Cold (sometimes, very cold) temps inspire memories both real and vicariously, images of sidling up to a bar counter or table to meet friends and share a good solid meal. Simple, quality food served in a friendly atmosphere. And of course, there’s always cold beer too.
These local watering holes channel a roadhouse bar spirit. The first establishment, a new member of the West Toledo dining scene. Then on to a stalwart in the process of reimagining itself in Rossford.
Leroy and Margaret’s, a new roadhouse west of the mall
We visited Leroy and Margaret’s, an establishment which began in 2021 on Heatherdowns Boulevard in the South end. While that location remains open, the recently opened Sylvania location is in the former home of Basin St. Grille and then the short lived Tommie’s Sports Bar. Tucked back off of Monroe Street behind what used to be Pier One Imports, and across the parking lot from the former Bed Bath and Beyond (see a pattern here?), this spot is a treat. Similar to the Heatherdowns location, the focus is on a large wrap-around bar, as well as tables and games, to keep you occupied. With live music several nights a week, Leroy and Margaret’s is poised to be the newest neighborhood pub.
We stepped inside to live music, worked our way around the bar to find a seat and enjoyed the friendly “regulars” involved in a dart league which looked fun and not too competitive (we were invited, several times, to step in for a few throws), while the pool table had a steady stream of patrons waiting for the next game.
Sure there are pizza and burgers, but this time of year calls for comfort from the deep fryer. Think fried mushrooms, tater tots (best loaded with cheese and bacon), deep-fried deviled eggs (trust me), chicken wings and potato skins. The burgers are varied. There’s a hearty club and a reuben. The pizza toppings are plentiful and the prices are reasonable.
Leroy and Margaret’s is a cozy spot to spend some time and maybe even make a few friends.
A Revamped Classic, Danny’s Cafe in Rossford
Across town, Danny’s Cafe is an old standby on Dixie Highway on Rossford’s main drag. Try as many lesser bars might, you can’t engineer the atmosphere of a spot that has taken decades to forge. Copious TV screens, all angled toward the bar. Photos from bygone Rossford High School teams adorn the walls. For years, Danny’s was just a bar with a few snacks but they have since started to serve food and they do a fine job.
RELATED: Poppers February 2024
The wait staff were all very friendly, and not in the corporately contrived manner that mars many of the shiny chain establishments trying in vain to recreate the atmosphere of places like Danny’s. There’s a measure of authenticity in how the staff actually seemed excited to dish us a good meal. The warm bar crowd enhances an eating space long known and now serving staple fare. Begin this pub food odyssey with tender cheese curds, onion rings, loaded fries, and wings. Try the chili dog, any of the burgers, or the chef salad; our group would order any of these again.
The enthusiastic crowd of friendly locals, seemingly gathered on every visit, are welcoming, all smiles. Plans are in the works, and construction has begun, on a two-story venue next door to the existing Cafe, with a music stage and outdoor seating areas. Stay tuned for an opening this coming summer
Scope Danny’s weekly entertainment schedule, including Name that Tune Tuesday; don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.
Danny’s Café
600 Dixie Hwy, Rossford.
419-469-7311.
Seven days from 11 am to 1 am.
Kitchen open daily 11 am ‘til at least 10 pm.
Leroy and Margaret’s
5201 Monroe St.
567-408-7250
Monday — Thursday 11am to 11pm
Friday / Saturday 11 am – midnight
Resting Sundays.
