique Cabrera, restaurant owner. This family business has operated in Ada for nearly 20 years. According to Cabrera, the most popular dish among ONU students is #56 Arroz Con Pollo, a simple chicken, rice, and cheese dish. The most popular among other guests is #41 Quesadilla Fajita.
Enrique enjoys seeing ONU alumni return to El Campo with their families. And every fall, he loves greeting the new and returning ONU students. “They come here (to Ada and ONU) with a dream, just like I came to this country with a dream.”
El Campo, 204 N. Main Street
The newly-opened Old Route 69 Brewery is a buzzworthy addition to Ada’s food scene. The vibe is “equal parts roadside nostalgia and small-town charm,” said a restaurant representative.
Located in Ada’s former Armory building, the brewery is 22,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space. Inside, you’ll find big screens to watch the game, duckpin bowling, pool, darts, Keno, a 210” LED TV, and plenty of seating. The outdoor beer garden contains Adirondack chairs, fire pits, lawn games, and an outdoor entertainment pavilion.
Try the Bulldog burger (named after the Ada High School mascot)—“it’s a double patty smash burger with pepper jack cheese, bacon, pulled pork, fried cheese curds, and barbeque sauce,” said the representative. Also, try the pizzas—“house made dough forms a crispy on the outside, soft on the inside perfect platform.”
Old Route 69 Brewery, 120 E. Buckeye Ave.
For breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you can’t miss with Tavern 101, which offers a “family-friendly atmosphere and delicious, down-home food,” said owner Beth Bass. She and her husband, Bill, who also manage a trucking company and a farming operation, bring a strong work ethic to the restaurant. They opened Tavern 101 in 2016, and did a complete remodel in 2020.
According to Beth, customer favorites are the BA Nachos, the fresh ½ pound burgers, and anything pulled pork. “People return for the pulled pork.”
Tavern 101, 101 S. Main Street
The Regal Beagle is back and completely upgraded from its ‘80s and ‘90s rendition! Remodeled into an upscale restaurant/sports bar, the Regal Beagle is equipped with TVs for watching games, pool tables, darts, a dance floor, and an outdoor patio. It’s once again a popular hangout for ONU students and visitors.
Favored fare are chicken wings, pretzels, burgers, and pizza. Look for new additions like lamb gyros, hummus, and falafel bowls, said owner Dr. Monzer Saad, a hospitalist at nearby Lima Memorial Hospital. Dr. Saad’s significant other, ONU alumna and head of pharmacy at Lima Memorial, Emily Ritchie, PharmD ’17, oversaw the Regal Beagle’s renovations.
Regal Beagle, 105 N. Main Street
The Mezza @ Regal Beagle
Set to open this fall, and located next door to the Regal Beagle, The Mezza will offer an “after hours” menu tailored to the college crowd and locals. The Mezza is a collaboration between the Regal Beagle, Ang’s Amazing Grace, and Cindy’s Circle U’s Sweet Treats. A grab-and-grow marketplace will feature fresh salads and sandwiches, special order charcuterie boards, and healthy (and irresistible) desserts, like Dubai strawberry cups and rich Dubai chocolate bars, as well as smoothies and bobo teas.
The Restaurant at The Inn at ONU
The Restaurant at The Inn opened in 2008 and remains a community favorite. It offers the “cozy, intimate atmosphere of an upscale restaurant without the upscale prices,” said Cori Thomas, operations supervisor and sales coordinator. The Restaurant offers daily specials, including customer favorites such as Red Wine Chicken Wraps, Roast Beef Manhattan, and Tomato Basil Soup. The Happy Hour menu is based off Ada’s zip code, with $4, $5, $8, and $10 specials, including a Giant Soft Baked pretzel. During the school year, The Restaurant is open 3-7:30 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. On select Friday evenings, catch live piano music—or dueling pianos--on the patio.
The Restaurant at the Inn, 401 W. College Ave.
Cooper’s
Opened in December 2023, Cooper’s claim to fame is pizza, but the eatery also serves a wide variety of sandwiches, salads, and Hershey ice cream. With a minimum order of $20, Cooper’s delivers to ONU’s campus and anywhere in Ada. Waitress Katie Sarnescky recommends Cooper’s specialty pizzas—the Big Mac pizza and the Reuben pizza, and the new Apple Pie pizza for dessert.
Cooper’s, 105 S. Main Street
Buckeye East Coffee Shop
Buckeye East Coffee Shop is changing owners, but will continue to be a “warm, community-minded café operated by local families,” according to the new owners. It’s a favorite gathering spot for students and locals alike, offering an inviting environment that is perfect for studying, working, or catching up with friends. Enjoy crafted coffee drinks, breakfast and lunch offerings, and freshly baked pastries that support both local flavor and community spirit. Buckeye East is on the verge of exciting changes, says the new owners. For news and updates, follow Facebook.com/buckeyeeastcoffeeshop.
Buckeye East Coffee Shop, 123 E. Buckeye Street
Jalapenos Mexican Grille
Although currently for sale, Jalapenos is a favorite among ONU students because it offers a Chipotle-style experience. Customers can create their own bowls, burritos, salads, or tacos, with fresh ingredients—chicken being the favorite. Jalapenos’ walls are papered with autographs of ONU students, alumni, and visitors.
Jalapenos Mexican Grille, 109 S. Main Street
Viva Maria
While also for sale, Viva Maria specializes in homemade, authentic Italian food. Previously located in the Armory building (which is now the Old Route 69 Brewery), Viva Maria opened on Main Street in May 2023. The owners make their own sauces and dough. Lasagna, fettucine alfredo, chicken parmesan, and Stromboli are popular menu items. Don’t skip the cannoli (made with real cream) for dessert.
Viva Maria, 125 S. Main Street
John and Toni’s Restaurant/Lounge
John and Toni’s, a locally-owned establishment, features daily lunch and dinner specials throughout the week, and serves a breakfast special every Friday and Saturday morning starting at 7:30 a.m.
John and Toni’s, 216 N. Main Street
New China
Have a craving for Chinese food? New China offers hearty portions of traditional favorites, and they are known for their delicious egg rolls.
New China, 218 N. Main Street