Whether looking to celebrate, relax after work, cure the blues or make some new friends on a Tuesday night out—Toledoans have plenty of options of where to wet their whistle. The Glass City ranks fifth in the nation for the amount of drinking establishments per household.* So next time you grab a stool at one of these fine bars, be adventurous and skip the Bud Light for some creative libations!
REGISTRY BISTRO
144 N. Superior St.
419-725-0444.
www.registrybistro.com
Style separates a good cocktail from an average old mixed drink. Downtown’s hip Registry Bistro achieves style by a genuine affection for the details. Like their food menu, Registry’s pre-prohibition inspired cocktail menu changes to reflect the flavors of the season. Erika Rapp, proprietor and executive chef, doesn’t mind taking the time to make sure every detail is right. “We make everything in house—our own mixes, bitters and simple syrups. We even make our own shrubs with sugar and fresh fruit.” Rapp says customers appreciate the extra touch rather than pre-made mixes. “People really enjoy it. They get excited just to see we use ingredients like freshly squeezed juice.” Rapp also recommends Registry’s signature cocktail — the Smoked Maple Manhattan. This old standby features Knobb Creek bourbon, house-smoked maple syrup, Dolin Vermouth and brandied cherries.
Doc Watsons
1515 S. Byrne Rd.
419-389-6003
www.docwatsonstoledo.com
A good Bloody Mary starts with good vodka. A Doc Watson’s Bloody Mary starts with their in-house infused garlic and hot pepper vodka. It is then handed over to the lucky recipient to garnish it to the brim with multiples types of tomato juice, pepper, horseradish, green onions, celery, olives, limes and more at the Bloody Mary Bar, available Saturdays and Sundays until 3pm. If garlic and hot peppers sound intimidating, choose any other kind of vodka for the base of the classic adult breakfast beverage. “We’re always trying to improve it too,” says manager Carey Parker. Throw in 23 rotating beers on tap and a growing list of bottled craft beers and anyone can see why Parker says “we have a lot of regulars and we all know their names.”
BRAVO
5001 Monroe St.
419-472-1200
www.bravoitalian.com
It might not wink or flash a dazzling smile, but the Flirtini is sure to get you all in a tizzy. Made with Raspberry vodka, 03 Orange liqueur, cranberry juice and pineapple juice, the Flirtini is topped off with Prosecco and is easily the best martini at Bravo, says manager Jill Majeski. “This is our number one on Martini Night,” she says. “It’s kind of reminiscent of Sex and the City [even though it’s not a cosmo]. It has that really light color, and it’s really sweet too.” The Flirtini pairs really well with the Bar Bites menu as well — Majeski suggests the Margherita Stuffed Flatbread. “It’s kind of light, it’s not going to conflict with the flavor [of the martini],” she says.
BARTENDER TIP
Know what you want, even before you know what you want. Don’t be that customer holding up the bartender on a busy night! Before heading up to the bar at least know what type of liquor you’re thinking of. If you know details like you want something sweet with vodka, at least it gives the bartender a direction to helping find your perfect drink!
Manhattan’s
1516 Adams Street
419-243-6675
www.manhattanstoledo.com
With a drink menu brimming with variety and quality, Manhattan’s is the perfect place for libation connoisseurs who like to turn their beverage into a science and an art. Their specialties include single malt scotches, Rye Manhattans, western dry gins and hand-made Collins’s. The bar even caters toward those who prize local and seasonal flavors by incorporating fresh ingredients, such as cherries with brandy, bitters, and citrus peel. But Manhattan’s is less interested in the drink itself and more interested in serving the customer. The artisan in charge of making these creations, Gabe LeMay, says, “We try to fit to the person… We open people up to things that maybe they haven’t tried before.”
Dorr St. Cafe
5243 Dorr St.
419-531-4446
www.dorrstreetcafe.com
There are bars for special occasions, and then there are bars to go to night after night. Dorr St. Café is definitely one of the latter. “We have a neighborhood feel, where everybody knows everybody, sort of like Cheers. We’re not like your high-end martini bar. We do have a full bar; we can make anything, but every day’s a different special,” says daytime bartender, Adam Brandt. One of their more popular drinks is a Berry Lemonade Martini, made with Red Berry Ciroc and Lemonade. The drink can be served as a martini or on the rocks, and pairs perfectly with the café’s Rainbow Chicken Salad for a delicious summertime lunch or dinner.
5TH St. PUB
105 W. 5th St., Perrysburg
419-931-9933
www.5thstreetpub.com
Only one gastropub outside of New York City is certified as a licensed Neapolitan pizzeria—and that is the 5th Street Pub, nestled away in downtown Perrysburg. This hip new dining spot is quickly becoming a local favorite. From their signature Old Fashioned that uses imported Italian sugar cubes to their strawberry mint vodka julep (served in a mason jar and made with vodka from Cleveland), there is a drink for everyone at 5th Street Pub. The truly adventurous don’t want to miss the Chef Rasputin, a twist on the Bloody Mary using tomato sauce, clam juice and a Caprese mozzarella lollypop on top.
DÉGAGÉ JAZZ CAFE
301 River Rd., Maumee
419-794-8456
historiccommercialbuilding.com/degage
For an extra special night out, adventurous restaurant goers can reserve the Tour de Degage, a seven course meal specifically created for them, with a wine pairing for each course. Chef Joseph Jacobsen plans the menu around seasonal foods he mostly finds at farmers markets. “It’s heavily reliant on local ingredients,” Jacobsen says. He comes to the table to describe each plate and why they chose the wine (or beer) to accompany it. Restaurant Manager Steve MacMillan suggests calling a week in advance to schedule a reservation for a Tour de Degage, whether it’s for a group of two or a group of 22. For those stopping in for a relaxing night on the patio, MacMillan says the Clean Slate Riesling is a German wine that has a fruity lemon flavor and goes well many of Degage’s chicken or pasta dishes. Another refreshing white wine MacMillan suggests is the Mosca Mango, a bubbly, sweet moscato with mango pulp.
Kosmo Eatery and Entertainment
7625 Sylvania Ave.,Sylvania
419-517-4483
www.kosmotoledo.com
Kosmo Eatery and Entertainment is the new kid on the block among the ever-growing throng of Toledo bars, but its Caribbean Martini is already making a splash. A delicious mix of rum, banana schnapps, raspberry vodka, orange juice, pineapple and grenadine, the Caribbean martini quickly became the house favorite. It’s a sweet but light summer drink that pairs perfectly with the restaurant’s citrus salmon and crab cakes. The Caribbean Martini might be the stand out, but Kosmo’s also boasts seven other signature martinis. Don’t limit yourself to indulging only your taste buds though. Kosmo offers live music Wednesday through Saturday, providing the perfect acoustic backdrop to their drink selection.
Mancy’s Italian
5453 Monroe St.
419-882-9229
www.mancys.com
Mancy’s Italian is an institution in Toledo – the Mancy family opened their first restaurant in Toledo in 1921 after restaurant founder Gus Mancy moved here from the Isle of Crete. The sophisticated ambiance of the restaurant’s main floor is enhanced with dim lighting and a newly renovated room that creates a relaxed, classy dining atmosphere. Beyond the luxurious dining area, there is a large bar that offers up an extensive list of drinks. This summer’s featured drink is the Summer White Sangria, which is crafted with Pinot Grigio, fresh honey dew cantaloupe, pineapple, triple sec, and just the right amount of St. Germain liqueur. The end result is a refreshingly delicious beverage that is perfect for a warm summer night out.
BARTENDER TIP: Order with the liquor first. Example: Rum and Coke. Its the first thing a bartender should pour. Ordering a Double Coke and Rum will get you two times the Coke and just a shot of booze! Also, if you prefer a specific brand, call that out first. Example: Barcardi and Coke.
LOMA LINDA´S
10400 Airport Hwy, Swanton
419-865-5455
www.toledostriplethreat.com
Opening in 1955, Loma Linda’s set the standard for a margarita in Toledo. “We were the original Mexican restaurant. We introduced the margarita to this area,” says Manager Mike Kunzer. Even though plenty of people tell Kunzer that they have a copy of the nationally ranked recipe, he knows it’s not true. He is the sole margarita maker. After their ten different flavors–strawberry, peach, watermelon, grape, cranberry, tropical, raspberry, blueberry and blackberry–are prepared in house, Kunzer mixes the margaritas in secret. Not even Brian Stoup, a 23 year veteran of the establishment, knows the closely guarded secret recipe. Consistency is the key, Stoup says—one time they switched lemon juices and people noticed!
Bar 145
5305 Monroe Street
419-593-0073
www.bar145toledo.com
Bar 145 sticks to its roots when it comes to creating cocktails meant to be sipped on a patio. Its Spring/Summer drink menu incorporates bourbon, whiskey and craft beer with traditional warm weather flavors. “We like to be original in everything we do and our cocktail menu is no exception. We put a lot of thought into our cocktails and ensure that they align with our concept while catering to our clientele,” says Brandon Saba, General Manager of the popular Gastro-pub. One of their twists on tradition is the Obi Mosa, made with Bell’s Oberon Ale, Peach Schnapps, Champagne and orange juice. While Saba is tight-lipped about the ingredients of their year-round signature drink, The Angry Bird, he would say that it is vodka and Angry Orchard Cider based, combined with several other ingredients, making a strong, sweet and refreshing
concoction.
BARTENDER TIP: Learn the lingo. Just want to sip on a fine Scotch? Order it “neat” meaning without ice. “On the rocks” of course means served with ice and “up” means chilled and strained. If you a drink is too strong for your taste, order it “tall” meaning the same amount of liquor and more of the mixer in a taller glass. And a drink “with a twist” means with a twist of lemon.
Hollywood Casino
777 Hollywood Blvd.
419-661-5200
www.hollywoodcasinotoledo.com
Move aside Blackjack because Toledoans are taking notice of Hollywood Casino’s refined culinary experience, as well as the gambling fun. “We’re a great restaurant, and we just happen to be in a casino,” says Jason Leither, food and beverage manager for the casino. Rotating draught lists, a bevy of mixed drinks and a bountiful wine selection gives patrons plenty of options, both familiar and experimental. Beer cocktails, a new concept at the casino bars, offer a unique twist on old favorites. The Happy Apple, for instance, includes green apple vodka, Elderflower liqueur, white grape juice and Angry Orchard hard cider. Game-ritas and Hollywood Tea—otherwise known as 20 oz Margaritas and Long Island Ice Teas—are made by some of the most skilled bartenders in town. “We hire bartenders from other places who have lots of previous experience,” Leither says. “We’re very selective when we’re interviewing bartenders.” Leither’s favorite concoction his savvy bartenders sling is the Royal Mocha, crafted with Crown Royal Maple finished whiskey, Crème de Cocoa and Guinness and rimmed with candied pecans. For a more classic touch, Leither suggests trying a Manhattan made with Final Cut’s in-house, oak-barrel aged bourbon or their signature pre-prohibition-style drinks made with gin and bourbon.
Ye Olde Durty Bird
2 S. St. Clair Street
419-243-2473
www.yeoldedurtybird.com
Picture this: you’re sitting on the patio during the summer hot months, enjoying the sunshine and the soft music, catching up with friends and sipping a frozen daiquiri. Sound good? That’s exactly what Ye Olde Durty Bird offers. For professionals who want to enjoy great drinks but also want to escape the loud bar scene, the gastro-pub provides an atmosphere that’s mature and relaxing. To beat the heat, try one of their featured frozen daiquiri’s, such as the Durty Daiquiri, which layers strawberry, pina colada and hurricane flavors. They also carry an impressive draft selection, featuring local brews like Maumee Bay IPA. All drinks pair well with a Durty Burger and a seat on the patio!
BARTENDER TIP: Be specific! A good bartender wants to serve the customer exactly what they want. All bars don’t exactly mix their drinks the same way, so if you have a Cosmo that is to die for while on vacation, learn the recipe and let your local mixologist know what you’re craving. They should be happy to oblige!
Rosie’s Italian Grill
606 N. McCord Road
419-866-5007
www.rosiesitaliangrille.com
Those watching their figure can enjoy a refreshing summer cocktail at Rosie’s without worrying about accidentally ingesting 700 calories in one drink. The “Sips to Stay Fit” menu began this week and includes five cocktails under 150 calories, says bar manager Ashley Smith. Even though they already have popular summer cocktails, like their Pomegranate Martini, Smith and Betsy Barone, wife of owner Phil Barone, came up with guilt-free skinny summer drinks made for sipping on the patio using Smirnoff Sorbet 78 calorie vodkas, fresh lime and cranberry juices and agave nectar. Smith also recommends trying a white wine off of the “Patio Pounders” list with the lightly fried, fresh, Grouper Fingers from the appetizer menu or the Strawberry Basil Mojito.
Stella’s Restaurant and Bar
104 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg
419-873-8360
www.stellasrestaurantandbar.com
Coming up with exciting new cocktails is a group effort inside Stella’s, and their Jalapeno Berry Delight was no exception. The team crafted a summery cocktail incorporating fresh berries muddled with jalapenos for a perfectly sweet and spicy vodka-based drink. Bartender Lysa West believes that working together allows them to create a unique and fresh drink menu. “I think our drink menu this year is amazing,” she says. Not only do they have sophisticated, fresh ideas, but they also emphasize using fresh ingredients. Their syrups and the sour mix are all made in house and they even have a juicer sitting on the bar. The patio out front is perfect for hanging out on a sunny day, sipping their Red, White and Blue Sangria full of colorful berries and white peach sangria.
Swig
219 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg
419-873-6223
www.swigrestaurantandbar.com
Sausages aren’t the only the specialty made in-house at Swig. Thirsty patrons can try out Swig’s flavored bourbons and bourbon presses.“[Flavored] vodkas are easy, but everyone does them. We focus more on the bourbons,” owner Tony Bilancini says. “With bourbons we stick to spices and whole fruits … We don’t want to disguise the flavor of bourbon, we want to accentuate it.” Summer bourbon flavors include vanilla, cherry, and even bacon — true fans of the other white meat pair it with the chocolate-covered bacon sundae, Bilancini says. Try one of their presses made with vanilla-infused Bookers Bourbon and blood orange Italian soda with fresh fruit squeezed into it.
