Ohio Is Home To A Pizza Parlor Built Inside A Historic Covered Bridge (A Place You Just Have To Experience)
Picture this: you’re craving pizza, but you also want to step back in time and experience a piece of American history. Most people think they have to choose one or the other, but I’m here to tell you that’s not true at all.
Well, there’s a restaurant in Ohio that delivers both experiences wrapped up in one unforgettable package.
I recently visited Covered Bridge Pizza Parlor in North Kingsville, and honestly, it’s unlike any restaurant I’ve ever been to. You’re literally eating inside an authentic covered bridge that dates back to 1862.
The wooden beams tower above you while you enjoy fresh pizza, and the whole experience feels like you’ve discovered something truly special that most people drive right past without knowing it exists.
A Restaurant with an Actual Address Inside History
Located at 6541 N Main St, North Kingsville, OH 44068, this restaurant sits in one of the most unexpected spots you’ll ever find a pizza parlor. I pulled up to what looked like a massive covered bridge, and for a second, I thought my GPS had sent me to the wrong place.
But nope, this is exactly where you’re supposed to be.
The building itself is an authentic 1862 covered bridge that’s been carefully transformed into a fully functioning restaurant. When you walk through those bridge openings, you’re stepping into more than 160 years of Ohio history.
The structure is enormous, much larger than you’d expect from the outside.
What really struck me was how they’ve managed to preserve the bridge’s original character while making it comfortable for dining. The massive wooden beams still show old graffiti and marks from over a century of existence.
You can actually touch the same wood that travelers passed under in horse-drawn carriages generations ago while waiting for your pizza to arrive.
The Pizza That Makes the Drive Worthwhile
Let’s talk about what really matters: the pizza. I’ve tried pizza all over Ohio, and Covered Bridge offers something that keeps people driving over an hour just to get a taste.
The menu gives you three crust options: thin, regular, or thick. I went with regular, which leaned toward the thinner side but had the perfect amount of chew.
What impressed me most was the generous amount of toppings they pile on. You’re not getting one of those sad pizzas where you have to search for the pepperoni.
The sauce strikes a perfect balance without being too sweet, which is a problem I’ve had at other pizza places. Some customers mentioned the sausage has exceptional flavor, and I have to agree after trying it myself.
One reviewer I spoke with suggested asking for thicker dough if you prefer a heartier crust, and the staff seemed happy to accommodate.
The crust edges were actually my favorite part, with just the right amount of crispness and flavor that made me want to save them for last instead of leaving them on my plate.
Inside the Bridge: An Atmosphere You Won’t Find Anywhere Else
Walking into this place feels like entering a time capsule that someone decided to furnish with tables and chairs. The interior is dominated by those incredible wooden beams that have supported this structure since before the Civil War ended.
You can see old carvings and graffiti etched into the wood, messages left by people who passed through here more than a century ago.
The dining room is surprisingly spacious. From the outside, you might think it’s cramped, but the bridge interior opens up to accommodate plenty of tables.
Natural light filters through the openings at each end, giving the space a warm, inviting glow during the day.
What really makes the atmosphere special is how clean and well-maintained everything is. Multiple reviewers mentioned how immaculate the restaurant was, and I noticed it immediately.
Despite being housed in a historical structure, there’s nothing musty or run-down about it. The owners clearly take pride in maintaining both the building’s heritage and its function as a modern, comfortable restaurant.
Beyond Pizza: The Menu Has Surprises
While pizza is the star, I discovered the menu offers way more variety than I expected. Spaghetti gets mentioned constantly in reviews, with 25 people specifically calling it out as something special.
The meatballs that come with it apparently have a dedicated following of their own.
Stromboli is another popular choice that 17 reviewers raved about. I watched one come out to a nearby table, and it looked absolutely stuffed with fillings.
The chef salad also has a loyal fan base, with 15 mentions, making it clear that people come here for more than just the pizza and bridge experience.
Subs are a big deal here too, with 19 reviews mentioning them specifically. I tried the garlic pizza on a return visit, which is essentially pizza dough topped with garlic and herbs.
Some people love it, though one reviewer mentioned they preferred traditional garlic bread instead. The taco pizza also caught my attention as something uniquely different, combining two comfort foods into one creative dish that you don’t see everywhere.
Service That Makes You Feel Like Family
One thing that came up again and again in my research and personal experience was the exceptional service. The waitstaff here don’t just take your order and disappear.
They actually engage with you, share stories about the bridge’s history, and make helpful suggestions about what to order.
I had a server who took the time to explain the different crust options and recommended portion sizes based on our group size. She wasn’t pushy, just genuinely helpful in a way that made the whole experience more enjoyable.
One reviewer specifically mentioned their waitress, Leona, by name, calling her fantastic, which tells you something about the lasting impression the staff makes.
What really stood out was how knowledgeable the servers are about the local area. They keep brochures about other covered bridges and attractions nearby, and they’re happy to chat about the best routes to take if you’re doing a covered bridge tour.
The service feels personal and warm, like you’re visiting someone’s home rather than just another restaurant. Multiple reviews mentioned staff going above and beyond to get special requests and substitutions exactly right.
The Last of Its Kind in Ohio
Here’s something that made my visit feel even more special: this is now the last remaining Covered Bridge Pizza location. There used to be one in Andover, Ohio, that people absolutely loved, and for years, these two restaurants shared the covered bridge spotlight.
Today, the Andover location has closed, leaving this bridge restaurant in North Kingsville as the only one still operating.
I met customers who told me they used to drive over an hour to the Andover location regularly. When it closed, they were heartbroken until they discovered this location was still operating.
Now they drive even farther, adding another 45 minutes to their journey, just to keep this tradition alive.
One woman I spoke with had driven from Maryland specifically to eat here after hearing about it. The restaurant’s reputation travels way beyond Ohio’s borders.
There’s a real sense among regular customers that this place needs to be supported and cherished because once it’s gone, there won’t be another one.
That knowledge adds a layer of appreciation to every visit, knowing you’re experiencing something that won’t last forever unless people keep showing up.
Perfect Stop on a Covered Bridge Tour
Ashtabula County is famous for having the highest concentration of covered bridges in Ohio, and this restaurant sits right in the middle of prime touring territory. I planned my visit as part of a larger covered bridge tour, and it turned out to be the perfect midpoint stop.
The restaurant keeps plenty of brochures and information about other covered bridges in the area. The staff can point you toward the best routes and tell you which bridges are most photogenic or historically significant.
It’s like having a free tour guide along with your lunch.
What makes this stop special is that you’re not just looking at a covered bridge from the outside. You’re actually spending time inside one, eating a meal surrounded by the same architecture you’ve been photographing all day.
It gives you a completely different perspective on these structures.
Several reviews mentioned people specifically ending their covered bridge tours here, which seems like the perfect way to cap off a day of exploring. You get to rest your feet, enjoy good food, and appreciate the craftsmanship of these bridges from a unique vantage point that most tourists never experience.
Hours and Planning Your Visit
One thing to know before you make the drive: they’re closed on Mondays. I learned this the hard way on my first attempted visit.
The restaurant operates Tuesday through Thursday from 11 AM to 9 PM, extends hours on Friday and Saturday until 10 PM, and runs Sunday from 11 AM to 9 PM.
The place can get busy, especially on weekends and during peak covered bridge touring season in the fall. Multiple reviewers mentioned it being hectic and crowded, which is actually a good sign that the food is worth the wait.
I’d recommend arriving either right when they open or during off-peak hours if you want a quieter experience.
Pricing is very reasonable, marked with a single dollar sign, which means you’re looking at affordable family dining. You’re not paying premium prices just because it’s a unique location.
The value for what you get, both in food quality and experience, is honestly exceptional.
I’d suggest calling ahead at 440-224-2252 if you have a large group or want to check on current wait times. The staff has always been helpful when I’ve called with questions about timing or menu options.
The Secret Dessert You Need to Try
Here’s an insider tip that one reviewer shared and I’m passing along: get the cinnamon blossoms for dessert. Actually, the reviewer suggested eating them first, which is advice I can get behind.
These aren’t on every table, so you have to actually order them, but they’re absolutely worth it.
I’m not usually a dessert person, especially at pizza places, but these cinnamon blossoms changed my mind. They come out warm, dusted with cinnamon and sugar, and they’re the perfect sweet ending to a savory meal.
Or beginning, if you follow that reviewer’s advice about eating dessert first.
The menu has other options too, but multiple people specifically mentioned the cinnamon blossoms by name, which tells you they’re something special. They’re also great for sharing if you’re dining with others, though you might not want to once you taste them.
Some reviews mentioned the marinara dipping sauce being excellent, which seems like an odd thing to highlight until you try it yourself. It’s clearly made in-house and has a flavor profile that stands out from the typical pizza sauce you’d expect.
A Place Worth Driving For
I’ve talked to people who drive over an hour regularly just to eat here, and at first, that seemed excessive. After experiencing it myself, I completely understand.
This isn’t just about grabbing pizza. It’s about the whole package: the history, the atmosphere, the quality food, and the sense that you’re experiencing something genuinely unique.
Ohio has plenty of pizza places, but only one where you can eat inside an authentic 1862 covered bridge. That distinction matters more than you might think.
It transforms an ordinary meal into an experience you’ll remember and talk about long after you’ve finished eating.
The restaurant has earned a 4.4-star rating from over 1,100 reviews, which is impressive considering how subjective food preferences can be. People consistently praise not just the pizza but the entire experience, from the building itself to the service to the cleanliness.
Whether you’re a local looking for a special dinner spot or a traveler exploring Ohio’s covered bridge heritage, this place deserves a visit.
It’s the kind of restaurant that reminds you why supporting unique, locally-owned businesses matters, especially when they’re preserving history while serving up great food.
Why This Place Matters for Ohio Heritage
Covered bridges are disappearing across America, and Ohio has lost many of its original structures over the years. What makes this restaurant important goes beyond just serving food.
It’s actively preserving a piece of history that might otherwise have been demolished or left to decay.
The 1862 construction date means this bridge has survived the Civil War, two World Wars, the Great Depression, and countless other historical events. It’s witnessed over 160 years of American life, and now it’s getting a second life as a gathering place for communities and visitors.
By operating as a restaurant, the owners ensure this structure receives the maintenance and care it needs to survive for future generations. Every pizza sold helps preserve this bridge.
That’s a pretty cool thing to think about while you’re eating.
The old graffiti and carvings on the beams tell stories of people who passed through decades ago. You’re literally surrounded by history, touching the same wood, walking the same floors.
It creates a tangible connection to the past that you can’t get from a textbook or museum display. This is living history, still serving its community in a completely different way than originally intended.