After a recent conversation with my husband, I’ve decided to amend my extensive Ohio Bucket list to include 13 restaurants I’ve never eaten at before. I’m often asked for recommendations of places to eat in our hometown, and ashamedly, I can offer very little beyond my favorite pizza place or the typical chain restaurants. My husband and I have made a pact to visit a new restaurant in our town every couple weeks, so next time someone asks, I’ll be prepared to give them a tried-and-true recommendation of the best places to eat in Mansfield, Ohio.
I couldn’t think of a better place to begin than Mansfield’s oldest restaurant, Coney Island Diner, located on the historic Main Street in the heart of the Carrousel District. The simple, nostalgic downtown eatery is famous for its Coney’s and Pea Salad.
I’m not a fan of hot dogs, so while my husband and son ate hot dogs with onions, mustard, and a special Coney sauce, my daughter and I opted for fried delicacies like golden fries, steaming fried mushrooms and delicious cheese sticks dipped in Ranch dressing.
If it hadn’t been so cold outside, we’d have opted for a Root Beer Float made with premium Hershey’s ice cream. We’ll stop back in the summer for that special treat.
This downtown diner has been serving customers since 1936, closing briefly as it underwent renovations in 2012 to repair extensive damage caused by a water sprinkler break.
You’ll find good food, good service, and good prices at this hometown diner decorated with memorabilia from the area. My teens can’t wait to go back. If you find yourself in Mansfield and are looking for an unusual place to eat, you should stop in at the Coney Island Diner.
Who wants a Coney?
Location:
98 North Main Street
Mansfield, Ohio 44902
Phone: 419-526-2669
Website: www.coneyislanddiner.net/
Hours of Operation:
Monday through Saturday 6:30AM to 7:00PM
Closed on Sunday
Mansfield Area Attractions:
The Richland Carrousel
The Historic Ohio State Reformatory
Biblewalk
Kingwood Center
The Blockhouse in South Park
Oak Hill Cottage
Mansfield Memorial Museum
Gorman Nature Center
Fowler Woods State Park
Malabar Farm State Park
Little Buckeye Children’s Museum
David Carr
Monday 29th of August 2022
Mansfield has many great restaurants. Coney Island by the carrousel is a legend! Try Hudson & Essex sometime for upscale dining. DLX for amazing Asian dishes and cocktails. Athen Greek restaurant is always highly rated. Uncle John’s on the square has great burgers and fries but definitely try their fish and chips. MVP just down the road has some old throw back Italian dishes that are amazing! And if you like wings, you need to try VFW Post 9943 on Monday nights! 6-8pm! Amazing! Open to the public!
Susan
Friday 29th of July 2022
You will have to check out Skyway East sometime. It's delicious and perfect for a date night.
Tonya Prater
Monday 8th of August 2022
I've wanted to go to Skyway East for years and still haven't made it! I'll have to make a point of checking it out soon. Thanks for sharing!
sARA
Tuesday 19th of May 2015
Awesome! My son goes to college in Ashland, and we are always looking for local spots for meals when we visit. Have you tried Lyn-Way in Ashland?? We LOVE it! It is delicious for breakfast, lunch or dinner! I would highly recommend it if you are looking for Mom & Pop places! Definitely save room for dessert - they are "famous" for their pies! Also, an unusual place to eat in Ashland is The Mill Restaurant...it's inside the grocery store, Buehler's. Another two thumbs up spot for us!
Tonya
Tuesday 19th of May 2015
I love Lyn-Way! Do you know, Restaurant.com has gift certificates available for Lyn-Way. I didn't have room for pie on my last visit so I'm planning a return visit. :) I've not heard of The Mill Restaurant. I'll have to check that one out. Thanks for the tip!
Michele {Malaysian Meanders}
Monday 25th of February 2013
Looks delicious and a place my family would love if we were in the area. We're doing an International Food Fair here at our Malaysian school, and I'm in charge of rounding up people to make chili dogs -- the quintessential American food.
Tonya
Tuesday 26th of February 2013
That's so funny and you're exactly right- you can't think of American food and not think of hot dogs!
InsideJourneys
Saturday 23rd of February 2013
Oh, I was sure this was going to be about Coney Island, NY! Those hot dogs look so delicious, I could eat one now.