Paul Kushner
Embark on a spirited journey through the heart of Toledo, Ohio, as we unveil the city’s best bars that beckon with unique charm and diverse libations. From historic watering holes echoing tales of the past to trendy mixology hotspots shaping the future, Toledo’s bar scene paints a vivid portrait of community and culture. Whether you’re seeking a laid-back pub atmosphere or a chic cocktail haven, our exploration spans the spectrum, inviting you to discover the hidden gems and well-loved establishments that define the dynamic social landscape of Toledo. Join us on a tour through the best bars, where each venue tells a story and every drink is a toast to the city’s vibrant spirit.
The Ottawa Tavern
1815 Adams St, Toledo, OH 43604
(419) 725-5483
Visit Website
The Ottawa Tavern is a jack of many trades — they offer a full bar, a pizza kitchen, a patio hangout, a live music venue, and a DJ club all in one place. I love going to this lively spot near Uptown Green Park, getting cheap PBRs or well-priced IPAs, and enjoying the live music.
The Village Idiot
309 Conant St, Maumee, OH 43537
(419) 893-7281
Visit Website
The Village Idiot is a friendly pizza joint and bar serving delicious pies and tasty craft cocktails in Maumee near Side Cut Metropark. You can enjoy live music here every night while eating unique Greek pizza and sipping on craft beer. There is a cover charge on some nights, but I think it’s worth it for the food, beer, music, and excellent atmosphere.
Rosie’s Italian Grille
606 N McCord Rd, Toledo, OH 43615
(419) 866-5007
Visit Website
Rosie’s Italian Grille in Holland near Homecoming Park is a fantastic Italian restaurant that serves delicious pasta, pizza, meat dinners, and desserts. They also have an impressive wine list, which pairs perfectly with their tasty Italian fare. The staff is knowledgeable enough to suggest good pairings no matter what I decide to eat.
Wesley’s Bar & Grill
1201 Adams St, Toledo, OH 43604
(419) 255-3333
Visit Website
Wesley’s Bar & Grille between Warren Sherman and Center City near Library Square is one of the best bars in Toledo to get any kind of beer you like. They have an extensive beer menu, and I usually get the Bell’s Pale Ale, a refreshing beer that’s perfect for hanging out on the patio with friends.
The Distillery
4311 Heatherdowns Blvd, Toledo, OH 43614
(419) 382-1444
Visit Website
The Distillery is a bar with a simple name but a fun, lively vibe near the South Toledo Golf Club. I like going to The Distillery to play arcade games and eat affordable and cheesy pizza. If you want more than pizza, I recommend getting their pepper jack cheese balls and a Jameson drink.
Bar 145
5305 Monroe St, Toledo, OH 43623
(419) 593-0073
Visit Website
Bar 145 is an entertaining and dynamic gastropub near the Wildwood Preserve Metropark. It’s one of my favorite bars to go to for live music. I also love singing karaoke and playing games at the arcade. Bourbon is the spirit to get here. If you have a sweet tooth, try Pritchard’s Double Chocolate.
Whiskey & The Wolf
3515 W Alexis Rd, Toledo, OH 43623
(419) 690-4280
Visit Website
Whiskey & Wolf is, as its name implies, one of the best places to get whiskey in town. It’s in the Michigan neighborhood, so I tend to stop by after golfing at the Maple Grove Golf Course. I recommend getting the White Whiskey Sour for your drink and pairing it with one of their tasty starters, like potato croquettes.
Ye Olde Durty Bird
2 S St Clair St, Toledo, OH 43604
(419) 243-2473
Visit Website
If you like going to bars that have names as fun as their environments, check out Ye Olde Durty Bird between Fifth Third Park and Boeschenstein Park. This bar is set in an 1867 building, so it has a traditional tavern feel, but the food and drinks aren’t so traditional. Try the innovative “Durty Burger” with their signature “Durty sauce.”
PizzaPapalis
519 Monroe St, Toledo, OH 43604
(419) 244-7722
Visit Website
Close to Ye Olde Durty Bird in Center City, you’ll also find PizzaPapalis, a pizza restaurant serving thin and deep-dish pizzas and tasty ice-cold beers. I appreciate that, although pizza is their focus, they have a special drink menu and even serve six beers on tap.
The Blarney Irish Pub
601 Monroe St, Toledo, OH 43604
(419) 418-2339
Visit Website
Another Center City bar is The Blarney Irish Pub, arguably the best Irish pub and restaurant in Toledo. They have both traditionally inspired and creative pub fare, and I like going on the weekend when they have live bands. It’s a great place to go on St. Patrick’s Day, but I love their Guinness and Shepherd’s Pie all year round!
Doc Watson’s
1515 S Byrne Rd, Toledo, OH 43614
(419) 389-6003
Visit Website
Doc Watson’s in the Glendale-Heatherdowns area near The University of Toledo Medical Center is a modest and relaxed sports bar with an impressive beer list and delicious gourmet burgers. I highly recommend getting one of their hoppy beers, like the Hi-Wire Lo-Pitch IPA, and building your own burger with their large ingredient list. I like adding uncommon ingredients like fried banana peppers, or blue cheese crumbles to mine.
Rockwell’s
27 Broadway St, Toledo, OH 43604
(419) 243-1302
Visit Website
Rockwell’s is one of the best bars in the Downtown Toledo area if you’re looking for a more classy, upscale lounge environment. This bar is excellent for a date night, as they serve premium steaks, well-crafted cocktails, and house-brewed beers, all under one intimate and elegant roof.
Bier Stube
5333 Monroe St, Toledo, OH 43623
(419) 841-7999
Visit Website
Bier Stube, in the Michigan neighborhood near Hobby Lobby, is a spirited sports bar that I love to hit up with friends on the weekdays. I appreciate that they have themed nights like trivia and karaoke, but I usually just go to drink great draft beer and watch the game. I recommend ordering the Potato Head Burrito if you get hungry!
Mancy’s Italian Grill
5453 Monroe St, Toledo, OH 43623
(419) 882-9229
Visit Website
Like Rosie’s, Mancy’s is another Italian grill that offers a range of Italian fare along with a range of drinks. Located in Sylvania, Mancy’s has draft and craft beer, an extensive wine list, tasty cocktail options, and numerous martinis to choose from. I usually get their Berries & Bubbles martini because I love the taste of raspberry vodka.
The Heights
444 N Summit St, 12th floor, Toledo, OH 43604
(419) 243-7565
Visit Website
The Heights is a popular bar that offers not only creative craft cocktails but also stunning views of the Toledo skyline and river. I recommend coming at night to watch the city light up and ordering their “All That Glitters” cocktail to complement the gorgeous setting.
The Bronze Boar
20 S Huron St, Toledo, OH 43604
(419) 244-2627
Visit Website
The Bronze Boar in Center City near Promenade Park is a chilled-out sports bar and live music spot with brick walls and fairy lights that create an inviting atmosphere. This is the perfect spot to hang out with friends. I like to drink beer, attend one of their special event nights, or come in for a game of pool during the day.
Downtown Johnny’s
513 Jefferson Ave, Toledo, OH 43604
(567) 318-5820
Visit Website
Downtown Johnny’s is very close to The Bronze Boar and is another unfussy bar that focuses on country music and bar snacks. I love their fried snacks like onion rings, mozzarella sticks, and egg rolls, as they pair swimmingly with their refreshing draft beer.
Chasers
3529 Dorr St, Toledo, OH 43607
(419) 775-3119
Visit Website
Chasers is near the University of Toledo and offers a fun space for college students to have a drink, a boogie, and a blast all night long. I appreciate the loud DJ sounds and intricate light effects that get everyone in the mood, as well as the strong pours.
The Tale
5307 N Summit St, Toledo, OH 43611
(419) 727-0888
Whales Tale Tavern is a casual and unassuming bar with a friendly and positive atmosphere. Located near Friendship Park, this bar is the best one to go to if you’re new to town and want to meet some local pals in a relaxed space and get a few beers while you’re at it!
Bellwether at Toledo Spirits
1301 N Summit St, Toledo, OH 43604
(419) 662-9521
Visit Website
Bellwether at Toledo Spirits is a highly-loved cocktail bar with a gorgeous, airy, and greenery-filled setting on the Maumee River. I love going here when I’m looking for a well-made classic cocktail and don’t want to be disappointed. They also have themed pop-ups every now and then, which can be a great change of pace.
Why should you trust us?
We use our own local experience and contacts in the city to know which places to include in our lists. We also researched the web and read 4 reputable blogs and websites, including tripadvisor.com, visittoledo.org, toledo.com and blog.herrealtors.com. So that you can be sure you’re receiving the best of the best. We compiled all the results in one spot and ranked them according to how frequently they were referenced.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings