I grew up in Van Wert at a time when the Balyeat brothers owned this restaurant. I do not get back to Van Wert much anymore, but wanted to eat at Balyeat's again. What a disappointment in almost every way...service, quality of food, decor, cleanliness. The place is just plain grungy, and the floor looks like it hasn't been really cleaned in years. When a place is not clean, it says a lot about what the owners think about image. Clearly the owners do not care what anyone thinks. Dan Davies, who 'runs' the steam table area, spent the whole time we were there yelling at the servers and kitchen help. Unfortunately we were seated near this noise. We will NOT go back. The Balyeat brothers are spinning in their graves.

I wish I could write a great review for this restaurant, however I have noticed over the years the quality has diminished. Having said that, the beef and noodles are still the BEST! I wish everytime I go to this place that they would at least redecorate/update things like the wall coverings. An injection of a few thousand dollars in updates would turn this place around. Service is not the friendliest, but will take care of you. The restaurant has its own character with the menu handwritten on the wall. Homemade pies are some of the best around. Portions are very small, however this gives you an opportunity to have a salad and dessert.

Great salmon and chicken with noodles even close to closing.

Every year we have a sports competition in the area and we make sure to stop here and eat an early dinner. It is not fancy, but they have some of the best food I have ever eaten at a diner type restaurant, and I have traveled a great deal and I used to own a diner like this long ago so I know what I am talking about. The choice of food is large, and the prices are very reasonable. If you bring children consider sitting at the bar/table where you can see them prepare your dinner while you sit there, the staff really pays attention to the kids and makes sure they feel welcome and important. If you go there, leave room for the pie, even if you don't usually get desert when you go out to eat, get it here, I believe all the food is made on the premises including the pies. A big thumbs up for this place, we are going to be making our annual trek to Van Wert today and maybe we will see you there, we'll be there for sure. BTW, this place is family owned and operated and several generations of families have worked here.

We live in Florida. When ever we're in Lima we always make the short trip to have dinner at Balyeat's. Home cooking at it's best at a reasonable price. The staff is always friendly and make you feel very welcomed . Oh.... their Pie's? a MUST ! save room! Can't wait to return on our next visit. Armstrong Family, DeLand, FL.