Lift your glass
Join us in a toast, raising our glass to the service industry. It’s no secret that our favorite bartenders, servers, and other restaurant and bar workers have struggled to regain a foothold in these uncertain times, despite recently re-opened doors. So, this summer, we’re coming together with a two-part pledge: First, let’s show service industry workers the same kindness they have always shown us. And second, let’s demonstrate that kindness with more generous tips. They deserve it.
Danielle Perkins, General Manager (not pictured)
Maumee Bay Brewing Company
27 Broadway | 419-243-1302 | mbaybrew.com
11am-10pm, Sunday-Thursday | 11am-11pm, Friday-Saturday
What did the pandemic teach you?
I think this pandemic has shown me how resilient our industry is. Many restaurants have been able to adapt to the needs of our guests, from providing family-style carryout meals or a complete Easter or Mother’s day meal to help families celebrate in ways they never have before.
What makes your cocktails and drink selection unique?
We have a very extensive bar— people might not expect that from a brewpub! Also, we have fun mixing spirits and beer to create beer cocktails specific to Maumee Bay Brewing Company. We encourage our staff to help create fun new drinks that guests will enjoy.
Do you have any happy hour specials and/or featured summer cocktails?
We are in the process of developing a new summer drink menu!
Is there anything else you’d like readers to know?
Maumee Bay Brewing Company is family-friendly, we also have private event space and can host up to 250 people.
Jason “Jay” Shelnick, Beverage Manager
Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano
1320 Levis Commons, Blvd. Perrysburg | 419-872-6100 | Biaggis.com
11:30am-8pm, daily.
What’s your go-to cocktail at home?
I’m a big fan of a good Old Fashioned. I do my best to imitate the “Old World, Old Fashioned” we serve here at Biaggi’s, with the Luxardo Liqueur and a Bruleed Orange as a garnish. The addition of these flavors makes it very unique.
What’s your favorite uncommon liquor or spirit you use in cocktails?
We use Luxardo which is a cherry liqueur in our “Berries & Cherries” as well as our “Old World, Old Fashioned”. It gives a very refreshing cherry flavor to both cocktails which is, I believe, why those are two of our most requested drinks.
What did the pandemic teach you about your industry?
It taught me how valued we, in this industry, are to the community. We were a necessary part of people getting through the day or week and it was an honor to stay open through it all. Human interaction is a very important and needed part of our lives and not being able to have that is hard. We now realize that things that were everyday ‘normal things’ can be taken for granted when you are suddenly prevented from doing those things.
Do you have any featured summer cocktails?
We have a few great summer drink options currently including our Strawberry Sangria, Blueberry Lemonade, and Berries & Cherries. All three are full of great flavor and not overwhelmingly sweet. Perfect for the summer!
Mainstreet Ventures
Real Seafood Company
22 Main St., Toledo | Guest services: 888-456-DINE
Carry-out: 419-697-5427 | realseafoodcotoledo.com
Lunch: Carry-out and delivery ONLY. 11:30am-4pm, Monday-Friday.
Dinner: Dine-in, carry-out and delivery. 4-9pm, Monday-Thursday. 4-10pm, Friday. 2-10pm, Saturday. 2-9pm, Sunday.
Happy hour: 4pm-close, Sunday-Thursday (drink specials end at 9pm). 4-6:30pm, Friday-Saturday (in the lounge area only). $4 drafts; $2 Labatt Blue Light Draft; $5.95 Margherita and RSC Martini; and $4.95 for 5oz glasses of select red and white wines.
Ciao!
6064 Monroe St. Sylvania | Guest services: 888-456-DINE
Carry-out: 419-882-6014 | ciaorestaurant.com
Open for dine-in, carry-out and delivery. 4-9pm, Sunday-Thursday. 4-10pm, Friday-Saturday.
Happy hour: 5-9pm, Monday-Thursday. 5-6:30pm, Friday. 4-6:30pm, Saturday. 4-9pm, Sunday. Offered in the bar area only. $6 house martinis, Manhattans and Cosmopolitans; $5 select wines and margaritas; $2.25 select domestic bottles; and $3 Labatt Blue draft.
The Chop House
300 N. Summit St., Suite 140 | Guest services: 888-456-DINE
Carry-out: 419-720-4335 | toledochophouse.com
Open for dine-in, carry-out and delivery. 4-9pm, Monday-Thursday. 4-10pm, Friday-Saturday.
Happy hour: A specially crafted menu of unique Chop House items is served daily from 4-6pm, Monday-Friday, in the bar area only. In addition: $7.95 select red and wine wines by the glass; $4.25 all bottled beers; and $7.95 select specialty cocktails.
Zia’s
20 Main St., Toledo | ziasrestaurant.com
Currently closed due to COVID-19.
Happy hour: 5-9pm, Monday-Thursday. 5-6:30pm, Friday. 4-6:30pm, Saturday. 4-9pm, Sunday. Half-off all appetizers; $7 pizzas; $3.95 Italian margaritas and draft beers; $4.95 Italian martinis, well drinks and house wine by the glass; and $1.95 Labatt Blue drafts.
Andy Jacobs, Director of Beverage
Mainstreet Ventures Restaurant Group
What’s your go-to cocktail to make at home?
Honeyed Rhubarb Old Fashioned (2.5 oz Bourbon, .5 oz Honey, 4 dashes Rhubarb Bitters, Orange Peel, Rocks)
What’s your favorite uncommon liquor or spirit to use in a cocktail?
Cynar, an artichoke flavored amaro.
Are there any up-and-coming cocktail trends that readers should keep an eye out for?
Nonalcoholic cocktails and carbonated liquor.
What makes your cocktails and drink selection unique?
Each of our 19 restaurants has a unique cocktail program and list. They are created as a collaboration with the restaurant staff and myself.
What’s your summer “quarantini” recipe?
Bourbon. Lots of bourbon.
What are five absolutely necessary items for the home bartender?
Ice molds, nice glass tumblers, a cocktail shaker, strainer, cocktail (martini) glasses
Is there anything else you’d like readers to know?
Cocktails are fun and easy. Mix alcohol, sweet, bitter, and flavor and you have a good cocktail.
Luis Haro, Lead Bartender
Benchmark Restaurant
6100 Levis Commons Blvd., Perrysburg | 419-873-6590 | Benchmark-Restaurant.com
4-10pm, daily.
What’s your go-to cocktail at home?
Benchmark’s “Old Timer,” a riff on old fashion using Chocolate Aztec bitters, Carpano Antica Formula, and a big ice cube.
What’s your favorite uncommon liquor or spirit to use in a cocktail?
I love the botanicals that Fernet Branca brings to a cocktail, a long drink, or simply served neat.
Are there any up-and-coming cocktail trends that readers should keep an eye out for?
Tiki Drinks.
What makes your cocktails and drink selection unique?
Our variety of spirits and liquors set us apart. We are fortunate to have a large bar, and we fill the shelves with whatever exciting things Marino’s has!
What’s your summer “quarantini” recipe?
A Peruvian Pisco with fresh passion fruit puree, lemon and lime juice, egg whites, and bitters. Our summer cocktail list will be out this month and will feature this fantastic cocktail.
What are five absolutely necessary items for the home bartender?
Being a good home bartender is easy, but you do need the basic tools to do it right- a shaker, GOOD knife, jigger, muddler, and strainer.
Jeanie Kunzer, co-owner
Loma Linda
10400 Airport Hwy., Swanton | 419-865-5455 | Toledostripletreat.com
11am-11pm, Monday-Thursday. 11am-midnight, Friday-Saturday.
What did the pandemic teach you about your industry?
Don’t take things for granted.
What changes have you made due to the pandemic?
Safety first.
What’s your go-to cocktail to make at home?
Nothing as good as Loma’s Marg.
What’s your favorite uncommon liquor or spirit to use in a cocktail?
Tequila.
Are there any up-and-coming cocktail trends that readers should keep an eye out for?
We have the best.
What makes your cocktails and drink selection unique?
Customer makes us #1.
Do you have any happy hour specials and/or featured summer cocktails?
As soon as we open to full capacity.
Is there anything else you’d like readers to know?
Thanks for supporting us for 65 years!
George Bardwell, owner
Whiskey & The Wolf
3515 W. Alexis Rd. | 419-690-4280 | whiskeyandthewolf.com
3-10pm, Monday. 11:30am-10pm, Tuesday-Saturday.
What did the pandemic teach you about your industry?
People really came out and supported local establishments
What’s your go-to cocktail to make at home?
Rabbit Hole— straight bourbon with an ice cube and a cigar.
What’s your favorite uncommon liquor or spirit to use in a cocktail?
Aperol.
What makes your cocktails and drink selection unique?
We the best quality ingredients that are available
Do you have any happy hour specials or featured summer cocktails?
White Whiskey Sour. Happy hour is from 3-6pm, Monday-Saturday and features drink specials and $5 appetizers.
Is there anything else you’d like readers to know?
We have seats open at the bar! Support local business and be good to each other.
