The Met is a premier upscale-casual restaurant and wine bar located at 306 N Main St in downtown Lima, Ohio. Housed within the restored 1889–1890 Metropolitan Block building on the northeast corner of Main and North streets, the venue originally opened in 2012 as an intimate wine bar serving small plates after extensive structural restoration begun in 2011. Over more than seven phases of expansion and architectural renovation led by local craftsmen, it has evolved into one of Northwest Ohio’s flagship culinary landmarks. Travelers and locals visit for its scratch-made New American menu, seasonal craft cocktails, curated wine list, and multi-level historic interior featuring exposed brick, pressed-tin ceilings, and an open-air rooftop patio.
What to Expect at The Met
Stepping inside The Met reveals 19th-century commercial architecture paired with contemporary tavern warmth. The ground-floor dining room and lounge showcase original masonry walls, tall arched street-level windows overlooking North Main Street, custom woodwork, and a full-service bar. Above the main floor, expansions into the upper stories of the 140-year-old building have added private event spaces, upper-level dining rooms, and a popular rooftop dining deck that opens during warm weather. Whether stopping in for a weekday business lunch or settling into a leather booth for a Friday evening dinner, guests experience attentive table service and a lively downtown social scene.
The kitchen focuses on elevated American comfort fare with steaks, fresh seafood, artisan flatbreads, and shareable small plates. Lunch service features gourmet burgers, pressed sandwiches, crisp salads, and daily soups, while dinner expands into hand-cut ribeyes and filets, pan-seared salmon, pasta dishes, and rotating chef specials. True to its roots as a dedicated wine bar, the beverage program remains a major draw, pairing global wines by the glass and bottle with regional Ohio craft beers on tap, small-batch bourbons, and house-infused signature cocktails. Vegetarian, vegan-adaptable, and gluten-sensitive selections are clearly accommodated across the menu.
- Historic Metropolitan Block Architecture: Dine surrounded by restored 1890 brickwork, high timber and tin ceilings, and custom architectural millwork across multiple renovated stories.
- Elevated American Dinner Mains: Signature evening entrees include hand-cut steaks, seared sea scallops, glazed Atlantic salmon, pork chops, and gourmet pastas.
- Artisan Small Plates & Flatbreads: Shareable starters ranging from charcuterie boards and Brussels sprouts to wood-fired style flatbreads and house-made dips.
- Curated Wine & Bourbon Program: An extensive cellar of Old and New World wines alongside a deep back-bar selection of Kentucky and Ohio bourbons, ryes, and seasonal martinis.
- Rooftop Patio & Upper-Level Lounges: Seasonal open-air seating and upstairs dining rooms offering views over downtown Lima’s Main Street corridor.
The Met at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 306 N Main St, Lima, OH 45801 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Downtown Lima (Main & North Streets) |
| Operating Hours | Mon–Thu: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Fri–Sat: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Sun: Closed |
| Admission / Price Range | $$ (Lunch $14–$20; Dinner Entrees $22–$42; Small Plates $10–$18) |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1 to 2 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | On-street metered/free evening parking on N Main St & W North St; RTA Central Transfer Station (2 blocks east) |
| Official Website & Phone | themet306.com | +1 419-999-9463 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Because The Met is the most sought-after dinner table in downtown Lima, weekend evenings and nights coinciding with performances at the nearby civic center fill up days in advance. Travelers should book a table ahead of time using the official SevenRooms reservation portal or by calling the host stand directly. Walk-in guests have the best luck securing immediate seating during weekday lunch hours (11:30 AM to 1:30 PM) or at the main-floor bar between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM. Dress is smart casual; everything from neat denim to business attire fits right in.
Getting to 306 N Main St is straightforward by car via Interstate 75 (take Exit 125 for OH-309 West or Exit 127 for OH-81 West into downtown). Angled and parallel street parking is available directly along North Main Street and West North Street, supplemented by municipal surface lots within a two-block radius. The Allen County Regional Transit Authority (RTA) hub sits just two blocks away on Central Avenue. The ground-level entrance off North Main Street is step-free and wheelchair accessible, with accessible restrooms on the main floor. Pair your meal with a walk two blocks south to Town Square and Veterans Memorial Civic & Convention Center, or drive five minutes west along Market Street to visit the Allen County Museum and MacDonell House.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the operating hours and best times to visit The Met?
The Met is open Monday through Thursday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Friday through Saturday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM; the restaurant is closed on Sundays. For a relaxed atmosphere without a wait, visit between 1:30 PM and 4:30 PM on weekdays, or book an early dinner seating before 5:30 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
How much does a meal cost at The Met and are reservations required?
The Met falls into the moderate-to-upscale ($$) price tier, with lunch sandwiches, salads, and burgers averaging $14 to $20 and dinner entrees ranging from $22 to $42. While walk-ins are welcome for lunch and bar seating, advance reservations are strongly recommended for Friday and Saturday dinner service.
How much time should I budget for dining at The Met?
Plan on 45 to 60 minutes for a weekday lunch and 1.5 to 2 hours for a full multi-course dinner with cocktails or wine. If you are dining prior to a concert or theater show at the Veterans Memorial Civic & Convention Center, notify your server upon arrival so courses can be paced accordingly.
Is The Met wheelchair accessible and suitable for families or groups?
Yes, the street-level entrance at 306 N Main St provides step-free access to the main dining room, bar, and ADA-compliant restrooms. Families with children are welcome during lunch and early evening hours, and the multi-story layout includes private and semi-private rooms ideal for rehearsal dinners, corporate gatherings, and celebratory groups.
When planning your Lima travel guide or browsing verified restaurants in Lima, pair this stop with standout local spots including Lock Sixteen Steakhouse, Hampton Inn Lima, Fairfield Inn & Suites Lima, and 318 Restaurant & Bar (nearby).
