Yesterday, a group of us went to the Golden Lamb Inn and Restaurant in Lebanon, Ohio. It was a bit of a road trip, but well worth it. The hotel began in 1803 (the year Ohio became a state) and the current building dates to 1815. Numerous famous people have visited the Golden Lamb throughout its history. The list of notables includes twelve presidents (from J.Q. Adams to G.W. Bush), numerous government officials (Henry Clay, Cordell Hull, Daniel Webster), and literary giants (Charles Dickens, Mark Twain, Harriet Beecher Stowe).

When we walked in the building, it was like entering the past. Everything seemed very cramped, but cozy. It all also seemed very old, from the furniture, to the wallpaper, to the wall hangings. The waitresses were even grandmotherly types. The food was very old fashioned. We ordered a family style meal of turkey and dressing with mashed potatoes. All of the food tasted great. I commented several times how I was tasting the food, not the salt. The appetizer was a warm cole slaw served with an apple cider vinegar based dressing. It was unlike any thing I’ve ever tasted (in a good way). We ended with their special “shaker” sugar pie. Once again, it was incredible.
Overall, it was a great experience. As a student of history, it was more of an experience than a meal. Sure the food was great, but it was being in that place that made it truly special. I was dining where some of the great men and women of American history had dined. I was sitting where nearly two hundred years ago others just like me, but long gone, sat. If you are ever in the Cincinnati area and want a unique dining experience, I highly recommend eating at the Golden Lamb.
Photos (Golden Lamb building, Henry Clay Dining Room, Warren G. Harding hotel room) below by Carmel Bennett