The Tin Goose Diner in Port Clinton combines three of my favorite things: breakfast, diners and airplanes! The newly reopened restaurant is located in the Liberty Aviation Museum, which in turn is part of the active Erie-Ottawa International Airport, making it a delightful experience for enthusiasts of big breakfasts, dining culture, history and aeronautics.
The Tin Goose Diner is a classic American dining space, from the counters and floors, to the booths and counter seating, to the stainless steel appliances and menu favorites.
The restaurant itself originated in New Jersey in 1951 and operated for decades as a restaurant before being purchased and reassembled in Ohio in 2012. As the menu says, it really is a bit of living history.
We visited with a large group during a family vacation to Lake Erie, and although we were a little overwhelmed, the staff were friendly and welcoming, the coffee was hot, and the food came out very quickly.
As a museum piece, the Tin Goose might have called the food, but it really is well-executed cuisine, with large portions and good seasoning. With a group our size, you can imagine we ordered a little bit of everything, so here’s a little recap.
First: a large plate biscuits and gravy with their homemade fries, crispy and slightly salty.
Classic combinations like golden brown pancakes with eggs and meat on the side.
great tortillas with your choice of three toppings and a side of home fries.
French toast dusted with powdered sugar.
The standard combination of eggs, meat, potatoes and toast.
Many more tortillas!
My choice was a rare find on the menus around us: SOS, or Sh*t on a Shingle. The dish is cream of minced beef with toasted bread; it became popular in military canteens in the early 20th century. Served in an old-school cafeteria metal tray with eggs and home fries.
After you’ve finished breakfast, be sure to purchase tickets to visit the Liberty Aviation Museum. (The dining room and museum share the same lobby.) The museum has two small hangars of historical exhibits (including fascinating pieces on the role of the Ford Trimotor in air service around Port Clinton and the islands of Lake Erie), vintage airplanes, classic cars, boats and other vehicles.
The vehicles on display are in wonderful shape.
The second hangar, where you can walk outdoors from the first, includes a number of aircraft under restoration. You can see the volunteers actively working on it, including a Ford Trimotor that they are putting back together.
All in all, the Tin Goose Diner and the Liberty Aviation Museum make a perfect pairing!
The Tin Goose Diner is open Thursday through Monday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The museum is open from Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 16:00 and from Saturday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00.
Tin goose money
3515 E. State Rd.
Port Clinton, OH 43452
(419) 732-0236
Website: tingoosediner.com
FB: Tin Goose Diner
IG: @tingoosediner
For more information about the Liberty Aviation Museum, visit libertyaviationmuseum.org.
For more travel ideas in and around Port Clinton, visit our Lake Erie Islands travel page!