Pros & cons
PROS
- Quick coffee, lattes, and grab‑and‑go bites inside the lodge
- Scooped ice cream plus ready‑made sandwiches for fast turnaround
CONS
- Prices feel high for basic items
- Quality and service can be inconsistent at peak times
Overview
Tucked into the Hocking Hills Lodge lobby, Cafe ’22 is the park’s easy button for caffeine and a quick bite. Think coffee drinks, premade sandwiches, pizza by the pie, and scoops of classic ice cream—perfect when you don’t want a full sit‑down meal.
What to Expect
It’s counter‑service and casual. You’ll find bottled drinks, chips, fruit, and sandwiches ready to go; they’ll pull espresso and flavored lattes, and there’s a small pizza program. Expect solid convenience over culinary fireworks.
Setting & Vibe
You’re steps from big lodge windows, stone fireplaces, and plenty of relaxed seating—grab your order and sink into a lobby chair or take it out to the patio when the weather’s friendly.
Is It Worth It?
Yes for convenience: pre‑ or post‑hike fuel without leaving the park. Just know the value calculus—some items run pricey for what they are, and service can slow down when the lodge is hopping.
Best Time to Visit
Posted hours are 7 a.m.–8 p.m. daily. For the smoothest experience, hit it right at opening for coffee, or slide in mid‑afternoon (roughly 2–4 p.m.) when lines ease. Early evening tends to spike as hikers return and families regroup.
Pair It With
Use Cafe ’22 for breakfast-on-the-go before Old Man’s Cave or Ash Cave, then circle back for ice cream after a Cedar Falls or Whispering Cave hike. If you want a proper sit‑down meal or drinks, the adjacent Rock House Restaurant and Pub handle that.
Where it is
39.4249, -82.5502Tips for Café ‘22
- 01Beeline here at 7 a.m. for zero wait and a hot latte.
- 02Grab sandwiches before the lunch rush; pizza waits grow toward dinner.
- 03Take your order to the lobby or patio for the best views.
- 04Want table service or cocktails? Switch to the Rock House Restaurant or Pub.
Amenities
Near Café ‘22
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayHocking Hills LodgeModern lodge with pools, dining, and doorstep access to top trailsLodging · Restaurant
0 mi awayRock House RestaurantLodge dining with forest views and a full barFood · Restaurant
0.1 mi awayHemlock Bridge TrailStairs, a swaying bridge, and a massive cave with a tall waterfall.Moderate · 1.7 mi · 1 hr
0.1 mi awayHemlock BridgeSwinging suspension bridge on the path to Whispering Cave waterfallParking · Restroom
0.3 mi awayHocking Hills State Park CabinsModern park cabins with lodge perks and easy stargazing accessLodging · Parking
0.8 mi awayWhispering Cave TrailA one-way loop to a vast recess cave and a swinging bridge.Moderate · 5 mi · 2.5 hr
0.8 mi awayWhispering Cave LoopBig recess cave, swinging bridge, and a one-way 5-mile adventure.Moderate · 5 mi · 2.5 hr
0.8 mi awayGrandma Gatewood TrailWaterfalls and recess caves on a 6 mile blue blazed traverseModerate · 6 mi · 4 hr
