By Kevin Williams
Finding a Plain-owned (Amish or Mennonite) eatery is rare. Yes, there are Amish-themed restaurants like Essenhaus and the Der Dutchman brand, but actual Amish-owned restaurants? They exist, but they are hard to find. In tiny Bainbridge, Ohio, you have the Old Order Mennonite-owned Country Crust Bakery which makes amazing pastries and baked goods. Then you have Martin's General Store across the street, they are a Mennonite-owned bulk food and furniture emporium, but they also have a deli where you can get Mennonite-made, homemade sandwiches.
But there is yet another Old Order Mennonite dining option in the area. Tucked away in a store called Crafts Unlimited, 2544 State Route 41 S; Bainbridge, Ohio 45612, is an a place called Dutch Kitchen. It's definitely not a place you'd expect to find a restaurant. Now, I will say that I've never eaten there. Not for lack of trying. The last time I made it there it was just after 2 p.m. and the kitchen was closed. Bummer. But here is their menu. I think they are open for breakfast and lunch.
The menu: very simple, the hours are limited.
If you are a looking for a varied menu, you won't find it at the Dutch Kitchen. See the above menu: just a few basic items.
One of our readers, Rose, went there at my recommendation in the spring and wasn't blown away by the food. But, as you can see, it's a very basic menu. And the ambiance is authentic but...well, it depends on what you are looking for. There are just a few tables in the furniture store where you can sit and eat. But the meal, the surroundings, comprise a very authentic Old Order Mennonite experience.
It's a nice little restaurant - but tiny, you have to know it's there.
You'll find yourself eating surrounded by furniture, crafts, etc, it's a tiny restaurant within a larger store.
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