Put-in-Bay is known for its history, family- attractions, and more but when the sun goes down the nightlife on Put-in-Bay comes alive! With over 25 bars on the island, you are sure to have the time of your life. Lake Erie is the perfect backdrop for a night of fun. You will find tiki bars, distilleries, nightlife hotspots, relaxed dive bars, so much on the island. What are the must-sees? Look at our recommendations for the perfect bar hopping experience.
Wineries of Put-in-Bay
Start with one of South Bass Island’s world-renowned wineries. The two most popular are Heineman’s winery and Put-in-Bay winery. While visiting a winery on the island, you will learn about the rich history of winemaking of Put-in-Bay. You can enjoy wine made right on the wineries! Enjoy a cheese plate and small plates while you take in the beautiful weathering while sampling wine.
Must-Order: Put-in-Bay Seasonal Wine
Joe’s Bar
If you want to enjoy a heartier meal, Joe’s Bar is the perfect place to start exploring the bar scene. This self-proclaimed dive bar serves some great food. They are known for their thick juicy burgers, unique hot dogs, and vegetarian options! The building that holds this great bar has been around since the late 1860s and used for pressing grapes for the wineries. Stop by and learn about the history of this institution while sipping on an ice-cold beer. Make sure to take advantage of their outdoor seating!
Must-order at Joe’s Bar: Joe’s Bloody Mary
Next Stop Downtown Put-in-Bay
Put-in-Bay Brewery & Distillery
This establishment is right in the heart of downtown on Catawba Ave. This establishment opened in 1996 as the island’s first brewery. You will fall in love with the atmosphere at this fun brewery and distillery. They are known for their signature brews such as their Raspberry Mocha Stout and Summer Brew. For spirits, you must try their signature cocktails made with their Island Vodka and Island Rum. You will find margaritas, wine, martinis, mojitos, bourbon, and more on their drink menu.
Must-order at Put-in-Bay Brewery & Distillery: Strawberry Basil Wheat Beer
Reel Bar
Next on Catawba Ave is Reel Bar. Locals and Visitors love this Great Lakes Island Theme bar. They are known for their extensive bourbon collection and amazing live entertainment. Reel Bar won Put-in-Bay Favorite Entertainment Venue for the last three years! They are known for their intimate stage and amazing ambiance. Their drink menu has something for everyone with fresh-squeezed cocktails and 16 beers on draft.
Must-order at Reel Bar: Bourbon on the rocks
Hooligans
As you continue to explore Catawba Avenue, you will find Put-in-Bay’s Irish Pub Hooligans. This pub is known for its atmosphere and being the host of the islands Half-Way to St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations. You can catch Irish live entertainment here on Friday and Saturday. Come be a part of this Irish fun! This pub has a large selection of craft and Irish beers among other drinks.
Must-order at Hooligans: Pint of Guinness
Mojito Bay
On Catawba Avenue, you can also find the island’s leading tiki bar. At Mojito Bay, you can stick your toes in the sand and listen to some island music. This tiki bar has an extensive mojito menu featuring more than 20 different signature flavors. Each mojito is made with their house-made simple syrup, fresh muddled mint, and delicious rum. Mojitos are the perfect summer drink! They have a unique bar that features swings as bar stools. This bar embodies Put-in-Bay’s laid back island attitude. This bar is mostly outside so you will enjoy the beautiful summer weather. Come experience the drink in hand, toes in the sand way! Mojito Bay truly makes you feel as if you are in the Caribbean.
Must-order at Mojito Bay: Pineapple Mojito
The Fish Bowl and Mossbacks
Continuing on Catawba Ave. we recommend stopping at the Fish Bowl for a fun relaxed atmosphere. Mossbacks and The Fish Bowl are side by side. At Fishbowls, you will get the Put-in-Bay island experience with island-themed cocktails such as the sharknado and fishbowl. The Fish Bowl is a party atmosphere with drinking, dancing, and live music. When you visit, you must check who’s playing in the Fish Bowl. For Mossbacks, you can expect a more laid back atmosphere featuring wine, frozen cocktails, beer, and more! This is a fun-filled stop on your bar hopping tour around Put-in-Bay.
Must-order at The Fish Bowl and Mossbacks: The Original Fishbowl
Mr. Ed’s Bar
This loved bar is known for its day drinking and nightlife. Their motto is “Nobody’s ugly after 2 am.” The drinks and music is always flowing late into the night at Mr. Ed’s Bar. DJ’s and Local Bands play here every night during the summer. Their drink menu has something for those looking for a cocktail, beer, or wine. You are sure to have worked up an appetite bouncing around from bar to bar. Mr. Ed’s serves Put-in-Bay’s famous Cameo Pizza so you can refuel before headed out for more fun! This iconic bar is right on Delaware Ave. If you are looking to see what Put-in-Bay’s nightlife is all about, look no further!
Must-order at Mr. Ed’s Bar: Summer Brew from Put-in-Bay Brewery
Frosty Bar
This bar known for its food, drinks, and live music is on Delaware Ave. Frosty’s has been an island tradition since 1949. This bar has a beautiful view of DeRivera Park which attracts both visitors and locals. Come try your hand at a game of pool or a classic video game (here are more on this site about the other games that you can consider playing). Frosty’s also has an amazing outdoor seating area called the Backyard from https://AtlantaTreeCompany.com . Enjoy the weather while relaxing on an Adirondack chair and sipping a fresh fruit margarita. You can always rely on live entertainment at this venue as well!
Must-order at Frosty Bar: Frozen Loaded Lemonade
The Roundhouse Bar
Located on Delaware ave, The Roundhouse Bar greets you with its signature Whiskey Light at its front door. The Roundhouse Bar is known for its jam-packed live entertainment schedule. This building has been standing since 1873. This establishment is known for its exciting and casual vibe. Its great location makes it the most popular bars on the island. You are bound to catch one of their fun musical and comedic acts when you stop by The Roundhouse Bar. You won’t want to miss this stop while bar hopping!
Must-order at The Roundhouse Bar: Bucket of Beers
Topsy Turvey’s
This fun local hangout is the perfect island bar. Topsy Turvey’s is the perfect place to catch a beautiful Lake Erie sunset. They are known for their spacious deck with tons of outdoor seating. You cannot beat their views of Lake Erie. This establishment is great for all ages. Make sure to bring a dollar bill to staple to the wall so you leave your mark on Put-in-Bay island. Topsy Turvey’s should be high on your list of places to hit. Monday nights are Island Jam Night where island talent come to play for the crowds at Topsy Turvey’s!
If you are hungry order something off their grilles such as Lake Erie Perch, Walleye, or their famous Cuban Sandwich. Visitors love the relaxed island atmosphere here. This restaurant and bar is near the heart of downtown Put-in-Bay and is so easy to get to! You can find Topsy Turvey’s Bay View Avenue.
Must-order at Topsy Turvey’s: House made Brandy Alexander
The Keys
Another great place on Bay View Ave is The Keys. This tropical oasis offers an escape from the busy downtown Put-in-Bay. This pet-friendly restaurant offers a great Caribbean vibe that locals and visitors love! The Keys host 2 live shows a day every day of the Summer. It is the perfect island destination. Guests can warm up by the fire pit and enjoy the live entertainment at night. Located nearby Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial, The Keys offers gorgeous views of the island and Lake Erie. This is a highlight on South Bass Island.
They are open for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner so if you cannot stop by at night make sure to return for a delicious sit-down meal. They are known for their conch fritter appetizer and blackened Mahi tacos. The Keys are waiting for you!
Must-order at The Keys: Frozen Pina Colada
End your Night at Mr. Ed’s Green Room
This rooftop dance club opens at 10 pm on the weekends. Mr. Ed’s Green Room is known for its amazing DJ. This is hands-down the best place to dance on the island! The Green Room was also remodeled in 2019. You will love the vibe of this nightlife spot. This hotspot is open until 2 am and perfect for bachelorette, bachelor, or any party!
Check out the full list of bars here. You can learn about more bars on Put-in-Bay such as Rita’s Cantina, the Boathouse bar, and more.
The Key West of the North
You will have an amazing night on the town wherever you end up. The Lake Erie Islands cannot wait to have you. We are awaiting April 1st so we can welcome visitors back to this quaint island. The Put-in-Bay bars are one highlight on this island. You won’t believe how many amazing things there are to do and see Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial, experience Put-in-Bay restaurants, and exploring Lake Erie.
Stay the weekend to experience the laid back island ways of Put-in-Bay. There are so many beautiful Put-in-Bay resorts, hotels, and properties that are available on the island. We recommend booking rooms as soon as possible! Guests from Toledo, Cleveland, and all over the United States venture to our small island to see what it’s all about. Come see why we are known as the Key West of the North.
