This is a great place to stop and eat. Good for large groups with plenty of seating. You get your food quick since it is cafeteria style, and yet it is also fresh. Maybe a little pricey compared to the surrounding area but quality comes at a cost. I enjoyed the roast beef sandwich with mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, and broccoli casserole with a slice of lemon meringue pie. I'll be back the next time I'm visiting the Ohio Valley Mall. read more

Mehlman's Cafeteria - Hot Roast Beef Sandwich with mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans and broccoli casserole. - Cafeteria Near Me - Saint Clairsville, Ohio

I'm giving this review the benefit of the doubt based on the apparent cult-like appreciation of the locals (65+?) My experience was far from good but my husband was quite happy with his meal. This is truly cafeteria-style eating - stand in line and in your way forward to get a tray and move down the line of food options. I seriously didn't see anyone my age (56) or younger. The hubby who is 62 is familiar with this place as he grew up in Steubenville. We tried to come here for lunch previously after a funeral nearby - but it was closed that day = maybe Monday. Yes, I'm a somewhat finicky eater - only healthy foods. My current focus is protein and fiber. I was looking for a protein and veg - that's all. They had a stuffed chicken but I assumed it was stuffed with carbs so I passed on it. I inquired further and they finally suggested a broiled white fish. Fine. For a veg, they had green beans. BIG MISTAKE selecting those. That was all I got. Nothing else looked appetizing (nor did the green beans when I saw them). Hubby got a roll, pie, cabbage roll, mashed potatoes and deviled eggs. He was quite pleased with his food. Honestly, it didn't look that bad and I give them the assumption that they may excel at baked goods/pie. The meringue did look very well done. He went on to eat every bite. I did not. The fish was OK - a very mild white fish which was not too greasy and did flake with the touch of a fork. I ate it. The green beans were definitely from a can - and possibly very old. They had no vegetable taste and just tasted yucky - not a flavor I can describe. I did not eat them after that one and only bite. I would have appreciated a better selection of entrees and sides. Perhaps they are aiming at comfort food, but I'm just not sure. Having been to an MCL Cafeteria in Columbus decades ago, I recall it being a level above this place. They were maybe a little better than average but below a regular sit down restaurant. On the same level of the old Hometown Buffets. This place did not meet that standard. I'm hopeful not to return - but if we do, I think I'll ask to see what I'm being served being agreed to get it. Having done so this time would have saved me from the green beans and allowed me to forego a side altogether or probe further for other healthy options. read more

See all

The food here is delicious and all homemade. It is cafeteria style but they also have takeout. They have a huge menu and something for everyone. Their pies are to die for. I highly recommend giving them a try. read more

Mehlman's Cafeteria - Salisbury steak - Cafeteria Near Me - Saint Clairsville, Ohio

See all

Nursing home vibes, but the food is amazing. The fried chicken and roast beef are both awesome and the service is great.

Looking for something completely different? You found the right place. Pull off I70 and check it out! This is a very clear choice for older locals. I think we were the youngest couple in the place. My husband and I have driven past the big sign for years while traveling. We finally had the opportunity to stop and we are glad we finally did!! Upon entering, we immediately scanned the entryway, surely looking a little puzzled. We arrived around 5 on a Sunday. An older gentleman pointed us in the right direction and offered us suggestions. Off to a great start! Check out the menu for the day, as it changes. We waited in line for about 10 minutes before grabbing a cafeteria tray. We were glad we had time to check out the menu and desserts (at the front of the line) before actually starting! We tried to sample several things. Think grandma's home cooking at a bargain price. Everything we got was good. Not piping hot, but still good enough to eat. I got the stuffed chicken breast, broccoli casserole, mixed veggies, cornbread, and chocolate pie. We were debating getting multiple entrees but after seeing the portions, decided maybe we should get less. I'm glad we did, because we left stuffed! You can also order takeout and they have parking spots for curbside pickup near the back of the building. Highly recommend the cornbread. You don't wanna miss out on that! The dated decor almost adds to its charm. It looked like they had plenty of seating areas but from what I read, they get busy so they need it. It wasn't bad the Sunday evening we went. They were playing classical renditions of 80s/90s rock songs from what I could tell. Truly a little gem of a place and clearly loved by the locals. The staff were friendly and overall it was a good experience. I'm glad we finally stopped! Give it a shot and check it out! read more

See all

Yummy food in a Nursing Home Setting! The best homestyle food east of the valley! But be prepared if you are not a Boomer...You will probably be the youngest person there. Also it gets busy on Sundays and they run out of food. So if you want a specific item, arrive early. read more

Good food at great prices. Most everything is home made and their prices are very reasonable. read more

Always great food and service. For a cafeteria style restaurant you still feel welcome and cared for.

The food was good for what I got. The stuffing was excellent, and the sugar-free cherry pie was good. The pumpkin pie with whipped cream was awesome. The ribs I had were kinda of dry. The place was busy, but they had plenty of rooms to place their guests. The decor was ok and may need to be updated soon. read more

See all

Nice small place for a great meal and the food is great. The people are nice and friendly !! Great service.

Food was blan and had no flavor or seasoning what's so ever this is beyond worse than hospital food. I rather eat at local hospital or on plane than eat here again. Very poor customer service and over priced food. on top of your racist employees. There is reasons why people leave small city us because this part of Oho has no standards at all when it comes to food. Try to explore your options because here it totally garbage. I would never take my family or friends to this establishment because they look at the color of skin and treat you like second class citizens and will move to to other parts of the restaurant due to the color of your skin. read more

Worth going out of your way to enjoy. Several daily choices and specials. Love the city chicken on Saturday!. Please note bathrooms are not handicap accessible. read more

Cafeteria style dinning- extremely popular- nice dinning areas and service. Food was ok, was disappointed with the pirogies- did not seem home made to me and were too mushy. Cole slaw was lacking in flavor. Will go again to try other items. Pricing was fair on most items. read more

Best cafeteria in the country. Everything is delicious and reasonably priced.......................

Stopped here for lunch on the way to Oglebay Resort. A menu filled with old style dishes served off a cafeteria line. I had the ham loaf and green beans with a tapioca pudding dish topped with a cherry. Moist and flavorful with generous portions. Husband had a pork chop with mashed and gravy. He said the apple pie was the best he had ever had. Service was friendly and well organized. A very long line moved quickly and drinks were replenished by staff from the table. Old school comfort! read more

I love this place. It's the best food for miles around and very affordable. There are several dining rooms and it can accommodate a large group for parties or special event events, and they have the most delicious and wide variety of homemade pies. read more

Oh my.........! While visiting my sweet Sister and Brother in law, they suggested having lunch here before we departed for home. My first thought was, a cafeteria? Like a school or hospital cafeteria? We all agreed and set out at 11:45am (they open at 11:00). When we got there I was surprised to see how full the parking lot was. We got in line with our little trays and dinnerware and proceeded to the food line. To tell the truth, I was gobsmacked at the selections of food they offered! I had the roast beef and gravy w mashed pot and broccoli casserole, a huge yeast roll and to top it off, a raspberry and buttercream cake! For all four trays each filled with all the food you could possibly eat, the bill came to UNDER FORTY DOLLARS! The service was excellent just like the food! If you find yourself in the area, do your tastebuds a favor and stop by! You will NOT be sorry! I meant to take pics but I got too busy eating my meal-and trying my dining mates various selections and totally forgot! I forgot to mention how tender all the entrees were, my roast beef was stringy and flavorful. Just like I like it. The pork chop you could cut easily with a fork. Same with the City Chicken read more

PROS: When you pull in to a restaurant and the parking lot is crowded, you know it's a good choice. This is a great spot known to locals--and the dessert choices are amazing!! Cafeteria-style low prices portions are large enough to split home cooked meals (think grandmas version of Cracker Barrel). CONS: old-style (or cool hipster vintage?!) wallpaper and decor. Bathrooms are pretty small. If you touch the food while admiring it, you have to buy it (it's a perfect rule by the way--just be careful and look at the delicious food with your only your eyes). Great tourist spot, good food & something a little different than normal. read more

See all

Wow, the reviews were not kidding about an overflowing parking lot and lines at the door. As soon as you walk in you are greeted to warm home cooked comfort food smells as you stand in line which made me reminisce of a Disneyland line. Once you are near the glass serving counters, it's a tray like cafeteria style where you can begin with dessert pieces, pie slices, salad, then hearty entrees, sides and then bread. They also have a to go line which is towards the back. They seemed really yay when we went maybe about 5pm? I really liked the roast beef-mostly tender, cooked in juices and you can pick from a brown beef gravy or yellow chicken gravy. I also liked the deviled eggs which my friend found butter/sour but I think that might be due to pickle juice or something. The baked steak I didn't like the taste nor texture. If I go again I will load up on the roast beef or also try the stuffed chicken. Portions are large and the price is sweet. We're really glad we were able to check out a local gem which the locals flock to. Coming from California, I went in with low expectations but honestly it was pretty good. Service and people were also very friendly. read more

Food is bland. No taste. Got mashed potatoes and gravy. Gravy was very salty. Couldn't eat.

This location is fantastic and great! Excellent meals, affordable rates, and welcoming service. I frequently travel, so while I'm in the region, I shop here. It reminds me of eating at my grandmother's house decades ago. I heartily recommend visiting this location. They also sell mouth-watering handmade pies. A true keeper, and well worth your time if you're nearby Wheeling, Virginia, or Columbus, Ohio. ps. The finest pies and cranberry gelatin!s read more

If you're ever in the area and are in the mood to try something completely different than most restaurants of nowadays, you really need to try this. It reminded me of college or if you're from the Centerville Ohio are and had the opportunity to try Cambridge Inn back in the days. The parking lot always seem packed but there is a ton of seating inside and usually the only wait is for the line to go thru the line(start looking at the menu posted on wall straight ahead to prepare yourself) to get trays and silverware. Once you're all set up, drag the tray along and behold the wonderment of the choices of desserts, foods and sides. There were six of us, seating was plentiful and the have what I would refer to as helpers that will help you with drinks, napkins and cleanup. We all had different selections for dinner. I get like a winner as I got the last chicken pot pie and it was delicious but the lasagna that my mom got wins my vote for best meal had that day. My mom grew up in the area and when we'd visit our family in the area, it always involved us stopping by and picking up a pie(or three?) to bring. Their desserts are just good old fashioned deliciousness. The coconut and peanut butter cream pies are incredible. Like I mentioned above, if you're ever in the area, stop by, take a step back in time and enjoy a good what it appears as a home cooked meal. And... grab a pie on your way out. read more

See all

It has been ages since I've been to a cafeteria inspired restaurant. While I do admit the interior is a throwback to the retro ages, the food was spectacular with customer service being above par. Plenty of space between the tables too. read more

See all

The pipes are to die for. They taste homemade. I often get these for family gatherings. Lemon meringue is my favorite!

Has the best Coconut cream pie !! The pumpkin pie is aslo good !! Green beans and broccoli casserole is very good . Key lime pie has to be special order . read more

See all

I really enjoyed my visit here - like a trip back in time. Had the cabbage roll, escalloped potatoes, creamed succotash (!), candied yams and peanut butter pie. Enjoyed it throughly! Wife had the beef stew w/ dumplings, and said it was good. We also had an apple dumpling, which was pretty standard. All in all, a solid meal. read more

See all

We ordered take out so I can't speak for the experience dining in, but the baked steak is easily the best I've had in my entire life. Prices are extremely reasonable for the amount of food you get and everything tasted fresh and delicious read more

This place is old school cafeteria style grub at its best. Stayed at a local hotel and decided to give this place a try. Warning.....get their early, food runs out. I got there around 730 and most of the specials were already gone. I settled on the fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans and a side salad. The fried chicken was good a 3 out of 5, kinda had a fish taste to it. The mashed potatoes (spoiler alert) where instant potatoes. 1.75 out of 5 The green beans came out of a can and I could not eat them because they were flavorless. 0 out of 5 The salad was awesome for the price 3.5 out of 5 All and all I would recommend eating here, just get there early. My meal cost less than $10 and was filling. read more

Don't let the hipster nay-sayers dissuade you from Mehlmans. If you're a local you all ready know its wonders, but if you're zipping past on I-70, take the time to stop in. The full parking lot and line at the door are an indicator. It's just that good. The cafeteria line starts off like it should, with desert. The pies are good, but my go to is the fruited jello salad, then try the deviled eggs. For dinner the roast beef is always on point, if it's Thursday go liver and onions, and your welcome. The mashed potatoes are creamy, the scalloped potatoes are cheese and the spinach is quite good. Enjoy the piano music and the trip back in time to real America. read more

Heard this establishment was very delicious so we stopped for lunch on the way to the casino. The restaurant is cafeteria style and has been around for more than 60 years. I had a baked pork chop, stewed tomato's, and broccoli casserole. I thought that pork chop was dry but I put the stewed tomato's on top and that helped. Broccoli casserole was tasty and didn't have cheese in it. Hubby enjoyed his meal as well! Especially the apple dumpling! read more

See all

Amazing home cooked meal. Been going ever since I was a little kid with my grandparents. Now that they've passed, my husband and I always make it a point to go when we're in the area (we live in Columbus). read more

Always amazing the food is always phenomenal when ever me and my family walk in. Everything is always freshly prepared and never leaves any of my kids hungry! read more

It's okay to get two small plates of the Mac n cheese... It is worth it! I originally got one and then went back for another serving. Food tastes homemade. Decent prices. Polite and accommodating staff. Would love to come back when I'm in the area again! I hear they get very busy in Sundays, but I wasn't there in a Sunday, so all was good! read more

Best roast beef I have had in quite a long time...would have been five stars, except there was no wait-service...in order to get a refill on my drink, I had to wander around and eventually just went back to the serving line. read more

I love Mehlman's! I first came here with my parents and was skeptical of the cafeteria-style, but soon found that their foods are all delicious, the entire place is family-friendly, and the prices are amazing. They usually have a wide selection of entrees. I really like their prime rib, roast beef, and stuffed peppers. Their sides are always fresh and their desserts are delicious. The staff are very friendly and answer questions if you have any. Pro-tip: if you're struggling to find a seat, there's a back room with additional seating down the hall. read more

I'm done with this place, they run out of everything before 4 or 5pm, tired of checking the menu and driving an hour just to be disappointed, go somewhere else and thank me later read more

Their mash potatoes are hevenly and their service is great. Be prepared to see a bunch of old people. Dont get me started on their pumkin pie!!!! read more

My great-grandparents and grandparents were from St Clairsville. We found ourselves there to visit and my cousin had mentioned that every time our grandparents would go out there, they'd always stop to eat at Mehlman's Cafeteria. We decided to do the same, and it was a great decision. From the minute you walk in you get into a line that may stretch around the corner, but it moves along well enough that it is WORTH any wait you might have. Looking at the menu boards posted on the walls they don't look like they have changed much over the years and that is a treat in pricing. With good food you don't HAVE to change. Going down the cafeteria line you are greeted first with cases of cold desserts and sides(self serve), followed by the hot dishes and then to drinks rolls and breads. Honestly by the time I got halfway down the line I was running out of room on my tray for all the delicious looking food they had. It is absolutely a cafeteria but the service is top notch as well. You go down the line and fill your tray and simply pay at the end, just like a cafeteria (used to be anyway). Most impressive was the quality of the food for the price, for six of us with trays full of mains, sides, desserts and drinks the grand total came to less than 10 dollars per person. You sit and eat in very large dining rooms that are set up cafeteria style. Very warm and open, friendly staff and people, would definitely stop again if I am anywhere near the area. Five Stars!! read more

My coworker suggested stopping here while returning from a work assignment. BEST DECISION EVER! It's a la carte. You grab a tray, napkins, silverware and begin to choose your meal as you walk down the line. You start with desserts. I chose a fruit bowl consisting of watermelon, strawberry, cantalope, honeydew, orange and pineapple. All fresh and delicious! Entrees are next. Some are served everyday, others are only available on certain days of the week (check the menu for your favorites). I chose the stuffed chicken breast (I recommend). Pick your sides, I had real mashed potatoes (Mmm-Hmm, real deal). Breads/rolls were next. They had me at cornbread. Check out their menu, so many options to choose from. read more

Mehlman's Cafeteria - Cafeteria Near Me - Saint Clairsville, Ohio

Didn't have a lot available (meatloaf, meatball sandwich) kind of annoying...roast beef really good, wife had the salmon with escalloped potatoes..all was good...honestly, could have of used more roast beef... read more