In Marietta, you can explore the original Western frontier. Its history goes back to early settlers who found it to be an ideal location due to its close proximity to rivers and hills, and later it became a designated base for westward expansion. The city still maintains its traditional charm, and visitors can take in the nearby natural landmarks of the Ohio wilderness. Here are 10 of the best dining establishments in the city.
Courtesy of Austyn’s
Austyn's
Restaurant, Dessert, American, Vegetarian, $$$
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Boathouse BBQ Patio | Courtesy of Boathouse BBQ
Austyn’s is perfectly positioned in downtown Marietta, with easy access to the city’s historic district as well as the Ohio and Muskingum rivers. It is also at the center of many of Marietta’s festivals, parades and art shows throughout the year, and its community feel has made it popular among the locals. The menu takes influence from around the world, particularly Asian fusion and Italian dishes, and fuses this with the restaurant’s Ohio roots. Their pasta is all made freshly on site, as are their popular desserts. The restaurant has won accolades including ‘Best Savory Award – Mid Ohio Valley’ and a Reader’s Choice award for ‘Best Fine Dining and Catering.’
An award winning barbecue on the river, Boathouse BBQ offers one of the most impressive dining views in Marietta, and its large patio is prime dining real estate on sunny days. Looking over the Ohio river and into West Virginia, you can watch the river boats come and go, as well as some diners who may wish to make the most of the dock. The restaurant has won numerous awards for its wings, ribs and chili, and these dishes attract barbecue enthusiasts from far and wide to the shores of the river. The lunch specials and happy hour that runs from 1pm to 7pm on weekdays ensures that the restaurant is suitably busy at all times.
Bar, Restaurant, European, Mediterranean, American
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Bar | Courtesy of The Galley
Also located on the river, this gem offers international cuisine and a mixture of European and Southern charm. Both the exterior and interior of The Buckley House boasts an air of refinement, with the landscaped gardens and renovated front porch and back deck making it one of the more attractive outdoor seating areas during the warmer seasons. Inside, the restaurant is a mixture of the old and new world, with some modern decorations that complement the original features of this historical house, which was first built in 1879 and appears on the historic register. It has been open since 2010 and has since gained a stellar reputation in the city for its high quality house specials from around the world.
The Galley is Marietta’s prime venue for friends, food and fun. Its live music events make it a popular night spot, with regular bookings from international and highly acclaimed artists. The building at 203 2nd Street was first erected in 1899 and over its lifespan has been offices, residences, a saloon, a bowling alley and a hotel before being made a restaurant in 1981 and renovated to its current state in 2006. The restaurant is a popular casual dining experience, with a wide selection of seafood, burgers, grills and pasta enticing patrons. The antique bar has over 24 beers on tap as well as a selection of wines, spirits and specialty beverages.
This spot offers fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere. The Levee House has the honor of being housed in the only remaining original riverfront building in Marietta, with its origins dating back to 1826. It has formerly been lined with dry goods stores, hotels, restaurants, taverns and a saloon. It remains as one of the finest examples of federal architecture in the city. While the restaurant is true to the history of the building, it has been brought very much into the fine dining traditions of the 21st century. The menu showcases fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking, with the New American dishes regularly being changed and updated.
Burger and Beer Courtesy of Marietta Brewing Company
Marietta Brewing Company
Bar, Pub, American, Vegetarian, Fast Food, Cocktails, Wine, Beer, $$$
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Spagna's Exterior | Courtesy of Spagna's
Marietta Brewing Company is a bar, kitchen, live music venue and craft brewery that keeps the good times coming. Starting life as a pre-prohibition brewery, the current location took influences from the original brewery to create a unique brewpub and brewhouse, which caters to modern tastes while still showcasing the industry skills that have been in the city for over 100 years. The company’s copper plated brewing kettles act as a front display, and its exposed brick walls and wooden furnishings show the connections that the restaurant has with its traditions. The local cuisine is a more upmarket take on the usual pub fare, although like any good brewpub it offers a range of appetizing signature brewery burgers alongside pizzas and other entrees.
Restaurant, Italian, Fast Food, Vegetarian, Cocktails, $$$
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Stoked Coffee Exterior | Courtesy of Stoked Coffee
Located just behind the riverfront is Spagna’s, the city’s best neighborhood Italian restaurant. The restaurant has an intimate feel, and during particularly busy lunch or dinner services you can find yourself quite close to other diners, with the restaurant packing people in to meet demand, which evokes the hustle and bustle of many restaurants in Italy. It is not without reason that the restaurant gets so full, with the authentic Italian cuisine making you feel like you have been transported to the south of Italy. Dishes are made with the freshest ingredients and are presented attractively, setting it apart from the usual home cooking style Italian food.
Cafe, Coffee Shop, American, Coffee, Tea , Fast Food, $$$
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For those who are serious about their caffeine intake, Stoked Coffee is the place to go. The cafe sets itself apart from other coffee shops or sellers in the city, or even the country, by serving custom made coffees that are made using only the top five percent of coffee beans from around the world. These Specialty Grade Class One beans come from Africa, Indonesia and Central and South America, and are specially selected by the staff and roasted in true Italian espresso fashion. Customers are given the best possible full bodied, smooth, nutty coffees, customized to the individual’s preferred taste. The building is different to the city’s usual architectural style, notably with its steep roof. If you’re in a hurry, they also have a drive-thru.
There are many different types of Mexican food and Mexican restaurants across the world, with Tex-Mex, Cali-Mex and southern-Mex all cropping up and putting twists on authentic dishes. Nothing beats tradition, though. Tampico serves up authentic Mexican cuisine, particularly that of the Acapulco region. The restaurant is very popular among Marietta locals, due to its top quality dishes and its high standards of service, the speed of which is unrivaled in the city. While meals are served quickly, they are still served fresh and piping hot. The menu has a wide variety of dishes, from fajitas and burritos to tilapia and regional specialties. The range of tequila, wine and margaritas adds to its popularity.
Thrive is a cafe and catering company that mixes modern urban influences with simple, fresh ingredients to provide one of Marietta’s more interesting and forward-thinking lunch options. Overlooking East Muskingum Park, the greenery around and within Thrive Cafe complements its mantra of providing natural, organic, local products to create unique seasonal tastes and showcases fresh, healthy eating that is pleasing to the palate. The inside is light and airy, and features a wide array of interesting trinkets and artwork that makes it one of the more interesting downtown eateries. Food can be served as boxed lunches for those on the go, as a sit down meal or as fully serviced catering to suit any lifestyle. Simple, healthy eating done right for both for those on the go and who want to sit and enjoy the peaceful ambience.
