a newspaper man adjusts his pen

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Coshocton's corner cafe

By Michael Jones
TWAB Guest Blogger

COSHOCTON, Ohio – Nestled inside a century-old building across the street from this quaint farming town’s county courthouse is one of the best-kept secrets in Ohio. The food is fabulous, but it is the unique decorations that adorn the restaurant walls that keep your eyes wandering and easily jumpstart conversations.

On a business trip to tour the largest American flag production factory in the United States, three members of the Observer-Reporter stopped for a bite at the Courtsquare Café and commented more on the restaurants appearance than the food. And that’s not at all a poor indictment on the food. I gobbled down the Rueben with a side of long potato chips, while a co-worker ordered a ham-and-cheese sandwich wedged inside a soft pretzel. Each dish was arranged on top of a decorative London newspaper page covering the plate.

The Courtsquare opened in 2004 after the owner spent nearly $1 million to renovate this beautiful building on East Main Street, which sat vacant for 70 years. How a prime location like this remained unused for so long is surprising, especially with its close proximity to the Coshocton County Courthouse. Business wasn’t booming around noon, but a steady stream of businessmen came in while we waited for our food.

Over one booth hangs a 94-year-old invoice from the local glassmaker that announces a discount on an order of amber-colored bottles. Across the room are various railroad memorabilia that proudly display the area’s rail heritage.

But the most interesting item is an ornate bar that houses the cash register. Our waitress told us the bar was custom-made in England and cost more than she would like to admit. The restaurant also serves beers at cheap prices from the handcrafted bar. If only we weren’t still on company time and didn’t have to drive 120 miles home, maybe we could have poured a couple drafts.

6 comments:

Scott said...

I like the looks of that sandwich. The bar is kind of small and in a weird place with the piano and table and all.

MJ said...

They tucked the bar in the back of the restaurant, which wasn't that big anyway. Probably could fit only one bartender, but that's all you really needed for the place. Very unique artwork.

Anonymous said...

Back in 2005, it used to have a framed piece of toast that people said looked like it had the face of Michael Jackson on it.

MJ said...

I'm sure they've taken that toast down for a french toast replica of LeBron James.

MJ said...

That toast is probably going for BIG MONEY nowadays.

www.thebreadlineblog.blogspot.com

Ernest Moretti said...

oh! Lovely sandwiches…This will definitely satisfy even a great food in this earth… The bar is awesome with an elegant look. I think the coshocton corner cafe great. Thanks for the wonderful entry.