This Modest Ohio Tavern Is Really Not So Modest When It Comes To Their Amazing Fried Bologna Sandwich
I’ll be honest with you. When I first heard about a fried bologna sandwich being the star attraction at a tavern, I was skeptical.
Bologna always seemed like something you ate as a kid when your parents were trying to stretch the grocery budget. But then I walked into Harmar Tavern in Marietta, Ohio, and everything I thought I knew about this humble lunchmeat got turned upside down.
What started as a curious pit stop during a road trip through southeastern Ohio turned into one of those meals I still think about months later.
Harmar Tavern has been serving this community since 1900, making it Marietta’s oldest tavern, and their fried bologna sandwich has become the stuff of local legend.
People drive from neighboring towns just to taste it, and after my first bite, I completely understood why.
A Historic Tavern Tucked in Marietta’s Harmar Neighborhood
Finding Harmar Tavern feels a bit like discovering a secret that the locals have been keeping to themselves. Located at 205 Maple St in Marietta, Ohio 45750, this bar and grill sits nestled in the charming Harmar neighborhood, just one block from the river.
You could easily miss it if you weren’t looking, which somehow adds to its appeal.
Walking up to the building, you might wonder if you’re in the right place. It looks unassuming from the outside, more like a neighborhood watering hole than a destination restaurant.
But that’s exactly what makes it special.
Step inside and you’ll find a bustling bar area that hums with energy, especially on weekends. Beyond the main bar, there’s a secondary dining room with tables offering window views back into the action.
The whole place has this authentic, lived-in feel that you just can’t fake.
What really blew my mind was learning that Harmar Tavern has been serving this west side community since 1900. That makes it Marietta’s oldest tavern, a fact that adds serious weight to every meal you eat there.
The Soon-to-Be-Famous Fried Bologna Sandwich That Started It All
Let me paint you a picture of what makes this sandwich so ridiculously good. They start with thick-cut bologna, nothing like those paper-thin slices you remember from childhood lunchboxes.
This is serious bologna, griddled until the edges get crispy and slightly charred while the center stays juicy and tender.
The menu actually calls it their “Soon to be Famous” Fried Bologna Sandwich, though based on the 58 mentions in customer reviews, I’d say it’s already arrived at famous status.
When it arrives at your table, you’ll notice how the bologna has that perfect curl from the heat, creating little pockets that catch all the toppings.
What surprised me most was how elevated this simple concept becomes in execution. The bologna gets piled onto fresh bread with your choice of toppings, and somehow the combination transforms into something way more sophisticated than it has any right to be.
People rave about this sandwich for good reason. It’s comfort food that hits all the right notes without being overly complicated or pretentious.
The Fried Bologna Reuben That Took Things to Another Level
Just when I thought the regular fried bologna sandwich couldn’t be topped, I discovered their Fried Bologna Reuben. One reviewer claimed it was even better than the original, and after trying both, I have to say they’re onto something.
Picture everything you love about a classic Reuben. Tangy sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, creamy Thousand Island dressing on grilled rye bread.
Now replace the traditional corned beef with that same thick-cut, perfectly fried bologna. The result is nothing short of brilliant.
The bologna brings a different texture and flavor profile than corned beef, creating this interesting fusion between deli classic and tavern comfort food. The crispy edges of the fried bologna play beautifully against the soft sauerkraut and gooey cheese.
What makes this sandwich work so well is the balance. The tangy sauerkraut cuts through the richness of the fried bologna, while the Swiss cheese adds that nutty, creamy element that ties everything together.
It’s the kind of menu innovation that makes you wonder why nobody thought of it sooner.
Pub Chips and Cheese Fries That Deserve Their Own Following
While the fried bologna sandwiches get most of the glory, the side dishes at Harmar Tavern are quietly stealing the show. Their pub chips come up repeatedly in reviews as a must-order item, and after trying them myself, I joined that chorus of fans.
These aren’t your average potato chips from a bag. Harmar makes their chips fresh, and you can get them with a six-pepper blend if you’re feeling adventurous.
One reviewer warned that the spicy version is legitimately hot, which I can confirm after my eyes watered a bit on the first few bites.
The bacon cheese fries are another standout that multiple customers mentioned specifically. Crispy fries get loaded with melted cheese and generous chunks of bacon, creating that perfect bar food experience that pairs beautifully with any of their sandwiches.
What I appreciated was the portion sizes. These sides are substantial enough to share, though you might not want to once you start eating them.
The fries stay crispy even under all those toppings, which tells me they’re doing something right in that kitchen.
A Menu That Goes Beyond Bologna
Don’t let the bologna sandwich fame fool you into thinking that’s all Harmar Tavern does well. Their menu offers plenty of variety, and based on what I tried and what other diners mentioned, everything coming out of that kitchen deserves attention.
The Harmar cheese steak came highly recommended from a customer who ordered it while visiting from out of town. She described it as juicy and full of flavor, which matches my experience with their other sandwiches.
The Rodeo burger also gets frequent praise for being cooked perfectly and loaded with toppings.
Here’s something unexpected. Multiple reviewers raved about the hot dogs, with one person claiming they never ate hot dogs until trying them at Harmar Tavern.
That’s quite an endorsement for a menu item that often gets overlooked.
They also serve breakfast on Saturday and Sunday starting at 8 AM, which is a nice touch for a tavern. The grilled cheese and cabbage sausage soup combo got mentioned as really good comfort food, perfect for those cooler Ohio mornings.
Perfect Onion Rings and Other Crave-Worthy Sides
Sometimes the simplest menu items reveal the most about a kitchen’s skill. At Harmar Tavern, the onion rings fall into that category.
One reviewer described them as perfect, and that’s not an adjective people throw around lightly when it comes to fried food.
Good onion rings require proper technique. The onion needs to stay tender inside while the coating achieves that ideal golden-brown crispiness.
The batter should stick to the onion rather than sliding off in disappointing sheets. Based on what I experienced and what others have reported, Harmar gets all these details right.
Beyond the onion rings, their approach to sides in general shows care and attention. Whether you order the homemade chips, the cheese fries, or the onion rings, you’re getting food made properly rather than just reheated from a freezer bag.
These sides complement the sandwiches perfectly without overwhelming your plate. The portions are generous enough to satisfy without leaving you uncomfortably full.
It’s that sweet spot of bar food done right, where everything tastes indulgent but doesn’t feel heavy or greasy.
The Atmosphere That Makes You Want to Stay Awhile
Atmosphere can make or break a dining experience, and Harmar Tavern nails that neighborhood tavern vibe perfectly. It’s loud and busy and packed with people having a genuinely good time, which creates this infectious energy the moment you walk through the door.
The main bar area features their selection written on the wall, giving you a chance to browse while you wait for a table. Locals mix with visitors, creating this welcoming environment where everyone seems to know someone.
It’s the kind of place where strangers strike up conversations over shared plates of cheese fries.
One of the best features is their patio, which gets mentioned in 23 different reviews. Located just one block from the river, you can actually dock your boat and walk over for food if you’re exploring the Ohio River.
The outdoor seating provides a more relaxed alternative to the bustling interior.
What struck me most was how genuine everything felt. This isn’t some corporate attempt at recreating a neighborhood bar.
This is the real deal, refined over more than a century of serving the community.
Service That Balances Efficiency with Friendliness
Fast, friendly service can transform a good meal into a great experience. At Harmar Tavern, the staff seems to understand this balance perfectly.
During my visit, our server checked on us regularly without being intrusive, keeping drinks filled and clearing plates efficiently.
Multiple reviews specifically called out servers by name, which tells you something about the quality of people working there. One customer wrote a whole poem about their server Sam, praising his playful personality and attentive service.
That kind of connection doesn’t happen at every restaurant.
Even when the place gets slammed, which happens frequently on weekends, the staff maintains their composure. One reviewer mentioned the service was a bit slower during their visit, but the server apologized and checked in frequently, turning a potential negative into a positive through genuine care.
What I noticed was how the servers seemed to know many of the regular customers, greeting them by name and remembering their usual orders. That personal touch makes Harmar Tavern feel less like a restaurant and more like your favorite neighbor’s place.
Hours and Pricing That Work for Everyone
One thing I really appreciate about Harmar Tavern is their accessibility. They’re open seven days a week, with hours that accommodate different schedules and dining preferences throughout the week.
Most days they open at 11 AM and stay open until 2 AM, giving you plenty of flexibility whether you want lunch, dinner, or late-night food. Weekends bring earlier opening times at 8 AM for their breakfast service, perfect for fueling up before exploring Marietta or recovering from the night before.
The pricing falls into the budget-friendly category, marked with a single dollar sign on their listing. This means you can enjoy that legendary fried bologna sandwich and sides without breaking the bank.
Good value for quality food is increasingly rare these days, making this even more appealing.
You can reach them at 740-373-8727 if you want to call ahead, though they don’t take reservations for small parties. They also have a website at harmartavern.shop where you can check out the full menu before visiting.
The combination of reasonable prices and generous hours makes planning a visit easy.
Why This Ohio Tavern Deserves Your Visit
After spending time at Harmar Tavern and talking with other diners, I understand why this place has maintained such a strong reputation. It’s not trying to be something it’s not.
Instead, it focuses on doing tavern food exceptionally well while creating an environment where people genuinely want to spend time.
The fried bologna sandwich might be what gets people in the door, but the overall experience is what keeps them coming back. With 949 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, the consistency speaks for itself.
People return because they know what to expect, and that expectation gets met every single visit.
For visitors to Marietta, Ohio, this tavern offers an authentic taste of local culture that you won’t find at chain restaurants. The fact that it’s been serving the community since 1900 means you’re eating at a piece of living history, where generations of families have gathered over the decades.
Whether you’re a bologna skeptic like I was or already a believer in the power of simple food done right, Harmar Tavern delivers an experience worth seeking out. Just don’t be surprised when that modest-looking sandwich exceeds every expectation you brought with you.