Rail House, Cincinnati

The year was 1854, and Bracker's Tavern had just opened its doors. Back then, the classic saloon served mostly booze, but before long, the tavern also offered complete meals. Over the next 150 years, it changed names and social status—the building became Ohio's first National Landmark in 1976. Today, the restaurant is known as the Rail House. And though its long history remains an integral part of its story, a fresh set of owners have updated the restaurant to keep with the times.

Upstairs, the Bourbon Lounge has live entertainment and high-definition TVs for watching sports games. Downstairs, the dining room still promises full meals, just like the saloon from which Rail House originated. The menu spans a wide range of cuisine, from casual burgers and sandwiches to fancier eats such as bourbon-glazed Scottish salmon and sirloin steaks.