
Bob Evans
Description
If you’re traveling through Westerville, Ohio, and craving the kind of breakfast that tastes like it was made in a farmhouse kitchen, Bob Evans on North State Street is somewhere you’ll want to try at least once. This location has all the classic vibes the chain is known for—it actually all started in Ohio, and you can feel the roots the moment you walk in. The décor is homey without being kitschy, with cozy booths, vintage farm prints, and that pleasant hum of morning chatter. You’re just as likely to spot couples on a weekend date as you are to see families and solo diners reading the paper.
What makes Bob Evans stand out isn’t just its hearty, country-style meals (though, trust me, the sausage gravy is a breakfast rite of passage). The staff keeps things welcoming and moves at a pace that lets you actually enjoy your food. Their menu goes far beyond the much-loved bacon and eggs—think platters piled with made-from-scratch biscuits, steaming bowls of breakfast hash, thick-cut bacon, and a coffee pot that always seems warm and ready.
Whether you’re in for an early breakfast or looking to sit down for a simple, comfort-food dinner, the place feels approachable and genuine, never stuffy. Plus, you’ll find practical options if you’re on the go: curbside pickup, delivery, and quick takeout are all available (catering to both the traveler with time to linger and the one dashing off to the next stop).
Key Features
- All-day Breakfast: No need to rush—breakfast is served all day, including classics and regional specialties.
- Homestyle Comfort Food: The menu leans heavily on hearty staples like country-fried steak, chicken pot pie, and those signature biscuits and gravy.
- Great Coffee & Dessert: Regulars rave about the coffee, and the seasonal desserts (think cream pies and cobblers) are worth arriving hungry for.
- Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Spacious booths, high chairs, and a kids’ menu make bringing the whole crew easy.
- Accessibility: The restaurant provides wheelchair-accessible parking and seating, accommodating all guests comfortably.
- Wi-Fi and Restrooms: Free Wi-Fi and clean restrooms are available, which can be a blessing on long road trips.
- Flexible Ordering: Options include dine-in, takeout, curbside pickup, and delivery, fitting various travel needs.
- Ample Parking: A free parking lot and free street parking make arriving stress-free, even during peak times.
Best Time to Visit
Based on my experiences, the best time to drop by Bob Evans in Westerville really depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re hoping for a quiet, leisurely meal, weekday mornings usually mean less of a rush—around 8 to 10 AM, you’ll often find a gentle buzz rather than a full house. Lunch hour gets busier as locals take advantage of hearty midday specials (their turkey bacon bowl is surprisingly filling), while weekends draw more families, especially by mid-morning as the brunch crowd settles in.
If you’re after their famous breakfast but want to avoid the crowds, late mornings just before lunchtime on weekdays offer the best of both worlds. For dessert fans, I’d recommend visiting in the afternoon—by then, the latest pies and treats have usually been freshly stocked, and you can settle in for coffee and something sweet in a relaxed setting.
Evenings are more laid-back, ideal for those craving comfort food for dinner. The space keeps a calm, cozy energy thanks to its “country home” interior. No need to dress up—just come as you are and enjoy a generous, home-cooked-style meal.
How to Get There
Bob Evans in Westerville is located at 841 N State St, which is just off the main route through town. If you’re driving from Columbus, you can hop onto I-270 North, take the OH-3/Westerville Road exit, then follow State Street north for about two miles. Along the way, you’ll pass through a stretch of suburban shopping areas, but the restaurant itself sits a bit apart from the busiest shopping plazas—easy to spot thanks to its red barn-inspired signage.
For those relying on public transit, the local COTA bus lines have stops within a short walking distance of the restaurant. It’s convenient, especially if you’re exploring Westerville without a car. Cyclists appreciate the plentiful sidewalk space and the quiet side streets nearby, and if you’re on foot, North State Street is pedestrian-friendly, with traffic signals at major crossings.
The parking setup is a genuine perk—there’s a totally free parking lot with accessible spots right at the entrance, along with street parking out front. I’ve never had trouble finding a spot, even during the breakfast peak.
Tips for Visiting
- Try the signature breakfast dishes: The sausage gravy and buttermilk biscuits are quintessential Bob Evans—order them as a side or part of a breakfast bowl. Many regulars also swear by the bacon, which is never skimpy.
- Order ahead for takeout: If you’re short on time or traveling with a group, placing your order ahead makes pickup a breeze. Their curbside team is usually quick to bring your food out hot and fresh.
- Explore the seasonal menu: The menu has a few rotating specials year-round—pumpkin dishes in the fall, strawberry-inspired breakfasts in spring. Don’t be shy about asking what’s new when you visit.
- Good for solo travelers: Don’t hesitate to drop in even if you’re alone—the staff is attentive without hovering, and booths have a cozy, semi-private feel. Solo diners are common, especially during midweek mornings.
- Bring little ones: High chairs and a kids’ menu make life easy for families. Portions are generous, so one kid’s plate may feed two younger children if needed.
- Save room for dessert: The pies go quickly, especially the chocolate peanut butter and fruit cobblers. If you spot them on the menu, order right away—they don’t always last till closing.
- Use the Wi-Fi: If you need to catch up on emails or plan your next stop, Wi-Fi is free and reliable. I’ve even squeezed in a bit of remote work over brunch, undisturbed.
- All payment methods accepted: Credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments are all welcome, making things seamless when you’re splitting the bill or want to keep things cashless.
- Go beyond breakfast: While breakfast gets all the glory here, don’t overlook lunch or dinner specials—meatloaf, pot roast, or their chicken tenders have their own loyal fans.
- Wheelchair access is reliable: If accessibility is a priority, both the parking lot and interior layout work well for guests with mobility needs.
However you arrive—solo, with family, or just in need of a classic comfort meal after a long day—Bob Evans in Westerville always hits the spot. The combination of solid country cooking, a welcoming atmosphere, and practical amenities makes it an ideal pit stop for travelers. I always leave feeling fueled up and genuinely looked after, which is the kind of hospitality that brings me back time and again.