There are two primary historic establishments in the United States operating under the name Century Inn, each offering a distinct culinary legacy and a unique dining environment. One is situated in Scenery Hill, Pennsylvania, recognized for its refined upscale atmosphere dating back to 1794. The other is located in Cincinnati (Woodlawn), Ohio, functioning as a beloved community tavern and casual American eatery since 1806. Understanding the differences between these two menus is essential for diners seeking either a sophisticated multi-course meal or a hearty, comforting tavern experience.

The Dual Legacy of the Century Inn

The Century Inn in Scenery Hill, Pennsylvania, is a cornerstone of the National Road’s history. It caters to those looking for fine dining with a focus on traditional American luxury. The menu here changes seasonally, prioritizing local sourcing and elegant presentation. Common staples include high-end seafood and expertly grilled meats, making it a destination for anniversaries, historical tours, and formal gatherings.

In contrast, the Century Inn in Woodlawn, Ohio, serves as a quintessential American tavern. Its menu is extensive, affordable, and focused on "Old Time Favorites." This location is particularly famous for its southern fried chicken and casual handhelds. The atmosphere is family-friendly, featuring a beer garden, sand volleyball courts, and a robust catering service for large outdoor events.

Exploring the Cincinnati Century Inn Menu

The Cincinnati location offers a vast array of options ranging from quick bites to heavy dinner platters. The menu is structured to accommodate casual diners, families, and sports enthusiasts.

Appetizers and Shareable Starters

A successful meal at the Cincinnati Century Inn often begins with their signature shareable plates. The pricing is competitive, typically ranging from $6.00 to $10.00 for individual starters.

The Southwest Egg Rolls are a standout item and a frequent recommendation for first-time visitors. These are fried to a consistent golden brown and stuffed with a savory mixture of chicken, cheese, peppers, black beans, and corn. In our culinary evaluation, the contrast between the crispy shell and the creamy, spiced interior makes them a high-value choice at $9.99. They are paired with a chipotle ranch dipping sauce that provides a necessary smoky acidity.

For those preferring classic tavern fare, the Chicken Wings ($9.69) are jumbo-sized and available in several preparations, including mild, BBQ, teriyaki, or garlic hot sauce. The garlic hot sauce is particularly noteworthy for its balanced heat profile. Other popular starters include:

  • Buffalo Chicken Dip ($8.09): A rich, creamy blend of shredded chicken and spices, topped with bleu cheese crumbles and served with tortilla chips.
  • Bavarian Pretzels and Beer Cheese ($6.99): These soft pretzels are an authentic nod to the region's German heritage, served with a sharp cheddar and romano cheese blend.
  • Blackened Chicken Potato Skins ($9.09): A creative twist on the standard potato skin, adding diced blackened chicken to the traditional toppings of cheddar, mozzarella, bacon, and scallions.

The Garden Selections

The salad menu at Century Inn provides lighter alternatives without sacrificing portion size. The Cobb Salad ($11.49) is a comprehensive option, featuring diced turkey, bacon, egg, tomatoes, cucumbers, and crumbled bleu cheese.

The Asian Chicken Salad ($12.49) offers a different flavor profile, utilizing sesame grilled chicken, water chestnuts, mandarin oranges, and fried rice noodles over a bed of fresh greens. The sesame ginger dressing adds a bright, refreshing finish to the meal. Diners can also opt for a simpler Garden Salad ($7.99) or a Caesar Salad ($8.99), with the ability to add grilled protein like salmon or shrimp for an additional charge.

Signature Sandwiches and Tavern Handhelds

The sandwich category is perhaps the most diverse section of the Cincinnati menu. Each sandwich is traditionally served with saratoga chips or coleslaw, though French fries or onion rings can be substituted.

The Pot Roast Sandwich ($10.59) is a local favorite. The meat is slow-cooked until it reaches a tender, pull-apart consistency and is served on grilled rye with Swiss cheese. The addition of Jamaican relish and southwest ranch dressing creates a complex flavor profile that elevates the dish beyond standard tavern roast beef.

Another notable mention is the Pork Tenderloin Sandwich ($9.79). This dish pays homage to Midwestern culinary traditions, featuring a tenderloin pounded thin, breaded, and fried until it hangs significantly over the edges of a toasted bun. It is served with the classic combination of lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles.

Other sandwiches on the menu include:

  • Reuben ($10.49): Available with either shaved corned beef or smoked turkey, topped with a generous portion of sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and 1000 Island dressing on grilled rye.
  • Ultimate BLT ($10.69): A double-decker construction that adds a sliced egg and American cheese to the traditional bacon, lettuce, and tomato on thick-sliced rye.
  • Jack Salmon Sandwich ($11.09): Despite the name, this is a hearty portion of cod fillet, hand-breaded and deep-fried, served on rye bread.

Burgers Built for Appetite

The burgers at Century Inn utilize 8 ounces of fresh ground sirloin, grilled to order. The Century Inn Mushroom Burger ($9.89) is a staple for those who enjoy earthy flavors, featuring sautéed mushrooms and a choice of cheese on a bakery-fresh bun.

For those seeking more intensity, the Santa Fe Burger ($10.69) is blackened and topped with southwest ranch, Jamaican relish, pepper jack cheese, onion rings, and jalapenos. This burger is designed for a multi-sensory experience, combining heat, crunch, and creaminess.

The "Owner’s Favorite," the Black and Bleu Burger ($10.29), focuses on the sharp contrast between the blackened seasoning and the creamy, pungent bleu cheese crumbles. It is a bold choice that reflects the tavern’s commitment to strong, traditional flavors.

The Legendary Main Entrees

If there is one dish that defines the Cincinnati Century Inn, it is the Famous Southern Fried Chicken ($12.99). This platter consists of four pieces of chicken that are hand-battered in a proprietary blend of seasonings. In practice, the crust is thick and exceptionally crunchy, while the meat remains moist. It is served with a traditional spread of creamy mashed potatoes, sweet corn, and coleslaw, representing a complete American comfort meal.

Beyond the fried chicken, the menu offers:

  • Baby Back Ribs ($11.69 for a partial rack): These are slow-cooked until tender and smothered in a tangy, house-made BBQ sauce. They are served with mashed potatoes and fresh vegetables.
  • North Atlantic Salmon ($16.99): A grilled fillet topped with herb butter and served with rice, catering to those looking for a healthier or more refined entree option.
  • Meatloaf ($10.99): A "made from scratch" classic that provides a sense of nostalgia for home-cooked meals.

Catering and Event Menus at Cincinnati

The Century Inn is not only a restaurant but also a major event hub. Their catering menu is designed for scale, offering platters that serve approximately 45 to 50 people for full orders and 25 people for half orders.

Party Platters and Appetizer Catering

For large gatherings, the Southwest Egg Rolls remain a top choice at $150 for a full order of 40 egg rolls (cut in half). Other catering appetizers include:

  • Stuffed Mushrooms ($125 full / $75 half): 40 large mushrooms stuffed with Italian sausage.
  • Chicken Wings ($150 full / $85 half): 50 jumbo wings served with various sauces on the side.
  • Vegetable Platter ($125 full / $75 half): An assortment of garden-fresh vegetables with ranch dip.
  • Meatballs in Marinara ($150 full): Italian-style meatballs served in a red sauce, available only in full size.

Buffet-Style Dining Options

The catering service offers several buffet themes, allowing event organizers to tailor the food to the occasion’s formality.

  1. Traditional Grill Out ($16.95 per person): A casual option featuring 1/4 lb. ground beef patties and brats with all the fixings. It includes a choice of three sides like potato salad, baked beans, or macaroni and cheese.
  2. Italian Buffet ($21.95 per person): This includes fresh baked breadsticks and a choice of Caesar or Garden salad. Entree options include Beef Lasagna, Grilled Chicken Alfredo, or Spaghetti and Meatballs.
  3. The Famous Southern Fried Chicken Buffet ($21.95 per person): This brings the restaurant’s most popular dish to the event space, providing three pieces of chicken per person along with mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, and coleslaw.
  4. Special Occasion Grill Out ($29.95 for single entree / $42.95 for double): A premium option featuring choices like 6 oz. Filet Mignon, Sixty South Salmon, or Chardonnay Chicken with roasted garlic.

Venue and Logistics Pricing

Organizing an event at the Cincinnati location involves specific rental fees for their outdoor facilities. These spaces are particularly popular during the summer months due to the well-maintained landscape and beer garden.

  • Small Tent Rental: $250 for 4 hours, seating up to 50 guests.
  • Large Tent Rental: Ranges from $400 to $1150 depending on the guest count (up to 200+). The highest tier includes the beer garden, gazebo, volleyball court, and private staff.
  • Deck Rental: $150 for 4 hours, seating up to 30 guests.
  • Volleyball and Cornhole Rentals: Available for $150 each, adding a recreational element to corporate or family gatherings.

The Fine Dining Menu at Scenery Hill

Moving to the Pennsylvania location, the menu shifts toward an upscale, historic inn experience. While prices here are higher reflecting the premium ingredients, the value lies in the culinary craftsmanship and the 18th-century ambiance.

Upscale Staples and Seasonal Offerings

The Scenery Hill menu is highly regarded for its seafood. The Seared Scallops are a consistent highlight, often prepared with seasonal purees or light citrus reductions to highlight the natural sweetness of the mollusks. The Crab Cakes are another signature, featuring high-quality lump crab meat with minimal filler, served with house-made remoulade.

Meat lovers are catered to with items like the Double-Cut Pork Chops and Filet Mignon. These are typically served with refined starches, such as garlic-infused risotto or herb-roasted fingerling potatoes. The wine list at the Scenery Hill location is extensive, featuring domestic and international labels selected to complement the rich flavors of the kitchen.

The Ambiance Factor

Dining at the Scenery Hill Century Inn is as much about the environment as it is about the food. The menu is designed to be enjoyed slowly in dining rooms filled with period-accurate furniture and historical artifacts. This is a "white tablecloth" experience where the service is attentive and the pacing is deliberate.

Comparison of Dining Experiences

When deciding between the two Century Inn locations, the choice depends entirely on the desired atmosphere and budget.

Feature Cincinnati (Ohio) Century Inn Scenery Hill (PA) Century Inn
Cuisine Style Casual American / Tavern Upscale Traditional / Fine Dining
Signature Dish Southern Fried Chicken Seared Scallops / Crab Cakes
Average Entree Price $10 - $18 $25 - $45
Vibe Lively, family-oriented, sports Quiet, romantic, historical
Outdoor Features Volleyball, Beer Garden, Tents Historic grounds, National Road views

What to Order: Recommended Selections

For those visiting the Cincinnati location for lunch, the Pot Roast Sandwich provides a filling and unique flavor profile that is difficult to find elsewhere in the Woodlawn area. For dinner, the 4-piece Fried Chicken dinner is the essential experience.

At the Scenery Hill location, starting with the Crab Cakes followed by a seasonal steak or seafood entree is the recommended path. It is also advisable to inquire about the "Chef’s Daily Features," as these often include the freshest local ingredients available that week.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most popular items on the Cincinnati Century Inn menu?

The most frequently ordered items are the Southern Fried Chicken, the Southwest Egg Rolls, and the Pot Roast Sandwich. The fried chicken has a reputation that extends throughout the Cincinnati metropolitan area.

Does Century Inn offer vegetarian options?

Yes, the Cincinnati location offers a Veggie Burger ($8.09) and several large salads like the Garden or Spinach Salad. The Scenery Hill location typically offers seasonal vegetarian pastas or vegetable-forward entrees upon request.

Is the fried chicken available for catering?

Absolutely. The Southern Fried Chicken is a staple of their catering menu, available in both platter form and as part of a full buffet service for events with at least 25 guests.

Are reservations required at the Century Inn?

For the Scenery Hill (PA) location, reservations are highly recommended due to its popularity as a fine dining destination and its limited seating in the historic dining rooms. For the Cincinnati (OH) location, reservations are generally not needed for small groups, but are recommended for large parties or during peak Friday and Saturday night hours.

Can I bring my own dessert for a celebration?

At the Cincinnati location's catering events, guests are permitted to bring their own cupcakes or cake for a celebration. However, they also offer a variety of in-house desserts like Blackberry Cobbler ($4.50) and Brownie Sundaes ($5.49).

Summary

The Century Inn brand represents two distinct paths in American culinary history. Whether you are visiting the Scenery Hill location for an elegant evening of seared scallops and fine wine or stopping by the Cincinnati tavern for a towering plate of fried chicken and a cold beer, both establishments maintain a high standard of quality. The Cincinnati menu is characterized by its affordability, tavern classics, and massive catering capabilities, while the Scenery Hill menu serves as a sophisticated tribute to early American hospitality. By understanding the specific offerings of each location, diners can ensure they choose the right Century Inn for their specific needs and tastes.