Bender's Tavern

Bender's Tavern stands as Canton's oldest continuously operating restaurant, a living piece of culinary history that has been serving exceptional food in its original location since 1902. Housed in a magnificent Victorian building in downtown Canton, Bender's combines timeless ambiance with classic American cuisine, creating a dining experience that has delighted generations of patrons for over a century.

Why It's Special

What makes Bender's Tavern extraordinary is its unwavering commitment to tradition, quality, and authenticity. From the moment you step through its doors, you're transported to another era. The restaurant preserves its historic character with ornate tin ceilings, original mosaic tile floors, mahogany woodwork, and antique bar that have remained largely unchanged since the early 1900s. This isn't a reproduction or recreation—it's the genuine article, a restaurant that has witnessed over 120 years of Canton's history while maintaining its dedication to culinary excellence.

Bender's is celebrated for its fresh seafood program, which has operated under the same principle since 1902: seafood is delivered fresh, never frozen, multiple times per week from the East Coast. This commitment to quality extends to their entire menu, which features classic American dishes prepared with traditional methods and contemporary skill. The restaurant also boasts one of Ohio's most impressive wine cellars, housing rare vintages and exceptional selections that complement their timeless cuisine.

The Cuisine

Signature Dishes

• Fresh Oysters: Shucked to order and served with traditional accompaniments
• Lobster Bisque: Rich, creamy soup made with fresh lobster, a house specialty for decades
• Dover Sole: Prepared tableside when available, deboned and served with lemon butter
• Prime Rib: Slow-roasted and served with natural jus and horseradish cream
• Lake Erie Walleye: Fresh local fish prepared with brown butter and almonds

Menu Philosophy

The culinary approach at Bender's centers on:

• Classic American and Continental preparations with minimal trends or gimmicks
• Fresh ingredients sourced from quality purveyors, many relationships spanning decades
• Seafood delivered fresh from Boston and other East Coast ports 3-4 times weekly
• Traditional preparation methods that honor the restaurant's long heritage
• Consistency and excellence in execution rather than constant reinvention

Culinary Approach

• Tableside Service: Select dishes prepared at your table in traditional style
• House-Made: From dressings to desserts, items crafted in-house daily
• Aging Program: Steaks dry-aged for tenderness and flavor
• Seafood Focus: Never frozen seafood as a cornerstone of the menu
• Seasonal Specials: Highlighting the best available ingredients throughout the year

The Dining Experience

Historic Atmosphere

The restaurant retains its original historic elements:

• Original Bar: Magnificent mahogany bar dating to 1902
• Tin Ceilings: Ornate pressed tin ceilings from the Victorian era
• Mosaic Floors: Original tile work throughout the dining rooms
• Dark Woodwork: Rich paneling and details creating a warm ambiance
• Multiple Dining Rooms: Each with its own character and charm
• Wine Cellar: Historic underground cellar housing an exceptional collection

Traditional Service

Bender's is known for:

• Professional Staff: Many servers with decades of experience at the restaurant
• Formal Service Style: Attentive yet unobtrusive tableside attention
• Wine Expertise: Knowledgeable recommendations from the extensive list
• Relaxed Pacing: Meals meant to be savored, never rushed
• Special Occasion Focus: Staff skilled at making celebrations memorable

Wine Program

The award-winning wine program features:

• Historic Wine Cellar: Temperature-controlled underground space
• Vertical Collections: Multiple vintages of significant wines
• Rare Bottles: Hard-to-find selections for connoisseurs
• Approachable Options: Well-chosen selections at various price points
• Staff Knowledge: Guidance available for perfect food pairings

Signature Events and Offerings

Private Dining

• Private Rooms: Several options accommodating groups of various sizes
• The Cellar: Unique dining space in the historic wine cellar for intimate gatherings
• Banquet Facilities: Larger spaces for corporate events or celebrations
• Custom Menus: Tailored offerings for special events
• Historic Setting: Unmatched atmosphere for memorable occasions

Special Events

• Wine Dinners: Special multi-course events paired with featured wineries
• Holiday Traditions: Special menus for major holidays
• Anniversary Celebrations: Annual events marking the restaurant's founding
• Visiting Chef Collaborations: Occasional special events with guest chefs
• Seasonal Tasting Menus: Limited-time offerings highlighting seasonal ingredients

When to Visit

Best Times

• Lunch Service: Business crowd and downtown visitors, slightly more casual
• Early Dinner: More relaxed pace, ideal for pre-theater dining
• Weekend Evenings: Lively, elegant atmosphere with full service offerings
• Special Occasions: The restaurant's specialty, with attentive service for celebrations
• Holiday Meals: Traditional celebrations with special menus

Recommendations

• Reservations essential for dinner service, especially weekends
• Business lunch service popular among downtown professionals
• Consider private dining rooms for special celebrations
• Call ahead for seasonal specialties or fresh seafood availability
• Allow time to enjoy the full experience without rushing

Good to Know

• Parking: Valet service available during dinner hours
• Private Events: Several rooms available for different group sizes
• Gift Cards: Available for purchase on-site or by phone
• Accessibility: Historic building with accommodations for mobility needs
• History: Ask staff about the restaurant's fascinating stories and heritage

Nearby Attractions

While downtown, consider visiting:

• National First Ladies' Library (5-minute walk)
• Canton Palace Theatre (3-minute walk)
• Canton Arts District (5-minute walk)
• McKinley Presidential Library & Museum (short drive)
• Pro Football Hall of Fame (short drive)

Getting There

Bender's Tavern is conveniently located in downtown Canton on Court Avenue SW, just off Market Avenue. The restaurant is within walking distance of many downtown attractions, government buildings, and business offices. Street parking is available, and the restaurant offers valet service during dinner hours. For those using GPS, look for the historic brick building with awnings at the corner of Court Avenue and 2nd Street SW.

Restaurant History

Founded by Frank Bender in 1902, the restaurant began as an oyster house and saloon catering to Canton's business community. The establishment survived Prohibition by converting to a soda fountain and restaurant, returning to full service once alcohol sales became legal again. Throughout its history, ownership changed only a few times, with each successive proprietor maintaining the restaurant's traditions and standards.

The current owners, the Jacob family, have preserved the historic character while ensuring the restaurant remains a vibrant part of Canton's dining scene. Many of the restaurant's recipes have remained virtually unchanged for decades, including the famous lobster bisque and certain desserts that have delighted multiple generations of diners.

Throughout its history, Bender's has hosted countless celebrations, business deals, and historic moments in Canton's development. The restaurant proudly displays historic photographs and memorabilia, connecting today's dining experience with over a century of local history.