MCL Restaurant & Bakery — Kingsdale Introduce
For generations of Ohioans, the name MCL has been synonymous with hearty, homestyle cooking and a sense of nostalgic comfort. The MCL Restaurant & Bakery in Upper Arlington, located in the Kingsdale Center, is a beloved institution that continues this tradition by offering a unique cafeteria-style dining experience. It's a place where you can walk through a serving line, choose from a wide array of classic American dishes, and build a meal that feels just like Sunday dinner at home. From carved roasts to classic fried chicken and a bakery case filled with fresh pies and cakes, MCL provides a delicious and dependable option for those seeking a meal that is both satisfying and familiar.
This isn't your average restaurant; it's a throwback to a time when quality, made-from-scratch food was a given. The commitment to this philosophy is what keeps locals coming back. The MCL experience is as much about the food as it is about the feeling of warmth and community. It's an ideal spot for families with varying tastes, as each person can select exactly what they want. For residents in and around Upper Arlington, MCL is a reliable destination for a quick lunch, a relaxed dinner, or a large group gathering. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its consistent quality and the value it places on tradition and community.
The Kingsdale Center has long been a central hub for the Upper Arlington community, and MCL Restaurant & Bakery's location at 3154 Kingsdale Center, Upper Arlington, OH 43221, USA, places it right in the middle of the action. This prime spot makes it incredibly accessible for people living in the area and for those coming from other parts of Columbus. The Kingsdale Center itself is a well-known shopping and dining destination with plenty of parking, which is a major convenience for diners, especially during busy meal times.
The restaurant's position within a larger shopping center means that it's easy to get to by car, and it's also on or near several public transportation routes. This makes it a great option for a variety of patrons, from elderly residents to young families and large groups. The ease of access, combined with its central location, helps solidify MCL's role as a go-to gathering place in the community. Whether you're running errands at Kingsdale or specifically making a trip for a comforting meal, finding and getting into MCL is a straightforward and stress-free process, which is a significant part of its appeal for locals.
MCL Restaurant & Bakery offers a range of services designed to provide a convenient and comfortable dining experience for its customers.
- Cafeteria-style dining, allowing guests to see and select their meals from a wide variety of freshly prepared dishes.
- Full-service bakery with a rotating selection of homemade pies, cakes, and other desserts.
- Takeout options for individuals and families who prefer to enjoy their meals at home.
- Catering services for large groups and events, with online ordering available through third-party platforms.
- A comfortable and spacious dining area that can accommodate large parties, making it a popular choice for family gatherings and club meetings.
- Opportunities for community engagement and fundraising, with a history of supporting local schools and non-profits.
What makes MCL Restaurant & Bakery a standout in the local Upper Arlington food scene is its commitment to certain features that resonate deeply with the community.
- The cafeteria-style format is a major highlight. It allows for quick, efficient service and provides a nostalgic experience that is unique in today's restaurant landscape. It also ensures that diners can customize their plates exactly to their liking.
- The food is a clear highlight, with a menu full of classic comfort dishes. While some individual items may receive mixed reviews, staples like the fried chicken, carved roast beef, and a wide selection of vegetables and sides are consistently praised. The strawberry and walnut salad, for example, has been noted as a delicious standout.
- The bakery is a huge draw, offering fresh, homemade pies and desserts that are perfect for a special treat or to take home for a family gathering.
- The restaurant is particularly suitable for large groups. Its layout and service model make it easy to seat and serve many people at once, which is why it’s often chosen as a venue for meetings and family get-togethers, as noted by customer reviews.
- The service is frequently highlighted as wonderful, with staff members who are attentive and friendly, contributing to the welcoming atmosphere.
For more information, to place a takeout order, or to inquire about catering, here is the essential contact information for MCL Restaurant & Bakery — Kingsdale.
Address: 3154 Kingsdale Center, Upper Arlington, OH 43221, USA
Phone: (614) 457-5786
For the people of Upper Arlington and the surrounding areas in Ohio, MCL Restaurant & Bakery is more than a place to grab a bite to eat; it's a local institution that provides a taste of home. Its unique cafeteria model offers an unmatched level of choice and convenience, making it the perfect spot for families with diverse palates or for large groups that need to be served efficiently. The food is based on classic American recipes, ensuring a comforting and familiar experience every time. The bakery alone is worth a visit, providing a sweet ending to any meal.
The Kingsdale location's accessibility and ample parking make it a no-brainer for a wide range of occasions, from a casual weekday lunch to a larger celebratory dinner. The community-oriented nature of the restaurant, evidenced by its suitability for club meetings and its history of local support, reinforces its status as a vital part of the neighborhood. While not every dish may be a masterpiece to every diner, the overall experience—combining great service, a wide variety of options, and a warm, welcoming environment—makes MCL Restaurant & Bakery a true gem and a highly suitable destination for any local seeking a simple, satisfying, and reliable meal.
MCL Restaurant & Bakery — Kingsdale Details
Service options
- Delivery
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Healthy options
- Private dining room
- Quick bite
- Vegetarian options
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
Amenities
- Toilet
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Quiet
Crowd
- Groups
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free of charge street parking
- Free parking lot
- Parking
MCL Restaurant & Bakery — Kingsdale Photos










MCL Restaurant & Bakery — Kingsdale Location
MCL Restaurant & Bakery — Kingsdale
3154 Kingsdale Center, Upper Arlington, OH 43221, USA
MCL Restaurant & Bakery — Kingsdale Reviews
cafeteriahomepiecomfort foodmashed potatoesstuffed chickencinnamon rollsroast beefmac and cheeseliver and onions
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Decent platter of food, but I wasn’t charged for dinner plate plus my extras instead for each individual item, which lessens the appeal. The salmon was good. Fried shrimp had a special and wasn’t anything spectacular. Could leave everything else but the strawberry and walnut salad, that was delicious!
July 26 · Lesley ReedThe food is decent. The service was wonderful. It's definitely cafeteria food. It's a great place to have a large group.
July 28 · Becky NaugleBeen coming here for a long time now with my family so now I'm bringing my son. This place has been a staple in my life for meeting up with family so you could say it has some nostalgia in it for me. It's exactly what it sounds like, set up cafeteria style but don't think that shares any resemblance to your old school cafeteria. The food is far better and consistent. Never had any issues or a bad meal. Everyone that works there is very friendly and helpful, getting through the line is quick and they'll explain everything to you if you have questions and at the end you take your tray sit down and enjoy! Most recently went with my son and parents, he got the childs portion with a chicken thigh, mashed potato casserole, jello and a blueberry muffin (he thought it was a cupcake and yes that boy can put down his body weight in food it feels like sometimes). I got their stuffed chicken which is always a solid choice and some strawberries (I didn't get a full meal this time around so if it looks light, I skipped the sides). Everything was great and he loved it so mission accomplished. If you're looking for a laid back atmosphere, friendly staff and good food check it out, maybe it'll become a tradition for your family too!
July 12 · Ryan PontiousThe only place I know to get chicken livers prepared in Columbus! A buddy and I go there on random Mondays for lunch. The food is always delicious, the service friendly and kind, and the atmosphere mellow. Mostly an elderly crowd and we're down for that in a lunch spot. Not usually too crowded as they have a large dining room. Fast, easy, and delicious.
April 09 · jdwinks40Well MCL isn't my choice I visited there for work, plus I'm open minded. Anywho this location was very clean and so was the bathroom. Now this is where umm yea , as I walk in the door the young man puts food in his mouth then touches his hair , so okay but let's change our gloves. Then the woman server coughs in her hand then asks me what can she get me 🤢. So I asked for a NEW PLATE the other server asked why 🙄 ... I explained what I just witnessed and the woman walked over and tried to get smart ..... Yes I understand both situations and that their a real easy fix .. WASH YOUR HANDS AND CHANGE GLOVES. SIMPLE . SERVE SAFE ❗ WE ALL MAKE MISTAKES AND WE ALL CAN LEARN
May 12 · Tamikca Davis
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