Best Put-In-Bay Restaurants for All Tastes

Boardwalk PIB
There are so many great options for Put-in-Bay Dining. Whether you are looking for a quick bite or a fantastic dinner, options abound for guests. Get a taste of the local Lake Erie flavor with a delectable Walleye Platter or Perch Sandwich. The Lake Erie Islands are truly a culinary delight.
One of the most beloved Restaurants in downtown Put-In-Bay is the Boardwalk Restaurant. Here, hungry travelers are presented with an impressive variety of options. Within one complex, guests can choose from casual fares like Cheeseburgers and Hot Dogs to the more refined like Lobster Mac and Cheese and Blackened Mahi Mahi at the Upper Deck. The Boardwalk is most known for its famous Lobster Bisque.
Also, at Rita’s Cantina on the top deck, guests can indulge in scrumptious tacos and nachos. Add a delicious Margarita and let the fiesta begin! Lastly, for guests wanting a quick bite, there are fast-casual options available on the main deck. From nearly everywhere, at The Boardwalk, there are beautiful views of Put-In-Bay harbor. So, stop in and see what the buzz is all about!
The sister property to the Boardwalk is The Keys Restaurant. It is located just across the Public Docks, near the Jet Express terminal. Stop by and be transported to the Florida Keys. Furthermore, a Florida Keys inspired menu and entertainment will set your worries adrift and the good times flooding in. Also, exceptional views of the Perry Monument are found here.
So Many Great Put-In-Bay Restaurants to Choose From!
There is a great deal of variety on Put-In-Bay. Mossbacks Grille on the corner of Catawba and Bayview Ave has some of the best appetizers, burgers, and entrees on PIB. Also, they boast great specials daily. Just across the street is Topsy Turvey. Here, they are known for excellent Reuben and Cuban Sandwiches. Hooligans Irish Pub on Catawba Ave is the place for classics like a pint of Guinness and Fish and Chips. So, there is no excuse for leaving South Bass hungry!
The great food continues at the Put-In-Bay Brewery and Distillery. Pair a tasty appetizer with a house-made brew or grab the freshest pizza to go. A few steps away, indulge in a sweet crepe at the Forge Creperie. Stop in for their legendary brunch and leave with a happy tummy! Next, continue the Catawba Avenue tour with a stop at the Reel Bar. Lastly, you can choose from inside or outside seating at this local favorite eatery.
Who is Getting Hungry?
For a tasty quick service meal, be sure to check out The Chicken Patio. Their location is on Delaware Ave, next to the famous Roundhouse Bar. Nearby, Pasquale’s Café has the best breakfast around. Also, they have great pizza. The Boathouse Bar and Grille boasts excellent Lake Erie Perch and optional outdoor seating. Take in great views of Derivera Park with some great island grub.
Another highly-regarded Restaurant at Put-In-Bay is the Goat Soup and Whiskey. The name pars well with the culinary treats a diner can expect here. The Goat prides itself on preparing from scratch soups daily, which change daily. The from-scratch mentality carries over to their impressive menu. Homemade meatloaf and prime steaks are sure to please. Scrumptious Italian pasta and juicy steaks are available. However, there is one item that The Goat is most known for. Also, The Perch Tacos are nothing short of legendary! Lightly fried Lake Erie Yellow Perch is paired with cabbage, fresh salsa, and a secret citrus sauce. They are a must-try on South Bass Island!
Put-In-Bay Pizza and Late Night Eats
There are not many foods more loved than a pizza. Fortunately, the Put-In-Bay Pizza scene has tasty pies for hungry travelers. An island favorite that has locations on the mainland in Catawba and beyond is Cameo Pizza. Cameo is now located in Mr. Ed’s Bar. The new location has been a hit and has made this great pizza even more accessible. Also, guests can enjoy some of the best live entertainment at Mr. Ed’s.
What beautiful Summer Day would be complete without some Ice Cream! Put-In-Bay Ice Cream options include the Dairy Isle and the Candy Bar. Each boasts excellent sweet treats that will satisfy the kids and kids at heart! Grab a hand-dipped cone or sundae piled high with toppings. Satisfy your sweet tooth!
Be sure to check out the variety of dining options found here on this site. Simply head over to our Put-In-Bay Restaurants Page for additional information, menus, and more.
Restaurants and Dining In Put In Bay: What You Need to Know
Here’s what we know, the restaurants in Put In Bay will not disappoint! From scrumptious seafood and fine dining to chicken wings and bisque and chowder you can’t resist, the island has become a Mecca for good food and a good time. And the best part? All this flavorful food is just a short golf cart ride away. No driving necessary! This means you can get an unbeatable lunch and be back at the beach in no time flat.
If you are looking for a little more than just a meal, many establishments serve outstanding food during the day, then turn into entertainment hotspots by night. There are many things to do in Put-in-Bay, especially at night! From comedians to nationally known musical acts, you are sure to find excitement and variety your group will remember for a lifetime.
With so many dining options, many of which offer a genuine beach vibe or an unbeatable view of the water, you will soon forget you are on an island off the coast of Ohio and start to believe you are visiting the Caribbean. Put In Bay restaurants have so much to offer, and you are about to find out why!
Late-night dining options include Joe’s Bar out by the state park, Mama Marias right next door, and Mr. Ed’s Bar and Grille downtown. If you are up really really late, then it must be morning so head over to the Village Bakery for a quick danish and coffee.
We know, we know. This list makes it nearly impossible to choose just one or two Put n Bay dining restaurants during a short stay. Everything is so good! May we suggest extending your stay? Or visiting again soon? Book your next stay today!
Top 10 Put-in-Bay Restaurant Questions
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.