This Ohio Restaurant Doesn’t Look Fancy But Its Fried Chicken Says Otherwise
Sometimes the best food comes from places that don’t try to impress you with fancy decorations or big city prices. You know the type of spot I mean.
The kind where locals fill the tables every day because they know something special is happening in that kitchen. I recently visited a restaurant in New Lexington, Ohio, that proves this point perfectly.
The building might not win any architecture awards, but what comes out of that kitchen will make you forget all about the decor.
Their fried chicken has earned a reputation that spreads far beyond Perry County, and after my visit, I understand exactly why people drive from neighboring towns just to get their hands on a piece.
Finding Home at 313 West Broadway Street
Dodson’s On Broadway sits at 313 W Broadway St, New Lexington, OH 43764, right in the heart of this small Ohio town. The location puts you on a main road where you can easily spot it while driving through.
Perry County residents know this address well. Many families make regular trips here throughout the week.
The building itself keeps things simple without any flashy signs or elaborate entrance.
Getting to this restaurant is straightforward whether you’re coming from Columbus or other nearby areas. Plenty of parking makes your visit hassle-free from the moment you arrive.
The diner opens its doors at 9 AM on Tuesday and stays open until 8 PM.
Inside, you’ll find a comfortable country atmosphere that makes you feel welcome right away. Tables fill up quickly during peak hours because word has spread about what they’re serving.
Local families trust this place for good reason.
Rising from the Ashes with Better Food Than Ever
This restaurant faced a serious challenge when fire damaged the building. Some places would have given up, but the owner Cheryl decided to rebuild and come back stronger.
The reopening happened relatively recently, and the remodel brought nice updates to the space.
Customers who visited before the fire say the food tastes just as good, if not better, than they remember. One regular mentioned in their review how glad they were to have this option available again in New Lexington.
The kitchen staff clearly didn’t lose their touch during the closure.
Walking into the renovated space, you notice the improvements right away. Everything looks clean and well-maintained.
The homey feel that made this place special remains intact despite the modern updates.
Starting fresh after such a setback shows real dedication to the community. Many restaurants would have closed permanently, but Cheryl chose to fight for her business and her customers.
Fried Chicken That Draws Crowds from Neighboring Towns
The fried chicken at this restaurant has become legendary in Perry County. People drive from surrounding areas specifically to get their hands on this poultry perfection.
Golden and crispy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside, each piece shows careful preparation.
One customer fed their entire family of eight for just fifty bucks and still had leftovers to take home. That kind of value, combined with qualit,y explains why tables stay full during dinner hours.
The portions give you plenty to enjoy without breaking your budget.
Fresh preparation makes all the difference here. Some reviewers noted that when they ordered takeout, occasionally the chicken seemed like it had been sitting a while.
But when you get it fresh from the fryer, the taste and texture hit perfectly every single time.
The seasoning blend they use creates flavor that sticks with you long after the meal ends. Multiple five-star reviews specifically praise the chicken as the best around.
Chicken Livers and Gizzards Done Right
Not every restaurant serves chicken livers and gizzards, but Dodson’s does them justice. One enthusiastic reviewer declared them the best they had ever tasted anywhere.
Another customer simply stated that the chicken livers were amazing and left it at that because nothing else needed saying.
These menu items appeal to customers who appreciate traditional country cooking. The breading stays crispy while the inside remains tender and flavorful.
Proper preparation of organ meats requires skill that many modern restaurants have lost.
Autumn, one of the servers, brings these dishes to your table with a smile. The kitchen clearly takes pride in preparing items that other places might skip over or do halfheartedly.
Each order gets the same attention as the signature fried chicken.
If you’ve never tried chicken livers or gizzards before, this restaurant offers an excellent introduction. The quality might convert you into a regular customer who orders them every visit.
Breakfast That Feels Like Eating at Home
Mornings at Dodson’s bring a different menu that customers praise just as highly as the lunch and dinner options. One father and daughter arrived as the very first customers one morning and left raving about the breakfast experience.
They called it the best breakfast around the area.
The open-face western omelet gets made to order, not sitting under a heat lamp losing flavor. Eggs come cooked exactly how you request them.
Bacon arrives crispy without being burnt. Toast gets buttered while still warm.
Another visitor from out of state compared the breakfast to eating at home. That comparison speaks volumes about the comfort and quality you’ll find on your plate.
The prices remain reasonable even for the morning menu.
Service during breakfast hours matches the friendly atmosphere you’ll experience during later meals. Staff members greet regulars by name and make newcomers feel equally welcome.
Starting your day here sets a positive tone that carries through.
Chicken Tenders That Kids and Adults Both Love
Chicken tenders appear frequently in customer reviews because they deliver consistent quality. Adults order them just as often as kids do.
The strips come out hot with a satisfying crunch that holds up even if you take your time eating.
One reviewer specifically mentioned wishing they offered a spicy version as an option. The regular tenders already pack plenty of flavor from the seasoning blend used in the breading.
Each piece gets cooked thoroughly without drying out the meat inside.
Families appreciate having this reliable option that picky eaters will actually finish. The portion sizes mean you get your money’s worth without feeling like you overpaid.
Some customers order extra to take home for the next day.
The kitchen maintains high standards even during busy Friday evenings when orders pile up. Staff members work efficiently to get food out quickly without sacrificing quality.
These chicken tenders represent everything this restaurant does well in one simple dish.
Sides That Complete the Meal Perfectly
Mashed potatoes at this restaurant taste homemade because they are. Smooth and creamy with real butter flavor, they pair perfectly with the fried chicken.
Gravy comes ladled generously over the top if you want it.
Onion rings get mentioned in reviews as another standout side. The breading stays crispy, and the onions inside cook until tender and sweet.
Breaded mushrooms also appear on the menu for customers who want something different. One visitor split an order with their mother and enjoyed every bite.
Chili serves as both a side and a main dish depending on your appetite. One customer paired it with grilled cheese for a classic comfort food combination.
The tomato soup offers another option for those who prefer something lighter.
Every side dish receives the same attention to quality as the main courses. Nothing tastes like it came from a bag or a can.
This commitment to doing things right shows up in every aspect of your meal.
Service That Makes You Feel Like Family
Autumn gets mentioned by name in reviews because she provides service that stands out. She brings your food with a genuine smile and checks back to make sure everything meets your expectations.
Other staff members match her friendly approach.
One regular customer mentioned getting greeted by name every time they walk through the door. That personal touch turns a simple meal into a welcoming experience.
The servers remember faces and preferences, making return visits feel comfortable.
During busy times, the staff works hard to keep things moving smoothly. One reviewer noted that despite a packed Friday evening, the team stayed friendly and efficient.
They handle the pressure without taking it out on customers.
Owner Cheryl sometimes comes out to chat with diners at their tables. She clearly cares about the experience people have at her restaurant.
That hands-on approach creates an atmosphere where customers feel valued and appreciated beyond just their spending.
Prices That Won’t Empty Your Wallet
Feeding a family of eight for fifty dollars sounds almost impossible these days, but one customer managed exactly that at Dodson’s. The reasonable pricing stands out as a major reason locals choose this spot over chain restaurants.
You get quality food without the inflated prices.
Breakfast costs less than you’d expect while still delivering generous portions. Lunch and dinner prices stay competitive with fast food joints, but the quality far exceeds anything you’d get through a drive-through window.
One out-of-state visitor specifically commented on how awesome the prices were compared to their hometown.
The value becomes even more apparent when you factor in the portion sizes. Most people leave with leftovers or at least feeling completely satisfied.
You’re not paying premium prices for tiny servings that leave you hungry an hour later.
This pricing strategy helps explain why the restaurant stays busy throughout operating hours. Families can afford to eat here regularly without straining their budgets.
Good food at fair prices builds loyalty that keeps customers coming back week after week.
Small Town Charm That Big Cities Can’t Copy
New Lexington represents the kind of small Ohio town where everybody knows their neighbors. Dodson’s fits perfectly into this community fabric.
The restaurant serves as a gathering place where locals catch up over meals.
You won’t find pretentious attitudes or trendy decor trying too hard to impress. The focus stays on good food and friendly service rather than Instagram-worthy presentations.
This authenticity attracts customers who want substance over style.
Multiple reviews mention the comfortable country atmosphere that makes dining here relaxing. No loud music or chaotic energy disrupts your meal.
Conversations happen at normal volume, and people take their time enjoying the experience.
One motorcycle group stopped in while touring the area and ended up chatting with Cheryl about local riding routes. She shared tips from her own riding days and made their visit memorable beyond just the food.
That kind of genuine interaction happens naturally in places like this.
Menu Variety Beyond Just Chicken
While fried chicken brings most customers through the door, the menu offers plenty of other choices. Steak burgers get high marks from reviewers who want something different.
The grilled cheese paired with soup or chili satisfies those craving comfort food classics.
Chicken littles function as bigger versions of standard sliders. They pack more meat and flavor than you’d expect from something with such a diminutive name.
The all-day breakfast means you can order eggs and bacon even during dinner hours.
Pies appear on the dessert menu and receive positive mentions from customers. The kitchen makes them fresh rather than ordering them frozen from a supplier.
This attention to detail extends across every category on the menu.
Oatmeal and grits provide options for customers who want lighter breakfast fare. The variety ensures that picky eaters and adventurous diners alike find something appealing.
Every item gets prepared with the same care, whether it’s a simple grilled cheese or the signature fried chicken.
Why This Place Deserves Your Visit
Dodson’s On Broadway proves that fancy decorations and trendy locations don’t determine food quality. What matters is the care put into every dish and the genuine hospitality shown to every customer.
This restaurant delivers on both fronts consistently.
The comeback from the fire demonstrates resilience and commitment to the New Lexington community. Cheryl could have walked away, but chose to rebuild and continue serving the people who depend on this place.
That dedication shows in every aspect of the operation.
Whether you’re craving legendary fried chicken, a hearty breakfast, or just a comfortable meal in a welcoming environment, this restaurant delivers. The prices let you bring your whole family without worrying about the bill.
The portions ensure nobody leaves hungry.
Next time you find yourself traveling through Perry County, Ohio, make the turn onto West Broadway Street. You’ll discover what locals already know.
The best meals often come from the most unassuming places.