MVR
410 N Walnut St, Youngstown, OH 44505
Cuisine: Italian
Price Range: $11 – $60
If you go, try: fish dinner (specifically Tuscan whitefish), chicken parmesan, Cajun pasta and salad, Jimmy’s Potatoes, or Megan’s Spinach Ravioli.
The food and the atmosphere are great at this local family owned eatery. They provide a variety of menu options and superior speedy service. The large portions are big enough to share. There is no children’s menu, but you may order half-portions or side dish portions. The outdoor bocce courts help to provide entertainment in good weather.
C Staples Bar-B-Q Restaurant
320 Belmont Ave, Youngstown, OH 44502
Cuisine: Barbecue
Price Range: $0 – $25
If you go, try: BBQ ribs, chicken strips, BBQ chicken, greens, French fries, or pulled pork
Staples is a local BBQ tradition that continues to be passed through the generations. The food is hot and excellent. The staff is very courteous and accommodating. The casual ambience is lively but homey. Charlie Staples himself still does most of the cooking, and often stops to personally greet his guests. Many things are available in either a mild or hot variety. Most menu items are homemade.
Nicolinni’s Restaurante
1912 S Raccoon Rd, Youngstown, OH 44515
1247 Boardman-Poland Road, Youngstown, OH 44512
Cuisine: Italian
Price Range: $11 – $60
If you go, try: Chicken Marcela, Tiramisu dessert, Applejack Chicken, Seafood Linguini, Chicken Parmesan, or Manicotti.
Both locations offer a delicious dining experience. Many items are made fresh, which contributes to the wait time. They only offer a house dressing for salads that has onions in it. Also they bring the bread out with an olive oil dip. This is disturbing to those who are not accustomed to true Italian food and expect rolls with butter and iceberg lettuce with ranch dressing. The atmosphere is quiet and romantic. The Boardman-Poland Road location offers great food with a great atmosphere. The service is often a little slow, but it’s worth the wait. The S Raccoon Road location is in need of a remodel. It often feels like it could use a good scrubbing from ceiling to floor.
Red Lobster Restaurant
http://www.redlobster.com/
1410 Boardman Poland Rd, Youngstown, OH 44514
Cuisine: Seafood
Price Range: $0 – $25
If you go, try: King crab legs, fajita soup, shrimp scampi, salad, scallops, baked potatoes, pasta, coconut shrimp, or fried seafood platter
A delicious place to eat. The food is always hot, unless it’s meant to be served cold. The seating is comfortable with a friendly and fast staff. Even when they are busy, the staff is very polite. They are especially busy on Saturdays and parking can be an issue. The restaurant is clean with a pleasant atmosphere.
Royal Oaks Bar & Grill
924 Oak St, Youngstown, OH 44506
Cuisine: Bar & Grille
Price Range: $0 – $25
If you go, try: wings, burgers, fries, jalapeno poppers, drinks, ribs, or sandwiches
The food here is excellent. The servers are attractive and friendly. The atmosphere wonderfully reminds you of an old-fashioned beer garden. It’s a great place for homemade food like wings and BBQ. If you plan to order ribs, call ahead to make sure they will be available. Its not the most appealing restaurant to the eye, but the food is great, and the kitchen is clean. It’s not in the best neighborhood, but it’s an old area where you don’t often see other people.
Tokyo House Restaurant
1907 South Ave, Youngstown, OH 44502
Cuisine: Japanese
Price Range: $0 – $25
If you go, try: shrimp, chicken and rice, scallops, teriyaki chicken with vegetables and rice, salad, Japanese soup, shrimp flambé, sukiyaki steak and shrimp, fried rice, grilled vegetables.
This is a reasonably priced family owned restaurant. The owner provides colorful entertainment while he cooks your meal. The portions are large, including the kids’ meals. There is often a long wait for a table. The owner is the only one who cooks the food, adding to the wait times. This truly is a small family run establishment, and it shows in the atmosphere, but the food never disappoints.
Applebee’s Restaurant Neighborhood Grill and Bar
http://www.applebees.com/
6691 South Avenue, Youngstown, OH 44512
Cuisine: Bar & Grille
Price Range: $0 – $25
If you go, try: chicken salad, spaghetti, chicken entrees, appetizers, orange chicken bowl, chicken sandwich, mozzarella sticks, iced tea, cheddar jack macaroni ‘n cheese, or tomato basil soup.
The location is very convenient. You get a large quantity of good food for a reasonable price, especially with the lunch combos. The atmosphere is relaxing. It’s a large restaurant so seating is prompt even on Friday nights. The food occasionally is overcooked or undercooked. When this happens, management is willing to replace the food. The staff is very friendly. Accidents do happen though, the delivery of an incorrect meal leads to prompt apologies and removal from the bill.
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
http://www.crackerbarrel.com/
5600 Interstate Blvd, Youngstown, OH 44515
Cuisine: Traditional American
Price Range: $11 – $25
If you go, try: country vegetable plate, hash brown casserole, carrots, macaroni and cheese, corn muffins, fried okra, turnip greens, meatloaf, grilled catfish, dumplings, green beans, pancakes, grits, eggs, grilled apples, biscuits, grilled chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, fried apples, iced tea, or pie.
The food here is delightful with a down-home feel. The gift shop allows for some wandering looking at reasonably priced and unique items. The service is very friendly and accommodating. The atmosphere is clean and cozy. This is a great place to bring a family or a date. However, during busy times, it can be very loud. The location near the highway makes it a popular stop for travelers. It’s also a popular breakfast location.
Salsitas
5495 Clarkins Dr, Youngstown, OH 44515
Cuisine: Mexican
Price Range: $0 – $10
If you go, try: margaritas, burritos, tacos, chips and salsa, chorri queso, steak fajita quesadilla, or chimi cheesecake.
This is the best place in town for margaritas. The service is great – attentive and quick. The food is excellent and prepared consistently.
Station Square Restaurant
4250 Belmont Ave, Youngstown, OH 44505
Cuisine: Italian
Price Range: $11 – $25
If you go, try: strip steak, calamari, beer, eggs, sausage, toast, pancakes, coffee, blackened filet, gnarly head merlot, peppers in oil, charred filet, or vegetables.
A place for good service, food, atmosphere and an overall good experience. A fantastic alternative to chain restaurants.
