During a wonderful weekend stay in Warren County, we dined at one of the most iconic restaurants: The Golden Lamb in downtown Lebanon.

Golden Lamb has the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating business in Ohio! It was first started as a small public house in 1803, before the brick hotel and stagecoach stop was built in 1816. Over the following decades, the third and fourth floors were added to create the beautiful structure that has been a familiar place for diners and travelers for years.

The decor recalls the history of the building, with some original pieces still in place. There is a bench in the front room (pictured left here). Since the business has changed hands, the contracts say it must not move and it never has! Stagecoach drivers slept there when they stopped at the hotel. There’s also an old gramophone that hasn’t budged and a pair of pistols that — according to the story — were left behind by a Union and Confederate officer who met there during the Civil War. They promised to return as friends after the war, but the pistols remained unclaimed and still hung out front.

Golden Lamb’s dining rooms fill most of the lower floor and feature modern elements that still fit well with the historic building.

The Black Horse Tavern is situated at the back of the space and offers a modern pub experience. It has open seating and does not accept reservations.

The restaurant has a full bar with cocktails, wine, beer and non-alcoholic options.

We tried several cocktails, like this one Old Fashioned Honey Mead with mead, Four Roses bourbon, orange bitters and local honey syrup, and JB’s Gin Buck with The Botanist gin, ginger beer and fresh lemon juice.

It’s hard to argue with a basket of cottage cheese and part of the ranch! They were very well done – crispy and gooey without being too heavy.

The Cheese and crackers the spread has a nice selection of cheeses, peppadew peppers, pecans, fruit, honeycomb and other bites.

Glory to creamy smoked salmon dip as well!

They are also known for their side of rolls served with apple butter and plain butter. We had a few mentions of them before we visited!

In addition to salads, soups, burgers and sandwiches, their signature entrees run the gamut of comfort foods, from shepherd’s pie to roast turkey dinners, seared scallops to braised short ribs, New York steaks to rack of lamb.

That’s it couscous, mushrooms and vegetables.” Served hot on a plate, with a bottom layer of pearl couscous topped with mushrooms, roasted garlic, green beans, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach and goat cheese cream, with a buttery crumbled biscuit and some roasted chicken. It’s hearty and delicious.

But The Golden Lamb’s most famous dish is theirs Ohio Fried Chicken Dinner. I knew long before we arrived that I was going to order it. I chose the half chicken; comes with seasonal vegetables, a scoop of mashed potatoes and gravy.

When a place stakes its reputation on a dish, the pressure is on to deliver. And I will say it: The Golden Lamb delivers. This is exactly what you want from fried chicken: deliciously tender and juicy meat, crispy and well-seasoned breading. I devoured the plate and could have eaten more.

After you finish savoring your fried chicken, you can walk around the three floors of the building. It’s a working hotel, so guest rooms will be off limits, but it’s also part living museum.

You will observe various event spaces on the upper floors. And the decor alludes to the history of the building and its many famous visitors, including a collection of American presidents through the ages.

A display case includes a variety of toys, sculptures and other lamb accents.

And some of the rooms are enclosed like little museums, with stories about past residents. And yes, the hotel is supposed to be haunted.

The Golden Lamb is open Monday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 8:00 p.m. Dinner reservations recommended!

Golden Lamb Restaurant and Hotel
27 S. Broadway St.
Lebanon, Ohio 45036
(513) 932-5065
Website: goldenlamb.com
FB: The Golden Lamb
IG: @thegoldenlamb