Established over 20 years ago, The Speed Trap Diner in Woodville, Ohio, hearkens to an earlier day. Head East on Route 20, from I-280 or Perrysburg, on your way to Fremont and you can’t miss the Diner, midway through the small town of Woodville, on the north side.
The busy decor includes mid-century light fixtures and walls covered with signage, license plates and other memorabilia. Mugshots of famous celebrities (all taken before the advent of Buckeyes Behind Bars became a thing) adorn one wall. There are tables, booths and a counter area surrounded by diner stools. The seating is upholstered in retro glitter while the counter and table tops are vintage boomerang Formica. A “highway” snakes its way through the dining area on the torginol flake flooring, another throwback to the 1970s. And don’t miss the decor in the restrooms — the women’s facilities, I’m told, look like a Hollywood dressing room!
Samantha Harr, the owner of the Speed Trap, assures that customers have been happy. “They can get whatever they want and however they want it,” Harr quipped, adding, “We usually don’t say ‘No,’ and we’re always friendly.”
A variety to choose from
The menu is varied and fits in the category of “typical diner food.” Omelettes, including the Elmore (with sausage, green peppers, onions, tomato, mushrooms and cheese) and the Fremonster (open face with ham, banana peppers, onions, mushrooms, home fries and American cheese) are highlights and most of the omelette selections are $10.79, including home fries and toast. The menu includes burgers (1⁄2 pound, $10.99, or 1⁄4 pound, $6.25, options), chicken sandwiches (from $5.79-$7.79), salads, wraps, sandwiches (boasting some out-of-the-ordinary combos), Coney and other dogs and The Big T, a tremendous pork tenderloin sandwich ($8.29, more on that later). A children’s menu featuring mac & cheese, chicken tenders, pancakes, French toast, egg selections and the humorously named ‘sketti, either buttered or with tomato sauce, is available as well.
Small town ambiance
Music is playing at an easy listening sound level, which provides for and facilitates conversation. The music selections are fun, with most songs having a 70s or 60s influence.
The servers are pleasant and accommodating and were attentive to our needs. We were accompanied by two small children on one visit and the staff was happy to help us with high chairs or booster seats, as needed.
The portions are ample, but not ridiculous in size and the food is well prepared and was thoughtfully delivered to our table. The Big T pork tenderloin sandwich deserves special mention. The meat is pounded very thin, cooked as a fritter and placed on a bun (The “T” rivals the West Ender at the West End Tavern in Findlay, which we can talk about another day), topped with lettuce, tomato, onion and mayo — this sandwich is highly recommended.
A sign, hanging above the servers’ walkway to the kitchen, boasts “I kiss better than I cook.” As I was with my spouse, I wasn’t in a position to test the claim, but I can say that based on the quality of the food exiting the kitchen, the cook at the Speed Trap Diner must be an incredible kisser!
Speed Trap Diner
310 E Main St, Woodville 43469
419-849-3665
Hours:
Weds – Sat 7am to 8pm
Sun -Tues 7am to 2 pm
Closed Mondays
Noise level: Moderate
Pricing: Hey, it’s a diner!
