where to eat in Circleville Ohio – Pickaway County Visitors Bureau

December 26 2025

Watt Street Tavern in Circleville, Ohio: A Local Favorite Worth the Visit

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If you are searching for a place to eat in Circleville, Ohio that locals genuinely love, Watt Street Tavern should be high on your list.

Since opening in 2015, Watt Street Tavern has earned its reputation as a go-to restaurant for good food, friendly service, and a welcoming atmosphere. It is the kind of place people recommend because they actually go there themselves.

Comfort Food with an Elevated Touch

Watt Street Tavern’s menu strikes a balance between familiar and thoughtfully prepared. Guests will find burgers, pizza, pasta, salads, subs, and a kids menu, along with rotating weekly specials that keep regulars coming back.

Prime rib is a longtime favorite and one of the most talked-about specials in the community. Combined with weekday happy hour specials, the menu works just as well for a casual weeknight dinner as it does for meeting friends after work.

Chef Rodney Fisher has been part of Watt Street Tavern for years and brings both consistency and care to the kitchen. Locally known for his commitment to quality and community, he helps turn everyday dishes into meals people look forward to.

Craft Beer, Cocktails, and Seasonal Favorites

Watt Street Tavern offers a strong craft beer selection along with cocktails and seasonal drinks. During the Circleville Pumpkin Show, the restaurant becomes a popular stop for both locals and visitors.

Pumpkin martinis have become a Pumpkin Show tradition for many guests and are a fun way to take a break from the busy downtown atmosphere while still being part of the celebration.

Patio Dining and Entertainment Without the Noise

During the summer months, the outdoor patio is a favorite feature and a great place to enjoy dinner or drinks. Watt Street Tavern also offers seasonal live music and karaoke, but it remains a restaurant first.

This is a place where you can still have a conversation, enjoy your meal, and settle in for the evening rather than feeling rushed out.

A Great Choice for Parties and Group Events

Watt Street Tavern is also known for its private party room, located in the back of the restaurant. It is a popular option for:

Bridal and baby showers
Work events and meetings
Birthday celebrations
Large group dinners

The space feels relaxed and welcoming, making it ideal for both special occasions and casual gatherings.

Friendly Staff and a Strong Community Connection

One of the reasons people return to Watt Street Tavern is the staff. Guests often mention the kind service and the familiar faces that make the restaurant feel comfortable and welcoming.

Whenever possible, Watt Street Tavern also gives back to the Circleville community, supporting local efforts and staying connected to the people who support them.

Easy to Find and Easy to Enjoy

Watt Street Tavern is located at 115 Watt Street in Circleville and offers street parking along with a nearby parking lot. The restaurant is handicap accessible and family friendly, with kids always welcome.

Whether you are planning a bridal shower, watching an Ohio State football game, or simply deciding where to eat tonight, Watt Street Tavern fits a wide range of occasions.

Why People Keep Coming Back

Watt Street Tavern is not just another restaurant in Circleville. It is a place where people gather, relax, and feel at home. With quality food, welcoming service, and a strong connection to the community, it continues to be a favorite for locals and visitors alike.

If you are looking for a reliable, welcoming place to eat in Circleville, Watt Street Tavern is worth the visit.

Watt Street Tavern

A solid craft beer selection and friendly service are part of what makes Watt Street Tavern a go-to restaurant and bar in downtown Circleville.

Yes, the pizza is that good. From classic favorites to shareable meals, Watt Street Tavern serves up comfort food locals keep coming back for in Circleville.

Meet Chef Rodney Fisher. A familiar face in the kitchen at Watt Street Tavern, known for bringing care, consistency, and community pride to every plate in Circleville.

Craft cocktails with a little flair at Watt Street Tavern. From seasonal favorites to creative pours, it’s a great spot to enjoy a drink in downtown Circleville.

December 9 2025

A Circleville Tradition: Inside the Story of Goodwin’s Family Restaurant

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For more than 45 years, Goodwin’s Family Restaurant has been a gathering place for locals, visitors, and generations of families in Circleville. As one of the few remaining classic family restaurants in Pickaway County, Goodwin’s continues to offer the warmth, comfort, and consistency that make small-town dining so special.

Whether you’re craving all-day breakfast, a homestyle dinner, or a hot cup of coffee, Goodwin’s is a go-to stop for anyone exploring Circleville.

A Local Favorite Since 1979

Goodwin’s first opened in 1979 under founder Art Goodwin. Lori Pontious — now the owner — was there on opening day. She worked as a waitress in the early years, moved away for a short time, and returned in 1986 to step into a management role. In 2019, she officially took ownership of the restaurant.

Owning the business wasn’t something she planned for, but it became an easy “yes” when she considered the staff, the customers, and the legacy of Goodwin’s.

“People who’d been here for years didn’t know what would happen if I didn’t do it,” Lori shared. “I’m not sad that I did — it all turned out good.”

Her steady leadership carried Goodwin’s through major challenges, including navigating pandemic shutdowns and transitioning to takeout service until indoor dining resumed.

What to Expect When You Visit Goodwin’s

Goodwin’s is known for familiar comfort food, quick service, and a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere. Generations of families return again and again, often choosing the same dishes they grew up enjoying.

Customer Favorites

All-day breakfast, especially the well-loved Western omelet
Country fried steak with gravy
Hand-breaded chicken tenders
Roasted and fried chicken dinners
Homemade desserts, including their signature cream puffs

The restaurant employs around 25–30 staff members, making it an important contributor to local jobs and the broader tourism economy in Pickaway County.

A Community Gathering Place

Goodwin’s draws a wide mix of customers — long-time regulars, large family groups on weekends, and visitors looking for authentic local dining in Circleville. Many guests have been coming for decades, bringing their children and grandchildren to carry on the tradition.

One detail that speaks to the steady flow of guests: Goodwin’s brews an impressive amount of coffee each week (almost 1800 cups per week!). Their team is constantly on the move pouring refills for guests who enjoy settling in for conversation and a warm meal.

Lori says the reason people return again and again is simple:

“People want the experience. They know what they’re going to get. We’re consistent.”

Fresh Updates, Familiar Feel

While the restaurant remains rooted in tradition, it continues to evolve. Goodwin’s has refreshed its interior with new paint, and new booths are arriving at the start of the year, giving the space an updated feel without losing its classic character.

How to Visit Goodwin’s

Goodwin’s offers dine-in service, carryout, and a convenient pickup window behind the building.

Hours

Tuesday–Sunday: 7:00 AM–8:00 PM
Monday: Closed
Breakfast served all day

Goodwin’s does not partner with delivery services — most customers prefer the friendly, familiar in-person experience that has defined the restaurant for more than 40 years.

Explore More Local Dining in Pickaway County

Goodwin’s is one of many beloved eateries that make Circleville and Pickaway County a welcoming destination. From family restaurants to cozy cafés and seasonal favorites, there’s always something delicious to discover.

Plan your visit and explore more dining options at Pickaway.com.