I travel for work as a maintenance mechanic and Wapakoneta is one of the plants I am responsible for. I was asking the people I work with there where are some good places to eat for lunch.I believe The Side Rail came out of nearly everyone's mouths.I arrived at the restaurant for a late lunch probably around 4:30 and the place was not too busy but had its share of patrons. I was greeted as soon as I walked in the door with a hello and a smile.I chose to sit at the bar beings I was alone.The decor was very neat with a mix of local and railroad themed decorations.The alcoholic drinks included a large collection of various unique and flavorful drinks and cocktails. I enjoy a good hard cider but the one they had listed on tap had a strawberry flavoring. I mentioned my fondness of ciders but my lack of enjoying strawberry flavored drinks to the waitress/bartender and she immediately offered a sample. I was quite surprised how good it actually was.The menu definitely has a large selection of unique food and combinations especially burgers. I started with an appetizer of garlic cheeses curds. They came out quickly and were fresh,hot, and crispy just how I like them.The garlic flavor with the cheese curds was a great change from the normal cheese curds I'm used to with them even being in cubes.I had to try the burger with Peanut Butter and Jelly, the loaded fries, and Mac and cheese.I was really second guessing that ordering that choice was a good one but boy was I surprised.The burger was cooked perfectly.I will never understand how a burger with cheese,peanut butter,a fruit jam sauce, and even a egg actually not only worked together but was delicious.The loaded fries were crispy,cheesy,and the jalapeños were flavorful but not too hot.The Mac and cheese was also very delicious and very creamy.I will definitely be returning to try some of the other unique sandwiches and cocktails. The only regret I had was forgetting my leftovers in my truck when I got back to my hotel. read more

Lovely omg the best best best food. Definitely a must go to anytime I am in area. Feta burger the absolute best!!!

I order from here anyway 2xs a month carry out.... Love their sauerkraut balls and sidewinders fully loaded fries. My sauerkraut balls actually tasted like my sidewinder fries, gross and my sidewinder fries still had that cold freezer taste to them. Ruined my entire meal. That's all I bought, and couldn't even eat it. read more

In town for a single night and decided to check out The Side Rail. A railroad themed restaurant? Not a hard sell for us! The Side Rail is located in downtown Wapakoneta, Ohio. It's about a downtown as one can get, and easy to find. Inside The Side Rail looks larger than it does from the outside. It's nicely railroad themed with train signage, photos, and memorabilia around the place. Since it was Thursday evening around dinner time, the place was kinda hopping. There were no table available so we sat at the bar. The menu is sizable and has a lot of really appetizing items and it was, legit, hard to chose. I selected the Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese (Texas toast smothered in jalapeno cream cheese spread and bacon, along with cheddar and pepper jack cheeses) with onion rings. They have, on our visit, about 6 different beers on tap, and from what we were told they're ever-changing. There were a number of screens behind the bar showing sporting events. The bar, itself, was adorned railroad style, of course, with real model railroad track. It was a very cool touch. Food delivery was less than 10 minutes, and it was served HOT, and the the Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese was exactly what I needed/expected. The onion rings were excellent (however, I did ask our server and they're not made/breaded their, but come out of a frozen bag. :( ) Nonetheless, they were fantastic. Our server (whose name escapes me) was great and answered all of our questions without hesitation. She also kept our iced teas topped off. The Side Rail is a fun, neighborhood kinda place with awesome theming and friendly staff. I wish this was closer to home. I could hang out here regularly. read more

The Side Rail - American Near Me - Wapakoneta, Ohio

See all

I love their burgers and fries they are super nice and sweet I would go back there again read more

The Side Rail - Pizza burger and fries - American Near Me - Wapakoneta, Ohio

Got to town late and starving from traveling all day. We found the Side Rail and the based on the menu we knew this would hit the spot. Ben was our server. We tried several of his recommendations. We had the Geronimo burger, the French onion burger, one with the sidewinder fries and one with the mac & cheese. Everything was extremely delicious. I also had to have the pretzels with the beer cheese. I tried everything we ordered and loved it all. Ben was amazing friendly and took good care of us. His recommendations were great too. If you are in Wapakoneta, I highly recommend the Side Rail!! read more

See all

Fantastic food and service. Decent selection of beers on tap. Hard to decide what burger is best. Boneless wings are always good as well as the fish chunks. read more

Delicious food, amazing burgers and drinks. Staff is kind and generous. The ambiance is amazing

I have been to the Side Rail many times and always leave happy for being there. The food is amazing and the staff is always friendly and polite. I have never had a bad meal here. They always exceed my expectations! read more

Finally had a chance to check this place out after several trips back home. My dad and I stopped in for lunch about 12:30 on a Saturday. It was packed. Room at bar, but we opted to wait for table. They took our number so we could walk around, but we only waited five minutes maybe. I orders the classic burger and did American cheese and carmelized onions with the sidewinders. They are kind of a short wedge style fry. The burger was amazing. I ate the whole thing, which is pretty unusual for me. The sidewinders were good, but I'm more of a traditional hand cut fry gal. Don't pass this place by-completely worth it! read more

The Side Rail - Classic burger and sidewinders - American Near Me - Wapakoneta, Ohio

Delicious,, great staff,, original 60's throwback decor!! AAA+++ We love this place read more

Absolutely love it!!!! My favorite restaurant in Wapakoneta. All staff is kind and welcoming.

This place is amazing. Came here last night with some great friends who are regulars here. I got the most popular burger: PB&J. I know why it's so popular, it's literally the best burger I've had since living in Ohio as a Cali native. My only suggestion to the cook would be to X the canned jalapeños... You minimize the burger, as well as adding vinegar. Fresh jalapeños would elevate them, and just overall honor all of the other fresh-ass ingredients you've already but into them. Service was great! And it's laid back. Also, do yourself a favor and just get the watermelon crawl. You're welcome. read more

The hubby and I stopped in here this past weekend on our way to the Armstrong Museum in Wapakoneta. We were quickly seated and the waitress was wonderful! We ordered the sauerkraut balls, which were delicious and had a spicy sauce to go with them. I had the french onion burger with the sidewinders and he had the the bacon station burger and they were the juiciest burgers we've ever had! The sidewinders filled us up, but we made sure to finish our burgers and the sauerkraut balls. Delicious!! We will be back again! read more

The Side Rail - a row of bar stools - American Near Me - Wapakoneta, Ohio

It was really busy so I'm giving some grace. The loaded sidewinders were delish, mostly because of the beer cheese. Over all everything was good but needed more seasoning. A little salt and pepper goes a long way. That said, I'd go back for sure and just be ready to add some salt. read more

The Side Rail - Blueberry Bacon burger. - American Near Me - Wapakoneta, Ohio

Oh my goodness. They are wonderful on every level. Service, atmosphere , food quality, pricing! You won't go wrong. Order the sidewinders, sourkraut Balls (go Easy on the hot Mustard) and boom...you'll Be glad You came In!! read more

Best food in Wapakoneta, hands down. I have eaten everything on the menu at least once. I would recommend it to anyone local or visiting. You won't find a better lunch/dinner in the town. Seating for family's, kids and groups. Full bar with an absolutely Amazing staff. read more

The Side Rail - Cocktail menu. - American Near Me - Wapakoneta, Ohio

Great service and food. Good addition to the Wapa community. We will be back and bring friends.

Very clean atmosphere with a friendly environment. Great service with amazing food! Will return. read more

The Side Rail - Loaded side winders - American Near Me - Wapakoneta, Ohio

See all

This is an amazing place to eat. The staff really pays attention to you and makes you feel like home. the food portions are really awesome all in all I will continue to eat here read more

Classic diner vibe. The food was good. I had French onion soup and boneless wings (they call them bone out) and Dave had the classic burger. The soup was a little salty but nice and hot. The lettuce on the burger was shredded (which is always messy imo) otherwise really good. The wings were surprisingly meaty, and the sweet/spicy sauce was perfect. Our server, Heather, was friendly, smart, helpful and super responsive. Overall, thumbs up! read more

See all

Food was amazing. Not very often I can have a burger without the bottom bun turning to mush and falling apart halfway through. Service was solid. Jay took great care of us. We were a party of 6 and no one went without a drink for greater than 2 minutes. Above all else, my girlfriend and I had both had burgers and a couple drinks for less than $65. Obliviously before tip. Well worth the stop with the family or friends for dinner. Affordable and family friendly even late Friday night. 10/10 read more

Good food good service but does get packed but worth the wait Reuben balls are really good

Loved the food. Loved the environment. Staff very kind and accommodating to my two small babes.

Looking for dinner after enjoying a day trip to Wapakoneta, we were ... disappointed to discover that the first two restaurants recommended by Yelp were closed (apparently due to staff shortages, thanks COVID!). However, located just down the street from the not-open J Marie's, was a new restaurant not yet listed in Yelp: The Side Rail. Taking that as an invitation from above, we entered the establishment, only to discover that every table was packed, as was half the bar. After a minute, a harried looking hostess approached us, and after confirming that we wanted to dine-in, gave us three options: wait 10 or 15 minutes for a table to open up, sit at the bar, or go to the outdoor dining area "out back." Choosing the later option (we love outdoor dining!), we were then lead through the dining room, down a cluttered hallway, past the kitchen, past the storage room, and out the back door to a chain-link, fenced-in area behind the restaurant (formerly parking?) with a dozen black mesh metal tables spread across the asphalt. After waiting at our table for several minutes, our waitress popped out back to introduce herself and take our drink orders. Since we had already had plenty of time to review the menus, I indicated that we were actually ready to place our full orders ... but our waitress said she would need to go get an order pad, as she had a bad memory. Respecting her honesty, we smiled and waited the several more minutes for her to find a pad and return. My youngest ordered a Cobb Salad and a water, while their twin sister selected a Chicken Cordon Bleu sandwich and a lemonade. For my turn, I picked the Pineapple Express Burger (cooked medium) with the coleslaw side, and an iced tea. While waiting for our food, we looked around the outdoor dining area, but there really was not much to see. A couple of strands of decorative lights had been run across the top of the area, but none were turned on. There was a music speaker prominently positioned on the back wall of the restaurant, but it was kind of hard to hear over the whir of the kitchen exhaust fans and the steady drone of the air conditioning units. My children were amused that the rough black fabric on the chainlink fence only mostly obscured the dumpster that was located a foot from us on the other side of the fence. In a reasonable period of time, our food arrived, and it looked very good! Both of my children liked their meals, and my pineapple burger was cooked to a perfect medium. My coleslaw side had a great flavour, and I really liked how the sweet taste of the grilled pineapple contrasted with the tang of the teriyaki sauce and the red onion. Our waitress also did a very good job of refilling our drinks. Our total bill after tax but before tip, was $39.59, which felt higher than typical but was not unreasonable given the high quality of the food. Paying the bill, however, was slightly challenging, as I had to use my credit card as a writing surface since I could not sign anything on the wire-mesh table. PROS: very good food, outdoor tables, friendly staff CONS: they are clearly still working some of the bugs out of the outdoor dining, but there were no show-stoppers Overall I rate The Side Rail as being Very Good, and look forward to returning the next time I am in Wapakoneta. read more

The Side Rail - Pineapple Express: 1/2 lb Angus burger, grilled pineapple ring, pepperjack cheese, red onion, and teriyaki sauce, on a brioche bun. - American Near Me - Wapakoneta, Ohio

We've been here before but it was under a different name. They've done a nice job opening up the front by moving the entrance. There was a good selection of craft beers. There was plenty of service staff on shift and all were attentive; we didn't stand or sit around long without someone engaging us. We started with the loaded sidewinder appetizer. Think open-faced or deconstructed potatoes skins (description creds to the husband). They were delicious and a good shareable. We split an anti pasta salad and French onion burger with onion rings. Even sharing, we couldn't finish the salad. Crispy assortment of greens and fresh, not too heavy on the toppings. The French onion burger was a 1/2# and came with a rich, favorable, au jus dipping sauce. We asked for a medium cook. We didn't get a pink center but it was till nice and juicy. We upgraded to onion rings. Definitely get some horseradish dipping sauce for the onion rings. Amazing. Good service. Good food. Nice laid back environment. read more

See all

We used to enjoy this place however I will not be returning. I came in to order 5 meals and get three gift cards. I did buy one gift card (not 3 as planned) and 3 meals that people at my home were expecting however I did not purchase 2 others for me and a family member and I did not purchase 2 gift cards (as my intention was to have friends try this place)! Why you ask? Because the rude waitress, even when gently questioned and informed I had ordered it this way while dining in several times, told me my egg could not be fully cooked. She literally said that they ONLY allow it to be over easy because to many people would want it the other way. What kind of excuse is that?! She told me, after I shared I have had it cooked like that before (hard fried egg on the PB&J sandwich) while dining in she replied well some people do it but... and she walked away. My option to not have an egg on it. I don't think so... that is part of why I always order this. I told her I would be going to McDonalds instead for the other two meals instead and she was absolutely fine with that. I ordered the sandwiches "well done" (we always do) and that request was not denied. I absolutely will NOT be recommending this place to anyone. We will not be back. I will share the "why" when asked... shame on you. In this day and age I would think you could prepare a meal as asked, that you would appreciate return business, and that customer satisfaction was paramount. Not here apparently. read more

Food is typical. Side winders suck. Very little seating. Wife loves it. I do not. I call their burgers gimmick burgers. Because everyone one is piled with crap Because a burger alone here wouldn't be good. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm sure they don't even list American Cheese on their menu for burgers. Like I said. Gimmick. I only go when I get dragged here. read more

Awesome place to eat dinner!! They have great prices and very fast service. Please if you have not ate here please try it

Another hit for Wapakoneta. Very appealing menu. There were so many good choices it was hard to decide. One of those small town places with character and charm. We had the southwest salad, grouper sandwich and French onion burger. All were excellent. The service was excellent. The beer was cold. read more

Great foot. Great service. And the IPA beets are amazing. I go there all least once a week.

The food was delicious. The service staff was friendly and helpful. The decor was neat. Would certainly try again!

What a great place! The food was awesome and the employees were all really friendly and nice.

Super delicious, so good that I can't wait to come back. Highly recommend the French dip burger! It was busy on a Friday evening and it took a little while to get our food out, but that's to be expected and just goes to show how popular the place is because the food is great. Get your reservation in ahead of time. Definitely my new favorite place. read more

Ambiance is nice and friendly. Of course this means that if you want a nice, quiet place to romance your girlfriend this might not be your first choice. Of course, if you propose here you MIGHT get some audience participation. The food is very good! The first time I had the sauerkraut balls some 3 years ago they seemed to have more kraut than they do now. Burgers are great, fries are as well. read more

This place lowk sucks, the food is super greasy and nasty. found a lot of hair in my pb and j burger

Great food the French onion soup is great and the jamming jalapeño burger is to die for. The do a great job would recommend to anyone traveling thru Wapak read more

Good burgers and side sauces. I found some options for my vegan friend too. They were nice about all of our questions. Definitely would come again. read more

This was a great find while traveling. We stopped in Wapakoneta to look at some antique stores and smelled the burgers from outside .... Irresistible! The service was quick and friendly. It was busy but the staff were great, working together and on top of the service. The burgers were great and the sidewinder fries delicious. We will be back! read more

My best friend and I LOVE going to Side Rail!! delicious spin dip, amazing garlic bread, and an overall great menu and service. basically addicted to going here read more