If you told me one of the most unique restaurants near Columbus was inside a 1902 gravity-powered clocktower… I would have assumed you were describing a Hallmark movie plot.
But no. It’s real. And it’s not nearly as cringy (sorry, Hallmark).
The Clocktower Kitchen + Bar in Plain City, Ohio is what happens when historic architecture meets elevated American comfort food and actually pulls it off.
If you’re searching for a historic restaurant in Plain City or a truly unique restaurant near Columbus, this spot deserves your attention.
Let’s get into it.
A Real 1902 Clocktower… Not Just a Cute Name
First things first. This is not decorative branding.
Plain City’s clocktower was built in 1902 by the Seth Thomas Clock Company, the same company behind the iconic clock at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. It’s gravity-powered, not electric, and has only been removed for repairs twice in over a century.
So yes… you are literally dining inside a working piece of history.
That alone makes it one of the most unique restaurants in Central Ohio.
The Restaurant Concept: Elevated, But Not Stiff
The Clocktower Kitchen + Bar was created by co-founders Benjamyn Greig and Shane Whitacre, who bring strong hospitality and event backgrounds into the space.
Their focus?
- Refined American classics
- Farm-sourced ingredients
- Service with that classic midwest charm
It feels thoughtful and special without feeling like you have to whisper or that you’re being judged. You know the feeling we’re talking about…
You can come for a date night. A celebration. Or just because you’re tired of the same places you rotate between.
A Quick Nod to “Uncle Sammy”
The original clocktower exists because of a local resident named Samuel Taylor, known as “Uncle Sammy,” who donated a town clock in the early 1900s so the community would always have a reliable way to tell time.
It quickly became a symbol of growth and unity for Plain City.
Now it anchors a restaurant that brings people together in a different way… over food and drinks instead of bell chimes.
Full circle. We love that.
Why The Clocktower Kitchen + Bar Stands Out
There are plenty of good restaurants near Columbus.
There are very few where you can say “We had dinner inside a 1902 gravity-powered clocktower.”
The setting is eye-catching. The design is cool. The food respects tradition but elevates it. And the whole experience feels rooted in community instead of trend-chasing.
If you’re looking for a standout restaurant in Plain City, Ohio, The Clocktower Kitchen + Bar absolutely delivers.
And yes… eating under a 122-year-old clock feels so badass.
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