This Ohio Train Diner Lets You Eat Inside A Vintage Rail Car
Picture this: you’re cruising through the rolling hills of central Ohio when suddenly you spot an actual train car perched on a hilltop, beckoning hungry travelers to pull off the highway. That’s exactly what you’ll find at Buckeye Express Diner, located at 810 State Route 97 W in Bellville, OH 44813.
I’ve eaten in plenty of quirky restaurants across the country, but there’s something genuinely special about sliding into a booth inside a vintage rail car while the aroma of fresh-cut fries fills the air.
The moment I first pulled into the gravel parking lot and saw that massive train car alongside the world’s largest bobblehead towering over the property, I knew this wasn’t going to be just another burger stop.
What started as a curious detour on my way through Ohio has become one of those places I actively plan road trips around.
From the moment you walk through the door to the last bite of your burger, everything about Buckeye Express feels like a love letter to Ohio State pride, American comfort food, and the golden age of rail travel all rolled into one unforgettable package.
Stepping Into Railroad History
Walking into Buckeye Express Diner feels like boarding a time machine that runs on nostalgia and horseradish sauce. The moment you step inside that genuine vintage rail car, you’re surrounded by the kind of authentic details that modern restaurants can only dream of replicating.
Original train windows frame views of the Ohio countryside and the busy highway below. Overhead luggage racks still line the ceiling, though now they hold Ohio State memorabilia instead of travelers’ suitcases.
The narrow aisle between booths mimics the classic train car layout, making every trip to order feel like you’re walking through a piece of transportation history.
What impressed me most was how well-preserved everything feels without being stuffy or museum-like. Kids press their faces against the windows pointing at passing trucks while parents settle into booths that have seen thousands of satisfied diners.
The whole space manages to be both a working restaurant and a functional piece of Americana.
The Legendary Burgers That Keep People Coming Back
Let me tell you about the burgers at Buckeye Express, because these aren’t your standard diner patties. Every single burger is made from fresh ground beef, hand-formed, and cooked to order on a flat-top grill that’s been seasoning itself for years.
I tried the Woody Burger on my first visit, and that bacon horseradish sauce changed my entire understanding of what burger toppings could be.
The combination of smoky bacon with the sharp kick of horseradish creates this perfect balance that somehow makes the beef taste even beefier. My dining companion ordered the Mushroom Swiss Burger, and I have to admit I spent half the meal stealing bites from across the table.
The Locomotive Buckeye Pounder lives up to its intimidating name with a massive patty that barely fits on the bun. Portions here don’t mess around, and neither does the quality.
Fresh-Cut Fries Worth the Wait
Forget everything you know about frozen fries from a bag. Buckeye Express takes actual potatoes, cuts them by hand, and fries them to golden perfection right before they hit your plate.
The first time I ordered, the person at the counter warned me it would be about thirty minutes for fresh fries. I almost switched my order until I saw plate after plate of those gorgeous hand-cut beauties being delivered to other tables.
When mine finally arrived, I understood why people were willing to wait.
These aren’t uniform sticks like you get at chain restaurants. Some are thick, some are thin, some have crispy edges while others stay fluffy inside.
That variety creates this perfect textural experience where every handful tastes slightly different.
They come out piping hot, lightly salted, and in portions so generous you’ll be taking some home.
Ohio State Pride on Every Surface
You don’t have to wonder where the owners’ loyalties lie when you eat at Buckeye Express. Every inch of wall space, every corner, every available surface celebrates Ohio State University and Buckeye pride.
Scarlet and gray decorations hang from the ceiling alongside vintage photographs of trains and locomotives. Ohio State memorabilia covers the walls in a collection that must have taken decades to assemble.
During my visit around the holidays, they’d added festive decorations without losing an ounce of that Buckeye spirit.
Even the menu gets in on the action with items named after Ohio State references and local landmarks. For fans of the team, eating here feels like a pilgrimage.
For everyone else, it’s a fascinating glimpse into just how seriously central Ohio takes its football. The passion is infectious, even if you don’t know a touchdown from a field goal.
The World’s Largest Bobblehead Stands Guard
Right next to the train car sits Chef Jacques, a roughly 35-foot-tall bobblehead that’s often billed as the largest in the world. You literally cannot miss this thing when you pull into the parking lot.
Chef Jacques sports a classic chef’s hat and apron, bobbing gently in the breeze while keeping watch over the restaurant below. Kids absolutely lose their minds when they see it, and honestly, so do most adults.
I watched a steady stream of people taking selfies with the giant chef during my entire meal.
What makes Jacques even more charming is how the restaurant has embraced him as part of the whole experience. He’s not just a gimmick to get people off the highway.
He’s become a beloved landmark that people plan trips around, a photo opportunity that makes everyone smile, and a perfect example of the playful spirit that defines Buckeye Express.
Friday Fish Fry That Draws Crowds
If you happen to be passing through Ohio on a Friday, do yourself a favor and plan your trip around lunch at Buckeye Express. Their fried fish specials have become something of a local legend.
The Lake Erie perch comes out golden and crispy with a perfectly seasoned breading that doesn’t overwhelm the delicate fish inside. Portions are generous enough that one plate easily satisfies a hungry traveler.
I watched tables of regulars settle in for long, leisurely lunches, going back for seconds and thirds without any judgment from the friendly staff.
The fish pairs beautifully with those hand-cut fries and a side of coleslaw that provides just enough tang to cut through the richness. For the price, you’d be hard-pressed to find better fried fish anywhere in central Ohio.
Just expect crowds, because word has definitely gotten out about this Friday tradition.
Service With a Smile and Local Knowledge
You order at the counter when you first walk in, grab your own drinks from the fountain, and then find a seat with your number. It’s a casual system that keeps things moving efficiently without feeling rushed or impersonal.
What really sets the service apart is the warmth of the staff. Every person I encountered, from the guy taking orders to the servers delivering food, seemed genuinely happy to be there.
They know the menu inside and out, offer recommendations without hesitation, and treat regulars like family while making first-timers feel equally welcome.
One server noticed my confusion about the outdoor seating versus train car seating and walked me through the whole layout. Another checked back multiple times to make sure everything was cooked to my liking.
This isn’t fancy white-tablecloth service, but it’s the kind of friendly, attentive care that makes you want to come back.
A Family-Friendly Destination With Play Areas
Buckeye Express understands that keeping kids happy makes everyone’s meal better. Outside the train car, you’ll find a small sandbox play area where little ones can burn off energy before or after eating.
Parents can relax at the outdoor picnic tables while keeping an eye on their children playing nearby. The whole property has this casual, welcoming vibe that makes families feel comfortable letting kids be kids.
I watched one toddler spend a solid twenty minutes just running back and forth between the sandbox and the giant bobblehead, absolutely thrilled with life.
Inside the train car, children stay entertained by the windows, the train memorabilia, and the constant parade of interesting sights. Multiple reviews mention kids who are obsessed with trains having the time of their lives here.
It’s the rare restaurant where parents can enjoy genuinely good food while kids have an actual experience to remember.
The View From the Hilltop Makes Every Meal Scenic
Perched on top of a hill overlooking State Route 97, Buckeye Express offers diners an unexpectedly pleasant view with their meal. From inside the train car windows, you can watch traffic flowing along the highway below while the Ohio countryside stretches out in every direction.
There’s something oddly peaceful about sitting in that elevated position, watching the world go by while you work through a massive burger and pile of fries. The outdoor picnic tables offer an even better vantage point on nice days, with fresh air and sunshine adding to the whole experience.
That hilltop location also makes the restaurant visible from the highway, which is how many people discover it in the first place.
The combination of the train car, the giant bobblehead, and the elevated position creates this irresistible roadside attraction that practically begs travelers to exit and investigate. Once they do, the food and atmosphere ensure they’ll be back.