Savor Seafood and Steaks at Bender’s Tavern

Open since 1902, Bender’s Tavern is the oldest restaurant in Canton and now in its fourth generation of ownership by the Jacob family. The building itself, constructed in 1899, evokes another era with its tiled floors, marble, tiger oak wood and mahogany bar. All of it serves as a fitting backdrop for a restaurant that has made its name on tradition.  

“Our guests expect consistency,” says owner Jon Jacob, whose family has operated the place since 1932. “It’s what we call the legacy-level guest experience.” 

Bender’s is known for its seafood and steaks, as well as its signature menu items like Camp Kagel-style walleye pickerel. The name refers to a group of Great Lakes fisherman that included original owner Ed Bender, who would pan-saute walleye in light flour and season with pepper, salt and paprika. 

After Bender’s death, his widow sold the place to fellow Camp Kagel fisherman John Jacob Sr. in 1932. The Jacob family has been steering Bender’s Tavern through the changes that come with over a century of  business. 

“One unique thing about a restaurant that’s been around for coming up on 125 years is all of those special occasions that people have had and shared [here] throughout the years,” Jacob says. “That’s the one thing that really sets us apart is creating those memories for our guests.” 137 Court Ave. SW, Canton 44702, 330/453-8424, benderscanton.com

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