Address: 27 Broadway Street, Toledo, Ohio, 43604

Phone: +1 419 243 1302

Price Range: $$$$

Website: https://mbaybrew.com

Maumee Bay Brewing Company

Maumee Bay Brewing Company sits proudly in the historic Oliver House, a Toledo landmark originally built in 1859. With its rich history and rustic charm, the brewery's atmosphere is a unique blend of the past and present, perfect for beer enthusiasts and history buffs alike. The Oliver House has certainly seen its fair share of transformations over the decades, but it now thrives as a key player in Toledo’s culinary scene with a reputation for craft beers and tantalizing pub fare.

When it comes to beer, Maumee Bay Brewing Company knows how to deliver. The beers are brewed on-site, and the favorites include the Glass Hopper IPA and the Original Buckeye Beer. Whether you’re a seasoned beer drinker or just dipping your toes into the world of craft brews, there's something to pique your interest on their tap list.

As for the food, the menu offers a range of classic American fare with some inventive twists. Starting with appetizers, the Giant Pretzel is a must-try. This pretzel is larger than life, fresh, soft, and served with your choice of cheddar beer cheese sauce or a sweet seasonal dip. Another highlight is the Dill Pickle Bread – a curious combination of Neapolitan dough topped with garlic oil, provolone cheese, dill pickles, and ranch dressing. While this bread usually hits the mark, it can sometimes be inconsistent, arriving underdone on busier nights.

For something indulgent, the Elote Dip—an homage to Mexican street corn—is creamy with a kick, though it suffers when paired with less-than-fresh tortilla chips. More reliable options include the Battered Fried Pickles and the Deviled Eggs, both perfect for sharing.

Moving on to entrees, the Chicken and Waffles sandwich is a standout. This dish features a Belgian waffle sandwiching a crispy fried chicken breast, complemented by cherrywood smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, and maple mayonnaise – a sweet and savory delight that shouldn’t be missed. The Brew Pub Classic Burger is another reliable choice, served with house-made potato chips, though it's wise to upgrade to fries for a more satisfying experience.

For lighter fare, the salads here are noteworthy. The Hawaiian Chicken Salad brings a refreshing mix of grilled chicken, mandarin oranges, grilled pineapple, and rice noodles all drizzled in honey mustard dressing. If you’re a fan of Brussels sprouts, the Brussels Sprout Salad is an interesting combination of roasted sprouts, red onion, bacon, feta crumbles, and dried cranberries.

Pizzas at Maumee Bay are also a solid option, especially if you opt for the Margherita or Brew Pub Special, which comes loaded with artichoke hearts, pepperoni, Italian sausage, mushrooms, caramelized onion, and a blend of mozzarella and provolone cheeses. There's also the Taco Pizza for those who like a bit of fiesta flair on their slice.

The brewery also offers a build-your-own mac and cheese, letting patrons customize their dish from a variety of mix-ins. While this can lead to a hearty and satisfying meal, inconsistencies in the dish's temperature have been noted on occasion.

Now, let's talk service. It's a mixed bag here. While some patrons commend the friendly atmosphere and promptness during less busy times, others have encountered slower service and inattentive staff, particularly on crowded nights. It's evident the restaurant aims for improvement, as they've made efforts to address concerns by adjusting bills or offering compensations when mishaps occur.

Pro tip: If you're planning to visit Maumee Bay Brewing Company, it’s prudent to come during off-peak hours to avoid long waits and ensure a smoother experience. Reservations are available and recommended, especially if you're dining with a larger group.

Despite some hiccups in food quality and service, Maumee Bay Brewing Company remains a beloved spot for its unique ambiance, historic backdrop, and excellent craft beers. It’s definitely a place where you can savor history in every sip and bite.