This Lakeside Restaurant In Kent, Ohio, Pairs Fresh Seafood With One Of The Town’s Best Views
Tucked along a scenic country road at 7508 OH-43 in Kent, Ohio, sits a restaurant that has been winning hearts since it opened in 2022.
The Lake House Kitchen + Bar combines two things that just seem to belong together: fresh seafood and a stunning waterfront view that stretches across the Twin Lakes.
I first heard about this place from a friend who couldn’t stop raving about the fish and chips, and honestly, I thought she was exaggerating. But after my first visit, I understood completely.
There’s something magical about watching the sun dance across the water while you dig into perfectly cooked seafood.
The restaurant has that rare quality of feeling both upscale and welcoming at the same time. Families celebrate birthdays here. Couples enjoy quiet date nights. Friends gather on the patio for weekend brunch.
What makes The Lake House truly special isn’t just one thing. It’s the combination of attentive service, a menu that goes beyond typical seafood fare, and those views that make you forget you’re in Ohio.
A View That Steals the Show
Every single review I read before visiting mentioned the view, and now I know why. The Lake House sits right on the water, offering unobstructed sightlines across the Twin Lakes that change with every season and time of day.
During my visit, I watched fish jumping in the late afternoon light. A storm rolled across the lake during one dinner, and instead of ruining the meal, it added drama to an already memorable evening.
The outdoor patio puts you practically at the water’s edge.
Inside, large windows ensure that even diners who prefer climate control don’t miss out on the scenery. The restaurant was clearly designed with the landscape in mind.
Every table seems to have at least a partial view of the water.
One guest told me she comes here just to sit at the bar with a drink and watch the sunset. That’s the kind of place this is.
The view isn’t just background noise. It’s part of the experience, as essential as the menu itself.
Fish and Chips That Set the Standard
I’ve eaten fish and chips at pubs, diners, and fancy restaurants across three states. The version at The Lake House ranks among the best I’ve ever had, and I’m not alone in thinking so.
The fish arrives so hot that you have to wait before digging in. That’s a good sign.
It means it was just pulled from the fryer. The batter is crispy without being greasy, and the fish inside stays moist and flaky.
One reviewer described it as arriving too hot to touch, which perfectly captures the freshness.
Yes, it’s a bit greasy, but that’s part of what makes great fish and chips. The kitchen has clearly perfected the balance between crispy coating and tender fish.
The portion is generous without being overwhelming.
Pair it with their hush puppies, and you have a meal that hits every comfort food note. This dish shows up in review after review for good reason.
It’s the kind of thing you order on your first visit and then crave for weeks afterward.
Walleye and Local Favorites
Ohio has a strong fishing tradition, and The Lake House honors that with menu items like walleye that locals specifically seek out. This freshwater fish has a mild, sweet flavor that works beautifully with simple preparations.
The walleye poppers appear frequently in customer reviews as a standout appetizer. They’re bite-sized pieces of fish, breaded and fried, perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself.
The kitchen treats walleye with respect, letting the fish shine rather than drowning it in heavy sauces.
Perch is another local favorite that makes regular appearances on the menu. These freshwater fish have devoted followings in the Great Lakes region.
People who grew up eating perch get particular about how it’s prepared, and The Lake House passes that test.
What I appreciate is how the restaurant balances classic seafood with regional specialties. You can order salmon or shrimp, but you can also try fish that connect to Ohio’s waterways and fishing culture.
That local touch matters.
Brunch With a Waterside Backdrop
Weekend brunch at The Lake House operates on a different schedule than dinner service. Saturday brunch runs from 11 AM, and Sunday brunch starts at 10 AM.
Both days offer a chance to experience the restaurant in softer morning and midday light.
One guest described being pleasantly surprised by the brunch menu. The food exceeded expectations, and the atmosphere felt relaxed without being too casual.
Morning light on the lake creates a completely different mood than evening dining.
The brunch menu includes both traditional breakfast items and lunch options, giving you flexibility depending on your appetite. You can sit on the patio if the weather cooperates, which adds another layer to the experience.
There’s something particularly peaceful about lakeside dining before the afternoon crowds arrive.
Reservations are recommended, especially for outdoor seating during peak season. The hostess staff works hard to accommodate requests, but weekend brunch is popular.
Plan ahead if you want a specific table or time slot.
Appetizers Worth Ordering
Start with the buffalo chicken dip, which multiple reviewers specifically praised. It arrives hot and creamy, perfect for scooping with chips or bread.
This is the kind of appetizer that disappears quickly when shared.
The shrimp gets high marks for freshness and presentation. Simple preparations often reveal the most about ingredient quality, and this dish delivers.
The flatbread options provide lighter alternatives if you’re planning a full meal afterward.
Calamari appears on the menu with a sauce that reviewers describe as wonderful. The preparation is classic, but the execution matters.
Overcooked calamari turns rubbery, but done right, it’s tender with a crispy coating.
The hush puppies, called Loud Dog on the menu, offer a Southern touch. These cornmeal fritters pair naturally with seafood.
Some guests found them just okay, while others loved them. Taste is personal, but they’re worth trying if you enjoy this style of side.
The Outdoor Patio Experience
Seasonal outdoor seating transforms The Lake House during warmer months. The patio puts you right at the water’s edge, close enough to hear the gentle lapping of waves and feel the breeze coming off the lake.
Every outdoor table has an umbrella for shade, which matters on hot summer days. One reviewer noted it was 88 degrees during their visit, but the combination of shade and lake breeze made it comfortable.
The restaurant also has a small water feature that adds to the peaceful ambiance.
Getting a patio table requires planning. The hostess staff tries to accommodate requests, and showing up without a reservation might still work if you’re flexible on timing.
But for weekend dinners or Sunday brunch, calling ahead is smart.
The patio operates on a separate menu during some periods, with more limited options than the dining room. This surprised some guests.
Check ahead if you have specific dishes in mind. Even with fewer choices, the view makes the tradeoff worthwhile for most visitors.
A Wonderful Experience on the Water’s Edge
The Lake House has been serving Kent since 2022, and even in that relatively short time, it has already weathered changing restaurant trends and economic shifts.
The building itself is an old house that has been updated and freshened over the years. Some parts show their age, which adds character rather than detracting from the experience.
You can tell this place has stories.
Even after just a few years of operation, the restaurant has started to serve multiple generations of families. People who discovered it early on now bring their own children or introduce friends who have never been.
That kind of continuity creates a sense of community that newer restaurants often take years to build.
The location between the Twin Lakes has always been the restaurant’s greatest asset. But staying power requires more than a good view.
The Lake House has adapted its menu, updated its space, and maintained quality through changing times. That’s harder than it looks.
Service That Cares
Multiple reviews specifically mention servers by name, which tells you something about the level of service. Michelle, Amy D., and Tristan all earned praise for making dining experiences memorable.
The staff works hard, especially during busy weekend shifts when the restaurant is hopping. One solo diner noted being able to observe the entire team and seeing everyone stay pleasant and focused despite the rush.
That kind of professionalism matters.
A few reviews mentioned service hiccups, which is inevitable in any restaurant. Some guests felt overwhelmed servers struggled to keep up.
Others had issues with refills or check-ins. These seem to be exceptions rather than the rule based on the overall feedback.
What stands out is how many people describe the staff as accommodating, friendly, and attentive. The hostess team works to seat guests even without reservations when possible.
The entire crew seems invested in creating positive experiences, which elevates the entire visit beyond just the food and view.
Beyond Seafood: The Full Menu
While seafood dominates the menu and the restaurant’s reputation, The Lake House offers plenty for non-seafood eaters. Burgers appear frequently in reviews, with the Buoy Burger earning specific mentions.
The twin filets satisfy steak lovers looking for something heartier than fish. One family celebration included multiple entrees: tuna, salmon, chicken tenders, and pasta dishes.
Everyone found something they enjoyed, which matters when dining with varied tastes.
Pesto pasta and shrimp scampi provide Italian-influenced options. The Thai Chili Salmon shows the kitchen isn’t afraid to incorporate bolder flavors.
Some dishes land better than others based on individual reviews, but the variety is impressive.
Portion sizes are generally described as good, offering solid value for the price point. The restaurant falls into the moderate price category with two dollar signs, which feels appropriate for the quality and setting.
You’re paying for more than just the food here.
Planning Your Visit
The Lake House is closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly. Tuesday through Friday, the kitchen serves dinner from 4 PM to 9 PM, while the bar stays open until 11 PM.
Saturday opens at 11 AM for brunch, with the kitchen serving until 3 PM and again from 3 PM to 9 PM for dinner, and the bar open until 11 PM.
Sunday hours run from 10 AM to 9 PM, with brunch from 10 AM to 3 PM, dinner service from 3 PM to 8 PM, and the bar open until 9 PM.
Parking is available in a lot behind the building, which multiple guests mentioned as convenient.
You won’t struggle to find a spot even during busy times. The location on OH-43 is easy to reach but feels tucked away once you arrive.
Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend dining or if you want patio seating.
The restaurant takes walk-ins when possible, but you might face a wait during peak hours.
Calling ahead saves frustration.
Check the website or call to confirm current menu options, especially if you’re planning to sit on the patio. The phone number is 330-678-8946.
Dress code is casual, fitting the neighborhood haunt vibe this lakeside spot has built in recent years. Come as you are and enjoy the view.