Where to Eat and Drink at Put-in-Bay
From iconic dive bars to fine dining, South Bass Island has evolved into a foodie’s paradise. Here’s a roundup of the best destinations for every craving.
Late-Night Munchies
When the downtown lights dim and hunger strikes, it’s time to hit up Cameo Pizza (located inside Mr. Ed’s Bar and Grille). Open until 3 a.m., an array of pizzas, subs, nachos, wings and more will satisfy any late-night craving.
Quick Bite
When you need sustenance fast but don't want to sacrifice quality, head to Dan Dee's Snack Shack for mac ’n’ cheese bites, perch tacos and funnel fries.
Irish Food
For comfort food with a Celtic twist, Hooligans is the spot. From Reubens and shepherd’s pie to bread pudding bites or a perfectly poured pint of Guinness, it’s a cozy, spirited escape from the typical island establishment.
Morning Delight
Fuel your day at Noddi’s Java, offering a variety of coffees, refreshers and breakfast and lunch sandwiches. Try the popular caramel macchiato.
Cuban Sandwich
Tucked away at the end of the harbor, Topsy Turvey’s Bar & Grill is an underrated gem. Order the Cuban — it’s crispy, savory and widely considered the best sandwich on the bay.
Pick-Me-Up
Need an afternoon recharge?
Cafe Sous Le Chevre, a French-inspired destination, pairs expertly brewed coffee with fresh-baked croissants, muffins, pastries, ice cream and more.
Pizza
Whether it’s a breakfast pizza or specialty pie (barbecue, taco or chicken arugula, anyone?), Frosty’s (serving the island for over 70 years) is a huge crowd-pleaser. “The most famous pizza on the island is made at Frosty’s,” says Wendy Chambers, executive director of the Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau.
Chicken
Follow the scent of grilled goodness to Chicken Patio. Its wine-basted barbecue chicken dinner is iconic — simple, smoky and served on one of the strip’s best people-watching patios.
Mexican
Craving tacos and tequila? Rita’s Cantina at The Boardwalk delivers the island’s best Mexican fare. Its frozen margaritas are legendary, and the nachos are the perfect filler for a long afternoon by the water.
Spirits
Sample the spirit of the bay at Shiphouse Vodka and Noble Cut Distillery. It’s the perfect place to sip locally crafted vodka or whiskey, and you can grab a bottle to take home as the ultimate souvenir.
Fine Dining
Looking for more upscale cuisine or destination for a special occasion? Plan a visit to The Goat Soup & Whiskey. Famous for its perch tacos and impressive whiskey list, this rustic-chic spot offers chef-driven dishes in a warm, relaxed atmosphere away from the downtown noise.
Best-Kept Secret
Tucked away on the edge of town, Joe’s Bar is where the locals hide. It has the best Bloody Marys on the island, a massive outdoor patio where you can play oversized Jenga or cornhole and a menu of elevated bar food.
Plates for Picky Eaters
Can’t decide what you want? Boathouse Bar & Grill has it all. Its massive menu features everything from burgers, pizza, sandwiches and mac ’n’ cheese to seafood dishes. The beer, wine and malt beverages list is also extensive. “It’s an island staple that has a varied menu, including lake fish,” Chambers says.
Best Confections
To satisfy your sugar cravings, hunt down Sweet Siblings. Here, soft-baked homemade cookies star in a lineup of specialty ice cream sandwiches like the Fresh Banana (chocolate-chip cookies layered with vanilla ice cream, Nutella and fresh bananas). Specialty sundaes, shakes and shortcake round out the mix.
