Nestled in the small town of New Riegel, Ohio, the New Riegel Cafe has established itself as a culinary landmark renowned for its barbecued ribs and chicken. With a history dating back to 1953, this family-owned and operated restaurant has become a cherished destination for both locals and visitors alike, keen to experience its signature dishes. The cafe prides itself on maintaining a rustic charm and a menu that epitomizes home-style cooking, with meals that are as comforting as they are delicious.
The enticing aroma of barbecue that wafts through the streets of New Riegel can be attributed to the New Riegel Cafe, situated on Perry Street. The Cafe’s reputation for mouthwatering ribs and succulent chicken is not unfounded, as generations of diners can attest to the consistency and quality of its offerings. The establishment’s endurance over the years is a testament to its commitment to tradition and its unparalleled ability to cater to the tastes of its patrons.
Visitors to the New Riegel Cafe can anticipate a dining experience that is both unpretentious and satisfying, with a focus on well-prepared, straightforward fare. The menu showcases a variety of options, including the famed barbecue dinners accompanied by classic sides like French fries. The welcoming atmosphere, combined with the dependable quality of the food, ensures that the Cafe remains a beloved eatery for those seeking a taste of true American barbecue.
Table of Contents
History and Background
The New Riegel Café is a landmark institution with deep roots in its small town community. It stands as a testament to the enduring values of family business and tradition in New Riegel, Ohio.
Origin of New Riegel Café
New Riegel Café was established in 1953, marking the beginning of its journey as a family-operated restaurant. Founded by W.J. “Pete” Boes, it quickly became famous for BBQ chicken and ribs, a specialty that remains popular to this date. The café’s reputation for delicious, homestyle cooking has been carefully maintained over the past 69 years, making it a beloved destination.
The Community of New Riegel
New Riegel, Ohio, embodies the quintessential small town atmosphere, deeply valuing its local businesses and tight-knit community. Within this setting, the New Riegel Café functions as a social hub, attracting residents and visitors alike. The café reflects the community’s spirit, with a history of local patronage and support driving its success. Through decades, the cafe has not only served food but also played a part in forming the social tapestry of New Riegel.
Location and Hours
New Riegel Cafe is situated in a prime location for local dining, offering a range of operating hours to suit various schedules, with considerations for accessibility and parking.
Accessibility and Parking
The café is conveniently located on 14 N Perry St, New Riegel, OH 44853, which is easily accessible from nearby areas including Findlay, OH. They provide ample parking for guests, ensuring that visitors have easy access to the establishment without the hassle of finding a spot.
Operating Days and Hours
Operating Days: The café welcomes diners seven days a week, with consistent opening times throughout the week and extended hours on weekends.
| Day | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon | 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM |
| Tue | 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM |
| Wed | 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM |
| Thu | 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM |
| Fri | 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Sat | 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Sun | 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM |
For the latest updates on their operating hours, it is advisable to check the New Riegel Café’s official website or their Yelp page for any changes or special hours.
Menu and Specialties
The New Riegel Cafe offers a focused menu, renowned for its barbequed ribs and complemented by a selection of side dishes and desserts. Customers can expect a harmonious blend of traditional flavors and hearty portions.
Famous Ribs Selection
- Ribs: Heaped with a rich, house-made barbecue sauce, the ribs at New Riegel Cafe have built a reputation for their tenderness and flavor. Patrons can choose from several rib platter sizes, ensuring satisfaction for both modest and robust appetites.
- Chicken: BBQ chicken, a perfect companion to ribs on the menu, is prepared with the same attention to detail and flavorful sauce that keeps guests returning.
Side Dishes and Extras
- French Fries: Hand-cut and fried to golden perfection, these fries are a staple side that pairs well with any main course.
- Salad: A variety of salads are available, offering a fresh, crisp contrast to the savory main dishes.
- Extras: For those who crave more flavor, extra sauce and dressings are available to add an additional zing to your meal. Garlic lovers will appreciate the roasted garlic dressing, adding a robust taste to salads and meats alike.
Beverages and Desserts
- Beverages: The Cafe serves a selection of beverages to cleanse the palate including soft drinks, tea, and coffee.
- Desserts: For a sweet finale, the dessert offerings range from classic pies to other seasonal treats, ensuring a perfect end to the meal.
The offerings at New Riegel Cafe highlight the establishment’s dedicated approach to traditional American BBQ and the importance they place on customer satisfaction through their variety of dish options.
Dining Experience
New Riegel Cafe offers a distinct dining experience characterized by its homely atmosphere and commendable service. Patrons can expect a well-maintained space complemented by convenient amenities.
Atmosphere and Service
The atmosphere at New Riegel Cafe is often described as cozy and welcoming, with a simple yet inviting decor that sets the tone for a relaxed meal. As noted on Yelp, this eatery operates from 4:30 PM on weekdays, extending its hours slightly later on weekends to accommodate the dinner crowd. The service receives positive mentions, with staff members providing attentive and efficient service, ensuring guests feel taken care of during their lunch or dinner visits.
Cleanliness and Amenities
As reflected in reviews, cleanliness is a high priority at New Riegel Cafe. The dining area and other facilities are kept tidy, creating a pleasant environment for guests. Additionally, the cafe is mentioned for its sufficient amenities, which include a noted gift shop where diners can browse a selection of items, enhancing the overall dining experience. The Facebook page for the cafe showcases community engagement and highlights what guests can look forward to when visiting.
Customer Insights
The New Riegel Café’s long-standing reputation is reflected in its patrons’ feedback, which predominantly highlights its BBQ offerings and amiable atmosphere.
Reviews and Recommendations
Customers consistently rave about the BBQ chicken and ribs at New Riegel Café, which have become the restaurant’s staples. In their reviews on Yelp, diners frequently mention the perfectly seasoned and cooked meats as highlights of their dining experience. Many recommend the ribs, stating they are some of the best ribs they’ve ever tasted.
- Menu Review Highlights:
- “The BBQ chicken is a must-try, cooked to perfection every time.”
- “Ribs were fall-off-the-bone tender and packed with flavor.”
Tips and Must-Tries
When it comes to general tips, first-time visitors should prepare for potentially long waits during peak hours, given the café’s popularity. Regulars suggest arriving early or visiting during off-peak times to avoid the rush. As for must-tries, the consensus among recommended reviews from TripAdvisor is that one should not leave without sampling the signature BBQ ribs and chicken, which are cited as menu essentials.
- General Tips:
- Plan ahead for wait times.
- Early evenings or weekday visits may offer a more relaxed experience.
Policies and Payments
New Riegel Café prides itself on keeping transactions straightforward and customer-friendly. The establishment values traditional methods of payment to maintain a simple and efficient process for their guests.
Accepted Payment Methods
- Cash: They enthusiastically accept cash payments, providing an immediate and hassle-free transaction for their services.
- Checks: Personal checks are welcomed, reflecting trust and convenience for customers who prefer this payment method.
It is important to note that New Riegel Café is primarily a cash-only establishment, emphasizing ease and speed of service. Guests planning to dine at the café should come prepared with the appropriate payment method to ensure a seamless experience.
Community Engagement
The New Riegel Café has established a strong bond with the local community by actively participating in events and hosting activities that resonate with the residents.
Local Events and Activities
The café boasts a dedicated following on social media, as evidenced by their engaged Facebook community, reflecting its role as a local hub for social gatherings. Through these platforms, they announce various local events and activities, inviting Yelp users and local patrons to join in. Reviews on Yelp frequently mention the inviting atmosphere and the communal experience they enjoy during these events, showcasing the café’s commitment to fostering a sense of togetherness.
Unique Offerings
The New Riegel Café stands out for its handcrafted sauces and exclusive local dishes that have patrons returning time and again.
Signature Sauces and Flavors
BBQ Sauce: A cornerstone of their menu is the homemade BBQ sauce, which bathes their famous barbequed ribs and chicken, providing a unique and delicious sauce flavor that is both rich and tangy.
Exclusive Dishes
- Mini Buttered Bread: Each meal is complemented with their signature mini buttered bread, adding an extra touch of comfort to the dining experience.
- Bologna: Notably, the Café offers a distinctive interpretation of bologna, a beloved local specialty that is consistently celebrated by the community and visitors alike.
Final Thoughts
In traversing the culinary landscape of New Riegel, Ohio, one establishment stands as a beacon of home-style cooking and tradition: the New Riegel Cafe. This section distills the essence of the diner’s visit to this long-standing eatery.
Summary of the New Riegel Cafe Experience
Location and Accessibility: Nestled conveniently between Findlay and Tiffin, New Riegel Cafe benefits from its strategic location, offering a comfortable stopover for travelers and a cherished eatery for locals.
Affordability: With a menu that emphasizes value, diners can enjoy hearty portions of barbecue at prices that are gentle on the wallet, underlining the cafe’s commitment to offering an affordable dining experience.
Atmosphere: The cafe’s ambiance reflects its storied history, dating back to 1953, providing a no-frills, welcoming environment that focuses on the quality of food and service.
Community Standing: Transitioning ownership after 69 years, the New Riegel Cafe upholds its repute as a fixture in the community, continuously attracting patrons who are in pursuit of traditional barbecue flavors—one can get insights about this from the cafe’s Facebook presence.
Culinary Offerings: Renowned for its signature BBQ chicken and ribs, the cafe serves up a consistently satisfying feast that has earned positive reviews, reflecting the establishment’s culinary prowess.
By considering these facets of the New Riegel Cafe experience, the diner emerges with an understanding of the eatery’s enduring appeal in Ohio’s dining scene.