The Wooden Shoe Inn (Minster, OH)

Spaetzle and Schnitzel and Polenta, Oh My!

I’ve logged many miles and followed countless questionable GPS routes for the sake of the Positively Delicious food blog journey only to discover my latest addition within walking distance of my backyard. Even though their grand opening only dates back to June 16th of 2020, THE WOODEN SHOE INN operates as efficiently as restaurants twenty times their age. 

The Wooden Shoe Inn offers an impressive menu of mouth-watering food choices, even if you have food allergy limitations. Their menu pays homage to Minster’s German Heritage with SAUERKRAUT BALLS and PARMESAN HERB SPAETZLE while also displaying the owner’s culinary chops and staying power with high-end offerings like a CHARCUTERIE BOARD, AHI POWER BOWL, DUNKEL BOURBON GLAZED SALMON, and an extensive liquor selection. When your eyes notice their TENDERLOIN PIZZA, CLASSIC WOODEN SHOE FRIED CHICKEN, and a PEARL SUGAR WAFFLE dessert on the menu, it’s easy to see that The Wooden Shoe Inn walks the line of traditional favorites, upscale selections, and unique culinary treats beautifully.  

As humble as it may sound, their BUILD YOUR OWN BURGER is one I’d put against any other restaurant’s burger. With options that include four burger buns, six proteins, six kinds of cheese, thirteen toppings, and seven sauces, including food allergy-sensitive options, this is a place for the ultimate burger enthusiasts.

The Wooden Shoe Inn’s culinary-rich menu includes a partnership with Tiffany Bergman, from Minster, and freshly baked bread from Wagners IGA. My guest and I sampled FRENCH SILK WITH CARAMEL DRIZZLE CHEESECAKE and to say it is heavenly is a massive understatement. Not only did The Wooden Shoe Inn make a phenomenal decision to partner with others, but they’re also showing their ability to notice, respect, and support their fellow culinary artists in their community.

As I sat among the stunning sliding barn doors, nostalgic and festive decor, and impressive menu options, I was taken aback by the spacious inside. Of all the places I’ve visited, The Wooden Shoe Inn is undoubtedly one of the most generous with the amount of space between their tables, which lends itself to patrons feeling free to talk, laugh, and stay. The Wooden Shoe Inn is a place to make memories. On my one visit alone, I witnessed a table-for-one, an extended family of adults and children, and a group of four couples on a date night. 

While wining and dining, a dressed-to-impress staff create a positive experience for you. Would you like your GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE with the icing on the side? Would you like your TENDERLOIN PIZZA breaded or grilled? Our waitress, Justice, went out of her way to make sure we understood all our food options. When you visit The Wooden Shoe Inn, there is a tangible feeling that you’ll leave the restaurant not only satisfied but also with an unshakable desire to return.

The Wooden Shoe Inn as an establishment isn’t new, having been a Minster landmark since 1933. But if you haven’t visited The Wooden Shoe Inn since June 2020, under their new management and direction, then you truly haven’t experienced what I did during my visit. 

I’m incredibly proud to live near such a fine culinary establishment, and if I can be even the smallest of voices throwing love and support their way, I’m honored and grateful to do just that. If you live near Minster, don’t spend so much time searching for tastebud sensations that you miss an incredible restaurant right in front of you, and if Minster isn’t in your backyard, place The Wooden Shoe Inn on the top of your “Worth the Drive” culinary bucket list.

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The following photos are courtesy of The Wooden Shoe Inn’s Facebook page:

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