In Toledo, food is serious business.
Sure, people debate over art and politics and other issues they’re passionate about. But if you want to see a really heated argument, ask Toledoans what restaurant has the best steak. Or pizza. Or seafood. Or Mediterranean.
Every year, we ask our readers for their opinions for Toledo City Paper’s annual Dining Guide. They’ve identified the best in Toledo’s food scene by selecting favorites in over 100 categories. And now it is our honor to share our readers’ choices with you.
Here are your winners! Bon appetit!
PLACES
Best Restaurant: Inexpensive (under $10)
Ventura’s
7742 W. Bancroft St.
419-841-7523
venturasmexicanrestaurant.com
RUNNER UP: Libardo’s Catering Company Diner
libardos.com
Best Restaurant: Overall
Mancy’s Steakhouse
853 Phillips Ave.
419-476-4154
mancys.com
Timeless. It’s a word that gets overused in marketing, but the term aptly describes the experience of eating at Mancy’s. For a century, diners have experienced the quintessential taste of Toledo when they’ve visited Mancy’s Steakhouse. Their trademark steaks and chops are aged with the same method that Gus Mancy used when he first opened the restaurant in 1921. No wonder that this Toledo classic still ranks highly in the hearts (and appetites) of area diners.
RUNNER UP: Benchmark
benchmark-restaurant.com
Best “Splurge” Restaurant
Benchmark
6130 Levis Commons Blvd., Perrysburg
419-873-6590
benchmark-restaurant.com
RUNNER UP: Mancy’s Steakhouse
mancys.com
Best View
The Heights
444 N Summit St., 12th Floor
419-243-7565
theheightstoledo.com
RUNNER UP: Real Seafood Company
realseafoodcotoledo.com
Best Waterfront Dining
Real Seafood Company
22 Main St.
888-456-3463
realseafoodcotoledo.com
RUNNER UP: Webber’s Waterfront Restaurant
webbersrestaurant.com
Hidden Gem
Whiskey and the Wolf
3515 W Alexis Rd.
419-690-4280
whiskeyandthewolf.com
RUNNER UP: Libardo’s
libardos.com
Fast Casual Eatery
Balance Pan-Asian Grille
5860 Central Ave., 419-578-7777
26520 N. Dixie Hwy., Perrysburg. 419-874-7777
balancegrille.com
RUNNER UP: Zingo’s Mediterranean
eatzingos.com
Best Outdoor Patio/Dining
Souk Mediterranean Kitchen and Bar
139 S Huron St.
567-777-7685
soukkitchenbar.com
Overseen by veteran Chef Moussa Salloukh, Souk’s sunny patio— spotted with umbrellas, casual tables and an iconic, vintage Sunkist sign— provides a cool, sophisticated respite for diners and Farmers Market shoppers. With inventive menu options and amazing service, this is one of Salloukh’s most remarkable restaurants.
RUNNER UP: Whitehouse Inn
thewhitehouseinn.net
First Date Restaurant
Benchmark
6130 Levis Commons Blvd., Perrysburg
419-873-6590
benchmark-restaurant.com
RUNNER UP: Ventura’s
venturasmexicanrestaurant.com
Mom & Pop Restaurant
Schmucker’s
2103 N Reynolds Rd.
419-535-9116
schmuckersrestaurant.com
RUNNER UP: Fundae Sundaes
fundaesundaesicecream.com
New Restaurant
Hannon’s Block
619 Monroe St.
419-407-5146
hannonsblockrestaurant.com
A stone’s throw away from Fifth-Third Field, Hannon’s Block has quickly become a destination eatery for Toledo foodies. Blending eclectic and funky decor with some of the best burgers in the area, the Block is the brainchild of native Toledoan Mike Stancati, who returned to Toledo after working at top restaurants in Chicago for over a decade.
RUNNER UP: Condado Tacos
condadotacos.com
Old School Favorite
Mancy’s Steakhouse
853 Phillips Ave.
419-476-4154
mancys.com
RUNNER UP: Schmucker’s
schmuckersrestaurant.com
Restaurant You Want to Try
Benchmark
6130 Levis Commons Blvd., Perrysburg
419-873-6590
benchmark-restaurant.com
RUNNER UP: The Chop House
thechophouserestaurant.com
Restaurant to Take a Foodie
Benchmark
6130 Levis Commons Blvd., Perrysburg
419-873-6590
benchmark-restaurant.com
RUNNER UP: Souk Mediterranean Kitchen and Bar
soukkitchenbar.com
Place for a Late Night Bite
Home Slice Pizza
28 S St. Clair St.
419-724-7437
homeslice419.com
RUNNER UP: Doc Watson’s
docwatsonstoledo.com
Place for a Business Lunch
Mancy’s Steakhouse
853 Phillips Ave.
419-476-4154
mancys.com
RUNNER UP: J. Alexander’s
jalexanders.com
Place to Impress Your Date
Benchmark
6130 Levis Commons Blvd., Perrysburg
419-873-6590
benchmark-restaurant.com
RUNNER UP: Mancy’s Steakhouse
mancys.com
Place to Be Seen
Ventura’s
7742 W. Bancroft St.
419-841-7523
venturasmexicanrestaurant.com
RUNNER UP: Benchmark
benchmark-restaurant.com
Restaurant: Bowling Green
Easy Street Cafe
104 S Main St., Bowling Green
419-353-0988
RUNNER UP: SamBs
sambs.com
Restaurant: Downtown Toledo
Rockwell’s
27 Broadway St.
419-243-1302
rockwells.mbaybrew.com
RUNNER UP: Souk Mediterranean Kitchen and Bar
soukkitchenbar.com
Restaurant: East of the River
Cousino’s Steakhouse
1842 Woodville Rd., Oregon
419-693-0862
Search “Cousino’s Steakhouse” on Facebook
RUNNER UP: Smokey’s BBQ Roadhouse
Search “Smokey’s BBQ Roadhouse” on Facebook.
Restaurant: Oregon
Oregon Inn
6067 Bay Shore Rd., Oregon
419-697-1000
theoregoninn.com
RUNNER UP: Luckies Barn and Grill
luckiesbarnandgrill.com
Restaurant: Lower Michigan
Angelo’s Northwood Villa
6630 S. Dixie Hwy., Erie, MI
734-848-5511
angelosnorthwoodvilla.com
RUNNER UP: Sidelines Italian Grille
sidelinesitaliangrille.com
Restaurant: Maumee
Village Idiot
309 Conant St., Maumee
419-893-7281
villageidiotmaumee.com
RUNNER UP: Dale’s Bar & Grill
daleesbarandgrill.com
Restaurant: Perrysburg
Benchmark
6130 Levis Commons Blvd., Perrysburg
419-873-6590
benchmark-restaurant.com
RUNNER UP: Swig Restaurant
swigrestaurant.com
Restaurant: Sylvania
Inside the Five Brewing Company
5703 Main St., Sylvania
567-408-7212
insidethefivebrewing.com
Beer fans already love Inside the Five’s daily selection of brews on tap, but foodies have also fallen head over heels for the restaurant’s appetizers, salads, sandwiches and more, all accompanied by a fun football theme. With Inside the Five’s modern aesthetic, you have a delicious evening for the whole family.
RUNNER UP: Element 112
element112restaurant.com
Restaurant Worth a Drive
Whitehouse Inn
10835 Waterville St., Whitehouse
419-877-1180
thewhitehouseinn.net
RUNNER UP: Jolly Roger’s Seafood House
Search “Jolly Roger’s Seafood House” on Facebook
Rooftop Spot
The Heights
444 N Summit St., 12th Floor
419-243-7565
theheightstoledo.com
RUNNER UP: Fleetwood’s Tap Room
hensvilletoledo.com/fleetwoods-tap-room
Spot for Breakfast
Star Diner
Various locations
stardiner.org
RUNNER UP: Fowl and Fodder
fowlandfodder.com
Spot for Brunch
Manhattan’s Pub ‘n Cheer
1516 Adams St.
419-243-6675
manhattanstoledo.com
RUNNER UP: Basil Pizza and Wine Bar
basilpizzaandwinebar.com
Spot for Lunch
Mancy’s Bluewater Grille
461 W Dussel Dr., Maumee
419-724-2583
mancysbluewater.com
RUNNER UP: Rosie’s Italian Grille
rosiesitaliangrille.com
Best Use of Local Ingredients
Fowl and Fodder
614 Adams St.
419-214-1588
fowlandfodder.com
RUNNER UP: Souk Mediterranean Kitchen and Bar
soukkitchenbar.com
Best Ice Cream Parlor
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream
5655 Secor Rd., 419-474-8861
5908 W. Sylvania Ave., 419-882-1118
handelsicecream.com
RUNNER UP: Fundae Sundaes
fundaesundaesicecream.com
Best Takeout
Little Asia
3527 Dorr St.
419-539-9329
littleasia1.com
RUNNER UP: QQ Kitchen
qqkitchen.com
Best Family Meal Deals
Adams Street Cafe
608 Adams St.
419-214-1819
theadamsstcafe.com
RUNNER UP: Sebastiano’s Italiano
sebastianositaliano.com
Farmers Market
Toledo Farmers Market
525 Market St.
419-255-6765
toledofarmersmarket.com
RUNNER UP: Perrysburg Farmers Market
perrysburgfarmersmarket.com
Place We’ll Miss
Ahmed’s Steak House
RUNNER UP: Executive on the Main
Boutique Bakery
7 Little Cupcakes
25661 Fort Meigs Rd., Ste. D, Perrysburg
419-252-0858
7littlecupcakes.com
RUNNER UP: Glass City Cupcakes
glasscitycupcakes.com
Most Creative Menu
Registry Bistro
144 N Superior St.
419-725-0444
registrybistro.com
Currently available from Registry’s menu: “Duck Duck Quail” with Hay Smoked Carrots and Roasted Pecan Wild Rice. Miso Roasted Chilean Sea Bass with Chilled Mango Couscous. And that is just a sample of Chef/Owner Erika Rapp’s commitment to unique and inventive menu options. You can also stop by on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for their Spanish Tapas menu. For adventurous food, there’s no place quite like the Bistro.
RUNNER UP: Fowl and Fodder
fowlandfodder.com
PEOPLE
Best Baristas
Maddie & Bella Coffee Roasters
44 S St. Clair St.
419-214-0822
maddieandbella.com
RUNNER UP: Grindhrs Coffee and Community
grinhrs.com
Best Bartenders
Barr’s Public House
3355 Briarfield Blvd.
419-866-8466
barrspublichouse.com
RUNNER UP: Premier Pour Bartending
premierpour.com
Best Catering
Cork and Knife Provisions
186 E South Boundary St., Perrysburg
419-340-2044
corkandknifeprovisions.com
RUNNER UP: Back 40
backfortycatering.com
Best Overall Staff
Benchmark
6130 Levis Commons Blvd., Perrysburg
419-873-6590
benchmark-restaurant.com
RUNNER UP: Ventura’s
venturasmexicanrestaurant.com
Food Truck
Rusty’s Road Trip
rustysroadtripfoodtruck.com
RUNNER UP: Beastro Burger
Search “Beastro Burger Truck” on Facebook
Coffee Roaster
Maddie & Bella Coffee Roasters
44 S St. Clair St.
419-214-0822
maddieandbella.com
RUNNER UP: Actual Coffee Roasting Company
actualcoffee.com
Local Food Supporter
Cork and Knife Provisions
186 E South Boundary St., Perrysburg
419-340-2044
corkandknifeprovisions.com
RUNNER UP: Tim McMahon, Host, Four One Nosh
bcanarts.com/four-one-nosh
Best Chef
Marcus Hartford, Bar 145
5305 Monroe St.
419-593-0073
bar-145.com
The love that the Toledo community has shown for Chef Hartford goes far beyond his cuisine. In April, the 25-year old Hartford almost died from contracting coronavirus and has struggled to recover ever since. In response, the community has contributed over $10,000 through GoFundMe in support and also held a fundraiser at Bar 145 in Hartford’s honor. City Paper readers send their deepest well wishes to Chef Hartford and hope he is back in the kitchen soon!
RUNNER UP: Aaron Sanchez, TolHouse
tolhouse.com
LIBATIONS
Best Meadery
Four Fires Meadery
1683 Lance Pointe Rd. #106, Maumee
419-288-5007
RUNNER UP: Funky Turtle Brewing
funkyturtlebrewing.com
Bar: Bowling Green
Howard’s Club H
210 N. Main St., Bowling Green
419-352-3195
Search “Howard’s Club H” on Facebook
RUNNER UP: Juniper Brewing Company
juniperbrew.com
Bar: Downtown Toledo
Georgjz419
1205 Adams St.
419-842-4477
georgjz419.com
RUNNER UP: Firefly Toledo
Search “Firefly Toledo” on Facebook
Bar: East of the River
Old Bag of Nails
615 Riverside Dr.
567-315-8048
oldbagofnails.com
RUNNER UP: Toledo’s Mainstreet Bar & Grill
facebook.com/TMS141
Bar: Oregon
Luckies Barn & Grill
3310 Navarre Ave., Oregon
419-725-4747
luckiesbarnandgrill.com
RUNNER UP: Black Forest Cafe
blackforestcafe.net
Bar: Lower Michigan
Sidelines Sports Bar
Various locations
sidelinessportseatery.com
RUNNER UP: Forest View Lanes
forestviewlanes.com
Bar: Maumee
Village Idiot
309 Conant St., Maumee
419-893-7281
villageidiotmaumee.com
RUNNER UP: Levi & Lilac’s Whiskey Room
leviandlilacs.com
Bar: Perrysburg
Swig Restaurant
219 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg
419-873-6224
swigrestaurantmenu.com
RUNNER UP: 5th Street Pub
5thstreetpub.com
Bar: Sylvania
Inside the Five Brewing Company
5703 Main St., Sylvania
567-408-7212
insidethefivebrewing.com
RUNNER UP: The V.I. Sylvania
thevisylvania.com
Bar: Toledo
Bar 145
5305 Monroe St.
419-593-0073
bar-145.com
RUNNER UP: Bellwether at Toledo Spirits
toledospirits.com/bellwether
Best Bar Overall
The Heights
444 N. Summit St., 12th Floor
419-243-7565
theheightstoledo.com
RUNNER UP: The Ottawa Tavern
Search “The Ottawa Tavern” on Facebook
Sports Bar
Sidelines Sports Bar
Various locations
sidelinessportseatery.com
RUNNER UP: Shawn’s Irish Tavern
shawnsirishtavern.com
Dive Bar
Rocky’s Bar
4020 Secor Rd.
419-214-0029
Search “Rocky’s Bar” on Facebook
RUNNER UP: Orchard Inn
Search “Orchard Inn” on Facebook
Wine List
Benchmark
6130 Levis Commons Blvd., Perrysburg
419-873-6590
benchmark-restaurant.com
RUNNER UP: Mancy’s Italian Grill
mancys.com
Craft Cocktail Selection
Barr’s Public House
3355 Briarfield Blvd., Maumee
419-866-8466
barrspublichouse.com
RUNNER UP: M’Osteria
mosteriatoledo.com
Local Spirits
Toledo Spirits
1301 N Summit St.
419-662-9521
toledospirits.com
RUNNER UP: Six Fifths Distilling
sixfifthsdistilling.com
Happy Hour
Ventura’s
7742 W. Bancroft St.
419-841-7523
venturasmexicanrestaurant.com
RUNNER UP: Tekela Mexican Cocina y Cantina
tekelacocina.com
Locally Brewed Beer
Earnest Brew Works
4342 S Detroit Ave.
419-318-8344
earnestbrewworks.com
Local brewers Scot Yarnell and Keefe Snyder had over 25 years of experience between them making beer before they opened Earnest Brew Works in 2016. For the past five years, their endlessly inventive and delicious concoctions have graced the palates of beer drinkers. Stop by and see what’s on tap today.
RUNNER UP: Inside the Five
insidethefivebrewing.com
Place to Buy Local Beer
Harvest
8060 Airport Hwy., Holland
419-491-0049
harvestinholland.com
RUNNER UP: The Casual Pint
thecasualpint.com
Place to Drink Local Beer
Inside the Five
5703 Main St., Sylvania
567-408-7212
insidethefivebrewing.com
RUNNER UP: Earnest Brew Works
earnestbrewworks.com
Bloody Mary
Bar 145
5305 Monroe St.
419-593-0073
bar-145.com
RUNNER UP: Manhattan’s Pub ‘n Cheer
manhattanstoledo.com
Margarita
Ventura’s
7742 W. Bancroft St.
419-841-7523
venturasmexicanrestaurant.com
RUNNER UP: Loma Linda Restaurant
Search “Loma Linda Restaurant” on Facebook
Martini
Rosie’s Italian Grille
606 N McCord Rd.
419-866-5007
rosiesitaliangrille.com
RUNNER UP: Mancy’s Italian Grill
mancysitalian.com
Bubble Tea
Balance Pan-Asian Grille
5860 Central Ave., 419-578-7777
26520 N. Dixie Hwy., Perrysburg. 419-874-7777
balancegrille.com
RUNNER UP: Kay’s Table
kays-table.com
Juice Bar
Local Roots Juice Co.
306 Elm St., Perrysburg
567-331-8037
localrootsjuiceco.com
RUNNER UP: The Nutrition Spot
Search “Nutrition Spot Toledo” on Facebook
PLATES
Creative Burger
Bar 145
5305 Monroe St.
419-593-0073
bar-145.com
RUNNER UP: The Beastro Burger Truck
Search “Beastro Burger Truck” on Facebook
Creative Pizzas
Village Idiot
309 Conant St., Maumee
419-893-7281
villageidiotmaumee.com
RUNNER UP: ZaZa’s Woodfired Pizza
zazawoodfiredpizza.com
Steak
Mancy’s Steakhouse
853 Phillips Ave.
419-476-4154
mancys.com
RUNNER UP: Benchmark
benchmark-restaurant.com
Sushi
Kengo Sushi & Yakitori
38 S St. Clair St.
419-214-0574
kengotoledo.com
RUNNER UP: Rayoka Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi
rayokatoledo.com
Falafel
Grape Leaf Diner
909 S. McCord Rd., Holland
419-868-9099
grape-leaf.com
RUNNER UP: Shawarmaholic
shawarmaholic.com
Gyro
Zingo’s Mediterranean
3154 Markway Rd., 419-407-5586
106 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg. 419-872-5800
eatzingos.com
RUNNER UP: Grape Leaf Diner
grape-leaf.com
Pie
Schmucker’s
2103 N Reynolds Rd.
419-535-9116
schmuckersrestaurant.com
RUNNER UP: Mayberry Diner
mayberrydiners.com
Mac N’ Cheese
Social Gastropub
25818 N Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg
419-931-9936
socialgastropub.com
RUNNER UP: Shorty’s True American Roadhouse
shortystoledo.com
Tacos
Condado Tacos
5215 Monroe St.
419-720-6330
condadotacos.com
Toledo’s first Condado opened just this past spring, but has already made a name for itself with City Paper voters with their taco offerings. Whether you try one of the restaurant’s trademark creations or build your own, Condado’s take makes for a delectable munchable, whether eaten at their place or ordered to go.
RUNNER UP: Carlos Que Pasa
carlosquepasa.com
Ribs
Shorty’s True American Roadhouse
5111 Monroe St.
419-841-9505
shortystoledo.com
RUNNER UP: Ventura’s
venturasmexicanrestaurant.com
Local Fried Chicken
Adams Street Cafe
608 Adams St.
419-214-1819
theadamsstcafe.com
RUNNER UP: Fowl and Fodder
fowlandfodder.com
Pasta Dish
Sidelines Italian Grille
7965 Summerfield Rd., Lambertville, MI
734-568-6055
sidelinesitaliangrille.com
RUNNER UP: Mancy’s Italian Grill
mancysitalian.com
Killer Salads
Grumpy’s
34 S Huron St.
419-241-6728
grumpys.net
RUNNER UP: Zingo’s Mediterranean
eatzingos.com
Wings
Sidelines Sports Eatery & Pub
2111 Mellwood Ave.
419-474-0000
sidelinessportseatery.com
RUNNER UP: Fricker’s
frickers.com
Desserts
Schmucker’s
2103 N Reynolds Rd.
419-535-9116
schmuckersrestaurant.com
RUNNER UP: Michael’s Cafe and Bakery
michaelsoftoledo.com
Keto Options
Benchmark
6130 Levis Commons Blvd., Perrysburg
419-873-6590
benchmark-restaurant.com
RUNNER UP: Blue Pacific Grill
thebluepacificgrill.com
Gluten-Free Options
Fowl and Fodder
614 Adams St.
419-214-1588
fowlandfodder.com
RUNNER UP: Blue Pacific Grill
thebluepacificgrill.com
Vegan/Vegetarian Options
The Leaf and Seed Cafe
116 10th St.
419-407-5333
theleafandseed.com
RUNNER UP: Fowl and Fodder
fowlandfodder.com
Best Healthy Lunch
Souk Mediterranean Kitchen and Bar
139 S Huron St.
567-777-7685
soukkitchenbar.com
RUNNER UP: Balance Pan-Asian Grille
balancegrille.com
Most Instagram-Worthy Plates
Benchmark
6130 Levis Commons Blvd., Perrysburg
419-873-6590
benchmark-restaurant.com
RUNNER UP: Souk Mediterranean Kitchen and Bar
soukkitchenbar.com
Healthy Selections
Souk Mediterranean Kitchen and Bar
139 S Huron St.
567-777-7685
soukkitchenbar.com
RUNNER UP: Fowl and Fodder
fowlandfodder.com
Comfort Food
Schmucker’s
2103 N Reynolds Rd.
419-535-9116
schmuckersrestaurant.com
Believe it or not, Schmucker’s is more than pie. A lot more. From the charming old school atmosphere that just screams “vintage diner” to a menu filled with favorites like homemade chili, roast beef sandwiches, chicken and biscuits, grilled baloney and more, Schmucker’s is a great place to enjoy simple, honest eats. But did we mention the pie?
RUNNER UP: Adams Street Cafe
theadamsstcafe.com
Sandwiches
Harvest
8060 Airport Hwy., Holland
419-491-0049
harvestinholland.com
RUNNER UP: Grumpy’s
grumpys.net
Local Artisanal Food Product
All Crumbs Artisan Bakery
1109 Adams St.
567-377-8999
allcrumbs.square.site
RUNNER UP: Holey Toledough
holeytoledough.com
Nachos
Ventura’s
7742 W. Bancroft St.
419-841-7523
venturasmexicanrestaurant.com
RUNNER UP: Whiskey & the Wolf
whiskeyandthewolf.com
