Set along the Tuscarawas River, New Philadelphia, Ohio, was founded in the early 19th century. Once upon a time, the city was known as a hotspot for merchants who sought the attention of people passing through town traveling from east to west. Its popularity was due in large part to the Ohio and Erie Canal, a structure that was completed in 1825.
By that time, New Philadelphia had transformed into a vibrant agricultural hub. People flocked here to mine coal and to manufacture steel. The canal itself was a natural source of hydropower that served the area’s many mills. The close proximity to big cities like Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Pittsburgh is a big reason why so many enthusiasts flock to the area — but many may be surprised to discover that there’s so much more to New Philadelphia than meets the eye.
From easy access to nature to a thriving Amish community, New Philadelphia and the surrounding areas of Central Eastern Ohio have been a popular destination for families to visit over the years. When you visit New Philadelphia now, you’ll immediately get a sense of the small town charm you’ve been searching for.
To top it all off, there are plenty of great restaurants in New Philadelphia and throughout Tuscarawas County making it a wonderful place to dine with the family. If you’ve got a craving for something specific or are just driving through town, here are a few ideas to satiate your appetite.
Great for dining in or grabbing take-out to eat back in your comfortable vacation rental home, these 13 restaurants in New Philadelphia are sure to impress even picky eaters.
Uncle Primo’s
- 435 Minnich Ave NW, New Philadelphia
- (330) 364-2349
- $$
From its cozy atmosphere to its menu packed with favorites, like fresh seafood, homemade lasagna, and hearty breadsticks, there’s a lot to love about Uncle Primo’s and it’s no surprise that so many locals flock there when they crave a home-cooked meal.
Primarily an Italian restaurant, they do also serve a few classic American dishes. The space is warm and inviting, complete with a charming bar where you can order a glass of red to pair with your pasta or steak.
Local Tip: Splurge on the filet and get mushrooms and onions on the side. You’ll be happy you ordered the garlic bread, too. This is a small restaurant so reservations are recommended. In the summer, the back patio is the perfect place to dine.
Craft Bistro & Lounge
- 104 Fair Ave NE, New Philadelphia
- (330) 432-4488
- $$
Looking for a chic spot that offers a little bit more than just delicious food? You’ll find it at Craft Bistro & Lounge, a swanky-meets-modern hotspot that is known for its mouthwatering aged beef steaks. Located on the second story of an old “downtown” building, you’ll get a great view alongside your meal. Also on the menu are hearty burgers, along with draft beers and plenty of imported wines if you enjoy a libation or two.
Start your meal with a few appetizers and cocktails. The bartenders here take their task seriously, and you won’t leave disappointed. If you’re lucky, you might catch some live entertainment courtesy of a visiting musician on the weekend.
Local Tip: Each Wednesday night, Craft Bistro hosts a Burger & Brew special. For only $5 you get a specialized burger and a craft deal. It’s hard to beat that deal! This restaurant is also small so reservations are recommended.
The Venue
- 126 Front Ave SW, New Philadelphia
- (330) 365-1928
- $$$
Never underestimate the appeal of a classic steakhouse. The Venue isn’t just a beautiful spot, but also one of the hottest Italian eateries in the area. It’s prized especially for its extensive menu of seafood and steak, along with an array of healthier options for those who have specific dietary needs or preferences.
There’s also an on-site wine cellar boasting an old-world vibe, perfect for those who want to make a special night of their dinner. The ambiance here is moody and romantic, making it a great choice for anyone searching a more upscale spot for a meal.
J-N-G Grill
- 114 Front Ave SW, New Philadelphia
- (330) 365-9250
- $$
One of the area’s most established and beloved spots for a casual bite, J-N-G Grill more than earned its reputation as a friendly and welcoming location for anyone with a taste for some good, old-fashioned barbecue.
There’s plenty more to dig into here too, from french fries and burgers to pizzas and pasta. And every night, there’s a special on the menu. If you’re lucky, you might pop in on Monday for a pizza deal, Tuesday for street tacos, Saturday for rib-eye steak, or any other day for another surprise.
It’s worth the visit for the laid-back, chilled vibe alone. On a nice day or evening, enjoy their outdoor seating to get some fresh air with your meal. You’ll be happy you skipped out on fast food and came here instead!
Local Tip: During the summer, you’ll love grabbing dinner on their patio. My go-to order is the reuben or cuban sandwich – both are absolutely delicious!
Hog Heaven
- 1290 W High Ave, New Philadelphia
- (330) 308-8040
- $$
Did someone say barbecue? Make that authentic, fresh-off-the-bone, succulent, sizzling meat that haunts your dreams until you can actually satisfy the craving again.
Once you get to Hog Heaven, you may not want to leave New Philadelphia. That’s just how good the food here happens to be, whether you’ve got yourself a boneless wing special or the restaurant’s beloved large hog. Add some french fries and you’ll be good to go (or stay, as the case might be).
This restaurant is such a local favorite that they have three locations: the one in New Philadelphia, Dover, and Canton.
Local Tip: If you’re a fan of sweeter BBQ sauce, Hog Heaven is the joint for you.
Maggoo’s Pizza, Pasta & More
- 1816 E. High Ave, New Philadelphia
- (330) 365-1466
- $
Easy, relaxed, and warm, Maggoo’s Pizza, Pasta & More more than lives up to its name! It’s among the area’s most beloved pizza restaurants and Italian eateries and if you’re craving something home-cooked like grandma used to make, you won’t leave disappointed.
The restaurant is warm and inviting and cozy, while the dishes, think hearty pastas and pizzas piled high with your favorite toppings, are all made fresh to order. Add some mozzarella sticks, breadsticks, or maybe some dessert and you’ll never want to eat simple Pizza Hut again.
Local Tip: Since Maggoo’s is located new to our small, local airport, plan to eat here on a nice evening. Ask for a table by the window or on the patio so you can eat while watching the planes take off and land.
Sublime Smoke
- 110 Water St SE, Bolivar
- (330) 227-8118
- $$
Just a 15 minute drive north from New Philadelphia, Sublime Smoke is located in Bolivar. When the craving hits for wood-fired barbecue, you know nothing but the real deal will do. This is why so many make their way to Sublime Smoke, the establishment known locally for its extensive menu of pulled pork, chicken, and ribs.
They’ve got all of the sides to go alongside that, of course, from collard greens and baked macaroni and cheese to cornbread and coleslaw. It’s the pulled pork sandwiches here that get all the love, so even if you’re grabbing your order for takeout you may want to include one for the road!
At this laidback restaurant, you’ll order at the counter and the meal will be brought to your table. On a nice day, you’ll enjoy eating on their patio.
Local Tip: For beer and barbeque lovers, you’ll have all of your bases covered at Sublime Smoke. It’s easily my favorite BBQ in the area and serves a wide variety of local craft brews.
Towpath Tavern
- 225 Canal St, Bolivar
- (330) 874-6141
- $
Classic American fare is always on the menu at Towpath Tavern, where you can dig into some of the tastiest salads and desserts in the area. Also located in Bolivar, it’s well worth the quick drive if you’re in the mood for bar food with a unique approach.
It’s not just the humongous Bavarian pretzels and pumpkin cakes that keep people coming back for another bite, it’s also the crab cake dinners, the meatloaf lunches, and the breaded hot pepper cheese balls.
Did we mention the funnel cake fries? This is an American restaurant with a twist, which is a big reason why it’s such a popular eatery. They also offer regular live entertainment, and if you’re lucky you might catch some music on the weekend.
Dutch Valley Restaurant
- 1343 Old Rte 39 NE, Sugarcreek
- (330) 852-4627
- $$
Located about 14 miles west of New Philadelphia in Sugarcreek, Dutch Valley Restaurant is consistently lauded for its family-style, home-cooked meals rooted in the warmth and coziness of Amish kitchens.
Here, you’ll discover a true taste of Amish Country, with the kinds of meals that will make you want to grab a table and stay for a few hours (but you can pick up your order for takeout, too).
Dig into a roast turkey dinner, enjoy a Swiss steak, or indulge at the buffet and sample everything from meats to vegetables to salads — along with your choice of pie, of course. Their salad bar is huge and definitely worth it, too.
This restaurant is so popular they have 7 locations. Most are in Ohio with the nearest one to New Philadelphia being the location in Sugarcreek.
Local Tip: If you’re in the mood for a comfortable meal at your rental without having to cook, this is the place to go. Their family-style meals can be ordered for takeout and can feed a large group of people. Just don’t forget to grab plenty of bread rolls from their bakery – trust me, you’ll want extra!
Rebecca’s Bistro
- 4986 Walnut St., Walnut Creek, OH 44687
- (330) 893-2668
- $$
About half an hour west of New Philadelphia in the heart of Amish Country is Walnut Creek, which is home to the charming Rebecca’s Bistro. Step inside and you might just feel like you’ve wandered into a café somewhere in Europe — and that loveliness is precisely what makes it such an enduring favorite.
It’s a sweet spot where you can stop by in the morning for a coffee and a croissant, or come over later in the day for quiche, salad, or a sandwich for brunch. The menu is filled with familiar, satisfying favorites, alongside plenty of unique lattes and teas that will satisfy any caffeine craving.
Local Tip: After a long day of shopping in Amish Country, this is the spot for you. I’ll bet the soup and salad will be the best you’ve ever had!
El Pueblito Mexican Bistro
- 213 N. Tuscarawas Ave. #3139, Dover
- (330) 365-9966
- $
If you’re craving some authentic Mexican food with flair, look no further than El Pueblito Mexican Bistro. Home to a great patio and delicious cocktails, this is a fun restaurant and enjoyable restaurant for the entire family.
It’s the area’s top spot for real-deal Mexican, think chimichangas heaped with mountains of fixings, nachos absolutely smothered in your toppings of choice, Mexican street tacos spilling over with fillings, burritos bursting at the sides, and taco salads so tempting you have to taste them to believe they’re actually as good as they look.
This is a fun, lively, always vibrant spot complete with a menu full of cocktails, so bring your appetite and sense of adventure for a dine-in meal you’ll never forget.
Local Tip: My favorite thing on the menu is their street quesadilla. If you order takeout be sure to ask for extra chips and salsa. My kids always beg for more and I bet yours will be the same! Keep in mind that your to-go order will be ready super quick, in only about 10 minutes.
Eat Up In & Around New Philadelphia
With so many great things to do in the area, we’re certain you’ll have a great vacation to the New Philadelphia area already but what will really take it to the next level is the mouth-watering food that awaits.
While New Philadelphia is home to the classic chains like Applebee’s, Texas Roadhouse, and Bob Evans, we urge you to break away from routine and try something new that you can only get while in New Philadelphia.
