REEL BAR
In 2014 The Reel Bar opened its doors with co-owners Ray Fog and Andy Christenson. For many years the location was the home of Tony’s Place, a popular locals hangout and tourist destination with a rich history. Fogg, a well-known local entertainer, and Christianson a restauranteur for many years on the island began an extensive remodel and set out to make the establishment a destination for fun food, great service, and an entertainment venue that was warm and audience involved.
A cozy front porch was added that offers a great view of the Put-in-Bay scene. With a nautical theme, it fits right at home with Put-in-Bay
Reel Bar Celebrating Fishing & Lake Erie Boating
Already becoming a new local favorite on Put-in-Bay, Reel Bar is a celebration of all things nautical and fishing. Patrons will enjoy ice-cold beverages and delicious food offerings. A recently remodeled rustic interior greets diners with a menu that starts with lighter fare and handhelds to entrees with abundant portions.
Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, The Reel Bar is located on Catawba Avenue next to the Forge Restaurant and Put-in-Bay Brewing Company. It is just a short walk from the Jet Express Ferry terminal and the popular Put-in-Bay Resort hotel. Just behind the Reel Bar is the Lake Erie Islands Historical Museum and resale shop, a popular Put-in-Bay tourist attraction.
Reel Bar Menu Particulars
The Reel Bar menu is packed with healthy and hearty entrees for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A great option for any meal period here are just a few of our favorites!
- The Reel Bar Breakfast Selections
- Blueberry Pancakes
- The Reel Breakfast Samich
- West Shore Burrito
- Biscuits and Gravy
- Reel Corned Beef Hash
If you are a fan of French Toast, then try the Reel Bar’s version! It’s made with brioche bread with sugar and cinnamon and baked in, it’s simply amazing! Order a Bloody Mary or one of their juice drinks all featuring freshly squeezed fruits. Add a shot of your favorite liquor to start the day off right!
The Reel Bar is a great option for lunch or dinner. The outside deck is a great place to dine and people watch before hitting the local Put-in-Bay Shopping or the swim-up pool bars. Their lunch and dinner options are just as amazing as breakfast.
Lunch and Dinner Highlights
- Chicken Wings
- Shrimp Tacos
- Battered Cod Sandwich
- Lake Erie Perch with their special breading
- Lobster Roll
- Reel Tots (smothered tater tots smothered in cheese!)
Try the dynamite tacos! Street tacos are one of the famous specialties! You can mix and match tacos with different types of meat, all served on a fresh flour tortilla.
Reel Bar Entertainment Local And Touring Acts
Live entertainment is featured all summer long, in particular the comedy music combo of an island favorite, Ray Fogg sets it apart from other Put-in-Bay bars. Fogg’s act is more on the adult-oriented side and some would even say hilarious with a share or two of raunchy! The Put-in-Bay Entertainment Schedule is the best way to stay current with who is playing where and when.
Several musicians are found playing multiple venues throughout the season. Reel Bar and it’s size allow patrons to get up close and personal to the performers, something the larger venus on the island are not able to offer.
Reel Bar
Address: 461 Catawba Ave, Put-In-Bay, OH 43456
Phone: (419) 285-1318
Website: Reel Bar Restaurant
Dropped in Reel Bar for dinner on a Thursday under COVID restrictions. We were greeted and seated right away. Marissa took our drink order quickly and answered our questions regarding the menu. They didn’t carry her favorite wine but had an adequate replacement. Ray’s Rum Punch was outstanding!
She got the Bourbon Burger (albeit with her modifications) and I the Chicken Wings with an order of Onion Rings. Our server was friendly and attentive throughout!
Reel Bar is a great Put-in-Bay bar. I enjoyed the Reel Burger salad while watching the Ray Fogg performance. Andy, Ray, and the staff are tremendous and welcoming. Everyone feels welcome. Located in a historic venue with lots of unique memorabilia.
Our Favorite place to hear live music on Put-in-Bay! I come to Reel Bar often to meet with friends, eat and listen to music. The stage and acoustics set it apart from the other island bars. One of the owners regularly performs at the place so he knows how to tune a room
Reel Bar is a quaint island restaurant/bar with nautical decor and friendly faces! The food is excellent and reasonably priced. I’ve had several meals here when visiting Put-in-Bay and everyone was great. The service is fast and friendly.
So happy my friends and I stumbled upon Reel Bar for dinner on our vacation. We had no idea that there would be a show as well, so that was a pleasant surprise. The Ray Fogg show was hilarious and kept all of us laughing. None of my friends had ever seen a show quite like his so we really enjoyed it. Would highly recommend an adult crowd!
My husband & I enjoyed sitting out on the Reel Bar patio while enjoying our meal. While it can get *very* crowded in the evenings & on weekends, we enjoyed a relatively quiet visit on a Monday for lunch. The food was a bit pricey (as is everything on the island), but it was all very good. Definitely worth a visit!
The Reel Bar tavern has excellent food & live music. I was here with a group of friends to see some bands & happen to give their food a try & we were not disappointed. I had a cheeseburger one night & the grouper sandwich the second time & both were delicious. My other friends enjoyed their food as well. The staff was top notch & the place is really nice inside. Give them a try if you’re ever on the island.
I had the Fire in the Hole burger, and it was excellent and not overly spicy. I also indulged in the loaded fries (usually have the homemade Tatro tots, but they were out of them) and ate almost the whole plate myself. The beer selection is always plentiful as well. Our server was very efficient and friendly, and the atmosphere is relaxed.