Restaurants and Recommendations

Chris
Restaurants and Recommendations

Food scene

Here are some of my favorite restaurants/bars on the island. Most have seasonal hours so I recommend calling ahead to ensure they are open
Many islanders consider the Goat to have the best food on the island. Their house green chicken chili is excellent. Reservations recommended. There isn't a water view.
8 locals recommend
Goat Soup & Whiskey
820 Catawba Ave
8 locals recommend
Many islanders consider the Goat to have the best food on the island. Their house green chicken chili is excellent. Reservations recommended. There isn't a water view.
Excellent food located in downtown Put-in-Bay. It's about a 7-10 minute walk from the condo. Their prices are expensive, even for the island. Good place to people watch from the front deck.
6 locals recommend
Reel Bar
461 Catawba Ave
6 locals recommend
Excellent food located in downtown Put-in-Bay. It's about a 7-10 minute walk from the condo. Their prices are expensive, even for the island. Good place to people watch from the front deck.
Great Irish pub located in downtown Put-in-Bay about a 7-10 minute walk from the condo. Their Irish nachos and chili are my favorites but all of their food is excellent. Great people watching spot from their front deck.
Hooligans Irish Pub
421 Co Rd 215
Great Irish pub located in downtown Put-in-Bay about a 7-10 minute walk from the condo. Their Irish nachos and chili are my favorites but all of their food is excellent. Great people watching spot from their front deck.
Great restaurant specializing in breakfast and savory crepes. It's a local favorite for breakfast but their lunch and dinner menus are excellent too. It's about a 7-10 minute walk from the condo. Their front patio is great for people watching and their side patio is shaded on hot summer days. The interior was completely remodeled for 2023.
6 locals recommend
The Forge
451 Catawba Ave
6 locals recommend
Great restaurant specializing in breakfast and savory crepes. It's a local favorite for breakfast but their lunch and dinner menus are excellent too. It's about a 7-10 minute walk from the condo. Their front patio is great for people watching and their side patio is shaded on hot summer days. The interior was completely remodeled for 2023.
Some of the best food on the island along with great views of the water and the monument. There hours have been limited over the past couple years so I recommend calling ahead. It's about a 5-7 minute walk from the condo.
7 locals recommend
The Keys
227 Bayview Ave
7 locals recommend
Some of the best food on the island along with great views of the water and the monument. There hours have been limited over the past couple years so I recommend calling ahead. It's about a 5-7 minute walk from the condo.
My favorite place for walleye and perch. You can eat on the Mossbacks restaurant side or the Fishbowl bar side (they share a kitchen) depending on what kind of environment you're in the mood for. It's about a 10-12 minute walk from the condo.
Mossbacks Island Grill and The Fishbowl Bar
371 Catawba Ave
My favorite place for walleye and perch. You can eat on the Mossbacks restaurant side or the Fishbowl bar side (they share a kitchen) depending on what kind of environment you're in the mood for. It's about a 10-12 minute walk from the condo.
The only year-round restaurant on the island. This is a low-key waterfront tavern with nice views and good food. Their prices are very reasonable compared with the other island restaurants. I usually get the chicken sandwich or wrap but I've heard most of their other food is good too. On a nice day you can sit on the front deck to people watch or on the waterfront deck in back. They also have a coffee kiosk in the front for your morning caffeine.
Topsy Turveys Island Bar & Grill
361 Bayview Ave
The only year-round restaurant on the island. This is a low-key waterfront tavern with nice views and good food. Their prices are very reasonable compared with the other island restaurants. I usually get the chicken sandwich or wrap but I've heard most of their other food is good too. On a nice day you can sit on the front deck to people watch or on the waterfront deck in back. They also have a coffee kiosk in the front for your morning caffeine.
Great local island bar if you're looking for a break from downtown. it's about 1.5 miles from the condo. Their sloppy scotty hot dog is a local favorite. They have a great outdoor area with picnic tables and cornhole boards.
Joe's Bar
1400 Catawba Ave
Great local island bar if you're looking for a break from downtown. it's about 1.5 miles from the condo. Their sloppy scotty hot dog is a local favorite. They have a great outdoor area with picnic tables and cornhole boards.
This is a nice place for a locally brewed beer and good food. They are under new ownership in 2022 so I haven't had a chance to check out the new menu yet. It's about a 7-10 minute walk from the condo
Put-in-Bay Brewery and Distillery
441 Catawba Ave
This is a nice place for a locally brewed beer and good food. They are under new ownership in 2022 so I haven't had a chance to check out the new menu yet. It's about a 7-10 minute walk from the condo
Great food at reasonable prices. Go during the day to sit on the shaded patio and people watch. They often have live music in the evenings so it can get a little loud at night. Also a great place to watch the classic car parade every Sunday and holidays at 2pm
6 locals recommend
The Boathouse Bar and Grill
218 Hartford Ave
6 locals recommend
Great food at reasonable prices. Go during the day to sit on the shaded patio and people watch. They often have live music in the evenings so it can get a little loud at night. Also a great place to watch the classic car parade every Sunday and holidays at 2pm
Small takeout place for fantastic coffee and breakfast items. Located next to the Boathouse restaurant.
Noddi's Java
Small takeout place for fantastic coffee and breakfast items. Located next to the Boathouse restaurant.
My favorite place for breakfast/brunch on the island. Their typical summer hours are 8am-2pm.
6 locals recommend
Pasquale's
240 Delaware Ave
6 locals recommend
My favorite place for breakfast/brunch on the island. Their typical summer hours are 8am-2pm.
Great pizza, sandwiches, and breakfast. A little pricey but tasty. They have a nice patio and a separate burrito stand in the back as well. It's about a 5-7 minute walk from the condo. It's a local favorite for breakfast but can be crowded on weekends so be prepared to wait for a table
7 locals recommend
Frostys Bar & Family Pizza Big Man's Burrito Stand
252 Delaware Ave
7 locals recommend
Great pizza, sandwiches, and breakfast. A little pricey but tasty. They have a nice patio and a separate burrito stand in the back as well. It's about a 5-7 minute walk from the condo. It's a local favorite for breakfast but can be crowded on weekends so be prepared to wait for a table
There are multiple food and drink options. The “upper deck” has great food if you want to treat yourself to a nice meal with great views. Rita’s Cantina has great views and drinks. There are a couple less formal options as well. Definitely worth checking out.
11 locals recommend
The Boardwalk
341 Bayview Ave
11 locals recommend
There are multiple food and drink options. The “upper deck” has great food if you want to treat yourself to a nice meal with great views. Rita’s Cantina has great views and drinks. There are a couple less formal options as well. Definitely worth checking out.

Sightseeing & Activities

Phenomenal views from the top of the tower on a clear day. This is my favorite toursty thing to do on the island. It's about a 5 minute walk from the condo. There is also a small public beach next to the monument that was damaged in some recent storms but the state seems to be repairing it now so it may be useable in the near future.
24 locals recommend
Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial
93 Delaware Ave
24 locals recommend
Phenomenal views from the top of the tower on a clear day. This is my favorite toursty thing to do on the island. It's about a 5 minute walk from the condo. There is also a small public beach next to the monument that was damaged in some recent storms but the state seems to be repairing it now so it may be useable in the near future.
If you're looking for some shade or just a break from downtown Put-in-Bay then I recommend walking through Coopers Woods. It's a short walk from the condo. This one of several protected nature areas on the island but this is one of my favorites.
Coopers Woods
If you're looking for some shade or just a break from downtown Put-in-Bay then I recommend walking through Coopers Woods. It's a short walk from the condo. This one of several protected nature areas on the island but this is one of my favorites.
This is another protected nature area with a nice walking trail. It's not very long but it is a nice quiet area away from downtown.
Jane Coates Wildflower Trail
1962 Put-In-Bay Rd
This is another protected nature area with a nice walking trail. It's not very long but it is a nice quiet area away from downtown.
Great views from this historical lighthouse park located on the southwest corner of the island.
Lighthouse Point
Great views from this historical lighthouse park located on the southwest corner of the island.
This is another protected nature area on the eastern point of the island. There is a nature trail as well.
Scheeff East Point Nature Preserve
1159-1107 Columbus Ave
This is another protected nature area on the eastern point of the island. There is a nature trail as well.
The state park on the west side of the island has camping, a boat launch, picnic areas, and a pebble beach.
6 locals recommend
South Bass Island State Park
1523 Catawba Ave
6 locals recommend
The state park on the west side of the island has camping, a boat launch, picnic areas, and a pebble beach.
Great island history and a eclectic resale shop next door that supports the museum. I often find interesting items at the resale shop that are unique to the island.
7 locals recommend
Lake Erie Islands Historical Museum
411 Catawba Ave
7 locals recommend
Great island history and a eclectic resale shop next door that supports the museum. I often find interesting items at the resale shop that are unique to the island.
This guided tour is a great way to see the island. It’s only a couple minutes walk from the condo.
Put-in-Bay Tour Train
154 Delaware Ave
This guided tour is a great way to see the island. It’s only a couple minutes walk from the condo.
Fun place to visit!
11 locals recommend
Heineman Winery
978 Catawba Ave
11 locals recommend
Fun place to visit!
11 locals recommend
Put in Bay Winery
392 Bayview Ave
11 locals recommend
Cave tour, butterfly house, and miniature golf are great for families. The burgers at DanDee’s snack shack are a hidden gem
15 locals recommend
Perry's Cave Family Fun Center
979 Catawba Ave
15 locals recommend
Cave tour, butterfly house, and miniature golf are great for families. The burgers at DanDee’s snack shack are a hidden gem
Locally owned distillery with a small tasting room and gift shop in downtown Put-in-Bay. Try their signature Shiphouse vodka, limoncello, or flavored whiskey. The only retail outlet for liquor on the island!
Shiphouse Vodka and Noble Cut Distillery
Locally owned distillery with a small tasting room and gift shop in downtown Put-in-Bay. Try their signature Shiphouse vodka, limoncello, or flavored whiskey. The only retail outlet for liquor on the island!
Floating tiki bar that tours around the bay. Reservations required.
Put-In-Bay Parasail
341 Bayview Ave
Floating tiki bar that tours around the bay. Reservations required.
Jet ski rental located near the condo. The owner is a great guy. Look for discount coupons in the condo.
Jet Ski Rental Putin Bay
14 Bath St
Jet ski rental located near the condo. The owner is a great guy. Look for discount coupons in the condo.
Small but interesting nature center showing the wildlife native to the islands. They also have a small nature trail in the back.
Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Center
255 Meechen Rd
Small but interesting nature center showing the wildlife native to the islands. They also have a small nature trail in the back.
Interesting place for a short visit to learn about local wildlife
Aquatic Visitors Center (AVC)
360 W Shore Blvd
Interesting place for a short visit to learn about local wildlife
This might be the smallest state park in Ohio but this waterfront oasis is a peaceful place to relax with great views of the village and waterfront
Oak Point State Park
Bayview Avenue
This might be the smallest state park in Ohio but this waterfront oasis is a peaceful place to relax with great views of the village and waterfront

Groceries & Supplies

This is the only grocery store on the island. It has limited hours, usually 10-6 on the weekends during the summer and shorter hours during the week and in the offseason. I recommend calling ahead 1-419-285-4091. They do not sell alcohol at the grocery store but you can purchase alcohol to go from the beverage store next door which is open a little bit later. You can also purchase limited groceries and alcohol at the gas station and some groceries at the hardware store.
Island General Food Market
410 Catawba Ave
This is the only grocery store on the island. It has limited hours, usually 10-6 on the weekends during the summer and shorter hours during the week and in the offseason. I recommend calling ahead 1-419-285-4091. They do not sell alcohol at the grocery store but you can purchase alcohol to go from the beverage store next door which is open a little bit later. You can also purchase limited groceries and alcohol at the gas station and some groceries at the hardware store.
The only hardware store on the island. They began carrying basic groceries recently when the island grocery store closed for the winter. There are some small shops next door as well. It is located across the street from the condo. This is my “go to” place when I need milk, batteries, charcoal, etc because it’s so close to the condo.
Island Hardware Store | Put-in-Bay
421 Langram Rd
The only hardware store on the island. They began carrying basic groceries recently when the island grocery store closed for the winter. There are some small shops next door as well. It is located across the street from the condo. This is my “go to” place when I need milk, batteries, charcoal, etc because it’s so close to the condo.
The only gas station on the island. They also carry a limited supply of alcohol and food. They also have compressed air for your bikes and golf carts.
Erie Islands Petroleum
441 Langram Road
The only gas station on the island. They also carry a limited supply of alcohol and food. They also have compressed air for your bikes and golf carts.

Transportation

Many of my guests have rented carts from AB Cart rental and they have all had a great experiences. It is about a 3 minute walk from the condo and 2 minutes from the Jet Express dock. It's across the street from the "downtown bus" stop if you take the Miller Ferry to the island and then take the downtown bus into town. Please note there are many other golf cart rental places on the island if this one doesn't suit you.
AB Cart Rental
222 Toledo Ave
Many of my guests have rented carts from AB Cart rental and they have all had a great experiences. It is about a 3 minute walk from the condo and 2 minutes from the Jet Express dock. It's across the street from the "downtown bus" stop if you take the Miller Ferry to the island and then take the downtown bus into town. Please note there are many other golf cart rental places on the island if this one doesn't suit you.
The Miller Ferry is one of the two ferry operators serving South Bass Island (Put-in-Bay). This is the only ferry that transports vehicles. I prefer taking the Miller because it's much cheaper than the Jet Express and the Miller offers 5 free parking lots on the mainland so you don't have to bring your car across. They also operate more frequently than the Jet Express. The downside to the Miller is that their dock is on western side of the island so you have to take a taxi or the "downtown bus" or rent a golf cart to get to our condo (it's about 2 miles from the Miller dock). There are a few golf cart rental places at the top of the hill after you disembark from the Miller. There are always taxis and the "downtown bus" waiting for passengers at the Miller dock on the island. The cost for the taxis/bus is $3 or $4 cash per person each way (most are cash only but some take cards)
35 locals recommend
Miller Ferry
5174 Water St
35 locals recommend
The Miller Ferry is one of the two ferry operators serving South Bass Island (Put-in-Bay). This is the only ferry that transports vehicles. I prefer taking the Miller because it's much cheaper than the Jet Express and the Miller offers 5 free parking lots on the mainland so you don't have to bring your car across. They also operate more frequently than the Jet Express. The downside to the Miller is that their dock is on western side of the island so you have to take a taxi or the "downtown bus" or rent a golf cart to get to our condo (it's about 2 miles from the Miller dock). There are a few golf cart rental places at the top of the hill after you disembark from the Miller. There are always taxis and the "downtown bus" waiting for passengers at the Miller dock on the island. The cost for the taxis/bus is $3 or $4 cash per person each way (most are cash only but some take cards)
The Jet Express is one of the two ferry operators serving South Bass Island (Put-in-Bay). The Jet only transports people (no cars). The Jet is more expensive than the Miller Ferry and they charge for parking on the mainland. The advantage to taking the Jet is that it drops passengers off in downtown Put-in-Bay which is walking distance to our condo (about 7-10 minutes) and several golf cart rental places including AB Cart Rental. There are always taxis waiting for passengers at the Jet Express dock on the island if you don't want to walk. The cost for the taxis is $3 or $4 cash per person each way (most are cash only but some take cards)
44 locals recommend
Jet Express
3 Monroe St
44 locals recommend
The Jet Express is one of the two ferry operators serving South Bass Island (Put-in-Bay). The Jet only transports people (no cars). The Jet is more expensive than the Miller Ferry and they charge for parking on the mainland. The advantage to taking the Jet is that it drops passengers off in downtown Put-in-Bay which is walking distance to our condo (about 7-10 minutes) and several golf cart rental places including AB Cart Rental. There are always taxis waiting for passengers at the Jet Express dock on the island if you don't want to walk. The cost for the taxis is $3 or $4 cash per person each way (most are cash only but some take cards)

Pool

This pool is open to the public. It is across the street diagonally from the condo. It is much tamer than the crazy swim up bars downtown. This is where the locals go swimming. They have a bar, food, go karts, and sand volleyball. They also have an video game arcade but it isn’t always open. They charge people under 21 years of age $10 to use the pool during the week. Under 21 aren’t allowed in the pool area on Fridays and Saturdays.
The Sand Bar
407 Langram Rd
This pool is open to the public. It is across the street diagonally from the condo. It is much tamer than the crazy swim up bars downtown. This is where the locals go swimming. They have a bar, food, go karts, and sand volleyball. They also have an video game arcade but it isn’t always open. They charge people under 21 years of age $10 to use the pool during the week. Under 21 aren’t allowed in the pool area on Fridays and Saturdays.