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Big Ed's Soda Grill in Vermilion, OH, is a charming American restaurant and ice cream shop that beautifully captures the essence of a classic 1950s soda fountain while delivering hearty, homestyle cooking with a modern-day twist. Nestled conveniently on Liberty Avenue, this local gem offers a nostalgic dining experience filled with vibrant flavors and a welcoming ambiance that invites you to sit back, relax, and savor every bite.
The menu at Big Ed's Soda Grill is a delightful celebration of traditional American fare, crafted with care and bursting with fresh, satisfying flavors. The standout Buckeye Burger is a must-try, boasting perfectly seared, juicy beef with those wonderfully crispy, irregular edges that speak to handmade quality. It’s a burger that feels genuine and soulful, complemented wonderfully by their tangy chili dog or the innovative Slaw Dog for something a bit different. Fans of comfort food will also appreciate the Texas Grilled Cheese, stacked with melty cheese and grilled to golden perfection, and the classic Fish and Chips with a satisfying crunch and flaky fish.
The ice cream selection is a sweet showcase of vintage charm and delicious indulgence. Whether you’re craving a creamy Root Beer Float with frothy soda mingling seamlessly with rich ice cream or the indulgent Hot Fudge Sundae topped with crunchy pecans, Big Ed’s offers a nostalgic trip down memory lane with every spoonful. The Red River Shake and the unique Phosphate Banana Split hint at flavors and textures that transport you back to simpler times, making each bite linger lovingly on your palate. For those dining with little ones, the Kiddie Ice Cream options such as the cake cone sundae or a simple cup guarantee smiles all around.
Dining at Big Ed’s means more than just great food; it’s about the atmosphere. The friendly and attentive service is frequently praised by guests, creating a warm, down-to-earth vibe that makes every visit feel like a reunion with old friends. As one happy diner, Marti Tu, noted, the soda fountain vibe is delightfully authentic, with staff who clearly care about crafting each dish and drink with care and precision. Laura Mangan’s glowing mention of waitress Lisa’s amazing service perfectly encapsulates the warmth and attentiveness Big Ed’s extends to every guest.
Whether you’re stopping in for a quick lunch, a relaxed dinner, or a comforting treat after a stroll along the nearby beach, Big Ed’s Soda Grill offers a memorable taste of Americana, where generous portions and homestyle flavors meet nostalgic charm. It’s a place where the food feels honest, the atmosphere inviting, and where every visit inspires you to return for more.
Recommendation by Cast-On Yarn Shop. Delightful 50s Apothecary Soda Fountain vibe. Friendly service. Great homestyle cooking, where you know when your burger isn't pre-pressed, by those wonderful crispy irregular edges, and the chilli is robust, but you can spike to your level of heat. We really did want to try their Pumpkin pie ice cream, but would have ruptured, from the generous portions.
We had a wonderful experience at the grill! Our waitress, Lisa was truly amazing!! The food was great, the soda shop was tasty and everyone was so nice! If you are in Vermillion, it’s a MUST stop!
Pierre's Ice Cream served the traditional ways! Great flavors and service. A definite place to visit when traveling through.
Enjoyed this quaint restaurant on our visit to the lake. Wish I would have gotten an old fashioned soda. Burger and fries were good. Service was exceptional. Would like to try their ice cream on the next visit.
Amazing food amazing staff....best date night dinner followed by a walk on the beach right up the road! 10/10 will stop here every time I'm in Vermilion.
A fun retro ice cream shop. We sat at the counter and ordered a Turtle Sundae and a Brownie Sundae. Both were large and very tasty. Highly recommend this colorful gem on the corner of downtown Vermilion. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5 stars
Here for lunch - burgers and dogs, consistently good old time diner food. Wait staff is very friendly, check back regularly and they hustle! Love the atmosphere, lots of things from my childhood line the shelves. One of these days I’m going to remember and order ice cream first so I have room for it.
Less than a five minute walk to the beach, Big Ed's is a MUST if you're visiting Vermilion! My husband and I had only been here once before but that was enough to long for their food and atmosphere. It was our first stop on our recent trip a couple weeks ago. Besides the vintage vibe with really cool memorabilia from yesteryear, they also incorporate a lot of the common sodas from the 50s (as the name implies), and have really great diner-esque food. The root beer float and Texas grilled cheese are my go-to, and sooooo ridiculously delicious. The atmosphere is comfy, the staff is genuinely friendly, and even the patrons are all really sweet and you can tell this is a beloved spot in the tiny town on a great lake. While we were there, Lisa overheard we were visiting from Columbus and came over to chat about what we had planned for our time in Vermilion, and we really had no clue so asked for suggestions. Boy, am I ever glad we did! Lisa was a WEALTH of knowledge of fun stuff to do around the area and took the time to write down so many places and give us directions (of which we went to all but one!) for places to explore, and it was so very appreciated. If she hadn't come over to talk, we honestly would've probably just sat around all weekend. Now we know how much more Vermilion has to offer because of her. The point of my long story is, the friendly neighborly vibes this place gives is genuine; it's a spot for great food and great company. We now have a new tradition of making Big Ed's our first stop when we arrive, and our last before we leave. Thank you for the hospitality and amazing meals. See you next year!