Which One of These Two Warren Ohio Restaurants Makes the Best Chicken?
The mission was to share my thoughts about two established Warren restaurants who both claim to have the best chicken in the area. Having taking the Barberton chicken challenge, I figured how hard could this be? So I gassed up the car, loaded the cooler, grabbed my EZ-turnpike pass and headed east.
Stop #1:
Buena Vista Café
Established in 1956, the Buena Vista Café’ in Warren Ohio has built quite a following of loyal customers. You would never expect to find delicious Italian; Greek and American dishes being served under a ceiling that looks like a football field. But expect it.
Let’s talk chicken.
So the famous chicken story goes like this. Nick, the original owner, way back when went to a food show and acquired a state-of-the-art pressure cooker that would make chicken. After finally perfecting his technique, he added it to the menu and I quote the restaurant’s website; “IF THE COLONEL HAD OUR RECIPE HE’D BE A GENERAL”.
The famous Uncle Nick’s Greek Fried Chicken
I am not sure what magic marinade Nick finally settled on, but the chicken was very flavorful and cooked to perfection. With a side a slaw and Jo Jo’s it was a win, win. Pro tip: If you want to spice your chicken up, ask for a side of their signature “Daddy’s Sauce”.
Menu items sampled:
4-piece Chicken Dinner w/ Texas Potatoes & Slaw
BV Briar Hill Pizza – I also sampled a slice of one of their pizzas. The sauce was savory.
1305 Buena Vista Avenue NE, Warren, OH 44483
(330) 372-4493 | buenavista-cafe.com
Things to know before you go:
Closed Sunday and Monday
Make sure you ask for any specials.
Credit cards are accepted.
Parking is available on-site.
The Buena Vista Cafe’ is one of the stops on the Trumbull County Italian Food Trail.
Stop #2
SUNRISE INN OF WARREN
This hometown favorite restaurant established during the prohibition was Warren’s first pizza shop. Originally established in 1929, the restaurant later expanded its menu to include their famous old-world style pizzas. Today, not only do they serve their famous chicken. their pizza menu has been expanded to include a spaghetti and meatball, as well as a lasagna deep dish.
Let’s talk chicken.
But I wasn’t there to rate the pizza. It was there to sample their famous garlic chicken that tends to give the competition a run for its money. After a few bites in, the garlic flavor came through. I am not quite sure what the secret method is to making their chicken, but all you really need to know is that it is that good.
If chicken is not your thing, the restaurant menu also includes burgers, steaks, pasta, seafood, salads, and sandwiches. Basically, something for everyone. The day of my visit I also sampled one of their special angus burgers. Tasty. And who doesn’t like fresh-cut fries and a side of sandwich pickles?
Calling all bread lovers!
Did we mention they make their bread in-house and that you can purchase a loaf or two to go? In fact, the cost I paid for a loaf of their bread was less than what I paid for Italian bread at the grocery store.
Menu items sampled:
Sunrise Inn Garlic Chicken
River Rock at the Amp Burger and fries
House bread with slathered butter.
510 E. Market St., Warren, OH 44481
(330) 392.5176 | sunriseinnofwarren.com
Things to know before you go:
Open every day but certain holidays.
Make sure you ask for any specials.
Credit cards are accepted.
Parking is available on-site around back or on the street out front.
THE VOTE IS IN.
After much deliberation, they both win. I really could not pick just one. They both had a wonderful taste and each sampled piece of chicken had a special something-something. Looks like you will have to take a road trip and try them both yourself.
Both restaurants are also listed on the Trumbull County Italian Food Trail.
SEIZE THE DAY!
For those who love architecture and history, take time and drive down Mahoning Ave., aka MILLIONAIRE’S ROW.
Pictured: Warren City Hall now resides in the former Perkins Mansion. (circa 1871)
Other notable area stops include:
ERNIE HALL AVIATION MUSEUM
4033 N. River Rd., Warren, OH 44484
erniehallaviationmuseum.org
“World’s Biggest Drumsticks”
DAVE GROHL ALLEY
(Dedicated to the Foo Fighters Frontman)
Downtown Warren, Main St. SW
MEDICI MUSEUM OF ART
9350 East Market Street, Warren, Ohio 44484
330.856-2120 | medicimuseum.art
NATIONAL PACKARD MUSEUM
1899 Mahoning Ave., NW, Warren, OH 44483
330.394.7796 | packardmuseum.org
More nearby adventures.
Article and photos, unless noted by: MyOhioFun.com
Diane is the owner and editor of MyOhioFun.com. She is an avid baker, gardener, Little Free Library owner, who loves to read and travel. She spends most of her days sharing her love of things to do in Ohio, as well as creating destinations and itineraries for group tours and individual travelers.
***Disclosure: My Ohio Fun received compensation from banner advertising. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***
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