Canal Wigwam isn't a fancy brunch spot, and that's exactly its charm. This is the kind of neighborhood diner every small town hopes to have. Think black-and-white checkered floors, red/chrome chairs and counter stools, a soundtrack of '50s and '60s classics, and waitresses happily singing along while they work. The atmosphere feels welcoming, lived-in, and full of personality. The food is straightforward, affordable, and exactly what you'd hope for from a classic American breakfast. You don't come here for an açaí bowl or an eggs Benedict flight--you come because you're hungry, you want your eggs cooked right, and you know you'll be taken care of. Places like this become community staples for a reason. The service was warm, the energy in the room was contagious, and the whole experience reminded me why diners like this make me so happy. We'll definitely be back, and next time I'm looking forward to trying the lunch menu. read more

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I want to like this place so bad, I really do! But the food just does not hit for me! I first tried Canal Wigwam about a decade ago (I have lived in Canal for 13 years now) and had such a poor experience that I didn't return until today. I thought that I would give it a shot again, but the food was just as disappointing as my first try. The service is great though! Everyone seems to be friendly and kind! We stopped by around 10 AM today (Saturday). Every table was full (so clearly others do like the food/service). My husband and I started off with a cup of coffee while our daughter got a glass of chocolate milk. The coffee was watery and bland (although they have a sign up front about having the world's best coffee). Be prepared to wait a while for your food. It took almost 45 minutes for us to get ours; however, it was understandable considering every table was full! For food, my daughter got the cinnamon roll. She absolutely loved it! She said that it was super soft and ooey-gooey! My husband ordered the steak and eggs. He ordered the steak medium, but it came out very well-done (super chewy). I tried his home fries with his side of bacon and both of those were good! My daughter enjoyed the bacon too! I had the biscuits and gravy and a side of "cheesy" scrambled eggs. A big no to both! The biscuits were undercooked and the gravy just tasted like a large clump of flour! The "cheesy" scrambled eggs were tough scrambled eggs with some shredded cheese sprinkled on the top! While the food was not "it" for me, there are other things that I do enjoy about Canal Wigwam! It's a cute little diner located in the center of our comforting and cozy town! They promote many other local businesses through their "decor" - the dining tables are designed with local businesses flyers/contact information, their coffee mugs promote another local business, etc. Again, I really want to like the food here, but for some reason - my taste buds do not agree! read more

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This diner is amazing! The building is always clean and tidy. The food is always quick and delicious. Waiters are always around the diner, so it is easy to get whatever you need! There is one worker named Kaylee who is always especially attentive and kind! She is the highlight of my experience, along with the tasty food and amazing service! read more

We have been going to wigwam periodically for over 20 years. We stopped in within the past year and were gobsmacked by the prices. The food is tasty and made to order, but I can't justify a party of 4 having an $75 tab for breakfast at a diner. Another hiccup I encountered was when I wasn't allowed to place a carryout order (I walked in to order) on one Sunday despite it not being busy. I don't know the reason behind that... What difference would it have made if I sat at a booth to dine in or waited outside until the order was ready to go? read more

A nice diner in Canal Winchester. The Canal Wigwam is a very clean diner, with a welcoming atmosphere. My daughter had the chicken and waffles, she thought they were good. I had the Philly omelette and hash browns. Stuffed with cheese, green pepper and onions, it was delicious. I truly recommend this restaurant when in the area, and I will be back. read more

Canal Wigwam - Canal Wigwam - Diners Near Me - Canal Winchester, Ohio

It's right downtown so parking is on the street, but adequate. This is a busy small town staple restaurant with counter seating, tables and booths. Very busy at my visit but I was seated immediately and the service was extremely efficient, pleasant, and organized! You can see everything and everyone here and the staff was a team and the customers were all accommodated and fed enjoyably. Cute names for rib sticking, filling meals for every basic down home type food. Any age would be comfortable here as long as you have some patience. They're not slow. They don't forget you. It's just a busy place that still remembers courtesy, hospitality, and quick bits of conversation. New comer, like me, or a regular this is small town restaurant life. No pretense, no frills, just people working hard to help food make everyone's day. read more

Canal Wigwam - Omelet, home fries, rye toast and Tobasco. Very tasty, and filling! - Diners Near Me - Canal Winchester, Ohio

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An omelette that is as good as any USMC mess hall makes. IYKYK. Any Marine will tell you this. Server was attentive without being intrusive. This is an American Diner. Solid wholesome food in a clean not pretentious setting. read more

Cool spot on the corner next to a brewery. Friendly folks , good diner food- with the most amazing potato's that I've ever had with breakfast. I got chicken fried steak and it was tasty. Good on the refills - took a minute to get the food. The companion had the chipped beef with biscuits and cleaned that up. Reasonably priced also. read more

Canal Wigwam - Breakfast - Diners Near Me - Canal Winchester, Ohio

Great food. Fair prices. I have had three breakfast meals there in the last year or so and always find the staff very nice and engaging. The owner Terri introduced herself today and we always get a good vibe and have a great meal when at the Wigwam. The breakfast bowl was very yummy and very meaty. Tried a piece of homemade blackberry pie and it was really special. read more

Stopped into this cozy little spot that looks like it time-traveled straight from the 1950s--and honestly, I hope it never leaves. We're talking classic black-and-white checkerboard floors, shiny red booths, and just enough chrome to make you feel like you're in a soda fountain scene from Grease. All that's missing is a jukebox playing Elvis. Now let's talk food: the chicken fried steak? A masterpiece. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and smothered in gravy like it was given a warm hug from a Southern grandma. I'd write it a love letter if I wasn't too busy licking my fork. The coffee? Hot, strong, and magically refilled the moment I hit half a cup--like the staff could sense it with diner ESP. Speaking of the staff: spectacular service. Friendly, fast, and so welcoming I half-expected them to know my name and birthday. In short: this place nails the retro charm and backs it up with comfort food that'll make you nostalgic for a time you probably weren't even alive for. 10/10, would happily lose all willpower here again read more

I have to piggy back off of the reviews about the 50's style diner feel to this spot. Yeah, you definitely step into a time machine walking through the front doors to this spot, but in such a good, family way. You are immediately greeted at the front door, great customer service. The server was very quick to take our orders, and the food is worth the short wait. We are originally from Texas, so of course my wife is going to try out the fried steak, and to her delight, this plate did not disappoint. The portion was spot on, and the gravy was very delicious. Burger is how I want a burger, nothing over the top, no steak knife stuck in the middle to hold it steady. Just a backyard style burger, simple, and very delicious. Fries were very good as well, very nice crunch to every bite. My son wasn't hungry, and so he just got the avocado toast, which he enjoyed as well. Will we be back, no question in my mind that we will. Establishment is very clean, and when you sit down, you are automatically attended to. Great spot. read more

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(Yelp write-up #1,000). Exactly like walking into a '50's diner. The tiled walls. The retro tabletops, metallic cherry red chairs and booths. They even have a long snack bar, reminiscent of the typical small town diner in the '50's-'60s. Only thing that would've clinched it would've been Poodle Skirts and waitresses with ponytails and half-apron covered dresses. The meatloaf special was straightforward. Wonderful spices and all the necessary ingredients that make a great loaf. A big scoop of mashed potatoes and a side of corn. The simplicity of down-home cooking. Brooke is an absolute doll. She knows how to serve. Refills, a little small talk, advice on what to see in the area and iced tea for the road. You doubled your tip, my dear. I asked for nothing, she brought everything....talented or psychic, take your pick. Parking is stupid crazy here. Not their fault. Honestly, it was wonderful strolling down the old village road, just holding hands, chatting about who knows what. Next trip I believe we will park further away! 06/24 read more

Canal Wigwam - The bar at Wigwam - Diners Near Me - Canal Winchester, Ohio

We recently visited this great breakfast place on a Saturday morning after a 5K race in the area. The food was traditional diner fare, and it was delicious! The staff members were friendly and efficient, with even the owner bussing tables. The vibe was very warm and welcoming. We parked in the lot behind the building, although there is street parking available (just not plentiful that morning because of the farmers' market up the street). It is a very small restaurant and would not be good for large groups. There are only two tables that can accommodate 6 people, and the rest hold 2-4 people. Go early! This place is popular, for good reason, but there was a line at the door by 9ish. read more

Came across this restaurant by mistake and so glad we went inside. A classic diner with awesome breakfast and sandwiches to choose from! I ordered the fry mush( served with maple syrup and butter) and Hubby ordered the tuna fish on sourdough bread and it came with chips. The mush was temperature perfect and cooked to perfection. There were three nice sized pieces, more than enough for a meal. I tried the tuna sandwich and it was delicious! Had eggs, onions, celery and spices served on toasted bread. Definitely will be back! read more

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First time my husband and I had been to this place. I had onion rings with a hamburger and sweet tea. Best darn hamburger I have ever had ! Hand pattied,large enough to fit the whole bun and fried to my perfection ! Although I love onion rings,I wasn't overly impressed with the flavor.The hubby got the Swiss mushroom burger and fries. He said his sandwich was great as we're the fries. I tasted a fry and they were very good! Staff were very got very busy as the lunch crowd started coming in but they still had time for us. Prices were fairly good as well. All in all we really enjoyed our meal and will definitely go back in the future. Kudos Wigwam staff ! read more

Update, came back last week and had the ham and eggs. They were devine! Ham was thick cut and nicely grilled. Eggs were done perfectly.

The food is always Great, our family loves the Wigwam. The owner is Awesome Highly recommend!

We went in for lunch and there were only a few customers there and all had food. We ordered- 5 of us and it took probably 30-40 mins to get our food. Nothing was good- hamburger was a brick, the fried bologna was not fried- cold, avocado toast was horrible (tasted spoiled). The only thing good was the potato chips. I am a local to this area and took my family from out of town to the restaurant to support the local business. I was very embarrassed and will never visit again. So so sad. read more

I bought a Rueben without thousand islands dressing and I must say the flavor was delicious. But the problem was I n the amount of corned beef served on the sandwich, it was the smallest amount of corned beef I ever had in my 62 yrs of eating corned beef. I didn't expect it to be like Cleveland's corned beef which are monstrous sandwiches but I didn't expect it to be like a slow ce of burger lettuce bologna either. read more

Canal Wigwam - Ruben with mustard, no thousand islands dressing. - Diners Near Me - Canal Winchester, Ohio

Our first meal as residents of Canal! Never would have guessed this would be a cute diner from the outside! It was fairly busy on a Friday morning with waves of customers coming in. Food was decent, normal diner food, and plenty of menu options. Our waitress was very nice and you can tell there are plenty of regular customers. I like that you can scan and pay at your table or there is the option to go up to the cash register after your meal. We'll definitely be back! read more

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Nice little old time diner ... The food tastes great, service was quick and friendly. We had breakfast with hand cut home fries, toast, and eggs, plus my wife had perfectly cooked bacon, my omelet had ham and some veggies. Only down side was some sausage I had on the side which was a little tough. read more

A wonderful family owned dinner located in the heart of a midwestern small town, Canal Winchester. For parking, you are better to park in the lot behind the building than trying to find a spot on High Street. Step back into time with this 1950's styled diner, bright silver steel chairs with red vinyl cushions. Serves breakfast and lunch only, no dinner hours. Definitely seems to be a favorite with locals as the place was nearly full when we walked in. Staff were friendly & inviting. Made us feel right at home. We stopped in for lunch. I ordered the pulled pork sandwich and had a bowl of their homemade vegetable soup. Plain, simple, good comfort food. My sister had their BLT sandwich with french fries. (Yes, I snuck a few of her fries.) Could not resist their homemade pies. We couldn't resist trying. We ordered a slice of their peanut butter pie and their sugar cream pie. Both were good. read more

Breakfast is like eating grandma's food. The portions are great and food is seasoned well. The staff are friendly! Family restaurant with very sweet owner who usually rings me out. read more

Little town dinner. Closes at 2. Baked good great but thay run out. Sunday morning full but if you can get in early it's good read more

I always love taking my kids and family into the wigwam. It's one of my favorite breakfast places to grab a quick bite and mix/mingle with some of the staff/owner! We love a breakfast sandwich or pancakes but are excited to try new things soon. Staff is friendly, food is tasty and we are glad to have this little diner in town! read more

Cool atmosphere , waitresses were all super nice . The only issue was the food . They said the sausage gravy was homemade. It was extremely bland a pasty . Definitely packaged . Egg omelette was see through thin and watery on the inside. Paid the bill owner asked how it was and we had only brought up the gravy was bland and she got really upset . Expressed her feeling about our feelings. Definitely would recommend the food. Or at least keep your opinions to one's self . read more

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Small town cafe with a local following. The food is cafe food done well and service has been fantastic everytime.

I really enjoy having breakfast at Canal Wigwam. The service is always great, our coffee and tea are always topped off, and food is made to order. The is a cute mom and pop owned shop with a small downtown community feel. read more

Loud, crowded and not didn't live up to the hype. Nice staff, very very busy in the am. Food was ok, nothing memorable. Cute name and good location. Parking a touch tricky even if you go early. read more

This place was a great stop for breakfast on our way out east. I've passed it a hundred times on the motorcycle and I am sure glad we stopped in! Lots of choices for breakfast and everything looked to be made fresh as you order. Eggs were cooked perfectly to over medium as I had requested, which seems to be a chore for some other breakfast restaurants! Sausage was cooked perfectly as were the biscuits. The gravy was a bit thick for my liking and cooked rapidly, not sure if the biscuit wasn't warmed all the way through but we are talking seconds here. The hash browns also had a few cold potatoes so not sure if they cook a huge batch on the skillet and warm your portion as it came out, but I got about a 1/4 portion of chilly potatoes. We will definitely be coming back as I want to try their huge pancakes! read more

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I love the wig wam!! christa is the best server in the world and I have to request her everytime!! one of the only reasons I go there!! food is great and she always has great recommendations. thank you god and thank you christa!! read more

The food was just as great as the service! Everyone was the decor, which was cute and warm. We can't wait to go again!

Small breakfast and lunch spot in the heart of downtown Canal Winchester. I love a good breakfast and this place undoubtedly delivers! It has the laid back small town feel with seat yourself mentality and seemingly many regulars who frequent the restaurant that the staff all knows well. The staff was not overly friendly, but still got the job done in a timely manner which I appreciate. I'm a huge sucker for a good southern biscuits and gravy and they undelivered on that, as there wasn't much flavor to the sausage gravy and the biscuit was more of a roll texture. On the flip side, always get a cinnamon roll! They hit the spot each time. read more

Excellent food and excellent service. We stopped here while traveling home from Hocking Hills and it was truly fantastic. Peaceful, friendly atmosphere with great service and food! read more

Afrer a bad experience several weeks ago (over 40 Minutes from time of order and order wasnt starte), I decided to try at a less busy time. Enjoyed the AYCE French toast with a reasonable turnaround time. Nice price for what you get. Many of the staff referenced customers by name which is a good sign. Glad I gave a second chance. read more

We arrived at 10:20 am on Sunday. Very crowded like any restaurant on a weekend. BUT, we waited 1 hour and 15 minutes to get our food!!!! Unacceptable!!!! 2 grillers and only 2 servers!!! One griller had long hair and no hat or hairnet! Gross!!! Server stood in front of us and scratched her head and proceeded to pour our water! Gross! Another server carried silverware under her armpit! Owner was there when we arrived. She was aware how backed up the grill was but sat with other patrons instead of jumping in and getting on the grill to help. Owner ended up leaving at 11:30 to go have dinner with her Dad. Unacceptable!!! If this is your business you better jump in and help your employees!!! Teamwork!!!! We will not be back!!! There is no excuse!!! The Wigwam used to be a classy little diner!!! I miss Mark and Angela's leadership!!!!! I ran a restaurant for over 20 years and now I am a food service manager for a major corporation. I'm not ignorant about what I saw. read more

After YEARS of patronage I will no longer spend my money here. Today my husband and I sat for over an hour and watched others seated after us receive their food BEFORE us. Our waitress was nonchalant and dismissive and could use additional training. I understand places are busy and there is a labor shortage; however, customer service is still key in this industry. read more

Waitresses are super friendly. Beyond that, crap experience. We heard a lot about this place and could not wait to try it. Was our 1st and last time through their doors. Sat for 10 minutes before being acknowledged and placing our drink order. Took over an hour to get our breakfast after placing the order, watched the owner walk around yelling at the grill staff for being so far behind, watched the grill staff place food on the pass without calling "order up" so the waitresses were wiping tables and doing everything else but watching for the orders to come up, the pass was so full the grill staff was stacking orders on top of other orders (still not calling out that the orders were up), we watched people who came in and ordered after us get their orders before us, and we watched them place an order on the pass that I thought could be ours (turned out it was) and it sat there for almost 20 minutes before anyone picked it up and brought it to us, needless to say it was Stone cold when we got it. Sorry, but I would not recommend this experience to anyone, and after reading some of the other reviews, this seems to be normal for this place. read more

Excellent food. Cool atmosphere. Been coming here for a couple years. Would definitely recommend!

Who doesn't love a local diner. Everything about the Wig Wam is fantastic! Food & staff are amazing.