Road Trippin' : Food Edition

In this edition of Road Trippin’, we’re exploring some of the top food experiences in Butler County!

No matter what kind of food you're in the mood for, or what time of the day it is, our restaurants offer a wide range of delicious options to please any palette. Planning a road trip to the BC and need food recommendations? Or maybe, your road trip is all about the food... Either way, here are some top recommendations for breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout our county. 

1. Fairfield Foodies

Breakfast at Lisa's Kitchen — A classic style cafe where you can find all of your favorite breakfast meals. Eggs, pancakes, fruit, sausage, bacon... and can't forget the coffee! Breakfast is served all day so stop in anytime you are craving a hearty omelette or a fluffy stack of pancakes.

Lunch at Berd's Grill & Bar — Enjoy delicious, comfort, and game time favorites such as boneless hot wings, homemade pizza, grilled cheese with bacon, and freshly made burgers while spending time with friends or family in their inviting space! Thirsty? Grab a seat at the bar and enjoy a pint from their wonderful selection of beer.

Dinner at Hot 'N Spicy — A wonderful fusion of Indian, Nepalese, & Chinese cuisine with so many flavorful options. Start off with the potatoes pakoras or the chicken samosas and you won't be disappointed. Another fan favorite? The Chicken Tikka Masala. All the portions are large enough to share allowing you to try multiple dishes from the menu, and come at amazing prices. 

Road Trip Tip: Any food adventure would not be complete without a visit to Jungle Jim's International Market in Fairfield... it really is the ultimate foodie experience. Browse through this massive store with over 180,000 items from 70 countries. Along the way you'll see singing robotic characters and theatrical decor. Not to mention the Kombucha Bar, new Bourbon Bar, and their Cooking School all make for additional fun foodie activities. 

2. Hamilton Foodies

Breakfast at Smoochies Boba & Crepes — Grab a delicious bubble tea and specialty breakfast crepe from Smoochies! This vibrant and fun shops offers a wide variety of boba and fruit teas, as well as both sweet and savory crepe options... perfect way to start the day.

Lunch at Neal's Famous BBQ — One of the best BBQs around town. Stop in for some great southern BBQ classics like ribs, brisket, and wings. Add on your favorite sides of collard greens, mac and cheese, cornbread, coleslaw, baked beans, or all of the above. Last but not least, Neal's famous barbecue sauces are the backbone to a ton of his incredible dishes— and you can take a bottle home with you too! 

Dinner at Tano Bistro — This contemporary style bistro highlights fresh ingredients with a menu that changes with each season. Family owned and operated, Tano's meals are not only appetizing but also prepared with flair (meaning they are always 100% Insta worthy). Don't miss your opportunity for an amazing dinner and a special craft cocktail too. 

Road Trip Tip: Looking for things to do in Hamilton in between meals? The public art scene is amazing! Be sure to walk around the city to experience the multiple sculptures, StreetSpark Murals, Art Strauss Gallery, monuments, Rotary Park, and more. 

3. Liberty Township Foodies

Breakfast at Northstar Cafe — A popular spot in the Liberty Center, this cafe is focused on healthy food, welcoming spaces and sharing the love! Every dish is made with fresh, quality ingredients— they choose locally grown, organic, and artisan produced foods not only to protect the environment but also to support local producers. The menu is packed with great choices... but we definitely think the cloud nine pancakes should make an appearance on your table. 

Lunch at Agave & Rye — One word... Epic. Agave & Rye in the Liberty Center is known for their epic tacos, drinks and eclectic style! You can see the amount of detail that goes into every menu item. These tacos are unlike any other... try The Rooster, The Mac Daddy, The Bomb, or maybe one of each to be safe. 

Dinner at Cozy's Cafe & Pub — Welcome to next level farm to table dining. Whether you sit in one of the farmhouse dining rooms, the industrial-design style pub, or outdoor by the fire, you'll love the atmosphere at Cozy's. The menu utilizes the best in farm-to-table cooking, paired with a specially chosen wine list, a deep selection of craft beers, and classic cocktails with their own unique spin. Try their fresh catch, Start with their gourmet Charcuterie Board before trying their Fresh Catch, Pistachio Crusted Salmon, or the Pan Seared Lamb Chops. 

Road Trip Tip: Burn off all the calories in preparation for your next food experience by getting your shop on at the Liberty Center! With over 100 popular stores, a park, model train display, and other attractions, it's a great way to make a well-rounded trip. 

4. Middletown Foodies

Breakfast at Central Pastry Shop — One of the stops on our famous Donut Trail, this bakery has it all. Central Pastry Shop has been serving customers in Middletown since the 1940's! Grab a donut, pastry or try their specialty baked bread. Pro-Tip: If you're visiting from January to mid April, the prized Paczki is a must. Only offered for a limited time each year, Central Pastry's authentic Polish Paczki pastries are one of their most coveted menu items. 

Lunch at The Jug — Classic American burgers and root beer from back in the day is still part of the present. What used to be a Summer stop is now open year-round. Juicy Jug burgers, onion rings, chili cheese fries, coney dogs and of course... root beer floats! Old school style and a fun, laid back environment makes for the perfect lunch stop. 

Dinner at The Swire Inn — Relax at the end of the day with a casual pub-style dinner at The Swire Inn. From mouthwatering pot roast to hearty flatbreads, there is something for everyone. Here you can also find both British & Irish classics like bangers & mash, fish & chips, and shepherd's pie. They also have an entire vegetarian menu to accommodate everyone in your group. 

Road Trip Tip: Middletown is full of activities whether you'll be hanging out with the kids or thrill-seeking for a new adventure. Try out the Pendleton Art Center for a ton of whimsical art at JellyDoodles, or test out your wild side at Start Skydiving.  

5. Oxford Foodies

Breakfast at Patterson's Cafe — A perfect fusion of American food & Irish spirit, Patterson's Cafe has a wide selection of some great breakfast food. Choose from over 15 types of pancake flavors, 13 omelettes, and much more. Their extensive menu is packed full of flavor, including vegetarian, heart-healthy and gluten free alternatives. 

Lunch at Bagel & Deli — One of Oxford's most iconic locations, Bagel & Deli has been serving great bagels and sandwiches since 1975. With its massive menu, it might take a minute to make a decision. If you're a bit too indecisive for the 90+ options, give it up to destiny and order The Lottery and see what the expert bagel makers decide to create for you. 

Dinner at Steinkeller's — Foodie experiences need at least one German bier hall! With classic German dishes such as brats, schnitzels, and goulash, to their very own take on burgers, sandwiches, and steak... everyone is bound to find something to rave about. Along with a huge draft beer selection, ending your day at Steinkeller's is always a good choice. 

Road Trip Tip: Oxford is a town full of charm and unique adventures. We recommend booking a time on your trip to go horse backing riding at Nation Road Horse Rental for a great escape outside. They offer a few different trails for a guided horse ride only 3 miles out from the center of Oxford. They're also located near Hueston Woods State Park, which is a great place to get out and active after all of your food adventures.  

6. Trenton Foodies

Breakfast at Martin's Donuts — Another stop along the Donut Trail, try a variety of Martin's donuts, fritters, and bread baked fresh everyday. Add some coffee or milk for a complete breakfast! The cherry turnovers, Oreo donuts, and cheesecake donuts are some of their fan-favorites.  

Lunch at Barn-N-Bunk — This friendly farm market is a staple in the Trenton community... a fun experience and lunch stop all in one! Head over for homegrown fresh produce, Amish baked goods, cheeses, jellies, locally made honey, an ice cream parlor and more. Sit inside or out while you snack, or walk around to admire their artisan crafts for sale. 

Dinner at Neighbors Sports Grille — Find comfort at this American grille with everyone's favorites. You can't go wrong with great burgers, beer, wings and sandwiches. Comfort food accompanied by a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere. The garlic burger with a side order of tots is always a delicious option... but definitely start with an order of wings, or the chicken nachos! 

Road Trip Tip: While in Trenton you can tour the Chrisholm Historic Farmstead and explore the beautiful park that surrounds it. Built in 1874, this farmhouse was the home of the leading family of the Amish-Mennonite settlement that existed in the early 19th Century and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A field of sunflowers grows in the fall and events are hosted year round. 

7. West Chester Foodies

Breakfast at Holtman's Donuts — Beautiful looking donuts and freshly brewed coffee is always the right way to start off the day. Holtman's Donuts is a local favorite, and another stop on the Donut Trail. This shop has been family owned and operated since 1960 and is known for their innovative donut creations. Try one of their cereal donuts or the fabulous doughssant. 

Lunch at Aladdin's Eatery — Aladdin's is your stop for some fantastic Lebanese cuisine. The menu is full of appetizers, salads, main dishes and desserts that will blow you away. You have to start your visit with an order of freshly made hummus and pita bread! The Spicy Cauliflower is another favorite; lightly fried cauliflower florets topped with Tahini Yogurt dressing and Hot Sauce, sprinkled with special seasoning and parsley. ⁣⁣

Dinner at Jag's Steak & Seafood — It says it all in the name... here at Jag's you'll experience some mouthwatering steak and seafood meals. This fine dining restaurant is super popular for special occasions or date nights— they were even voted as a Top 100 romantic restaurant! Their chef, Michelle Brown, is always developing an innovative menu. End your day with a beautiful meal while relaxing at the region's most popular piano bar and lounge. 

Road Trip Tip: The National Voice of America Museum is an educational and completely unique experience here in West Chester and a great road-trip activity for just about all ages. First operational in 1944, the Voice of America Bethany Station once housed advanced radio communication technology known to the world, allowing for the broadcast news and entertainment to countries around the world.

We know... that's a LOT of good food. Who's ready to road trip?