If we’re to choose our afterlife destination, most of us would prefer a place filled with angels. But, if you have a penchant for devilish drinks and monster eats, then here’s a strong case for heading south, to Bowling Green, where Reverend’s Bar & Grill transforms typical bar food into something fit for otherworldly appetites.
“It’s a comfortable spot for anybody and everybody,” explains Garrett Jones, executive chef and partner.
Heaven can wait
Jones grew up in mid-Michigan and attended Ohio Northern University, then sharpened his skills at the New England Culinary Institute. His brother, who attended BGSU, helped him pick the restaurant’s location in 2007. Originally named Reverend Chico’s (Jones’s college nickname), the bar’s name was shortened to avoid being mistaken for a Mexican eatery.
Among his aptly named “Garden of Eatin” salads or “Sandwiches of Salvation,” the menu options go beyond traditional fare with clever tags and actually live up to their “heavenly food” billing.
Temptation and desire
We tried several of the most requested items. The Smoked Ruby Red Trout BLT is a faultless combo of smoked trout, arugula, remoulade, tomato and pepper-dusted bacon. The Chimichico, is a fried pulled pork tortilla stuffed with rice, cheese and tomato, was topped with melted queso and smoky salsa.
This isn’t bar food. It’s fine dining without the fuss. Fittingly, Jones serves his meals on tin trays, not fine china, consistent with the eatery’s laid-back style. The atmosphere is relaxed, as college students, families, business types and locals are all welcome to meld together.
Drinking paradise
Jones’s desire to offer a huge drink selection was a local game changer, serving an expansive assortment of microbrews, specialty beers, seasonals, domestics and imports. “We are definitely one of the first ‘beer bars’ in this area,” he said. Craft cocktails are also available.
Jones sources ingredients from local markets and plans to open another location. Reverend’s is the real deal, and I’ll be back. Jones is preaching to the choir.
4-9pm Tuesday | 4-10pm Wednesday-Friday
12-10pm Saturday | 3-9pm Sunday
Bar hours: open until 2am Thursday-Saturday.
Reverend’s Bar & Grill | 130 E. Wooster St. | Bowling Green
419-352-0400 | reverendsbarandgrill.com