Ask anyone around Plain City and they will tell you the same thing: dinner plans often end at Der Dutchman.
That homestyle meatloaf draws regulars from miles away, with gravy that tastes like Sunday at grandma’s.
Prices stay friendly, portions feel generous, and the bakery sends you home happy.
If comfort on a plate sounds right, keep reading and plan your visit before they close at 8 PM.
The Legendary Meatloaf Dinner
Ask around the dining room and you will hear the same tip: the meatloaf is the move. Thick slices arrive under glossy brown gravy, with mashed potatoes and a buttered roll that soaks everything perfectly. It feels like a weeknight victory and a Sunday tradition at once.
Order it early on busy nights, because those pans go fast. Add green beans or noodles if gravy is your thing. You will understand why folks drive from Marysville and Hilliard just for this plate.
Breakfast Buffet Strategies
Show up hungry and pace yourself. The biscuits with sausage gravy deserve a first pass, followed by eggs and a cinnamon roll that doubles as dessert. Coffee refills keep coming, and the staff is on it with quick service and friendly smiles.
Weekdays usually mean shorter waits, so plan accordingly. If lines form, browse the gift shop to pass time. Keep portions modest and circle back for favorites rather than piling high at once.
Fried Chicken That Wins Lunch
Crunchy, juicy, and simply seasoned, the fried chicken nails that just-right balance. Order a two or three piece and you will still wish you had one more. Sides like noodles or coleslaw complete the plate without stealing the spotlight.
Some days drumsticks run small, but flavor rarely misses. If you catch buffet service, grab a wing and a thigh to compare crisp levels. It pairs nicely with a slice of pie you promised you would save for later.
Smart Timing and Wait Hacks
Peak dinner hours can stack up, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. Aim for early evening or a weekday lunch to slide right in. If a waitlist appears, the bakery and gift shop make time pass quickly.
Closing is 8 PM, so do not push your luck near the end. Phone ahead for current wait times and seasonal specials. Parking is ample, but big crowds can fill it fast during community events or holiday weekends.
Bakery Must-Grabs Before You Leave
That donut you eyed on arrival will call your name again at checkout. Go big with maple or chocolate, then add a pie for later. Cookies, sweet rolls, and breads travel well if you are heading home or back to a hotel.
Lines move quickly but can snake during the rush. If skipped accidentally, speak up kindly and staff will fix it. A box of mixed goodies turns the car ride into pure reward.
Portions, Prices, and Value
Expect comfort classics priced in the $10-20 range, which feels fair for the portions. Meatloaf, fried chicken, and country sides land heavy enough to share or stretch into leftovers. Buffet value depends on appetite, but a strategic plate or two works well.
Service is warm and steady, with refills that arrive before you ask. Regulars praise the consistency, even if a side occasionally underwhelms. You leave full without wallet regret.
Navigating the Menu Beyond Meatloaf
Roast beef sets a mellow, savory tone, while chicken pot pie brings flaky comfort. Noodles over mashed potatoes are pure Ohio nostalgia. Ham has that juicy bite, and yes, liver and onions has devoted fans at nearby tables.
Ask about daily specials and soups for a lighter start. Portions allow mixing sides to tailor the plate. If indecisive, the sampler platters make a friendly introduction without committing to just one favorite.
Plan Your Visit: Hours and Essentials
Find Der Dutchman at 445 Jefferson Ave, Plain City, Ohio. Doors open 7 AM to 8 PM Monday through Saturday, closed Sunday. Call +1 614-873-3414 for current specials, buffet status, and group seating.
Website details menus, bakery highlights, and seasonal notes.
Parking is easy, and the dining room fits families, travelers, and big appetites. Arrive with time to linger, because dessert decisions can take longer than you think.