Contrary to what you might expect from a college town, Delaware, OH isn’t just about campus bars and fast food. Thanks to a recent surge of new residents and a thriving local scene, you’ll find inventive cocktails and elevated pub fare at nearly every corner. Most of these spots cluster around Sandusky Street, making it easy to hop from one to another after browsing boutiques or catching a show.
Shorty’s
$ | (740) 362-5555 | WEBSITE
If the thought of a perfect local pizza joint gets your heart racing, then you need to head straight to Shorty’s. And if it doesn’t, well, we’re genuinely curious what kind of food does get you going. The delicious pizza, subs, and wings, fun atmosphere, and friendly staff make this spot easily one of the best casual meals you can have in Delaware.
And it’s the ideal setting for a laid-back dinner with friends after a long week, where you can grab a cold, reasonably priced beer and dig into an Italian sub or a Reuben pizza paired with that extra house-made thousand island dressing everyone raves about.
Ohana Island Grill & Bar
$ | (740) 417-8311 | WEBSITE
This intimate spot is where you should grab dinner after a day exploring the shops and historic sites in downtown Delaware. The compact menu features fantastic dishes like chicken katsu with its perfect sweet and savory sauce and fried tofu with yum yum sauce, plus appetizers like lumpia spring rolls and coconut shrimp. Ohana is also open until 10pm, which is a bit later than many spots in town.
Keep that in mind for the next time you finish work later than expected and need to unwind with a fresh cocktail, some teriyaki beef, and the welcoming Hawaiian atmosphere.
Restoration Brew Worx
$ | (740) 990-7120 | WEBSITE
In Delaware, you’ll find the craft beer enthusiast, the wing aficionado, and the Restoration Brew Worx regular, who’s settled in at this spot for good reason. This place serves really satisfying pub fare and drinks, and it feels genuinely welcoming without being overly polished.
While a lot of the appeal comes from the solid beer selection and fun events like October fest, there are also standout dishes that make it more than just a bar (like the wings with buttery buffalo garlic and the candied bacon sriracha version). Go for a casual dinner or to catch a game, and grab a seat outside if the weather’s nice—the servers out there are especially attentive.
Gabby’s Italian Restaurant
$ | (740) 417-9901 | WEBSITE
Gabby’s Italian Restaurant has a cozy interior, a small outside patio, and a gravel parking lot with enough shade. The last time we were here, we discovered our new favorite margherita pizza with its surprise balsamic glaze, got invited to try the homemade bread that was to die for, and met a server who goes to Gabby’s nearly every shift. It’s quite possible you’ll enjoy that same warm, inviting atmosphere, too.
Son of Thurman
$ | (740) 417-9614 | WEBSITE
This quirky-looking burger joint and bar spot is from the same team as the original Thurman Cafe (and serves essentially the same menu). It’s the perfect place to sit and eat outside with someone you do buddy things with. Get a spot at the bar (if you don’t mind your clothes smelling like juicy burgers the next day), or hang out inside under the casual, character-filled atmosphere.
If you want to snack on something, we like the appetizers that come with massive portions you won’t be able to stop eating. Just know they tend to get crowded, but the staff is exceptionally friendly.
Roop Brothers Bar(ROOPS)
$ | (740) 369-0643 | WEBSITE
We’ve been to this laid-back bar on a Thursday evening and seen regulars shooting pool and chatting over drink specials while the sound system plays classic rock, but you’re just as likely to come and see a group celebrating a local win with 8 of their buddies. This is the charm of Roop Brothers Bar, a spot with really impressive drinks that’s perfect for any mood.
Grab a seat at the bar with its old-school vibe and friendly bartenders, and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere that’s ideal for hanging out, socializing, or catching a live music performance.
The Solar Saloon
$ | (740) 362-4386 | WEBSITE
The Solar Saloon is the perfect evening stop for drinks and some tunes. The space is basically a cozy upstairs hideaway to unwind and socialize in, with a small but intimate area where you can spend a couple of hours enjoying live music or your inevitable next visit. The cold beers are impressive on their own, but we always find ourselves appreciating the friendly bouncer and the very reasonable prices that come with the fun and lively atmosphere.
Bun’s Restaurant
$ | (740) 363-2867 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for a relaxed spot to enjoy a meal in Delaware, Bun’s Restaurant is a solid choice for lunch or dinner. They specialize in hearty comfort food, with burgers made from scratch and unique dishes like ham loaf with honey mustard. Surprisingly, the best things here are the classics done right, like the stuffed flounder or the generous Oriental chicken salad.
Flavor from the fresh ingredients and careful preparation comes through in every bite, and you can really appreciate it as a satisfying meal, rather than just fast food. They also have a comfortable outdoor patio with bar seating, in case you want to enjoy the cross breeze while you eat.
Las Miches Marisqueras
$ | (740) 417-9372 | WEBSITE
Las Miches Marisqueras has friendly staff and authentic Mexican food—in other words, it’s not the spot to bring someone who you’re trying to convince that Delaware isn’t all chain restaurants and strip malls. But it is the place to bring someone who wants great steak fajitas, flavorful tacos, or birria. They also have fresh-made chips and salsa, which somehow taste better here in Delaware than in some places next to people selling “authentic” souvenirs.
Redmen 080
$ | (740) 362-3020 | WEBSITE
Redmen 080 should be your go-to for picking up fresh, homemade salsa and mild Mexican flavors, but you’ll want to make the longer walk to the bar area for heartier dishes. The Chori Pollo is excellent and coats your mouth in cheesy richness with each bite. They also do friendly service with a welcoming hostess if you’re looking for something to celebrate a casual dinner or the annual craving for chimichangas.
Clō Wine Gallery & Lounge
$$ | (740) 971-0311 | WEBSITE
The first thing you’ll notice when stepping into Clō Wine Gallery & Lounge is the beautiful bathroom wallpaper that sets the tone for the entire space. Wine is a recurring theme throughout the experience, with a great selection of bottles to browse, snack foods and pastries to enjoy, and fun drinks curated by Nicole, the owner. The wine pairings with Chef Avishar are exceptional, and a night here is a surefire way to impress a date or make any special event memorable.
Lazy Dawg
$ | (740) 868-2554 | WEBSITE
Lazy Dawg’s hot dogs are a staple in Delaware’s casual dining scene, but they also have a brick-and-mortar restaurant tucked away in town. The spot is small, but it’s a good stop for lunch or a quick bite. Their menu features things like Chicago dogs and Memphis BBQ bacon dogs, if one of them suits your craving better, and all of them come with sides like slaw and fries.