This blog post is written in partnership with Ohio. Find It Here. and Nutcracker Family Restaurant. All pictures and opinions are my own unless noted otherwise.
Located in Pataskala, Ohio, the Nutcracker Family Restaurant is a ’50s style diner and the perfect place for breakfast, lunch or dinner and the ideal spot to fuel up before apple picking at Lynd Fruit Farm just down the street. When it first opened, it served as the local ice cream parlor in downtown Pataskala, but when they moved to their current location on Broad Street, they turned it into much more.
Read more about their story here
On the outside, you’re met with a simple white building with labels on the windows that give you a hint to what you’ll find inside. But, its unassuming and doesn’t truly give you an inclination of the gem you’re about to walk into.
The first thing you’ll notice when you walk in is the decor, followed by friendly faces behind the counter and the delicious smell of diner classics such as burgers, fries, onion rings, meatloaf, shakes and more.
The decor is nostalgia at all angles, stepping you right back into time. The food is comforting and delicious, but the inviting 50s retro red leather booths, bar stools, bright colors, and nostalgic memorabilia are all part of the experience, too. Oh, and you can’t forget the jukebox where you can play your favorite classic hits.
Soon you’ll notice something unique all around. Nutcrackers. Nutcrackers of all types are everywhere you turn – tall ones and short ones, traditional and creative, and nutcrackers dressed like Santa, snowmen, chefs, firefighters, and even Brutus Buckeye. Each time we visit, the girls are in constant awe of each one as they look high and low, searching for their new favorite.
Two things you must start out with: Grilled Cinnamon Roll and a hand-dipped Vanilla Milkshake
The hand-dipped milkshakes are big enough to split, but you might not want to – they’re that good. The same goes with the cinnamon rolls. Grilled & drizzled with warm icing, this cinnamon roll feels like a warm hug in every bite.
Once you’ve ordered those two items, it’s time to check out the rest of the menu. You’ll find a house-made meatloaf stack and open-faced beef, pulled pork grilled cheese and patty melts, plus other comfort classics such as macaroni and cheese and applesauce made with apples from Lynd Fruit Farm. Breakfast is served all day, and yummy dinner specials that change daily.
Do you have a go-to order when you visit a diner? I do. I always order the BLT. There is just something about the simple combination of crispy, salty bacon, juicy tomatoes, creamy mayonnaise, and fresh lettuce on toasted bread that creates sandwich perfection. With that being said and as simple as it seems, it can be messed up! Rest assured, they get it right! Make sure you add the fried egg.
Speaking of sandwiches, feast your eyes on this – a pulled pork grilled cheese. Yep, that’s a whole lot of porky, cheesy goodness going on between those two slices of bread. And it is delicious. A sandwich full of house rubbed pulled pork in between Swiss & cheddar cheese on grilled thick sliced sourdough.
If you’re looking for more of a dinner, they have just that. Stephen’s favorite is the Meatloaf Stack – the ultimate comfort food. House-made meatloaf on top of mashed potatoes & thick sourdough bread all smothered in brown gravy served in a skillet. You’re going to want to get your fork and knife out for this one.
Check out all of their dinners here. All Dinners include your choice of 2 sides and you might want to start looking at the list now because they’ve got quite a few options. Apple Sauce Amish made with Lynd’s Apples, Deep-fried Corn on the Cob, Fried Redskin Potatoes and sliced tomatoes to name a few.
Kids 10 years old and under have a special menu with both breakfast and lunch/dinner options. In typical toddler fashion, the girls always choose the chicken tenders, but I can’t blame them. Hand-breaded and deep-fried to a golden brown. Obviously, with a side of fries, too.
Next up? Dessert, of course.
From house-made pies to hand-dipped ice cream to light & airy cream puffs topped with chocolate sauce & powdered sugar, make sure you save room for dessert. Our favorite is Nancy’s Snicker Cookie Pie. Snicker cookie pie topped with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream drizzled with chocolate & caramel syrup, then sprinkled with chopped Snickers.
Fun Fact: In 2016, General Mills awarded Nancy’s chocolate Snickers candy bar cookie pie top prize.
After you’ve enjoyed your delicious meal and excellent service, you might think that’s it – but not quite. As you make your way out, you’ll stumble upon what started it all – a candy shop. From your familiar favorites to the candies your parents grew up with, you’ll be pleasantly surprised with all that you’ll find.
Make sure you grab a homemade slice of cherry pie, a cream puff, or a chocolate-covered pretzel for later.
While you’re trying to convince yourself not to take home every piece of pie, chocolate treat and candy bars – your kids can take a .50 ride on the pony – a wonderful way to end your visit.
The Nutcracker is a wonderful destination for the entire family. The place where you can create new memories or relive the old ones, enjoy a piece of your favorite pie or find a new one to love, or maybe listen to a classic on the jukebox while you enjoy a cup of coffee. No matter the reason for your visit, I bet it’s going to be a great one.
Read their announcement regarding COVID-19 and what they’re doing here.
Nutcracker Family Restaurant
Address: 63 E. Broad Street, Pataskala, OH 43062
Hours: Sunday’s 7:00am – 2:00pm, Monday’s Closed, Tuesday-Saturday 7:00am – 8:00pm
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