
As time marches on, many beautiful old buildings often end up destroyed or forgotten. Thankfully, not all of them meet this fate. Many businesses around Columbus, Cincinnati, and Northeast Ohio have turned historic buildings into thriving new bars and restaurants. Check out our list below for a few we know you'll want to check out.
111 E. Main St., Baltic, OH 43804
The Baltic Mill Winery operates inside an old Amish flour mill from the early 20th century. Formerly repurposed as a gift shop and bulk goods store, the mill was finally converted into a winery in 2013. Many of the original chutes and machinery components are still intact and can be observed in the seating and tasting room, adding some extra historical interest to the guest experience.
The Baltic Mill is best known for their sweet wines, including their Little Daisy and Just Peachy varieties. Their best-selling variety is their blackberry wine, a local delicacy that sells out almost as quickly as it's produced. Be sure to ask if they have any in stock when you stop by.
301 W. Butler St., Bryan, OH 43506
View this post on Instagram
Father John's Microbrewery was founded in 2013 in the remains of a stunning 19th-century parsonage. The new owners have taken advantage of the gorgeous high ceilings, distinctive windows, and wide-open spaces, turning the building into a bar and restaurant with AirBnB rooms available for guests who want to stay the night.
In their spacious bar and dining room, you can try one-of-a-kind brews like their Eye for an Eye Pale Ale, Garden of Eden Cream Ale, and brand-new Black Buffalo Vodka made from fresh Ohio corn. Stop by for lunch or dinner to enjoy dishes like mac and cheese, ribeye steaks, and deluxe charcuterie boards brimming with finger-food favorites.
Bell Tower Brewing Co. was founded by two hopeful entrepreneurs who wanted an exceptional building to house their exceptional brews. When they came across an old church in Kent, they knew they had found the right place. Whether you'd like to sit under the vaulted ceilings and old-fashioned chandeliers inside or enjoy the fresh air in the brewery's beer garden, this bar offers plenty of ambiance on top of its artisan stouts, ales, and lagers.
From the bright, slightly sweet tang of their Answered Prayers blackberry ale to the toasty caramel notes of their Pufferbelly steam beer, these brewers have something for everyone. Some of their brews are also available in gluten-reduced versions to help more people enjoy them. Hungry? Their soups, salads, sandwiches, and appetizers are sure to please your palate.
215 N. Walnut St., Wooster, OH 44691
View this post on Instagram
The Wayne County Sheriff's Office and Jaol was completed in 1865 and operated as a working police station and jail until 1977. After that, it was designated a Northeast Ohio historical site and was used to house several businesses, including the Olde Jaol Tavern and Steakhouse starting in 1995.
Many paranormal enthusiasts enjoy visiting the restaurant in hopes of spotting the ghosts that are rumored to haunt the premises. However, the excellent food is a big part of what's kept people coming back all this time. Diners can order gourmet salads, delectable sandwiches, and all kinds of grilled steaks and fish for a delicious and satisfying meal. If you only have time for a drink, the Olde Jaol's bar also offers a basic selection of beer, wine, and other beverages you can enjoy while spending time in this fascinating historical space.
The Berea Depot Bar and Restaurant was built inside an old sandstone train depot from 1876. Guests eat facing the tracks, and even though the trains no longer pass through here, it's still a hauntingly novel experience. The restaurant even offers catering and special reservations in the Pullman Car, an old train car that has been retrofitted to accommodate diners.
The restaurant's food is just as good as its atmosphere. Choose from dishes like their Baby Back Ribs and Hungarian Paprika Chicken, sandwiches like their Triple Stack Grilled Cheese and Turkey and Ham Club, or their specialty flatbreads; they're all delicious. There's also plenty of wine and beer on tap for you to enjoy alone or with a meal.
4819 E. Main St., Berlin, OH 44610
View this post on Instagram
Originally a grocery store known as Hummel's Market from 1938-1945, Boyd and Wurthmann Restaurant has retained its quaint, old-fashioned charm since then. Many of the city's older residents love to stop in for one of the restaurant's locally famous 99c coffees every single morning.
In keeping with its old-fashioned roots, the restaurant serves a limited menu that changes every day of the week. Each day features hearty, comforting meals like roast turkey with mashed potatoes and dressing and beef-n-noodles with green beans or applesauce. Check out the menu online to see when your favorite dish is coming up next.
1314 Republic St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
Ghost Baby lounge was built in the underground tunnels that a local brewing company used to use to brew and age their beer back in the early 19th century. It takes its name from the sound of the workmen installing new lighting in the tunnels when the space was first repurposed several years ago. Now, it's one of the most trendy bars in the city, its luxurious yet eerie atmosphere setting the mood for many a night of fun.
The lounge features nightly live music from local jazz performers and lounge singers to entertain you while you mingle. You can order a variety of wines, spirits, and specialty cocktails. Whether you're in the mood for the bright and bubbly flavor of Tickled Pink or the smooth richness of Lifestyles of the Famous, there's something here you'll love sipping on throughout the night. Guests who come hungry can indulge in some handmade chocolates or nibble from a charcuterie board.
311 Delta Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45226
View this post on Instagram
In 1981, chef Jeff Ruby opened The Precinct in the building that used to serve as Cincinnati Patrol House 6. It has since become a major culinary attraction and was recently named one of America's Top 10 Steakhouses by USA Today.
This fine-dining restaurant uses nothing but the best ingredients in all of its dishes. As a top-tier steakhouse, they are best known for their savory U.S.D.A. prime steaks, premium filet mignon, and Japanese A5 wagyu beef. Other entrée options include roast chicken, lobster, and king crab. Pair each dish with one of their signature cocktails or fine wines, and cap off the experience with a delectable dessert.
Which of these storied establishments will you visit for your next dinner date?

Whether you're a wine connoisseur or just a casual fan, it's easy to discover a wide array of wine selections throughout Cincinnati and surrounding areas. Many of these wineries also have food, live music, and other events that locals and tourists absolutely love. To give you an idea of the many selections available, we've put together some of our favorite wineries in the area.
6955 Plainfield Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45236
As one of the largest wineries in the state, Meier's Wine Cellars has a wide range of selections that include Cabernet franc rose, Concord, Catawba, and Sangria. Feel free to bring the kids along because they can enjoy a variety of fruit juices like apple or raspberry. This winery has been around since 1890 and has won many awards encapsulating more than 30 different types of wine that they produce and make available to the public.
3077 Harrison Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45211
View this post on Instagram
Started in 1973, this family-operated winery has been a winemaking hotspot in Cincinnati since its inception. Henke Winery is considered by many locals to be the best wine shop in town and is the perfect place for both residents and visitors. While you're checking out the awesome variety of wines, you can also indulge in Cincinnati cuisine that includes pizza, spaghetti, mussels, and smoked salmon salad while listening to local artists and music. Bring the entire family and have a heck of a good time!
11069 Colerain Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45252
Come by this incredible winery and feast your eyes on more than 500 vines spread across 32 acres! The Vinoklet Winery & Restaurant has won multiple awards and wine competitions over the years, but its true claim to fame for many residents is the amazing art and wine festival featured every September. In addition to their wine tasting tours, we suggest you drop in for the craft show held on Mother's Day, the rib dinner available every Thursday, the Sunday picnic lunches, and the occasional outdoor bonfire.
2276 US-22 & OH-3, Morrow, OH 45152
View this post on Instagram
Valley Vineyards may just be home to the quintessential Cincinnati winery tour. While you're there, you'll be able to taste several types of delicious wines and beers while trying out a few of their dishes and meeting some of the friendliest people in the state. You can also enjoy a self-guided tour of the cellar and learn winemaking skills giving you more insight into why wine tasting is such a phenomenon. Add steak cookouts, live music, and comedy nights, and this is a one-stop shop for entertainment, food, and drinks.
4011 Allston St., Cincinnati, OH 45209
Oakley Wines changed hands not too long ago, and it definitely shows. You'll now find a fresh, modern ambiance paired perfectly with the current selection of affordable wines. Each wine tour revolves around a specific theme such as spring wines, California wines, and classic varietals. And if you're up for a little mystery in your life, you may want to check out their blind tastings routinely scheduled for locals and visitors.
1215 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
View this post on Instagram
The entire menu of the 1215 Wine Bar & Coffee Lab is a tasting menu, offering different selections depending on the season. The staff has been very well-trained in wine tasting, allowing patrons ample opportunity to converse with an aficionado or two. Located in the Over-the-Rhine area of Cincinnati, other features include live jazz on Thursday nights and a different type of tasting in the mornings consisting of hot and iced coffees.
128 W. Elder St., Findlay Market, Cincinnati, OH 45202
This Findlay Market storefront is a bit unique, to say the least. If you do some food shopping before checking out the wine selections, the owner of Market Wines may just take a look at what's in your bag and suggest the best wine to pair with your food. The weekly weekend tastings are quite popular with the locals, but you can also stop by every Tuesday night to try out some samples without a big crowd.
6136 Campus Ln., Cincinnati, OH 45230
View this post on Instagram
If you're looking for variety, you can't do much better than Water Tower Fine Wines. Their facility is home to approximately 2000 wines, including around 130 international sparkling wines and 135 champagnes. Every tasting includes hors d'oeuvres, and you can sign up for their newsletter to always know what they're sampling on any given day. Their location now also features beer on draft in case you want to change things up every once in a while. If you like the spot (which you surely will), feel free to rent it for a special event!
111 E. 12th St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
Located in Cincinnati's historic OTR neighborhood, the Revel OTR Urban Winery is one of the most flexible wineries in Ohio. Not only does it include a wide selection of handcrafted wines that you'll be able to sample, but it also features live music and other events on the weekends. And if you're so inclined, you can rent out the newly reconstructed rooftop patio for a private party of your very own.
Which incredible wine tasting opportunities in Cincinnati will you dive into?