There are approximately 30 bars spread across South Bass Island, but mainly centered on the downtown strip. Most bars in Put-in-Bay also double as restaurants during the day. Guests of all ages are generally welcome during the daytime restaurant hours, but the evening bar time is usually restricted to 21+.
Yes! The Put-in-Bay Brewery is one of the oldest breweries in the Lake Erie Islands. It serves a half dozen fresh beers on tap all season long, and all are made in-house. The Watermelon Wheat and the Pass Out Stout are two local favorites and must be tried if you visit. One of the newest additions to the island is the Distillery next door, which makes fresh Vodka and Rum.
Yes! The popularity of the Put-in-Bay Bucks over the past dozen years has led to the creation of a new website called PutinbayCoupons.org. One section of this site is dedicated to deals at Put-in-Bay restaurants. Most coupons are targeted for midweek guests and include many free kids' meals. For an island resort destination, this is an incredible value!
Yes! There are multiple restaurants either on or just next to the water at Put-in-Bay. They are all located downtown Put-in-Bay. The Crews Nest and Put-in-Bay Winery are located across the street from the water with scenic views of the Bay. The Keys took over space formerly known as Axel and Harrys. It serves the Caribbean and Florida styled fare such as delicious conch fritters. The Boardwalk restaurant complex is the island's original waterfront dining spot and is home to the locally famous lobster bisque. It houses multiple dining spots from carryout to casual to "fine dining" upstairs at the Upper Deck.
Fresh Lake Erie Walleye and Perch are served at multiple Put-in-Bay restaurants. The most popular would be Mossbacks and The Goat Soup and Whiskey. Other seafood options include peel-and-eat shrimp by the pound and housemade lobster bisque, both served at the Boardwalk family of restaurants. And don't forget the wonderful conch fritters at the Keys!
Most bars and restaurants at Put-in-Bay have live entertainment in the evenings. Bands range from island favorites such as Bob Gatewood, local acts like The Menus, all the way to nationally known celebrities like Kid Rock. Debatably the two island favorites are the Round House and Mr. Ed's Bar. They both have the most bands and the most dates all season long.
Pizza options at Put-in-Bay are numerous and most are quite delicious. Only a couple deliver. The recommendations from previous guests include:
- Put-in-Bay Cameo Pizza - 419-285-4444 (free delivery)
- Frosty Bar - 419-285-3278
- Put-in-Bay Brewery - 419-285-4677
- Put-in-Bay Fire Engine Pizza Company - 419-515-2645
Food at Put-in-Bay usually wraps up around 9pm. Later than that is usually pizza and fast food. Options include:
- Subway
- Cameo Pizza
- The Brewery Pizza
- Mama Marias
- and on rare wonderful nights, the hot dog and gyro cart in the Island General Store parking lot!
If you can wake up in time for breakfast, you can find some great food downtown! Frosty Bar offers the original hot breakfast with delicious eggs benedict and tasty coffee while you wait for a table. Pasquale's offers table service in a traditional diner setting and has the island's best omelets. Weekends see Tippers open for a breakfast buffet and of course, the Put-in-Bay Bakery always has yummy sugary delights and coffee awaiting an avid following.
The best bet on the island for fresh walleye is Mossbacks. They even offer some great Bay views if you sit on the west side next to the big windows.