Pilot Inn

I stopped in to check out this establishment after being invited out from my Twitter account. It is a nice little quaint place and for me a throwback to days of the past. I ended up grabbing some lunch and a beer on my visit. The burger wasn’t bad and I went back in time to have a Little Kings beer. Now, I am usually a craft beer guy which they did have a few, but the price point was higher than it should be. $ 5 for a can of craft beer is pushing it a little for a place that really is just a neighborhood tavern. But if you like domestic beers then this may be a place for you as they offer $ 1.75 longnecks I believe as their special. There also was a pool table in the back if you like to play a little billiards.

Great bar, good vibe, has pool table, 1.75 domestics and $ 3 mixed drinks– they r stiff. Haven’t eaten the food yet, but people seemed to be enjoying it.

Amazing food amazing service. This local dive offers awesome bar food and huge portions for the price. The service is always so friendly and nice. Not a huge fan of their breaded wings, but everything else is money.

Went to The Pilot for the zillionth time today. This place is a true ‘hidden treasure’! Sure– from the outside façade — it looks like just another dive bar. Maybe sketchy even to some. But I’ve always been told «not to judge a book by the cover».
Once you park in the spaces next to the bar & make that walk thru the front door, you will be greeted by Sharon, the loveliest of bartenders & Craig, the hardworking owner /​cook. Order a beverage of your choice — I personally love the domestic $ 1.75 bottle beers — then review their food Daily Specials. I must admit I don’t know who truly makes everything (Craig or his wife or maybe somebody else) but I can say this… The specials are DARN GOOD plus enough to keep you full the rest of the day.
Not in the mood for the Special. No problem. Try something from the small but certainly sufficient menu like a huge Cheese Burger or a Grilled Chicken Sandwich. They also have options like a Philly Cheese Steak and I think The Pilot which is similar to your hoagie. You can’t go wrong with a side bowl or Chili or the Soup of the Day.
While you order is prepared by Craig, just enjoy yourself by ‘shooting the crap’ with others at the bar. You will be amazed who you might discover there enjoying the ambiance & hardy meal. The two TVs are always going & you’ll be hard pressed not to discuss something on there.
There are several tables if that is your preference. I prefer the bar which has a good dozen stools. There even is a ‘back room’ that supplies a pool table or two. Might have darts there too!
So. this might not be the place to take granny after church on Sunday (unless she likes a stiff drink) but TRUST ME it sure is a nice friendly spot to hang out for a couple hours during your busy day.
Thanks Craig for not selling out. Will return soon looking for your friendly greeting /​handshake and a darn good meal.
ps — the rest rooms might not be like they are at The Ritz Carlton so beware of that. LOL But I can assure you this… they do the basic functions that are needed — no more /​no less

Cool dive bar

I love the Pilot Inn! It’s the best little dive bar around! So if you want a drink at a place where you aren’t going to have to fight with a billion other customers to get a drink, then this is the place. They have a pool table in the back too for anyone who wants to play. The kitchen was closed when we went in, but they do have food, and there were chips/​candy on sale at the bar if you need a snack.

The Pilot Inn! I finally found you!
Last night after a Unilocal elite event a bunch of us wondered over here. From the outside the Pilot Inn doesn’t look like much, but this is a great neighborhood tavern. The bartender was very friendly and who knew they have been open since 1937?!
They have a great happy hour from 3−7pm daily and they also serve food, but only during the day. I think she said they are our a night cook for right now. They have an insane amount of candy bars on the wall, and there is a nice choice of chips and popcorn as well.
The drinks are cheap, and the people are friendly this is a great stop on a neighborhood dive crawl.

This used to be one of my favorite bars to visit in the Fall/​Winter but it’s not nearly as good since the bartender, Tom, isn’t working there anymore.

By the numbers:
10,111 — Gnomes it took to apply the wood paneling to the walls of the Pilot.
149 — Wood sprites trapped between the T&G walls of the men’s restroom.
10 — Dollar minimum when using a credit card on your tab.
7 — Bottles of Tobasco Bloody Mary Mix under the counter.
0 — An obscure type of candy bar on sale at the Pilot Inn that coincidentally puts it one step closer to being a convenience store.

This is a must visit during a college football afternoon. Though a small and dark establishment, the number of above average attractive recent osu grads seemed almost impossible to comprehend, but there they were. I recommend this bar for a fall Saturday funday, though have no perspective on how it would be on a normal night. But with $ 2.50 beers and order in food, how could you go wrong?

The Pilot Inn is one of a kind. Some might call it an acquired taste, but once acquired, you are hooked easily.
The prices are very good and drinks are fairly strong. The furniture is lawn furniture and there is not a clean bathroom to use, but that’s all part of the experience.
It’s the kind of bar you go with a few friends to chill with.