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When the Cincinnati, Hamilton, and Dayton (C.H. &D.) Railroad was under
Construction in the 1840’s a labor camp was set up along the right-of-way. In 1851 a group of people purchased the 600-acre plot of farmland, with the Intentions of creating pleasant living away from the city. Construction started on the lots in 1852 resulting in charming 19th Century architectural styles. In May of 1885 this area was incorporated as the Village of Glendale. The Glendale Historic District was placed on the National Register in 1976, as the First historic National Landmark in Ohio.
Glendale’s Village Square, which contains a number of shops and the train Depot, were built in 1880 to replace earlier structures destroyed by fire. Additional shops, police station, and city offices clustered around the depot became the center of Glendale’s activities
This handsome, square, two-story brick building was built possibly as early as 1853, and before 1856. In 1856 it was known as Bracker Tavern. Before the Prohibition law of 1918, it was known as a typical saloon. With the advent of Prohibition it became more of a restaurant serving full meals in the front, with slot machines and liquor in the back room. Overnight guests in the village lockup were served breakfast by the tavern. This became so well known and desirable by the local hobos that it was noted if they were recent guests of the village, they were not locked up. In the early 1920’s a daughter of the Brackers married Mr. Robert Heine and they became the owners. They Installed a soda fountain and sold French Bauer Ice Cream. Up front they sold Penny candy just like the old Ben Franklin Stores. At lunch hot soup and sandwiches were served.
In 1958 this establishment was put into Lillian H. Heine’s name and in 1962 she sold the establishment to William McConnell, along with a group of three other men who changed the name to the Iron Horse Inn, which takes its name from the 1856 steam engine. This establishment still kept with serving food and drink to its patrons. In 1971 ownership changed hands to Mr. Robert Maloney and Vera M. Maloney. In 1984 ownership again changed hands to Mr. Dewy Huff and his wife Betty. They brought the restaurant to a new culinary height. Serving everything made from scratch. Specialties of the house were roasted duckling with orange sauce, chicken breast with Chicken Mousse and Julienne Vegetables, Veal Medallions with Chanterelle Mushrooms and Artichoke Bottoms. Lunch was a lighter affair with sandwiches and hearty salads. At any meal, desserts were outstanding, one of which was Bavarian Mud Pie. It became a memorable eating experience with anyone who dined there.
On June 11, 1994 Dewey & Elizabeth Huff sold the establishment to a long standing Glendale family. The Sawyers remodeled the restaurant and in keeping with tradition The Iron Horse remained an upscale eating establishment. In 2008 The Iron Horse was once again sold to another Glendale Resident and has been redecorated to embrace the old and welcome the new. With art from Vietnam the downstairs offers fine dining at reasonable prices. The atmosphere is Peaceful and tranquil and with a touch of Asian flair on the menu it makes for a magical Evening. The upstairs transforms into an upscale bar that offers a fun cheerful environment. Live music is featured on Friday and Saturday nights along with special event wine dinners.
The journey of the Iron Horse has been long and varied, but the commitment to fine food and wine has never changed. Get onboard the Iron Horse and transcend yourself into another place and time. | 
