The American Restaurant: Porstmouth, Ohio's Only 24-Hour Restaurant

Have you ever had a craving for a cheeseburger at 3 am? Have you ever felt like getting something to eat after you leave the bar and a night out with your friends? In Portsmouth, Ohio, there is only one place to go on such an occasion: The American Restaurant in New Boston, Ohio. This establishment is the only 24-hour restaurant in the Portsmouth area, making it very popular with the late-night crowd.

Like another popular diner in the Portsmouth area (Hickies Hamburger Inn), The American Restaurant fits more with the 195's and '60s than it does in the 21st century. The restaurant has a classic feel with barstools and cheap tables and booths lining the walls. The menu is plain and presented as one laminated sheet of paper. While the menu itself is not exciting the items on the menu are another story. Whether you are looking for eggs and toast or a hamburger you will be certain to find something that fits your need for late night food.

Orders are taken by the waitress who then gives the orders to the cook who mans the kitchen. As the orders are completed they are handed out to the waitress through a pass though in the wall. The cook is not visible to patrons, though occasionally he will poke his head out of the kitchen. Wait time for food is very short and it always arrives on the table steaming. One of the favorite menu items is the Bacon Double Cheeseburger with Fries and Brown Gravy. The Cheeseburger is prepared with two large patties topped with American Cheese. The deluxe version includes lettuce, tomato, pickle, mustard, ketchup, and Mayo. Everything you could ever want in a burger can be found in this one. Fries with Brown Gravy make this meal complete and very filling.

Prices are very cheap with the average meal costing $5-$10 per person depending on the items selected from the menu. Checks are paid at the counter in an old fashioned register. In addition to food patrons can also purchase lottery tickets and cigarettes at the American Restaurant. Until recently patrons were allowed to smoke in the restaurant but now due to Ohio's smoking ban smoking inside is no longer permitted. Patrons are rowdy, especially the Friday and Saturday night crowd so be prepared to hear some loud conversation. Local Police often hang out in the area since it is such a busy spot for those who have just recently left the bars and clubs, though I have never heard of an incident where the police have been called to the restaurant.

I first heard about this restaurant while growing up in the area but never actually ate there until after college. Now that I live over an hour away from the American Restaurant I miss the atmosphere and the food. I am certainly craving a Double Cheeseburger Deluxe and Fries with Gravy. If you are in the Portsmouth, Ohio area check out the American Restaurant located on US 52 West in New Boston, Ohio just across from the DMV and New Boston High School.