Address: 28 N Erie St, Toledo, OH 43604

Phone: +1 419 724 2335

Price Range: $$$$

The Alleyway

The Alleyway in Downtown Toledo is a bar that's been riding high on vibes and low on actual culinary offerings. Located at 28 North Erie Street, this venue has seen a lot of foot traffic due to its prime placement near hotspot arenas like the Huntington Center and 5/3 Field. The interior boasts exposed brick and a spacious layout, creating a chic yet casual atmosphere. Upon entering, you'll be drawn to the decent-sized bar area and the DJ booth spinning some bangers, making it a favorite for group gatherings and class reunions.

However, let's get into the nitty-gritty. The overall experience here seems to be hit or miss. Some guests rave about the great music, with some saying it kept everyone dancing all night. But others point out that the music can be repetitive and not tailored to the crowd. The venue does get packed, so if you're planning to visit, weekends are probably the best bet for catching the liveliest scene. Just a heads-up: don't wear your fancy shoes because the floor can get so sticky that you'll risk losing them.

Service is another mixed bag at The Alleyway. While some patrons have had positive interactions with friendly bartenders, others have encountered less enthusiastic staff. One particularly negative instance involved a bartender who seemed more interested in crossing her arms than taking orders, causing delays. The layout of the bar is definitely appealing, but it's evident that they could benefit from re-evaluating their staff to bring a more consistent level of service.

The drink menu is your typical lineup with some overpriced beer options. You'll find familiar names like Modelo Especial and Casamigos, but don't expect any draft beer. Cocktails appear to be more ice than substance, another point of contention among patrons. One user reported receiving a notification that their bill had mysteriously increased by $5 after they had left, something prospective customers should keep an eye out for.

As for the food—well, it seems to be a bit of an enigma. Despite some online indications that food is offered, many reviews suggest otherwise. Customers have noted the absence of a food menu, and some mentioned coming in only to discover there weren't any dining options available. This is particularly disappointing given that it's pitched as a restaurant-bar hybrid. With no standout dishes to rave about, it's hard to recommend The Alleyway if you're looking for a meal rather than just drinks and music.

What's also worth mentioning is the experience related to the dress code. Some patrons have had issues with what they describe as outdated and unfair enforcement. Instances of inconsistent dress code enforcement have left a bad taste, with some people being turned away for seemingly arbitrary reasons while others flouted the rules without issue.

Given the range of mixed experiences, it seems The Alleyway excels more as a late-night drink spot rather than a full-fledged restaurant. If you're heading there, go for the music and the energy, not the food or impeccable service. The décor is trendy, and the space is ideal for mingling, but there's definite room for improvement in other areas.