This Classic Ohio Restaurant Has Prime Rib That Turns Long Drives Into Easy Decisions
I’ll admit it. I’m the kind of person who will plan an entire day around a single meal if the destination is worth it.
Red Brick Tavern at 1700 Cumberland St in London, Ohio, is exactly that kind of place. Tucked along Route 40 in a building that’s been standing since 1837, this isn’t just another restaurant with decent steaks.
It’s the kind of spot where prime rib becomes legendary, where history soaks into every brick, and where complimentary cinnamon rolls might just steal the show before your entrée arrives. I’ve made the drive more than once, and each time I leave wondering why I don’t come back more often.
The answer is simple: I do come back, and you probably will too once you experience what makes this tavern so special.
A Historic Building That Speaks Volumes
Walking into Red Brick Tavern feels like stepping back through nearly two centuries of American history. Located at 1700 Cumberland St in London, Ohio, this building has witnessed the westward expansion, hosted six U.S. presidents, and served as a waypoint for countless travelers since 1837.
The walls literally tell stories if you know where to look.
What strikes me most is how the renovations respect the building’s age while adding modern comfort. Different dining rooms sprawl across the space, each one shaped by the original architecture rather than fighting against it.
You can see the bones of the structure, the old infrastructure peeking through in ways that remind you this place has seen things.
Lithographs of presidential visitors hang on the walls, silent testimony to the tavern’s historical significance. The atmosphere manages to feel both welcoming and reverent, cozy yet impressive.
It’s not every day you eat dinner in a building that predates the Civil War, and Red Brick Tavern wears its age beautifully.
Prime Rib That Justifies the Journey
Wednesday nights at Red Brick Tavern mean one thing: the chef’s prime rib special. I’ve had prime rib at fancy steakhouses in Columbus, but something about the execution here keeps pulling me back.
The thick cut arrives with a French-seasoned crust that’s been reverse-seared to perfection, creating a flavor profile that makes you slow down and actually taste each bite.
The meat practically melts when you cut into it. I’m not exaggerating when I say I’ve watched my dining companions go silent for the first few minutes, too busy enjoying their plates to make conversation.
One reviewer drove from Dayton specifically for this, and I completely understand why.
What impresses me is the consistency. I’ve been back multiple Wednesdays, and each time the quality holds steady.
The portion is generous without being wasteful, and the pricing feels fair for what you’re getting. This isn’t just good prime rib for small-town Ohio.
This is good prime rib, period, and it’s worth planning your week around.
Cinnamon Rolls That Arrive Like Magic
Before you even order your meal, something wonderful happens at Red Brick Tavern. A basket of complimentary cinnamon rolls appears at your table, still warm, with icing that’s perfectly gooey.
I’ve seen people’s faces light up when these arrive, and I’m pretty sure I’ve made the same expression myself every single time.
These aren’t your standard restaurant bread rolls. They’re soft, homemade-style cinnamon biscuits that could honestly stand alone as dessert.
The warmth releases the cinnamon aroma, and that first bite hits with just the right balance of sweetness and spice. My dining partner once joked that we should just order three baskets and call it dinner.
What makes this gesture even better is that it’s unexpected. Most places charge extra for everything these days, but Red Brick Tavern starts your experience with genuine hospitality.
I’ve watched servers bring second baskets without being asked, and I’ve never felt rushed or judged for enjoying them thoroughly. Sometimes the smallest touches create the biggest impressions, and these cinnamon rolls definitely qualify.
Menu Variety That Surprises
I originally came to Red Brick Tavern expecting a typical bar menu with burgers and wings. What I found instead was a surprisingly diverse selection that keeps me trying new dishes every visit.
Seafood sits alongside pasta, pizza shares space with chicken, and the burger selection could satisfy any craving you bring through the door.
The walleye gets mentioned frequently in reviews, and after trying it myself, I understand the enthusiasm. The fish sandwich is massive, arriving with crispy fries that actually stay crispy.
My friend swears by the country-fried steak, while another regular I met raves about the patty melt with those incredible mashed potatoes.
Tuesday brings dollar wing night, and the lemon pepper wings are legitimately worth circling on your calendar. The loaded tots work perfectly as an appetizer, though they’re substantial enough to share.
What impresses me most is that the kitchen executes everything well instead of spreading itself too thin. Whether you want comfort food or something lighter, the menu delivers without overwhelming you with unnecessary choices.
Outdoor Space With Character
Most people don’t expect to find a charming outdoor dining area in small-town Ohio, but Red Brick Tavern delivers exactly that. The patio features about five tables, a fire pit, and even a two-person swing that creates the perfect romantic setting for couples who want to enjoy their meal under the stars.
I’ve eaten out here on warm evenings, and the atmosphere shifts from historic tavern to relaxed garden dining. The fire pit becomes a focal point as the sun sets, and there’s something special about enjoying prime rib outdoors while surrounded by the building’s brick exterior.
It feels both casual and special at the same time.
The staff seems genuinely happy to accommodate patio requests when the weather permits. I’ve watched them handle larger groups by pushing tables together, and they never seem flustered by the logistics.
If you’re planning a visit during warmer months, I’d recommend calling ahead to request outdoor seating. The experience adds another layer to what’s already a memorable meal, and the fire pit makes even cooler evenings comfortable.
Service That Feels Personal
Kelly, the bartender, gets mentioned by name in multiple reviews, and after experiencing the service myself, I understand why. The staff at Red Brick Tavern treats you like a neighbor who stopped by rather than just another table to turn.
They take time for small talk, share bits of the building’s history, and genuinely seem invested in making sure your experience is positive.
During one visit, my companion had mobility issues, and our server offered multiple times to make trips to the buffet for her. That kind of thoughtfulness can’t be trained.
It comes from a culture that values hospitality over efficiency metrics. I’ve watched servers customize meals for gluten-free needs without making it feel like an imposition.
Are they perfect every time? No restaurant is.
I’ve read reviews mentioning occasional timing issues or forgotten ranch dressing. But the overall pattern shows a team that cares about getting things right.
When mistakes happen, they’re handled graciously. The friendliness feels authentic rather than scripted, and that makes all the difference when you’re deciding whether to become a regular customer.
Special Events Worth Planning For
Red Brick Tavern transforms for special occasions, and their Thanksgiving buffet has become something of a local tradition. The spread includes turkey, ham, stuffing, sweet potato casserole, salads, and a pie selection that covers every variety you can imagine.
I went once and immediately understood why people return year after year.
The buffet setup lets you sample everything without committing to a single entrée choice. You can go back as many times as you want, and trust me, the smell alone when you walk in makes multiple trips inevitable.
The quality stays high even in buffet format, which isn’t always easy to achieve.
What makes these events special is the atmosphere. The historic building feels even more magical during holidays, and sharing the space with other families creates a community feeling that’s rare in modern dining.
The staff handles the increased volume without losing their personal touch. If you’ve been driving past Red Brick Tavern for years without stopping, a special event might be the perfect excuse to finally pull off Route 40 and see what you’ve been missing.
Location That Makes Sense
This historic place sits along Route 40 between Columbus and Dayton, making it an ideal stopping point if you’re traveling across Ohio. London isn’t a big city, and that’s part of the charm.
You’re not fighting traffic or hunting for parking. You’re pulling up to a genuine piece of Americana that rewards the slight detour from Interstate 70.
For Columbus residents, it’s about twenty minutes west, close enough for a regular dinner outing but far enough to feel like a mini adventure. Dayton folks can reach it in a similar time heading east.
The location might seem remote until you realize how many people pass through this corridor regularly. Then it becomes obvious why presidents and travelers have been stopping here since before the Civil War.
I appreciate that Red Brick Tavern doesn’t try to be something it’s not. It embraces its small-town location and historic roots instead of attempting to compete with urban restaurants.
The result is authentic, unpretentious, and exactly what you want when you’re looking for a meal that feels special without feeling stuffy. Sometimes the best destinations are the ones you have to drive a little bit to reach.