A guide to great food and drinks on South Bass Island

PUT-IN-BAYFOODIE TRAIL

Start coasting at SHORESandISLANDS.com

Schedule time to forget about your schedule.

Ohio’s Lake Erie Shores & Islands is miles away from Monday. Meeting reminders don’t work on island time, just show up whenever.

With sandy beaches, world-renowned charter fishing and coastal wineries, you’ll totally forget about that thing you have on – what day was that?

Slice of Paradise

While this stop may look like your average dive bar, that’s definitely not the case. Delight in Chef Daniele Shelt’s twist on classic American dishes. Guests rave about the housemade aioli, tomatillo salsa and 12-hour smoked pork used to make the Put-in-Bay Cuban Sandwich. The menu also highlights half-pound, never-frozen Angus burgers, quarter-pound all-beef hot dogs and house-smoked bologna. The wings are smoked with island logs for unmatched flavor. Try these juicy, bold-tasting favorites plain or top them off with Joe’s No. 1 homemade sauce, Satan’s Breath. Save room for Joe’s special dish, the Sloppy Scotty, or grab a heaping plate of Not Joes. Finish with a piece of fresh baked pie prepared on the outdoor grill. 419-285-5637, joesbarpib.com

Joe’s Bar & Restaurant

IF FOOD IS The WAy to your heart, few places will satisfy your craving for delicious, unique and high-quality cuisine quite like Put-in-Bay. Add to that unbelievable sights from the island’s shores and it’s truly a destination where foodies of all types fall in love. This year, join the Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce on its journey through some of the island’s hidden gems with the Put-in-Bay Foodie Trail. From shoreline and inland hangouts to dive bars and elegant porch dining, South Bass Island has it all.

Looking for the No.1 perch or walleye sandwich? Nearly every restaurant presents its own twist on these local favorites. From ta-cos to po’boys, there’s no wrong way to enjoy fresh Lake erie perch and walleye. Or, change tides with a place where you can enjoy a handcrafted cocktail in a Victorian-style speakeasy or sip some refreshing wines at a winery while mingling with the vintners.

If you have a taste for dishes inspired by other dining destina-tions, we have you covered with a variety of options, from Mexican, French, Italian and Irish cuisine to properly prepared conch from the Florida Keys, savory Texas barbecue and New Orleans French

Quarter Jambalaya. Of course, nothing beats a pizza on a breezy summer day. Stroll

the island and discover some of the region’s most mouthwatering pies, from flatbread to firehouse. When morning rolls around, take your pick of places to enjoy the first meal of the day, many of which include weekend brunches and all-day breakfasts.

What are you waiting for? hop on the Put-in-Bay Foodie Trail and experience food like never before in an atmosphere that’s as close to paradise as you’ll find anywhere.

Start your adventure by asking participating restaurants for the trail map. Then, make your way through at least eight restaurants Sunday through Thursday, making sure to stamp your card at each destination. Bring the completed card to the Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center for a Put-in-Bay Foodie Trail swag bag filled with goodies and coupons. For more information, contact the Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce.148 Delaware Ave., 419-285-2832, ambassador@visitputinbay.com, visitputinbay.com

The ForgeOpened in 2012, The Forge specializes in coffee, crêpes and drinks using locally sourced ingredients. enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner in this beautifully restored blacksmith shop. Or, dine outside at The Garden Bar, featuring craft cocktails, Ohio beer taps and live entertainment. 419-285-0022, theforgepib.com

Guests find a little bit of the Florida flair at Put-in-Bay when they visit The Keys. This waterfront restaurant and bar is the perfect island destination for friends and family alike. every seat in the house provides a breathtaking waterfront view, so you can experience tropical vibes with each and every visit. The Keys’ casual tableside service offers breakfast, lunch and dinner so you can enjoy that relaxed carefree island life any time of day. With the only firepit on the island and live entertainment on the Tiki Deck, you may never want to leave. Add to that an extensive, Caribbean-style menu that includes gourmet sandwiches, fresh salads, delicious burgers and, of course, cocktails and drinks that are sure to please. Plus, the Grouper Fries and She Crab Soup are amazing. 419-285-5397, thekeyspib.com

The Keys

chicken PatioChicken Patio has been voted the best barbecue in Put-in-Bay. Its secret wine-basted barbecue recipe has served islanders, boaters and visitors for more than 50 years. When dining at Chicken Patio, a chicken dinner is a must. It includes barbecue chicken, sweet corn on the cob (husked daily), potato salad and a din-ner roll. For those with smaller appetites, opt for a half chicken meal. 419-285-4595,thechickenpatio.com

This downtown smokehouse features food and an atmosphere unlike anywhere else on the island. As Put-in-Bay’s only country bar/restaurant, patrons enjoy everything from crushed peanut shells on the floor to live entertainment showcasing the area’s best country bands and dueling piano acts. Top off the experience with a new menu featuring a variety of smoked items, gigantic salads, amazing soups, wings, burgers and more. The chef at T&J’s is known for making the best ribs on the island. 419-285-0034, tandjssmokehouse.com

T&J’s SmokeHouse

A few steps away from Put-in-Bay harbor reveals Mossbacks Island Bar and Grill and The Fishbowl. Classic décor made of rich, dark woodwork highlights Mossbacks’ upscale, yet casual atmosphere. The Fishbowl, celebrating its 20th anniversary, offers guests friendly service and an extensive drink menu. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, Mossbacks and The Fishbowl are known for their fresh Lake erie perch and walleye, unique sandwiches and burgers (including the Pierogi Burger) and signature drink served in a fishbowl. 419-285-8888, mossbacksatputinbay.com

Mossbacks/The Fishbowl

The Goat, Soup & Whiskey is home to the original Perch Taco. Locally caught each day, fresh yellow perch are cleaned, lightly breaded, fried to perfection and wrapped in a soft tortilla with cabbage, tomato, green onion and cheese and topped with The Goat’s famous Pali Wali sauce. The Goat also features three amazing soups made from scratch daily, as well as three on-site gardens that ensure menu items are made with fresh, local produce. Guests might catch one of the chefs running to pick a fresh herb or vegetable for their dish as they enjoy the view from the patio. The Goat not only uses fresh vegetables and herbs in the kitchen but in its signature drinks at the bar. 419-285-4628, soupandwhiskey.com

The Goat, Soup & Whiskey

Stop by this family-friendly restaurant featuring fantastic views of the shores. Pasquale’s Cafe offers lunch and dinner menus filled with Italian and American dishes. But what makes this place a local hot spot is the availability of all-day breakfast foods. From staples such as fluffy omelettes, hot cakes and waffles to Lobster Benedict and the hot Mess (scrambled eggs, hash browns, cherry wood-smoked bacon, sausage gravy, cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese) Pasquale’s has something for everyone. 419-285-8600, pasqualescafe.com

Pasquale’s cafe

Follow the sounds of lively music and laughter to hooligans, where pub grub and a good time are never far away. This Irish restaurant brings to Put-in-Bay the fundamental style of a true public house, with its own modern flare. hooligans, an exciting and distinguished bar, combines the pleasure of a refreshing pint with a warm and traditional Irish atmosphere. hungry guests can enjoy some Guinness Wings or hooley Cheese Dip as a starter. From there, the menu features a variety of Irish-inspired plates, including Fish ‘n Chips, Shepherd’s Pie and its own Guinness Burger. By simply walking into the quaintly designed vintage space, guests feel the inspiration drawn from the magic of the emerald Isle. 419-285-8000, hooliganspib.com

Hooligans

Welcome to the island’s premier boat club and resort, a popular spot featuring unmatched lakeside views and gourmet lunch and dinner menus. Pair your dish with a cocktail from one of the bars and relax inside the recently renovated dining room or outside on the patio while the children play at the Kids Nest. Live entertainment is featured on weekends and holidays. Popular dishes include soups, sandwiches, salads, burgers, tacos and entrees such as Filet, Sea Bass and Potato-Crusted Walleye. Sunday through Thursday, guests can get a day membership that gives them access to the pool and gym. 419-285-3625, thecrewsnest.com

The crew’s NestDeliciously seasoned sauce and perfectly cooked crust made from scratch have quickly made Cameo Pizza a Put-in-Bay staple. Add to that a mouthwatering cheese blend prepared daily and it’s no wonder island-goers can’t get enough of these pies. For those looking for a little more, Cameo also offers toasted sandwiches on an 8-inch bun or thick ciabatta bread, salads featuring an array of toppings, wings, Pretzel Buckeye Bites, boneless chicken and other pleasing appetizers, as well as shaved ice in a variety of flavors. Late at night, Cameo offers hot, ready-to-go large pepperoni pizzas and individual slices. 419-285-4444, putinbaycameopizza.com

cameo Pizza

Located in the heart of downtown Put-in-Bay, Mojito Bay is the perfect place to kick back and relax. Guests can swing up to the bar and select from a variety of mojitos, including the Original, Raspberry, Pomegranate, or the ultimate high Octane. Born in Cuba, the mojito is an incredibly refreshing tropical beverage. The bartender starts with housemade simple syrup, muddles fresh mint and lime wedges to release and infuse the natural oils, adds ice, rum and a splash of charged water. Mojito Bay also offers a full bar with a great beer selection and island-made rum and vodka produced by Put-in-Bay Brewery & Distillery. mojitobaypib.com

Mojito Bay Tiki Bar

heineman’s Winery was founded in 1888 by Gustav heineman, an immigrant from Baden, a grape-growing region of Germany. Today, multiple generations of heinemans continue the family’s winemaking tradition. They, and other local growers, cultivate 50 acres of grapes on the island. This gives the winery “vine to wine” quality control year after year. heineman’s is famous for its Sweet Concord red wine and Catawba and Niagara white wines, among many others. Visit the tasting room and wine garden and sample award-winning sips before touring Crystal Cave, the world’s largest celestite geode. 419-285-2811, heinemanswinery.com

Heineman’s Winery

Located in the heart of downtown Put-in-Bay, Frosty Bar has been an island tradition for 60 years. Cold brews served in signature frosty mugs, peanut shells crunching underfoot and classic rock tunes from the jukebox are all part of what makes Frosty Bar a favorite. While it’s an ideal stop for breakfast, lunch and dinner, regulars know that no trip to the island is complete without a slice of pizza baked fresh-to-order from Frosty Bar. Whether you’re craving the Italian Meat Lover’s or legendary Triple Pepperoni, the cheese is the star of the show. And it’s Frosty Bar’s selection of cheese that make it a memorable destination. The Backyard at Frosty Bar offers an outdoor venue with fresh-fruit margaritas, specialty cocktails and entertainment under the stars. Meanwhile, Big Man’s Burrito Stand features burritos, tacos and nachos with fresh ingredients and homemade salsa. 419-285-3278, frostys.com

Frosty Bar

Take a step back in time at Red Moon inside the legendary Park hotel. Located in downtown Put-in-Bay, Park hotel was built in the 1870s and has been preserved to reflect its historic integrity. It is decorated in the spirit of the Victorian era. Adjacent to the hotel’s lobby is the original dining hall, which has been transformed into Red Moon, the island’s only speakeasy. Red Moon combines the nostalgia of the era with martinis, wine and craft beer and is known for its award-winning hand-muddled cocktails. The unique, original tin ceiling was recently painted gold and the walls rewallpapered. The engraved tabletops came from the picnic tables that once provided seating in Round house Bar during the 1970s, 80s and 90s. 419-285-2323, redmoonbar.com

Red Moon

Celebrating 145 years of fun, Round house Bar is a staple of downtown Put-in-Bay and the island’s oldest tavern. Known for its legendary “Whiskey Light,” live entertainment and buckets of beer, Round house is an ideal music and entertainment venue. hungry bar-goers love the convenience of Chicken Patio being just steps away. 419-285-2323, theroundhousebar.com

Round House Bar

Put-in-Bay Brewery & DistilleryOpen since 1996, Put-in-Bay Brewery & Distillery is the island’s first brewery and legal distillery making rum and vodka. housed in a building that’s more than100 years old, Put-in-Bay Brewery & Distillery sits on property that originally belonged to one of the island’s wealthiest and most influential citizens, Valentine Doller. But it is their signature hand-tossed brewery pizzas that keep bringing in hungry customers. An island favorite, the Firehouse Pizza, is made with roasted red pepper pesto topped with grilled chicken, green peppers, onions and a cheddar-mozzarella cheese blend. Put-in-Bay Brewery & Distillery also features homemade soups, salads, sandwiches and more to complement a fresh selection of housemade brews. 419-285-4677, putinbaybrewery.com

Put-in-Bay Pizza Co. caters to the entire island and specializes in free delivery to guests of Put-in-Bay Resort and Bay Lodging Resort. This Italian restaurant features thin- and thick-crust pizzas, stromboli, grinders and large salads. Fresh ingredients, high-quality cheeses and toppings and secret sauce give these pizzas their irresistible taste. 419-285-0504, putinbaypizzaco.com

Put-in-Bay Pizza co.

In 2014, Andy Christensen and Ray Fogg opened Reel Bar in the historic building formerly known as Tony’s Place. In a tongue-in-cheek play on its name, it’s a “Reel New Bar in a Reel Old Place.” One step inside reveals a comfortable, lived-in feel featuring natural materials such as reclaimed barn wood, real stone, recycled antique lighting and lots of cool, old accents. Reel Bar boasts a friendly staff and an exciting food and drink menu highlighted by great burgers, including the island’s only Kobe beef burger. Or, try a selection of unique sandwiches, Lake erie fish, fresh salads, 16 draft beers, fresh-squeezed cocktails and an amazing variety of whiskeys and bourbons. Reel Bar’s live entertainment lineup showcases island favorites like Bob Gatewood and The Ray Fogg Show. 419-285-1318, reelbar.com

Reel Bar

For more than 50 years, downtown Put-in-Bay’s Boathouse Bar & Grill has been an ideal spot for great food and live entertainment. Relax to some tunes inside the restaurant or enjoy the outdoor patio while indulging in a menu filled with po’boys, salads, sandwiches, flatbreads and local favorites like Lake erie perch and walleye. Try Boathouse Bar & Grill’s famous Colossal Brunch Burger or southern-style food with family-friendly prices. Of course, you will need a refreshing drink to wash that food down. Luckily, Boathouse is home to two bars that serve a plethora of refreshing brews and cocktails. 419-285-5665, theboathousebarandgrill.com

Boathouse Bar & Grill

Dairy Isle is passionate about providing flavorful and delicious treats and meals. Located adjacent to The Keys and right down the street from Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial, Dairy Isle is a magnet for hundreds of visitors looking for a fast and affordable meal. Relax and enjoy a homemade waffle cone topped with a delightful serving of its beloved ice cream. In the mood for something savory instead? Dairy Isle’s extensive menu also includes burgers, sandwiches, Starbuck’s coffee, smoothies, its famous Crazy Fries and Put-in-Bay’s original Veggie Burger. 419-285-3506, dairyislepib.com

Dairy isleSince May 2009, visitors from around the world have come to visit Put-in-Bay Winery, which features an exhibit that follows the grape from the moment the seed enters the ground through its journey to the bottle and, finally, a spectacular, peaceful wine tasting room and gift shop. Guests sample island wines and varietals grown around the region, often discovering new favorites. enjoy a glass while relaxing in the wine garden or on the front porch of the Doller estate with its wonderful view of Put-in-Bay harbor. Mouthwatering finger foods, including a variety of cheese plates and pizzas, help round out the offerings. 419-285-3343, putinbaywinery.com

Put-in-Bay WineryJust like Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center, Dan Dee’s Snack Shack offers something for everyone. It’s the perfect place to stop for a quick bite or relax for a bit before heading 52 feet below the surface of South Bass Island to explore the cave (an Ohio Natural Landmark). enjoy everything from hamburgers, cheeseburgers and hot dogs to BLTs, corn dogs and chicken tenders. Grab a side of french fries, onion rings, mac and cheese bites or mozzarella sticks. Round out your Dan Dee’s Snack Shack meal with a red, white and blue Bomb Pop, Klondike Oreo sandwich, Drumstick or Funnel Fries. perryscave.com

Dan Dee’s Snack Shack

Divine flavors of Lake erie’s finest seafood is a given at The Boardwalk, a destination that offers a memo-rable experience with service that keeps guests returning for more. Whether you desire cuisine fresh from the lake courtesy of Book’s Sea-food, Fish Shak’s perch and walleye, tacos and margaritas from Rita’s Cantina or beautiful views and lobster bisque from The Upper Deck, The Boardwalk’s restaurants please every lover of great food. 419-285-3695, the-boardwalk.com

The Boardwalk

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