Review: Shaw’s Restaurant and Inn in Lancaster

Located about 45 minutes south-east of Columbus, Shaw’s Restaurant and Inn is one of the more remote Dine Originals restaurants, but they are definitely not to be overlooked. This fine dining establishment and hotel can be found in the historic Downtown area of Lancaster in a beautifully preserved building. We stopped in last Sunday en route between the Hocking Hills area and Columbus for a late afternoon brunch.

For starters we were greeted with a loaf of fresh sourdough bread as well as a plate of warm cinnamon rolls. Both were equally delicious.

We quickly learned that we had happened to stop in Shaw’s at the very beginning of “Lobster Fest” which runs from June 12 through July 9. That meant that a generous number of lobster dishes were to be found on their menu, and recipes are being changed up on weekly basis. We decided to order a bowl of the Lobster Bisque ($5.50) and the Lobster Corn Risotto Cakes ($12) to share for starters.

The cakes were topped with a tomato basil relish that was a nice fresh compliment to the rich flavor of the cakes. The whole dish felt very light, which made it perfect for a Sunday summer brunch offering. Anne thought the cakes were good but would have enjoyed a crispier coating.

The lobster bisque was quite a bit heavier, but was extremely flavorful and creamy. The soup was loaded with large lobster chunks in the bottom, and quite filling even for two to share.

For my entree, I ordered the Summer Tomato Eggs Benedict ($7.95) which was composed of two poached eggs on top of fresh tomato slices, crisp bacon, and soft English muffins. The whole thing was topped with a traditional hollandaise sauce. Again, another dish that fit the day perfectly. If I lived closer to Lancaster, I could easily see myself eating this menu item every Sunday afternoon.

Anne opted for a heavier dinner entree and picked out the Fresh New England Scallops ($21). They were sliced open into a sort of fanned-out cut and broiled with buttery breadcrumbs to add a slightly crisped crust. She said they were delicious. I almost had to take her word for it, but then she offered to share a bite with me. I agreed, very tasty.

Other Sunday Menu options included the Meat & Potatoes Skillet ($8.25) which includes prime rib, caramelized onions, poached eggs and Swiss cheese, Buttermilk Pancakes ($8.25) and Lobster Bouillabaisse ($25) served with mussels, shrimp, scallops, tomatoes and saffron broth.

We opted to skip dessert, as our choices had left us feeling quite full.

The atmosphere at Shaw’s is quite upscale, with a beautiful and classically-decorated interior and highly professional and courteous service, but we felt comfortable in more casual garb during our Sunday brunch outing. Their dinner menu also looks delicious, and this could be a great formal dinner option if you either find yourself in the Lancaster area for such an occasion, or don’t mind making the short drive from Columbus.

Shaw’s also overs a variety of events, cooking classes, outdoor live music next to their patio, wine tastings and more.

Shaw’s Restaurant & Inn is located at 123 North Broad Street in Lancaster Ohio. More information can be found online at www.shawsinn.com.